Spring break is one of the few opportunities college students have to shrug off academic responsibilities and enjoy a week of freedom. Naturally, this means it's a great chance to enjoy a more stylish ride that you can show off at your vacation destination. There are dozens of different features and modifications you can make to your ride, but there's at least a few basic cosmetic and functional upgrades you should definitely consider.

Dash and Back-Up Cameras

Many modern cars come equipped with rear view cameras that help drivers back their cars up safely in busy parking lots and tight spaces. Dash cameras aren't as much about providing visibility as they are about protecting from liability. Spring break destinations are typically prone to more accidents due to the large number of visitors, so it's always a good idea to protect yourself and take measures to prevent collisions. Drivers should also ensure their license, registration and insurance are all up to date before starting their spring break adventure.

New Paint and Lights

It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for your car's aesthetics, and it can also help protect it from damage on long trips. Scratch and corrosion-resistant paint helps your car hold up under harsh weather conditions and the attrition of long drives down dusty highways. Equipping your car with a new set of head and tail lights can also be a good idea if your current ones are fading or don't provide optimal visibility. Make sure your headlights provide plenty of visibility so you can safely navigate at night in unfamiliar places.

Go Turbo

Turning your car into a turbo can take some time and money, but it can also make your vehicle run more efficiently overall. Savings from fuel efficiency might not off-set the cost right away, but it can provide a lot of value over time. Driver who buy turbo kit packages should talk to a car modification professional if they are unsure how to properly install it.

Consider a Rental

While it may not technically be an upgrade to your ride, renting a car for a week can be a cost-effective way to enjoy more luxurious set of wheels during your spring break travels. Opportunities and cost for renting often depend on credit, so college students may need a parent or older participant to get involved. Using a rental car also opens up the opportunity for air travel to or from the destination, which can leave more time for actual vacation.

Whether you want to make big changes or just a few small tweaks, there are plenty of ways you can upgrade your ride before spring break. However, every driver should invest in basic maintenance and repairs before choosing cool bonus features to add on.