Some people go to watch fireworks. Others make their own. Why follow the college herd to Panama Beach, spring break locations in Mexico, or spring break packages sharing a tiny hotel room this spring break? Why not create your own party, not on some tiny three-foot beach front balcony, but have a spring break vacation on your own island? That's right. Rent a $10-per-day kayak (complete with a cooler, suds, and Band-Aids), tie some old sleeping bags to a mast, and set sail with your wildest friends for the horizon.

Many islands are owned by private individuals who rented their little paradises one week at a time. But because there are way too many people on the third rock from the sun, actually getting the island to yourself, or when you want it, is pretty difficult. Lannie and Ralph Keller rent an island in the Discovery Islands in British Columbia, Canada, and seemed pretty surprised that islands could be rented elsewhere in the world. They rent out their 122-acre, wooded island to kayak enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and others who want to chill out in the shadows of the Coast Mountains for a week. But to get you and your friends on this island over spring break, book far in advance.

"The summer is already booked," Lannie said. "But May and June seem to be the best times to reserve a spot normally." And even after a week of seeing your friends every day, all day, Keller insists that she hasn't seen any "Lord of the Flies" drama going on.

"Most people are a bit delirious once they leave the island," she said. "But it's always from the enjoyment of what they just experienced."

Islands are for rent all over the world, complete with decent accommodations, hot water, BBQ, and white sand to go around. Yes, some islands are earmarked for the P. Diddys of the world and cost $325,000 a week for a professional massage on an hourly basis. But there are a few islands that fit your budget (considering that the budget combines beer money from 10-15 friends), and where your crew can take over for spring break , or until someone else comes and kicks you off.

Most islands must be rented through a broker, at sites like Private Islands Online or Vladi Private Islands. Some islands may charge a budget for two spring break vacations, but think about the stories from a week of you and your friends carousing on your very own island getaway.

Ilha do Pico (Peak Island), Brazil
This poor man's paradise is a 36-acre island with a 335-foot peak, and two residences that fit up to eight people. It's located 165 miles from Rio. At $55 per head per day, the island is a steal, and a perfect place to set up camp with your college buddies for a week of island partying, and hopping over to Rio's scene when you get bored of each other: Private Island Rentals.

Little Gasparilla Island, Florida
This seven-mile stretch of deserted island is just a five-minute boat ride from mainland Florida (45 miles south of Tampa). Live it up in bright, white sand, fish from the abundant reefs offshore, or just hang out in a three-bedroom, two-bath, residence complete with a jacuzzi, fireplace, BBQ, and a 55-inch satellite TV. But if you and your friends end up playing X Box tournaments the entire time, you are truly pathetic and need to get back to the mainland as soon as possible. $2,495 gets you the island for a week for up to six friends, and includes free transportation from the mainland. (800) 284-0505 or BeacHome.com

The Discovery Island, British Columbia

We're talking kayaking, hiking and fishing, full Survivor skill set here. Explore over 122 acres in the shadow of the towering Coast Mountains. The island has a three-bedroom cabin that sleeps six. The island is part of a family trust, and is well taken care of. Rentals are $850 for two people, plus $50 for each additional person per week. The Kellers also run a kayaking tour company called Coast Mountain Expeditions.

Spanish Water Cay, Venezuela
If Gilligan could have Googled, he would have probably sent his three-hour tour to anywhere near Curacao, Venezuela. Spanish Water Clay is a one-acre island, equipped with three buildings, phones, Internet, television, and sleeps up to 10. This tiny island luckily is a short boat ride away to the main island of Curacao, so you can . $5,500 per week for eight people, which is just under 100 bucks per person per day. www.vladi.de

Swan Island, Australia
Located off the southern coast, Swan Island would be perfect glitzy resort destination, with 15 miles of pure white sand on eight beaches, and dozens of hidden bays and inlets. Luckily for you, the island is free and offers a one-bedroom and four-bedroom house (former residences of lighthouse attendees and their families). Fish for your meals off the rocky shores plentiful with crayfish and abalone, or opt for a private caretaker to cook up daily surprises. $95 for two people per day. Includes transfer flight. www.vladi.de

© 2007, Student Traveler.