Gennady Podolsky, an experienced global travel concierge, showcases memorable alternative spring break experiences.
While March’s arrival sets the stage for warmer temperatures and spring flowers, one group of Americans looks forward to a traditional springtime event. Throughout the United States, numerous colleges and universities schedule their annual “Spring Break Week” either in March or April. With classes paused for the week, exuberant students celebrate this landmark event in one of several popular destinations. Many students throw caution to the winds, engaging in often-risky behavior they might later regret.
That said, global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky emphasizes that a growing student population prefers a different type of Spring Break Week experience. These adventurous (and often altruistic) young adults spend a week contributing to uplifting causes around the United States or across the globe. Gennady Podolsky profiles four domestic and international travel experiences that give Spring Break Week a refreshing new vibe.
Evolution of the Spring Break Tradition
The Spring Break Week tradition debuted in 1938, when sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida hosted a swim forum event. Over the years, the city drew more college-aged Spring Break Week vacationers. The early 1960s ushered in the heyday of this annual event. Each subsequent year brought more Spring Breakers and additional vendor-sponsored events.
In 1985, however, participants’ excessively rowdy partying led Fort Lauderdale officials to declare the city off limits for Spring Break Week activities. Essentially, Fort Lauderdale temporarily removed itself from the Spring Break Week map. Not surprisingly, other destinations quickly picked up the slack.
Panama City, Florida joined South Padre Island, Texas as favorite United States Spring Break Week locales. Easily accessed Cancun, Mexico has also become a popular Spring Break destination. In 2024, thousands of college students will continue to flock to these “fun in the sun” party spots. And yes, Fort Lauderdale is again open for Spring Break Week business.
3 Alternative U.S. Spring Break Experiences
Although Spring Break Week traditions are alive and well, some United States college students are increasingly choosing Alternative Spring Break experiences. Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky highlights three organizations that provide U.S. students with week-long volunteer-focused trip options.
American Hiking Society
Outdoor-loving students often gravitate to the American Hiking Society’s Alternative Breaks. Throughout the United States, forests and parks regularly attract individual college students and groups interested in trail maintenance activities. Each vacation involves six to 16 energetic volunteers along with a crew leader.
During each day hike or backpack trip, team members trim, rake, and shovel their way to cleaner and more appealing nature trails. In turn, team members gain satisfaction from helping enrich the outdoor experience for others. The team members also develop a sense of camaraderie, often setting the stage for enduring friendships.
Each year, a limited number of Spring Break volunteer slots are available. Because the competition is stiff, applicants are encouraged to apply early and keep monitoring the American Hiking Society website for added opportunities. In addition, more spots typically open up during the summer months.
That said, global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky emphasizes that students may find local trail maintenance opportunities via the American Hiking Society website. Either way, they will become “part of the solution,” helping to beautify natural environments for visitors’ enjoyment.
Break Away
The Break Away non-profit organization partners with United States colleges and universities. Break Away supports community-based service programs, and students at Break Away partner schools can access the group’s 400-member non-profit database. The Break Away website also enables students to obtain details on typical work projects and housing choices.
Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky notes that Break Away doesn’t offer its own Alternative Spring Break experiences. However, the organization offers student training and resources, including an annual Alternative Break Citizenship training workshop. Completion of this session will better equip students to fully participate in an Alternative Spring Break experience.
Habitat for Humanity
Since the 1980s, Habitat for Humanity has offered its Habitat Collegiate Challenge Alternative Spring Break throughout the United States. Since then, over 250,000 college and high school students have spent their Spring Break rebuilding homes destroyed or damaged by natural disasters. Many Collegiate Challenge projects followed powerful Gulf Coast hurricanes or West Coast wildfires.
Collegiate Challenge participants regularly include sororities and fraternities plus Habitat campus groups. Local churches and service learning organizations also gravitate to these worthwhile projects. Groups range from five to 40 participants and often include potential Habitat homeowners satisfying their “sweat equity” requirements. Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky notes that Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge Program operates year-round week-long sessions.
Every Habitat for Humanity weeklong project follows a similar path. On Day 1, students participate in “get acquainted” activities that serve as the foundation for the week’s work. For the remaining five days, everyone completes assigned tasks on the building site. Multiple pairs of hands enable often-remarkable achievements by the week’s end.
During the evenings, participants are invited to engage in bonding activities and explore the local community. Over the years, Collegiate Challenge participants of all stripes have expressed enthusiasm for this wide-ranging program.
International Volunteer HQ
Students who want an international Spring Break experience should consider an International Volunteer HQ (or IVHQ) trip. This well-known organization offers short-term volunteer opportunities (one or two weeks in duration) in over 40 countries. Since 2007, says Gennady Podolsky, more than 134,000 students have participated in IVHQ travel experiences.
Rolling program start dates accommodate colleges’ varied Spring Break schedules. IVHQ strives to offer affordable trips that fit within students’ often-limited budgets. Solo travelers receive expert pre-departure assistance. While onsite, they enjoy organized accommodations, meals, and local support. Groups of eight or more receive team-based assistance.
Easily accessible destinations include Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Peru. European destinations include Portugal and Romania. Farther afield, volunteer opportunities are available in South Africa, Tanzania, and Zanzibar.
Once a volunteer arrives at their destination, they’ll benefit from cultural immersion and community exposure. Volunteers can choose from conservation, animal care, and sustainable agriculture projects. Teaching, childcare, community support, and other tracks are also available. Most sessions fit within one week, but a few require a two-week minimum.
Alternative Spring Breaks: A World of Choices
These four intriguing travel options help ensure that college students can access diverse Alternative Spring Break experiences. Whether a student chooses a United States-based project, or travels to an overseas destination, they are well positioned to enjoy a week (or two) they won’t forget.
Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky emphasizes that organizational support, pre-trip planning, and onsite guidance are key to a satisfying travel experience that can help enrich the student and the local community. He encourages students to expand their world view with this different type of Spring Break Week vacation.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
