Alternative Spring Break Ideas

By Jay Munro | December 10, 2024

Not all college students dream of spending spring break partying on Miami Beach or lazing on a sun lounger in Cancun.

Thankfully, there are lots of alternative spring break plans for different personality types and interests.

Whether you’re looking to step outside your comfort zone, give back to communities in need, or simply try something new, these experiences offer the chance to grow as a person, gain meaningful skills, and enhance your resume.  ASB (as alternative spring break is increasingly known) doesn’t have to mean saying no to relaxation and tropical beaches.

Many options combine meaningful work with the adventure of exploring a new country. You can spend your days making a difference and still enjoy exotic landscapes, vibrant cultures, and some well-deserved downtime in paradise.

As Latin American travel specialists we want to highlight some fantastic alternative spring break ideas in the region as well as some closer to home options.

Protect giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a dream destination for nature lovers, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore a living laboratory of evolution. 

Here, students can spend their ASB caring for the islands’ giant tortoises, helping to protect exotic plants, and participating in recycling projects. 

These efforts aid in the conservation of fragile ecosystems and endangered species. As well as gaining new perspectives and learning new skills, college students can kick back and make the most of being in a tropical paradise – there is also snorkeling, kayaking, and plenty of beach time! 

Check out Kagumu’s environmental science trip to find out more. 

Building homes with Habitat for Humanity

Maybe the most famous service project in the United States, Habitat for Humanity has engaged volunteers in building homes for families in need since the 1980s. 

Students can participate in the hugely popular Collegiate Challenge, Habitat for Humanity’s alternative spring break initiative that offers participants the chance to develop teamwork and leadership skills while contributing to local communities. 

As well as acquiring new DIY skills, students often reflect on the strong friendships they form and the rewarding experience of helping families facing economic challenges or recovering from natural disasters. 

While the Global Village program can help match volunteers with posts abroad, the Collegiate Challenge is focused solely on US-based opportunities. 

Community assistance at an Indian reservation – Global Volunteer

Another highly rewarding service project for college students is volunteering at the Blackfeet Indian reservation in Montana. 

Participants can choose from a range of activities, such as supervising a children’s summer program, caring for seniors, working in a food bank, or helping to repair fences. Students are expected to bring curiosity, compassion, and an open mind – and in return, they will gain lasting friendships and a unique insight into American Indian culture. 

This excellent non-profit organization also has postings across various continents, as well as a program in Texas working close to the Mexican border, and another in Puerto Rico. Check out Global Volunteer’s options here. 

Experience the great outdoors – with the American Hiking Society

The American Hiking Society offers great volunteer trips to high school students looking to connect with nature, who can spend spring break working in one of the US’s magnificent national parks. 

Participants will hike across breathtaking landscapes, camp in the wilderness, and work in small teams to build and repair trails for hikers. 

This program isn’t for the faint-hearted – the most full-on trips will require lots of walking with heavy packs as well as plenty of shoveling, digging, and chopping – but it will reward those who embrace the challenge with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, stronger teamwork skills, and a deep sense of accomplishment.

Teaching English in Guatemala

Another fantastic spring break idea for students looking to give back is to teach English to underserved communities. 

International Volunteer HQ offers placements in Guatemala, where students will help teachers prepare and deliver lessons to small groups of children. 

As well as helping local communities and contributing to the UN’s Sustainability Goal of Quality Education, you’ll also gain invaluable experience as a teacher and enhance your Spanish skills. 

Antigua, the colorful and charming colonial jewel of Guatemala, is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in a new culture. And best of all, no teaching experience is required!  Visit International Volunteer HQ’s website to learn more about this enriching program. 

Learning about sustainability in Colombia

In this action-packed itinerary, students travel to Colombia to engage in activities like urban gardening, organic farming, and working with community art projects, and diving to clean coral of harmful plastic.

They’ll collaborate with local students and gain new perspectives, as well as learn all about the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and how locals are working to solve global issues.

Not only this, they will enjoy a transformative learning journey that empowers them to tackle local and global challenges using innovative problem-solving and design thinking tools.

Beyond the hands-on work, students will explore Medellin’s vibrant culture, tasting local cuisine and enjoying its rich artistic traditions. 

Students won’t only be using their brains – they’ll also be hiking in the jungle, rafting, and zip lining, making this Colombia trip an unforgettable experience. Read here about Kagumu’s Global and environmental studies trip.

Spanish immersion in Peru

For those looking to master a new language, traveling to Peru to spend your spring break is a fine choice. 

As well as learning Spanish, students will get the chance to learn about Quechuan culture, explore sustainable house-making, and take part in an indigenous weaving workshop.

They will be accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable guides who can help them get to grips with regional and global issues that affect local communities. 

As a reward for their hard work, students can take a bucket-list trip to Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel high in the Andes and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Check out more details about Kagumu’s Spanish immersion trip in Peru here. 

If you would like more information about any of the Kagumu trips listed above, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!