10 Alternative Spring Break Ideas

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If you’re lucky enough to have a week off this Spring, take advantage of the free time to do something or go somewhere fun!

If you’re tired of the usual Spring Break beach trips, check out my list of 10 alternative Spring Break ideas.

Table of Contents

Staycation

If you’re staying home for Spring Break, use your time to be a tourist in your own area.

Visit the local museums and parks. Take a tour. Try new restaurants. Explore a different neighborhood.

Stepping out of your comfort zone will guide you in uncovering new gems in the place you call home.

Lend a Hand

Volunteer your time and skills at a local organization, such as an animal shelter, political campaign, hospital, or nursing home.

If you aren’t sure where to volunteer, Idealist has an excellent guide to help you find the best fit.

Voluntourism

Love the idea of using your time to volunteer, but interested in helping a cause outside where you live?

Many international organizations organize short and long-term volunteer opportunities around the world.

Check out GoAbroad’s list of 1-2 week opportunities available around the world, filterable by country and cause.

Hit the Slopes

For an alternative Spring Break, hit the slopes, instead of the beach! There are exciting ski resorts all over the world that cater to a variety of crowds.

A few of our favorites for Spring skiing or snowboarding in the US & Canada: Stratton Mountain in Vermont, Mammoth Mountain in California, and Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

Outside of the US & Canada, consider northern Italy, Japan, Switzerland, or Sweden for Springtime skiing.

City Break

Get lost in a city you’ve never visited: stroll the neighborhoods, sample the food, check out the nightlife.

A few recommendations: Austin, London, New Orleans, Prague, Tokyo, and Washington D.C.

Learn a New Skill

Use your free time to pick up a new skill, such as digital photography or cooking a new dish (bonus points for learning a dish or 2 from a country on your travel bucket list!).

Learning a new language would also be an excellent use of your Spring Break.

Last Minute Deals

Check out travel or airline websites, such as Southwest Vacations, for last-minute deals.

I once booked a last-minute trip to Washington D.C. and was in the air within a few short hours. Spontaneity can be so liberating!

Go Cruisin’

Still looking for a bit of sunshine, but want to avoid crowded beaches?

Try a cruise, from the Caribbean islands to river cruises in Europe. Even Disney is in on the cruise party!

Catch Up

Get lost in your favorite guilty pleasure TV shows or books.

Invite your besties to join you for a viewing party or book club discussion.

Even better: catch up with a friend or relative you haven’t seen in a while.

Save Up

If you’re lucky enough to actually have a full week off (looking at you, teachers & professors!), pick up a freelance or temp gig and commit to putting all of your earnings into your vacation fund.