Gennady Podolsky Explores the Growing Popularity of Alternative Spring Break Experiences

As Winter gives way to Spring each year, a time-honored tradition unfolds across college campuses nationwide – the annual Spring Break week. Generations of students have made the pilgrimage to sunny party destinations to let loose and celebrate. However, global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky notes that a growing contingent of adventurous and charitable students opt for a different Spring Break experience. These Alternative Spring Breaks focus on volunteering, community service, and enriching travel rather than hedonistic revelry.

The roots of Spring Break date back to a 1938 swim forum event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The 1960s saw the phenomenon reach its zenith as Fort Lauderdale became the Spring Break mecca, drawing hordes of partying college students each year. When the city put the brakes on Spring Break activities in 1985 due to rampant unruly behavior, other hotspots like Panama City, South Padre Island, and Cancun eagerly picked up the mantle.

While the traditional party-focused Spring Break is still strong, Gennady Podolsky highlights the increasing popularity of alternative options that allow students to give back while enjoying a memorable week away from the books. One such option is volunteering with the American Hiking Society to help maintain and beautify nature trails nationwide. Students work in teams to trim, rake, and clear trails, gaining fulfillment from enhancing the great outdoors for all to enjoy. Slots are limited, so interested students should apply early.

Gennady Podolsky also spotlights Break Away, a non-profit that partners with colleges to support community service opportunities. While Break Away doesn’t directly provide Alternative Spring Break trips, it offers robust student resources and training, including a workshop to prepare participants to maximize their service experience.

For those looking to get hands-on while helping communities rebuild, Habitat for Humanity’s Collegiate Challenge is a popular choice. Gennady Podolsky notes that over 250,000 students have devoted their Spring Breaks to constructing homes in areas hit by disasters since the program’s inception in the 1980s. Greek organizations, church groups, and service clubs work together in teams for a week full of bonding and building.

Students seeking to venture further afield can look to International Volunteer HQ, which offers one—to two-week service trips in over 40 countries. Per Gennady Podolsky, more than 134,000 students have embarked on these budget-friendly trips since 2007. With programs focused on conservation, animal care, teaching, childcare, and more in destinations spanning from Latin America to Europe to Africa, there’s an option to pique any student’s interest.

The throughline of these Alternative Spring Break opportunities is that they provide meaningful travel experiences that enrich both the student and the community they serve. With organizational support and cultural immersion, students return from their week away with expanded horizons, new friends, and the satisfaction of time well spent. As Alternative Spring Breaks continues gaining steam, Gennady Podolsky encourages students to consider this eye-opening and impactful way to spend their week off.