Spring Break… for many those words generate thoughts of thousands of college kids crowded into Cancun or Panama City, and staying up until the wee hours of the night. But spring is actually an amazing time to take a volunteer trip or a mini-vacation. Whether you’re a college student looking for an alternative to the typical trip, or a twenty or thirty-something who just needs to get away, your options abound.

Visit www.globeaware.com. This amazing non-profit volunteer organization offers volunteer vacations literally all over the world. The trips are organized by date and price, and the fees include all accommodations, on-site travel, medical insurance, donations to on-site projects, orientation package, and all other necessary expenses. Basically you pay for your airfare, and meet your leader at the airport. The best part is that signups are all online with no experience of any kind needed, and literally immerse yourself in another culture for an entire week, with the careful guidance of an experienced leader, all while getting to lend assistance to a community in need.

While most parts of the country are showing signs of spring, many ski destinations are still in the midst of winter. Colorado is particularly an amazing place to visit this time of year, as crowds are minimal but snow is not. Temperatures there still average below freezing and snow falls almost daily. Breckenridge and Vail both offer amazing spring trip offers, accommodating even the most budget-bound traveler. Not up for skiing? Take a look at Colorado’s incredible hiking opportunities. So much of the state is undeveloped that wildlife viewing and trekking areas abound.

Not only is Hawaii an amazing place to visit, but when visiting in March or April, you still have a chance to see the incredible humpback whales on their spring migratory route. The whales flock to Hawaii from as far north as Alaska, to ensure that their calves are born in the warm waters off the Hawaiian coast. Maui is particularly renowned for its large numbers of humpback whales, particularly within Maalaea Bay. Visit www.pacificwhale.org for more information on these amazing creatures, and details on cruises where you are not only educated, but guaranteed to get up-close to a humpback whale.

Check out www.charityguide.org. This site acts as your connection to hundreds of volunteer trip opportunities. For the environmentally-concerned, they offer everything from manatee research and rescue trips to rainforest conservation and organic farming. Various medical missions are available, including dental assistance, AIDS and HIV support, and assisting with deaf and autistic children. Also offered are amazingly creative community development vacations based on everything from photojournalism and archeological digs, to hiking and team sports.

Known for its museums and vineyards, many don’t know that Italy is also famous for its amazing gardens. While in the states we eagerly await the return of green grass, Italians revel in their early springtime blooms. From Florence to Tuscany to the southernmost coast, Italy boasts incredible spring displays of both formal and informal gardens. Avoiding the spring break crowds could not be easier; book a luxurious hotel on the coast for the ultimate in a relaxing and beautiful destination.

If Africa is on your list, springtime is your window to take the journey. March and April are two of the best months to visit, as it is the end of the migratory flights of millions of birds, and the beginning of the Great Migration of thousands of animals from the Serengeti Plain. Visit www.thesafaricompany.co.za for details on the best time to visit each country and the amazing opportunities that wait in each location.

Before the summer crowds and temperatures hit, spring is the perfect time to visit Phoenix, Arizona, a growing tourist destination with much to offer. For the golf enthusiast, Phoenix abounds with championship courses and some of the most beautiful greens you’ll ever find, much less play in the middle of the desert. Not into golf? Not to worry. This cool city offers great outdoor activities including hot-air ballooning, jeep tours, rock climbing, hiking, Broadway shows, museums, biking, horseback riding, and much more!

Volcanoes, rainforests, beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife, ancient ruins... all without a passport. If this catches your eye, you have to visit Puerto Rico. One of the shortest flights you can take to an out-of-this-world destination, Puerto Rico is a U.S. commonwealth so no passport is necessary. Not only is it an incredible vacation spot, but it is very affordable. With inexpensive flights and accommodations, and websites like www.gotopuertorico.com at your disposal for planning and booking, you won’t find a better spring destination.

If the trips above don’t catch your eye, find something that does! Websites like www.tripadvisor.com can provide great information for the best spring destinations. Don’t be discouraged by the spring break stigma and beach-bound crowds; seek out your very own vacation spot for an amazing trip during this beautiful season.

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