When you think of spring break you think of raucous partying in a tropical destination. While certainly this can be enjoyable, especially for a college student, there are other sorts of spring break trips that you might consider as well.

Here is a selection of some of those types of trips you can think about taking:

One type of alternative spring break trip for a college student is a service trip. This could take many forms. It could be, for example, a trip that you take with a church or other religious organization. An example of this type of trip is one where you might go to another country. While you were there, you might be able to assist missionaries, participate in work projects, or even work with the underprivileged in that country. It might even take the form of a trip inside of your own country, for example, to an intercity district where you can participate in a children’s program or working with an organization like Habitat for Humanity during spring break.

Another alternative type of spring break trip for college students would be to visit a winter destination. Just because you want to go to the beach on spring break during doesn’t mean that you have to go to a beach that isn’t frozen. For example, you could travel to Lake Michigan and spend your spring break on the lake in a cabin. During that time you could snow mobile, ski, or go ice fishing. You could also skip the beach completely and visit a ski resort or mountain lodge for your trip. Wintery destinations make for wonderful spring break trips. Spring break trips don’t have to be full of sun in order to be full of fun.

Many local communities feature spring break activities as well. It could be that your alternative spring break trip involves staying around your home town and helping out in your very own community, as opposed to traveling somewhere else around the world. If you don’t want to do a community service project during your spring break you could just look for local attractions and events to participate in during your college spring break. You can check the local chamber of commerce website for events such as plays, concerts and shows to see in your own area.

Whatever it is that you decide to do for spring break as a college student, remember that these will be some of the most important and memorable days of your life.