Alternative Spring Break & Voluntourism – New Orleans

There is one more side of Spring Break that I’ve been neglecting, which is regrettable because it’s probably the most important of all: the Alternative Spring Break & Voluntourism.

Alternative Spring Break, or just Alternative Break, is when an organized group of people, often college students, travel to a destination in order to provide service and help with restoration efforts, rather than to vacation. While the term and concept began in the 1980’s, the Alternative Spring Break has seen recent prominence in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Voluntourism is the same in spirit, but differs from Alternative Break by consisting of individuals and city programs, rather than group efforts by schools and universities. Voluntourists will travel to a destination, join a local program and provide assistance as needed and requested, commonly working with strangers. Many Voluntourism programs provide room and board for participants, even in the homes of those being helped.

Because Alternative Spring Breaks are highly organized efforts most often arranged by universities or university organizations, it could be a bit late at this point to join the cause, especially if you’re not a college student. Voluntourism, on the other hand, is any time and almost anywhere.

You can visit Voluntourism.org for a global perspective. It’s a great resource, even if their founder looks like a cult leader. For this article, however, we want to direct you to a more specific option: New Orleans.

Though the progress made since the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina is nothing short of awe-striking, there’s still plenty of work to be done, and reconstruction isn’t even the half of it. Work is available from restoring endangered properties, feeding the poor, clinic assistance, cleaning, teaching, ecological restoration, even playing in a band. For a full report on the Voluntourism scene in New Orleans with links to several programs, visit this Web site.

Sappy Moment Alert: At USA Travel Guide we’re blessed to explore this vast, diverse country with abandon, and we even have the gall to suggest that you do the same. But we know the reality. It’s rough out there. However, travel sites like this one naturally appeal to those with the resources to do something about it, however little. If you’re still planning for this Spring Break, even if you only have a day or two to play with, consider volunteering your time to those in need. I think you’ll find the experience and memories more valuable than any vacation.

Sappy moment over. Check back in tomorrow for more inane silliness.

Related Posts

1. Spring Break Vacations with USA Travel Guide
2. Spring Break Tips – Cruise Parking
3. Spring Break on a Budget – The Six Flags Staycation
4. Spring Break Destinations – Skiing in Salt Lake City
5. Spring Break Family Vacations – San Antonio, TX
6. Spring Break in Mexico – A Los Cabos Resort
7. Spring Break Beach Vacations – Santa Monica, California