Whether your buds suddenly turned to wet blankets or you’re wanting to try something different this year, there’s no reason to shy away from confidently trekking the world solo. Yup, that means grabbing your own hand and doing spring break with you, yourself, and you—only internationally.
Oooo scary, right? Well, it’s not what you might think.
To be fair, solo travel may not be for everyone. If you’re debating between a group versus solo trip to fill your spring break, factors like your personality, flexibility, and goals come into play. However, organized trips have all the benefits of group travel, even if you decide to jump in on your own. So, if you walk in solo, you’ll leave with more friends than would have ever gone with you in the first place.
Nowadays there are literally endless options for heading abroad alone. Yet, how do you know what to do on spring break by yourself and which programs are legit? Here are a few super solid solo trips guaranteed to take the cake!
11 solo spring break trip ideas to consider
Week-long trips abroad aren’t just your run-of-the-mill sightseeing tour bus itineraries. They include everything from volunteering, to intensive language courses, to adventure-packed travel. No matter your cup of tea, each program offers a great safety net of support, organization, and — of course — your future travel BFFs.
1. Volunteer and Teach in Ghana
Want a taste of teaching or hope to further your experience in education? Make the most of your vacation by teaching children in Ghana. If you’re facing the question of what to do over spring break alone, a volunteer experience teaching ensures you’re always surrounded by the eager, spongey minds of young students.
This English teaching volunteer program can span as short as a week, making it perfect for a quick-yet-fulfilling experience abroad. Volunteers may work in rural or urban communities with placements ranging from assisting other teachers to going at it solo.
- What? Volunteer
- Where? Ghana
- Read IVHQ reviews
2. Volunteer at an African Wildlife Orphanage
What do chimps, monkeys, and baby cheetahs have in common on this solo trip? They’re all a part of the African ecosystem in need of rehabilitation and sanctuary that arrive regularly at this wildlife orphanage.
Volunteers with a minimum of two weeks to spare can work with trained professionals in releasing and rehabilitating injured animals. Additionally, there’s an education component designed to bring awareness to the public about certain species and issues.
- What? Volunteer
- Where? Zimbabwe
- Read GoEco reviews
3. Women & Girls’ Empowerment in Oaxaca
For solo spring breaks trips a little closer to home, consider jumping into this six-day action-packed itinerary in Mexico. This trip combines cultural learning with volunteering, as participants become immersed in the culture of Mexico’s indigenous Zapotec people while also assisting non-profit organizations in helping disadvantaged women.
You’ll have the chance to explore Oaxaca City and experience the women’s unique trades and traditions, passed down throughout generations. Both men and women are welcome to participate!
- What? Volunteer and Adventure
- Where? Mexico
- Read Discover Corps reviews
4. Physical Therapy in Nepal
Curious about physical therapy as a potential career or looking to help serve others? This physical therapy internship in Nepal runs as short as a week-long, making it an ideal pick for spring break. Participants will travel to hospitals and rehab centers in Nepal, where they’ll have the opportunity to observe physiotherapists treating adults and children.
Professionals also educate family members on how to take care of their loved ones. Outside of the internship, you also experience local culture through a stay with a host family!
- What? Internship
- Where? Nepal
- Read Projects Abroad reviews
5. Work in Hospitals and Clinics in Belize
Pre-med students, medical students, and medical professionals with the itch to travel and make an impact can volunteer at various healthcare settings in Belize. Although the extent of your hands-on involvement depends on your medical credentials, all volunteers will gain valuable insight into the local healthcare system.
Pre-medical students, for example, can still shadow local staff and complete general hospital tasks to strengthen their own desire to follow a medical career. This project runs a minimum of two weeks and allows you to get a taste of a number of departments from maternity to dental.
- What? Volunteer
- Where? Belize
- Read Kaya Responsible Travel reviews
6. Working with Children in Cambodia
For solo spring break trips that will surround you with smiles and love, consider caring for in-need children on this volunteer program in Cambodia. Volunteers will serve at-risk and impoverished children to provide much-needed support and attention.
Activities include helping with education, playing games, and facilitating the fun that many of these kids need. Programs start at two weeks, but your help will have an impact lasting years in the lives of these children.
- What? Volunteer
- Where? Cambodia
- Read Love Volunteers reviews
7. Spanish Immersion Programs in Latin America
Language immersion doesn’t mean you have to spend weeks or even months living and breathing a new language. In fact, Maximo Nivel offers immersive Spanish language programs from as short as a week in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru.
All instructors are native speakers and hold top-tier credentials, ensuring your spring break is spent getting the most out of your language instruction. Even better is the flexibility you have to choose the perfect type of class, from small groups to private classes. Basically, si se puede no matter what your Spanish goals are!
- What? Study
- Where? Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru
- Read Maximo Nivel reviews
8. Japanese Courses & Cultural Activities in Sapporo
If you’ve got a knack for the slightly off-the-beaten-path, but still want to fine-tune your Japanese skills, then try something a little more unique than Tokyo. This language school calls the beautifully scenic northern island of Hokkaido home and boasts more than just a unique photogenic backdrop.
The award-winning Hokkaido Japanese Language School specializes in short-term language study, with small classes for all language levels. A warm staff and immersive cultural lessons make for a welcoming and impactful environment for any eager Japanese learner!
- What? Study
- Where? Japan
- Read JaLs Group reviews
9. French Courses in Paris, France
You can spend spring break cramming French verb conjugations all day at home, or you can practice conversation while sipping on a coffee with a macaron on the side at a Perisian cafe. It’s a hard choice to make (read: sarcasm), but if you go the macaron route, International Programs has got your back with intensive French courses year-round in Paris.
Students can choose from over 10 levels of French to suit their skills. With small class sizes and an optional accommodations add-on, this program is made to provide the best support from the second you register for class.
- What? Study
- Where? France
- Read International Programs reviews
10. 7-Day Surf Camp in Australia
A traditional spring break must include a bit of beach and sun, which is exclusively what you’ll get while learning to surf every day in Australia. This week-long surf camp is packed with adventure, providing one of the most unique answers to the question of what to do on spring break by yourself.
You’ll stay at a freshly renovated surf-house in Thirroul, a small town just south of Sydney, where professionals will walk you through the exciting sport of surfing. When not enjoying the beautiful waves, you’ll get to hop over to some pubs in town and explore a surfboard factory.
- What? Adventure
- Where? Australia
- Read Australian Surf Tours reviews
11. Spanish & Yoga Program
Enlightenment is just a nama-stay in Costa Rica away. What better way to complement your Spanish than through yoga in between class? Students can sign up for either a 10 or 20-hour Spanish course load throughout the week with additional yoga classes around that.
Whether you choose to stay at an apartment or homestay with a local family, we promise this program will be a (deep) breath of fresh air!
- What? Study
- Where? Costa Rica
- Read Nosara Spanish Institute reviews
Sometimes there’s too much of a good thing. Compare your favorite spring break programs side-by-side with MyGoAbroad, our FREE program comparison tool!
Wondering what to do on spring break alone? There’s a LOT of choices
Solo spring break trips might just inspire the nomad within you!
With cellphone camera timers and the internet, there’s no reason anymore why you absolutely need a travel buddy. If travel has been on your horizon for a while and you just can’t seem to find the right person to convince you to go with you, then it’s time to look in the mirror and love what you see. Say hello to the most reliable travel friend, you’ll ever have — yourself.
With so many tantalizing travel programs to choose from, you’ll never have to ask yourself what to do on spring break by yourself again. From volunteering to intensive language study, the possibilities go on and on. Grab this next spring break by the horns and plunge into a trip you won’t forget!
Don’t want to go it alone? Get matched with 5 awesome solo spring break programs with GoAbroad’s Online Advisor. (Yes, it’s also FREE!)
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