It's almost (alternative) spring break season

Yeah, yeah, we all want to squeeze into a teeny bikini (or Speedo?) in a few weeks here. Even me - I couldn't quite give up the spring-break part of college and thought to ease myself into the Real World, I'd jet off to Cozumel for a few days in March.

I plan to sit on the beach sipping something out of a coconut. Preferably with a little umbrella.

But I haven't always done that for spring break, and I'm glad.

"Alternative spring breaks" - meaning volunteering instead of lazing - are becoming more and more popular and are an awesome option for getting out of town for awhile and coming back feeling all warm and fuzzy (and not from drinking out of coconuts).

I spent my first spring break of college teaching English at an alternative education center in Brazil and a winter break teaching kids and adults in Thailand, and I didn't miss the Girls-Gone-Wild feel at all. I still came back with stories and sunburn, but I felt way more satisfied.

Thinking about taking a different type of vacation? Check out:

• Nonprofits that specialize in planning short-term volunteer projects all over the world. Prices vary, but you end up paying for your flight, accomodations and volunteer placement. Can get spendy, but I've had good experiences with i-to-i and Global Crossroad when I haven't had the time and ambition to work out all the details on my own. Search a bunch of opportunities at once at Volunteer Abroad.
• Your college's spring break programs. Most colleges arrange alternative spring break trips - mine did hurricane cleanup, working with youth, environment, etc. in the South. Also check out your chapter of Habitat for Humanity - they always have spring break builds in warm places and hold a fun Collegiate Challenge.
• Home, with a twist. Planning to head home and lounge in Dad's recliner for the week? Think about heading back to the fam's place but doing something else with your days. Create a DIY alternative spring break by contacting community organizations to see whether you can volunteer for a week. You might end up organizing donations or stuffing envelopes, but it's a great way to spend some time in the nonprofit world, make some connections and do something nice.

Wanna do it but don't have the cash? Check out this great hook-up from our friends at Experience: Submit a video diary from your alternative break trip, and you could win $500 to help you pay!

I'm still going to go sit on my butt in Cozumel. But I keep telling myself that because I am essentially a fulltime volunteer, this is my alternative spring break...right?