Great news for Globe Aware volunteers who need to renew their passports! The U.S. State Department has recently introduced an option for Americans to renew their adult passports online. Find out more about this convenient alternative!

U.S. passports can now be renewed online, State Department announces

By Caroline Linton
September 18, 2024
CBS News

The State Department announced Wednesday that Americans can now renew their adult passports online, fully rolling out a system that bypasses the traditional method that required printing out a form and mailing a check.

Central America, a region rich in history and culture, is home to many magnificent cities, each offering a distinct glimpse into its vibrant character. Globe Aware volunteers will be familiar with two of these cities, one in Costa Rica and the other in Guatemala, both near our project sites.

The most beautiful towns to visit in Central America

A land of history and culture, Central America has many magnificent cities, each offering a unique perspective on this region with a strong personality. Here are our five favourites.

By Amandine Enard-Hauger
Sept. 5 2024
EnVols

When talking about Central America, you might first mention its varied and breathtaking landscapes, its tropical climate, its exciting cuisine and its legendary hospitality, but who could forget about its cities, each of which deserves to be properly explored over several days.

For many Globe Aware volunteers, booking holiday airfare can feel like a dreaded task. The truth is, it’s never too early to start searching. If you’re one of those frustrated holiday travelers, here’s when to book your ticket to secure the best savings.

Holiday Travel 2024 Outlook: When To Book Thanksgiving and Christmas Flights

by Mia Taylor
September 15, 2024
TravelPulse

Booking holiday airfare is a dreaded chore for more than a few globetrotters.

Let’s face it: who enjoys being gouged on ticket prices to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with loved ones?

If you fall into that bucket of irritated holiday travellers, read on. Hopper has just released a holiday travel cheat sheet. Translation: When to book your holiday ticket to score the most significant savings (Or at least avoid being quite so drastically overcharged.)

This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 17th, a cherished celebration across East and Southeast Asia. It’s a time for families to come together, light lanterns, and admire the year’s fullest moon. Discover more and start planning a Globe Aware volunteer vacation in Vietnam to join the festivities next year!

Mid-Autumn Festival: Mooncakes, lanterns and so much more

By Maggie Hiufu Wong
CNN
September 16, 2024

Members of a fire dragon dance team spin balls of joss sticks in Hong Kong.

It’s time to hang a lantern, share a mooncake and peel a pomelo – Mid-Autumn Festival is here.

Falling on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, it’s celebrated primarily in East and Southeast Asia and is a time for families to gather to sample autumn harvests, light lanterns and admire what’s believed to be the fullest moon of the year.

Europe plans to introduce a new biometric passport system in November 2024. Here’s what Globe Aware volunteers heading to Romania need to know.

Europe’s New Border Controls For November—What Travelers Should Know

By Alex Ledsom
Aug 25, 2024
Forbes

Europe plans to introduce a new biometric passport system in November 2024, followed six months later by a new travel authorization for many of its visitors—here’s what travelers need to know.

Europe’s New Entry And Exit System (EES) Will Be Live In November 2024

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed that the new Entry/Exit system would be deployed on Sunday, 10 November 2024 and that the new process is in the final testing stage.

Do Americans need a visa to visit Europe? Starting in spring 2025, the European Union will launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), requiring U.S. travelers, including Globe Aware volunteers heading to Romania, to obtain authorization before entering.

Americans Will Need a ‘Visa’ to Visit Europe Next Year—Here’s What to Know

After several delays, ETIAS is now on track to launch in the spring of 2025.

By Jessica Poitevien
August 22, 2024
Forbes

Do you need a visa to go to Europe? It’s a question most American travelers don’t even think to ask, with United States passport holders having long traveled throughout most of the world without worrying about visa applications. But that’s set to change next year, as the European Union prepares new travel document requirements for American tourists.

September 4, 2024
American Association of Orthodontists

As a second-generation orthodontist, Dr. Drew Lombardi had an orthodontic practice in Fort Lee and Jersey City, New Jersey for 40 years until his transition to retirement in October 2023. Considering how to spend his time in retirement, Dr. Lombardi was eager to use his professional knowledge to give back to people in need.

As summer draws to a close, it doesn’t mean our volunteers’ travel plans have to end, too. On this list, you’ll discover at least one destination that will ignite your wanderlust, with many of them being locations where we have Globe Aware programs!

September Is The Cheapest Month For Americans To Fly To These 5 Incredible Destinations

September 1, 2024
By: Megi Canco
Travel Off Path

Just because summer’s coming to an end doesn’t mean your travel plans have to, too.

The insufferable crowds have started to dissipate, temperatures are coming back down to Earth, and best of all, airfare to some of the world’s most incredible destinations has plummeted, giving adventurous travelers on a budget the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Pilots,” are the men who ride the iconic motorcycle taxis, a charming relic of the past that has seamlessly integrated into the present, making them a nostalgic yet practical mode of transportation in Goa. Learn all about the history and grab a ride yourself on your Globe Aware volunteer vacation in India!

Riding into Goa’s Past and Present: The Tale of Bike Taxi

By Walwyn D’ Souza
31 Aug 2024
O HERALDO

In Goa, where the sun kisses the earth with a golden hue, and the salty breeze carries tales of old, there lies a peculiar breed of individuals. They are not just riders; they are ‘Pilots.’ No, they don’t fly planes, but they certainly navigate the streets with the same precision and pride. These are the men who ride the iconic motorcycle taxis, a mode of transportation that has become as synonymous with Goa as its beaches and vibrant culture.

As the unofficial end of summer approaches, millions of Americans, including Globe Aware volunteers, are gearing up for Labor Day air travel in record numbers. Here’s what to know!

The Best And Worst Days To Fly For Labor Day Weekend

As the unofficial end of summer approaches, millions of Americans are gearing up for Labor Day air travel in record numbers. Here’s what to know.

By Faith Katunga
Aug 23, 2024
Travel Noire

As the unofficial end of summer approaches, millions of Americans are gearing up for Labor Day travel in 2024. With air travel expected to reach near-record levels, knowing the best and worst days to fly can make a difference in your travel experience. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the skies during this busy holiday weekend.