Service Vacations | Volunteer with Purpose & Explore the World | Globe Aware

Service Vacations offer a unique way to explore the world while making a measurable difference — combining purposeful volunteer work with immersive cultural experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities.

Volun-Vacation? Adventure With Purpose Through Ethical Volunteer Travel

In a compelling episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, host Zander sits down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, to unpack what adventure with purpose truly means – and why ethical volunteer travel is about far more than checking destinations off a list.

What Is a “Volunteer Vacation,” Really?

In this episode, Kimberly explains how Globe Aware’s short-term volunteer programs redefine voluntourism by combining hands-on service, cultural immersion, and community-led impact. These one-week experiences are thoughtfully coordinated to ensure volunteers contribute meaningfully while learning directly from the communities they serve.

From building homes and installing concrete floors for single mothers, to assembling wheelchairs for landmine survivors and participating in wildlife conservation efforts, each project is designed to meet real local needs – not just traveler expectations.

Why Showing Up Matters More Than Writing a Check

A central theme of the conversation is the power of presence. Kimberly and Zander discuss why physically showing up – working side by side with community members – creates a deeper, more human connection than donating from afar. Service, when done ethically, transforms both the volunteer and the recipient.

This approach challenges listeners to rethink what responsible travel looks like and why ethical volunteer travel must prioritize dignity, sustainability, and long-term partnership.

Ethical Volunteer Travel in Action

Kimberly shares real-world examples from Globe Aware programs across the globe – from Costa Rica and Kenya to Zimbabwe, where volunteers take part in wildlife counts under the full moon. These experiences highlight how adventure and impact can coexist when programs are rooted in respect, transparency, and collaboration.

For anyone curious about volunteer vacations, purpose-driven travel, or making a meaningful difference while exploring the world, this conversation offers thoughtful insight and inspiration.