Globe Aware news

With the 2025 hurricane season underway, experts warn it could bring some of the strongest storms yet, which could be a concern for Globe Aware volunteers planning to travel. Here’s what to know.

NOAA Warns of an ‘Above-normal Hurricane’ Season This Year With 19 Projected Storms—What Travelers Should Know

This season’s hurricanes could reach the “strongest” categories of storms.

By Michael Cappetta
June 9, 2025
Travel + Leisure

With the 2025 hurricane season officially kicking off, experts are sounding the alarm that this year could bring the “strongest” of potential storms.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently published its annual forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, and the data shows a 60 percent chance of an above-normal season. As part of the forecast, the agency predicts as many as 19 named storms, including five major storms that are category three or higher, according to the report.

Numerous factors can disrupt your digestion while traveling. Globe Aware volunteers aren’t alone if their stomachs act up on the road; here’s what a recent survey reveals.

This Is How Long Travelers Hold Their Bowels and Bladder While Traveling, Survey Finds

A new survey reveals 51 percent of travelers experience “digestive changes” while traveling.

By Stacey Leasca
June 6, 2025
Travel + Leisure

There are a lot of things that can throw off your digestion while traveling. From the airplane ride itself to eating new foods in your destination that are far from your typical meals, it’s no surprise when our tummies get a little upset. The key thing to know here is that it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, a new QS Supplies survey shows that 51 percent of travelers experience “digestive changes” while traveling. But that’s not the wildest stat it found.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to volunteer with Globe Aware, don’t miss this special extended 3.5-hour podcast episode from one of our favorite returning volunteers, Drew Drew Lombardi. In this thoughtful, unscripted conversation, Drew offers a raw, insightful, and personal look at his time on our Philippines program—capturing the culture, the challenges, the connections, and the sheer joy of service.

Volunteering in the Orosi Valley

Here is a wonderful post of a recent trip to Costa Rica with Globe Aware by a young family of volunteer travellers!

Globe Aware volunteers should be aware that while it’s hard to predict if your belongings or digital devices will be searched at a U.S. port of entry, you can take steps to reduce the risk. Here’s a checklist.

Preparing devices for travel through a US border

June 12, 2025
Freedom of the Press Foundation

Those within the U.S. have Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures — but there is an exception at the border. Customs and Border Protection asserts broad authority to search travelers’ devices when crossing U.S. borders, whether traveling by land, sea, or air. And unfortunately, except for a dip at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when international travel substantially decreased, CBP has generally searched more devices year over year since the George W. Bush administration. While the percentage of travelers affected by device searches remains small, in recent months we’ve heard growing concerns about apparent increased immigration scrutiny and enforcement at U.S. ports of entry, including seemingly unjustified device searches.

Globe Aware volunteers should be aware that major airspace closures over Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan are causing significant flight disruptions and rerouting in the Middle East. These changes may affect travel plans between Europe, North America, and Asia.

Major Airspace Closures In Middle East: What This Means For Your Next Flight

Flights in the Middle East stand suspended or diverted in light of airspace closures over Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan.

ByYashita Vashishth
Jun 13, 2025
TRAVEL + LEISURE

Iran and Israel have declared an indefinite closure of their airspace following the escalating political situation between the two countries. The ongoing developments and regional situation have also led to Iraq and Jordan implementing immediate airspace closures. These closures are expected to severely disrupt flight operations for carriers connecting Europe, North America, and Asia, necessitating major rerouting.

Flying this summer? Airport travel can get stressful and overwhelming. If you’re a Globe Aware volunteer, especially a college student on break, here are some tips to make your journey smoother and less hectic.

5 tips for airport travel

June 5, 2025
Kathryn Pinto
The Daily Collegian

Flying this summer? Airport travel can be stressful and extremely complicated. As an out-of-state student from far enough away, people question my decision to attend Penn State. Over the years I’ve learned a thing or two about reducing travel hassle.

Here are five things you can do to ensure a smoother journey.

New rules in Turkey allow fines for passengers who unbuckle their seatbelts, enter aisles, or open overhead bins before the plane has finished taxiing. Do Globe Aware volunteers agree with this? What are your thoughts as travelers?

Turkey will fine airline passengers who unbuckle before the plane stops

May 28, 2025
AP News

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Passengers on flights to Turkey who unbuckle their seat belts, enter an aisle or open overhead compartments before their plane has stopped taxiing upon arrival are eligible for fines under new regulations issued by the country’s civil aviation authority.

Southwest Airlines now charges bag fees for all flights booked from May 28. This change affects Globe Aware volunteers who once enjoyed two free checked bags. But here’s how to get one free checked bag.

How to still get a free checked bag on Southwest flights

By Danyal Ahmed
May 28, 2025
The Points Guy

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