Saving Wildlife, Supporting Communities: Volunteering in Laos

In the lush landscapes of Laos, Globe Aware volunteers are making a difference—rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife while supporting local communities. In this episode, we explore how our program helps protect endangered animals, assists in conservation efforts, and empowers villages through education and sustainable initiatives. Hear inspiring stories from volunteers and experts on the ground, and learn how you can be part of this incredible mission to preserve both nature and culture in Laos. For more information on this program, go to https://www.globeaware.org/destinations/asia/laos

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25 Best Places to Visit in South America

What an impressive list! Globe Aware volunteers, we have plenty of program destinations included—check them out for your next volunteer vacation!


25 Best Places to Visit in South America

By Amanda Ogle
March 13, 2025
Travel + Leisure

As a full-time travel writer, work has taken me across South America, from mysterious Machu Picchu and strikingly beautiful Patagonia to sprawling vineyards beneath the Andes Mountains and bustling capital cities such as Lima, Santiago, and Buenos Aires. Whether you want to see wildlife in the lush Amazon, idle away on a remote beach, or explore metropolitan cities, South America has it all.

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The nine best places to visit in spring in Thailand

Spring in Thailand looks quite different from elsewhere. Globe Aware volunteers, if you’re planning a visit in spring, here are the top places to explore in Thailand in 2025.


The nine best places to visit in spring in Thailand

By Craig Sauers
Mar 18, 2025
Lonely Planet

Spring in Thailand looks nothing like it does elsewhere. While the northern hemisphere shakes off winter, the Thai summer is just heating up.

March launches the country’s steady, fiery climb to April, the hottest time of year, when temperatures soar past 36°C (97°F) and can feel even hotter. Then as the heat reaches its breaking point, the first rains arrive in May – a prelude to the wet, muggy months ahead.

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Electricity gradually returns to Cuba after substation failure left millions in the dark

The blackout, the fourth in six months amid a severe economic crisis, began Friday night and was linked to a substation failure in Havana’s suburbs. Globe Aware volunteers, find out more about what’s happening on the island.


Electricity gradually returns to Cuba after substation failure left

March 16, 2025
AP

HAVANA (AP) — Electricity service in Cuba was gradually restored Sunday, more than 36 hours after a substation failure left the entire island in the dark.

Union Electrica, the state agency responsible for the electric grid, reported that most of the capital, Havana, and eastern parts of the country had power. It expected service to return to western areas on Sunday, too.

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Here Is Why Vietnam Is Emerging As Southeast Asia’s Hottest Tourist Destination

The rise in foreign tourists is fueled by favorable visa policies, tourism promotion initiatives, and esteemed international travel awards. Globe Aware volunteers, here’s why you should keep Vietnam on your radar!


Here Is Why Vietnam Is Emerging As Southeast Asia’s Hottest Tourist Destination

The surge in foreign tourists has been driven by favourable visa regulations, tourism promotion programs and prestigious international tourism awards

NDTV Travel Desk
Mar 12, 2025

Tourist arrivals in Vietnam are set to break all previous records, with 3.96 million foreigners visiting the country in the first two months of 2025. According to the General Statistics Office, this marks a 30.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The surge in foreign tourists has been driven by favourable visa regulations, tourism promotion programs and prestigious international tourism awards. Mainland China remained the top source of visitors, with 955,000 arrivals in January and February, followed by South Korea (885,000) and Taiwan (218,000).

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Ten countries where you have to pay tourist tax

Numerous countries worldwide implement tourist taxes to support infrastructure, manage tourism impact, and fund environmental or cultural preservation efforts. Globe Aware volunteers, here’s where you can expect to pay a fee.


10 countries where you have to pay tourist tax

TRAVEL TRENDS
Mar 12, 2025

Many countries around the world impose tourist taxes to help manage the impact of tourism, maintain infrastructure, and fund environmental or cultural preservation projects. These fees vary depending on the destination and can take different forms, such as accommodation taxes, entry fees, or departure levies. While some are minor charges added to hotel bills, others are substantial fees aimed at promoting sustainable tourism.

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Three things you didn’t know about Indian food

India’s greatest export might just be its cuisine, but did you know there are many misconceptions about it? Globe Aware travelers, here are three common myths about Indian food!


3 things you didn’t know about Indian food

June 18, 2013
Travel Weekly

India’s biggest export has to be it’s cuisine, with overseas destinations such as Brick Lane in London pulling in the crowds thanks to the restaurants’ adherence to the country’s gastronomy.

Manjit Gill is an award-winning chef and author who promotes the Ayurvedic tradition that sees the five elements of fire, water, earth, air and ether applied to what we eat.

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Six spring break destinations where you can still find cheap flights

Globe Aware travelers, there’s still time to plan your spring break! A volunteer vacation in Puerto Rico is one of the top budget-friendly flight options.


6 spring break destinations where you can still find cheap flights

Airfare on the whole may be up this year, but there are still pockets of hope for sunny vacations this spring.

March 6, 2025
By Natalie B. Compton
Washington Post

You deserve a vacation. Not this summer, not later this year. Something much sooner, like an honest-to-goodness spring break.

Of course, life is feeling pretty expensive. It doesn’t help that airfare on average is higher than last year, said Katy Nastro, spokesperson and travel expert at Going, a cheap-flight alert service.

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TSA offers travel tips ahead of busy spring break season

The Transportation Security Administration is preparing security checkpoints for the busy spring break travel season. Globe Aware volunteers can speed up screening by avoiding these prohibited items.


TSA offers travel tips ahead of busy spring break season

By Jackie LiBrizzi
Feb 26, 2025
WBTW

The Transportation Security Administration is preparing security checkpoints and travelers for the upcoming spring break travel period at Myrtle Beach International Airport.

Typical travel for spring break begins near the beginning of March and continues through April 21. The airport is expecting passenger volume to surpass last year’s record-breaking numbers by 10%.

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Hottest travel destinations you didn’t see coming

A recent survey reveals that 70% of travelers now prioritize authenticity and unique experiences. Globe Aware agrees with this list, which includes these volunteer vacation destinations.


Hottest travel destinations you didn’t see coming

Feb. 25, 2025
Mandy Applegate
Seattle Times

A recent survey from Skift finds that 70% of travelers prioritize authenticity and experience in their travel plans. The destinations of the future are not what you would expect. Say goodbye to the typical tourist spots – emerging destinations like Rwanda, offering intimate gorilla encounters, and Malaysia, with its advanced tourism infrastructure, are answering the call.

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