Globe Aware news

Hoi An is much loved for its peaceful atmosphere, centuries-old houses, and unique cuisine. Consider a Globe Aware volunteer vacation in Vietnam for summer 2022!

Hoi An among 10 cheapest global tourist destinations

By Nguyen Quy
June 21, 2021

Hoi An Town in central Vietnam is eighth on this year’s annual list of 10 cheapest tourist destinations in the world.

The ancient town in Quang Nam Province and Bali in Indonesia are the only two Southeast Asian destinations to break into the top 10, with the latter standing in fourth position, according to the annual Holiday Money report released by the Post Office, the U.K.’s leading currency exchange agency.

Face shields required in airports at Peru, 21-day quarantines in some countries…with international air travel surging in the summer our Globe Aware volunteers will run into quite a range of travel restrictions and entry requirements.

Flying Overseas? There’s A LOT You Need To Know. Here’s A Guide

June 11, 2021
FRAN KRITZ and DAVID SCHAPER
NPR

Each week, we answer frequently asked questions about life during the coronavirus crisis. If you have a question you’d like us to consider for a future post, email us at goatsandsoda@npr.org with the subject line: “Weekly Coronavirus Questions.” See an archive of our FAQs here.

I live in the U.S. and am considering a trip to another country. What do I need to know about international air travel at this stage of pandemic?

First of all, you have plenty of company. International air travel is expected to surge this summer. Americans are thinking of European vacations again. “We’ve had people asking a lot about Europe,” says Chicago-area travel adviser Kendra Thornton of Royal Travel & Tours. “Not necessarily booking but wanting to keep tabs on it.”

Traveling to Puerto Rico is now even easier with updated entry requirements. Fully vaccinated Globe Aware volunteers arriving from the U.S. can visit without a negative COVID-19 test and don’t need to wear masks at beaches and parks.

Puerto Rico Eases Entry Protocols

JUNE 07, 2021
TRAVEL PULSE

Puerto Rico further eased COVID-19 protocols, allowing for more access to public facilities and increased capacities at commercial businesses effective June 7. The updated measures were announced in a June 3 executive order.

Under the changes, Puerto Rico bars and game rooms may now reopen at 50 percent capacity. Outdoor bars and “chinchorros” are not subject to capacity limits, but patrons not from the same family unit must maintain a physical distance of six feet from one another.

Globe Aware volunteers could see some major changes in the not-so-distant future when it comes to air travel. This could include multi-level cabins and stand-up seats. 

Double-Decker Airplane Cabins Might Be the Future of Air Travel

Air travel could see some major changes in the not-so-distant future, including multi-level cabins.

By Caitlyn Hitt
6/3/2021

Air travel has evolved a lot since the days of Lewis and Clark, but one thing remains constant: Uncomfortably cramped quarters. However, plane designers have been hard at work trying to change this without having to cut the number of passengers a plane can fit (aka profit for airlines).

Plane designers have toyed with several different seating concepts, including stand-up seats, but it’s multi-level airplane cabins that are really catching on lately: Zephyr introduced such double-decker lie-flat seats last year, which quickly went viral.

Air travel is officially up and travelers are scrambling to make up for a year of missed adventures. A Globe Aware adventure is the perfect way to ease yourself back into travel with a planned volunteer vacation.

How to Plan a Trip Again, According to Experts

The lowdown on safety protocols, under-the-radar car rental alternatives, and tricks for getting the best flight deals.

By Vanita Salisbury
Thrillist

You’re vaxxed, you’re snaxxed, you’ve got your essential apps, and now you’re itchin’ to break out of town. And you’re not the only one: Air travel is officially up, with the TSA screening 1.85 million travelers on Sunday, May 16 at US airports, the highest number since March 2020.

If you are fully vaccinated, the chance of being infected with Covid-19 is low however you could test positive during travel. In order to prepare for a Globe Aware volunteer vacation, make sure to check with your country’s entry guidelines and airline policies.

What happens if you test positive during a COVID-tested flight?

Katie Genter
May 20, 2021
THE POINTS GUY

Sitting in the COVID-19 testing area at several airports recently, I wondered, “What happens if my test comes back positive?”

After all, one of the most significant risks of taking COVID-19 tests while traveling is that you could test positive. Whether you contract COVID-19 or have the misfortune of a rare false positive, getting a positive result certainly complicates your trip.

As travel evolves from virtual to actual, many tourists can get caught up in the excitement of actually planning a trip again — which may make them more vulnerable to unscrupulous schemes. Globe Aware has been providing reputable volunteer vacations for years, and is happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Travel is back — and so are travel scams

Blane Bachelor
CNN
May 26, 2021

(CNN) — With more widespread vaccinations and relaxed travel restrictions, many people are making long-awaited vacation plans. But scammers are making plans of their own to separate eager travelers from their money via too-good-to-be-true vacation packages, fake airfare deals and other shady schemes.

Consumer advocacy organizations such as Better Business Bureau are issuing warnings about an increase in incidents involving scammers who often pose as airline ticket brokers and travel agents via telemarketing calls.

Many people believe that traveling has great educational benefits for students. Globe Aware offers internships year-round for young learners, ready to improve themselves and their skills.

Educational Benefits of Travel for Students

The process of learning is long and pretty complex. Students face a lot of difficulties related to poor learning skills, a lack of knowledge and time, some personal hardships, and something of the kind.

Clever folks try to improve themselves and their skills in a variety of ways, and traveling is one of such methods. Many people believe that this activity has great educational benefits for learners. They can travel to educate themselves.

The novelty that a trip provides is one reason that travel can have an enduring impact on our happiness. During the lockdown, many Globe Aware volunteers showed memories of past volunteer vacations on social media, sharing the happiness that it brought them.

After A Year Of Staying Close To Home, Travel Has Become An Emotional Journey

OLIVIA HARRISON
MAY 17, 2021

When Jennie Larson finally became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, she jumped into action and added three big events to her calendar: Her two vaccine appointments and a trip to Atlanta, Georgia from her home in Washington, D.C. Exactly two weeks and one day after receiving her second Moderna shot, and thus fully immunized, she’ll be boarding a plane for the first time in over a year. “I have some loose plans to meet up with some friends, but mostly I plan on a quick solo weekend trip just enjoying the fact that I can travel again,” she tells Refinery29.

Families are combining traveling and being together, two practices sorely missed during the pandemic lockdowns. Globe Aware has a long tradition of mobilizing volunteer programs around the world for families of all ages and sizes, and have a variety of dates open this year!

US post Covid: As restrictions loosen, families travel far and spend big

Far-flung families are combining traveling and being together — two of the most longed-for practices during more than a year of pandemic lockdowns — into elaborate new twists on the old-fashioned family reunion.

Written by Debra Kamin
May 20, 2021

Jeff Belcher, 41, wouldn’t necessarily have chosen Williamsburg, Virginia, as the destination for his family’s first vacation since travel restrictions began to ease. But when his extended family decided to travel to the American Revolution-era town for a reunion this summer, he knew that he, his wife and their three children wouldn’t miss it.