Globe Aware news

Here’s a reminder for our Globe Aware volunteers! Starting May 2025, travelers in the U.S. must present REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights. Additionally, U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe will need to obtain ETIAS authorization prior to arrival in Schengen Zone countries. Find out more in today’s blog!

Big travel updates: REAL ID and ETIAS Rules explained for US and Europe travel

Apr 7, 2025
TIMESOFINDIA.COM

Starting May 2025, travelers in the U.S. must present REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights. Additionally, U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe will need to obtain ETIAS authorization prior to arrival in Schengen Zone countries. Both changes aim to enhance security and streamline travel processes.

There’s more to the holiday than tacos and tequila. Globe Aware volunteers, learn how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo respectfully according to a Master Chef and an author.

A brief history of Cinco de Mayo and how it is celebrated

Tim Goodwin
April 24, 2025
Almanac

Do you know the real meaning of Cinco de Mayo? Here’s a brief history of this holiday and how it’s celebrated. Plus, we’ve included five yummy foods—chicken and cheese enchiladas, authentic frijoles, dips, and chicken and bean soup.

India, home to the iconic Taj Mahal and the birthplace of yoga, offers rich cultural experiences. However, planning for your Globe Aware volunteer vacation requires careful consideration to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

What you should know before travelling to India

By Polya Pencheva
April 4 2025
Travel Tomorrow

Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, India is a land of rich sensory experiences, abundant culture, and diversity. Beyond the Taj Mahal, India is also the birthplace of yoga, drawing practitioners from around the world to locations such as Rishikesh and Kerela. These destinations offer travellers opportunities to immerse themselves in meditation, wellness retreats, and mindfulness while being surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayas and the Ganges River.

Dr. Drew, a retired orthodontist and seasoned Globe Aware volunteer, has already made an impact in Cusco, Peru, and the Galápagos—now, he’s at our Hill Tribes location, just across the border from Myanmar. From there, he’s gearing up for our Philippines program! What makes his experience extraordinary? He’s providing much-needed dental care for local children, just as he did in Peru. (If you’re not in dental field, your work activity will differ.) But that’s not all—he’s sharing firsthand insights on accommodations, local cuisine, cultural immersion on day one, and even how he handled a credit card hiccup when his primary card wasn’t accepted.

Food-loving Globe Aware volunteers will find Cape Town to be one of the top foodie cities in the world. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of South Africa.

Cape Town makes the global list of best food cities

April 4, 2025
Getaway

Cape Town has earned the distinguished title of one of the best cities in the world for foodies, landing at number 22 on Big 7 Travel’s annual list of The 50 Best Food Cities in the World.

This accolade is not just a recognition of the city’s diverse flavours but also a testament to the social fabric woven through its gastronomic offerings.

Big 7 Travel compiled this coveted list based on insights gathered from over a million social media users and food enthusiasts who shared their beloved foodie destinations.

Earth Day has been celebrated around the world for over 50 years. Globe Aware volunteers, find out when it began and why we celebrate.

When is Earth Day 2025? Here are a few reasons why we celebrate the annual holiday.

By Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez
Des Moines Register
April 1, 2025

Earth Day has been celebrated across the country — and the globe — for more than 50 years now, and the annual celebration is once again around the corner.

While it may seem strange to think of a world without ecological awareness, there was once a time when Americans were even less aware of their consumption’s impacts on Earth.

Dr. Drew, a retired orthodontist and seasoned Globe Aware volunteer, has already made an impact in Cusco, Peru, and the Galápagos—now, he’s at our Hill Tribes location, just across the border from Myanmar. From there, he’s gearing up for our Philippines program! What makes his experience extraordinary? He’s providing much-needed dental care for local children, just as he did in Peru. (If you’re not in dental field, your work activity will differ.) But that’s not all—he’s sharing firsthand insights on accommodations, local cuisine, cultural immersion on day one, and even how he handled a credit card hiccup when his primary card wasn’t accepted.

Easter food traditions vary widely around the world, each reflecting unique customs and flavors. Here are 12 delicious traditions celebrated by people everywhere, including Globe Aware volunteers!

12 Fascinating Easter Food Traditions Around The Globe

By Catherine Brookes
April 3, 2025
TastingTable

For many, the Easter weekend is a time for enjoying lovingly made meals and sweet treats with friends and family, though the exact food choices will differ somewhat depending on who you speak to. Much like with Thanksgiving and Christmas, everyone seems to have their own specific traditions. And, if you zoom out even further, you’ll discover that Easter feasts around the world come in a variety of different forms.

According to the 2025 Nomad Passport Index, Ireland now officially has the strongest passport in the world. Globe Aware volunteers, here’s how the rankings were worked out

Most Powerful Passports In 2025: Ireland Overtakes Global Giants

According to the 2025 Nomad Passport Index by Nomad Capitalist, Ireland now officially has the strongest passport in the world.

By Toshita Sahni
Apr 05, 2025
NDTV Travel Desk

Travelling the world is one of the coolest things you can do. But if you’ve ever stood in a long visa line or been told you can’t enter a country without tons of paperwork, you know just how important a powerful passport can be. And this year, Ireland takes the crown. According to the 2025 Nomad Passport Index by Nomad Capitalist, Ireland now officially has the strongest passport in the world. It’s the first time the country has landed the No. 1 spot all by itself. Back in 2020, Ireland came close – it tied with Luxembourg and Sweden. But in 2025, it’s standing alone at the top.