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.
Globe Aware news
Pura Vida Journal (2025)
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!
Preparing devices for travel through a US border
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.
Major Airspace Closures In Middle East: What This Means For Your Next Flight
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.
Five tips for airport travel
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.
The 10 best places to visit in June, from Peru to Puglia
For Globe Aware volunteers, June is the start of school breaks, new summer flight routes, and vibrant events like Pride. Here are 10 great destinations to consider this June.
The 10 best places to visit in June, from Peru to Puglia
By Devorah Lev-Tov
April 17, 2025
The Points Guy
We’ve all waited patiently for summer’s arrival, and in June, it finally appears. It brings warm weather to the Northern Hemisphere but often not the dense humidity that blankets many destinations later in the season. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere has the last gasps of fall before cold temperatures fully kick in.
June also brings the start of school summer vacation (which can mean higher prices and some crowds), festivals like Pride, and several new or seasonal summer airline routes.
Here are 10 great destinations to consider for your June holiday.
Turkey will fine airline passengers who unbuckle before the plane stops
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.
How to still get a free checked bag on Southwest flights
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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Cuba with its New Visa System will Change the Travel Landscape
Important news for Globe Aware volunteers: Starting July 1, 2025, Cuba will require all travelers to use a new mandatory electronic visa (e-visa), replacing the traditional paper tourist card. Read on to learn more!
Cuba with its New Visa System will Change the Travel Landscape
May 22, 2025
Travel And Tour World
Starting from July 1, 2025, it was announced that Cuba would introduce a new electronic visa (e-visa) system as a mandatory entry requirement for all travelers entering the country. This policy change would replace the previously used paper tourist card, which had long been a staple of Cuban travel regulations. The Cuban Ministry of Tourism had made this announcement in April of the preceding year, and the Government of Canada had subsequently updated its travel advisories to inform prospective travelers of this significant change.
Is It Safe to Travel to India Right Now?
After an escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, this is the situation on the ground and what travelers, including Globe Aware volunteers, should know.
Is It Safe to Travel to India Right Now?
After an escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, this is the situation on the ground and what travelers should know.
On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of military strikes against what India’s military referred to as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan. Pakistan retaliated, and there was intense and escalating artillery fighting between the two countries at the border and at naval bases in the Indian Ocean. On May 10, a cease-fire between the nations was announced. Unfortunately, the cease-fire was violated shortly thereafter, with artillery attacks continuing for a few more days. However, as of May 12, firing has stopped at both the international border and the LOC (Line of Control), which is in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
