As the holiday season approaches, many travelers are searching for something different — a journey that’s festive, meaningful, and memorable. While destinations like the Philippines, with their world-famous Christmas celebrations, or Peru, with colorful Andean traditions, offer magical experiences, there’s another increasingly popular option: taking a volunteer vacation.

A volunteer vacation, sometimes called a service vacation, blends travel with purpose. Instead of simply visiting a country, you spend a meaningful week working on sustainable, community-led projects, all while immersing yourself in local culture and holiday traditions. And one organization has perfected this blend of service and adventure: Globe Aware.

The Philippines is perfect for Christmas 

What Is a Volunteer Vacation?

A volunteer vacation lets travelers step into a community, contribute to hands-on projects, and still enjoy the sights, culture, and flavors of their destination. Projects are safe, structured, and impactful, offering the chance to build, teach, garden, support local families, or contribute to environmental improvements.

Unlike independent volunteering, a program with Globe Aware includes all logistics: housing, meals, project supplies, cultural activities, and an on-site coordinator. It’s designed for travelers with no special skills, just a willingness to learn, connect, and help.

How Globe Aware Creates a Unique Holiday Travel Experience

Globe Aware, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, has been offering short-term volunteer programs in 20+ countries for more than two decades. The mission is simple: promote cultural awareness and help communities achieve long-term self-reliance.

Holiday programs include unforgettable destinations such as:

• Peru, where volunteers support local schools and agricultural projects while enjoying festive Andean holiday traditions.
• The Philippines, where travelers help coastal and rural communities while experiencing the famously joyful Filipino Christmas season.
• Vietnam, Guatemala, Thailand, Costa Rica, and many more, each offering its own blend of service, cultural immersion, and holiday charm.

With Globe Aware, you don’t just celebrate the holidays; you experience them alongside local families, learn traditions firsthand, and contribute to meaningful local initiatives. It’s a holiday that fills your passport and your heart.

Why Choose a Service Vacation This Season?

If your goal this holiday season is to escape routine, connect authentically, and make a difference, a Globe Aware volunteer vacation offers all of that and more.

You’ll return home with new friends, powerful memories, and the knowledge that your time abroad helped support real community needs, from education to conservation to food security.

Whether you crave the colorful festivities of the Philippines, the rich cultural heritage of Peru, or a deeper, purpose-driven travel experience anywhere in the world, Globe Aware offers a significant way to celebrate the season.