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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.