Costa Rica is more than a tropical getaway-it’s a place where volunteer travel can transform both lives and perspectives. With Globe Aware’s service vacation programs, you’ll combine meaningful service with cultural immersion, hands-on work, and the beauty of Costa Rica’s natural landscapes.
When most travelers think of Machu Picchu Peru, visions of mist-shrouded Inca ruins, emerald terraces, and breathtaking mountain views come to mind. But what if your journey could go deeper – beyond sightseeing – into meaningful engagement with local people and culture? With a Globe Aware volunteer vacation, this iconic destination becomes a gateway to purpose-driven travel that blends adventure with impact.
Volunteer travel blends purposeful service with exploration, inviting travelers to give their time, energy, and curiosity to support communities around the world. At its core, it’s about learning and serving – not just sightseeing. Rather than standing back as a spectator, volunteer travelers work side-by-side with local partners to help address real challenges, contribute to community-led projects, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures.
Voluntourism – a blend of volunteer service and tourism – allows travelers to engage deeply with local communities while contributing to meaningful service projects during their trip. Unlike traditional tourism, which focuses on sightseeing and leisure, voluntourism embeds purpose and community impact into the travel experience.
In this special installment of IVPA’s Industry Series, summer intern Alida Cuttriss sits down with Fiona Lally, one of the foremost risk and insurance specialists in the international volunteer sector. Together, they unpack what your credit card’s travel insurance actually covers—and the surprising gaps that could leave you unprotected while volunteering abroad. From medical emergencies to trip interruptions, Fiona shares practical tips to help program providers and volunteers travel smarter and safer. Produced by the International Volunteer Programs Association, this episode is part of our ongoing effort to raise the quality, awareness, and safety of short-term overseas volunteer experiences. https://volunteerinternational.org/
Volunteer travel can uplift communities – but it must be done ethically. At its best, volunteerism empowers local people. At its worst, it can unintentionally reinforce dependence or disrupt cultural systems.
Globe Aware‘s approach focuses on ethical, community-led service that honors local voices and traditions.
Volunteer travel can be a powerful force for good – but only when done responsibly. Sustainability is at the heart of Globe Aware’s mission, ensuring every project benefits local communities long after volunteers return home.
December 10, 2025
Openings Pathways – Spreading Joy Through Globe Aware – Kimberly Haley-Coleman
In this engaging conversation, Kimberly Haley-Coleman, CEO and founder of Globe Aware, shares her journey of creating a nonprofit focused on short-term service projects that promote cultural awareness and sustainability.
December 9, 2025
Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley
How can meaningful travel go beyond sightseeing to create lasting impact? Brains, Borders, and Betterment dives into how immersive volunteer experiences can transform both the communities served and the travelers themselves. Together, we’ll discuss how to use intelligence, creativity, and compassion to approach global challenges, break down borders, and create better outcomes for all involved.
December 10, 2025
In this episode of Non-Profit Digital Success, Kimberly Haley-Coleman of Globe Aware explains how authentic storytelling, real volunteer experiences, and behind-the-scenes content, shared across social platforms, build genuine donor trust and long-term engagement. This transparency builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and inspires donor action.
