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.
Electricity gradually returns to Cuba after substation failure left millions in the dark
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.
Here Is Why Vietnam Is Emerging As Southeast Asia’s Hottest Tourist Destination
The rise in foreign tourists is fueled by favorable visa policies, tourism promotion initiatives, and esteemed international travel awards. Globe Aware volunteers, here’s why you should keep Vietnam on your radar!
Here Is Why Vietnam Is Emerging As Southeast Asia’s Hottest Tourist Destination
The surge in foreign tourists has been driven by favourable visa regulations, tourism promotion programs and prestigious international tourism awards
NDTV Travel Desk
Mar 12, 2025
Tourist arrivals in Vietnam are set to break all previous records, with 3.96 million foreigners visiting the country in the first two months of 2025. According to the General Statistics Office, this marks a 30.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The surge in foreign tourists has been driven by favourable visa regulations, tourism promotion programs and prestigious international tourism awards. Mainland China remained the top source of visitors, with 955,000 arrivals in January and February, followed by South Korea (885,000) and Taiwan (218,000).
Ten countries where you have to pay tourist tax
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.
Three things you didn’t know about Indian food
India’s greatest export might just be its cuisine, but did you know there are many misconceptions about it? Globe Aware travelers, here are three common myths about Indian food!
3 things you didn’t know about Indian food
June 18, 2013
Travel Weekly
India’s biggest export has to be it’s cuisine, with overseas destinations such as Brick Lane in London pulling in the crowds thanks to the restaurants’ adherence to the country’s gastronomy.
Manjit Gill is an award-winning chef and author who promotes the Ayurvedic tradition that sees the five elements of fire, water, earth, air and ether applied to what we eat.
Six spring break destinations where you can still find cheap flights
Globe Aware travelers, there’s still time to plan your spring break! A volunteer vacation in Puerto Rico is one of the top budget-friendly flight options.
6 spring break destinations where you can still find cheap flights
Airfare on the whole may be up this year, but there are still pockets of hope for sunny vacations this spring.
March 6, 2025
By Natalie B. Compton
Washington Post
You deserve a vacation. Not this summer, not later this year. Something much sooner, like an honest-to-goodness spring break.
Of course, life is feeling pretty expensive. It doesn’t help that airfare on average is higher than last year, said Katy Nastro, spokesperson and travel expert at Going, a cheap-flight alert service.
TSA offers travel tips ahead of busy spring break season
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%.
Hottest travel destinations you didn’t see coming
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.
Holi 2025: 7 Places Where Holi Is A Celebration Of Colours And Chaos
Holi in India is a sensory overload of color, music, and madness, with celebrations ranging from royal affairs to chaotic street parties. If you’re volunteering with Globe Aware this month, wear clothes you never want to see again, keep your phone in a plastic bag, and dive into the madness of the vibrant festivities on March 14, 2025.
Holi 2025: 7 Places Where Holi Is A Celebration Of Colours And Chaos
Holi in India is a full-blown sensory overload of colour, music, and madness.
Sushmita Srivastav
Feb 22, 2025
NDTV
No matter where you go, Holi in India is an experience that hits you — with joy, culture, and of course, colours. Whether you want a royal affair, an artsy celebration, or absolute street chaos, there’s a place (and a Holi party) waiting for you. If you’re planning to dive into the most vibrant celebration of the year, you need to know where the real party’s at. From royal palaces to chaotic streets, here’s where Holi gets seriously wild this year (Holi will be celebrated on March 14, 2025). Just wear clothes you never want to see again, keep your phone in a plastic bag, and dive right into the madness!
Traveling Can Be Risky — but These 8 Items Can Keep You Safe Anywhere, According to a Security Expert
Meaningful travel security involves staying two steps ahead of potential risks, ensuring the protection of both yourself and your belongings from a wide range of threats — physical and digital. Globe Aware volunteers, here are a few items that can provide peace of mind.
Traveling Can Be Risky — but These 8 Items Can Keep You Safe Anywhere, According to a Security Expert
Keep both you and your belongings safe and secure.
By Alesandra Dubin
Travel + Leisure
February 23, 2025
Staying safe while traveling isn’t just about tightly clutching your purse in a crowded subway. Meaningful travel security means being two steps ahead of potential hazards at all times to protect yourself and your belongings from a variety of risks — both physical and digital.
