According to a study by the Post Office, Vietnam ranks as the top value destination for Globe Aware volunteers seeking to get the most for their money. The former port city of Hội An is particularly budget-friendly, boasting lower restaurant and bar prices and a significant drop in the value of the Vietnamese dong.

This Is Officially the Top Best-Value Destination in the World in 2024

According to Post Office UK, these destinations are where travelers’ money will get them further this year.

BY CONNOR STURGES
June 21, 2024
Condé Nast Traveler 

Despite economic uncertainty and the rising cost of living, there’s one thing some of us are unwilling to give up: travel. A recent study by American Express Travel in the United Kingdom found that almost half of the population are more interested in taking a major trip this year than previously, while more than half of those surveyed said they are saving up for a bucket list adventure. While our wanderlust hasn’t dampened, the way we travel post-pandemic has changed in many ways, and many travelers are more savvy than ever when securing a jet-set deal.

If our Globe Aware volunteers are still deciding where in the States to celebrate the Fourth of July, consider these travel destinations. From historic cities that played a role in the American Revolution to some of the nation’s largest festivals, these locations offer fantastic Independence Day celebrations.

8 Fun Fourth of July Festivals Around the United States

By Lacey Pfalz
June 29, 2024
TravelPulse

The celebration of our nation’s independence is coming up quickly, and that’s why we’ve chosen to feature some awesome 4th of July celebrations that happen each year around the nation!

From historic cities that played their part in the American Revolution to some of the largest festivals in the nation, these Independence Day celebrations don’t just have your signature parades and fireworks (though, let’s be real, we all love those).

Globe Aware’s Mexico volunteer vacation destination has been highlighted in National Geographic! Discover the efforts being made on the Camino del Mayab, a hiking trail in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Globe Aware partners with community members, featured in the article, who are dedicated to revitalizing the local Maya communities dotted along the trail.

How a Yucatan jungle hike could help revive Mexico’s ailing Maya communities

Inland from Yucatán’s white beaches, the long-distance Camino del Mayab hiking trail is set to revive ailing Maya communities with jungle treks weaving past overgrown haciendas and secret cenotes.

By Jessica Vincent
April 24, 2024
National Geographic

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
It’s an indescribable feeling, plunging into cool, clear water after walking for hours through the Yucatán jungle. I’m surrounded by the tall overhanging cliff walls of a cenote — a type of freshwater sinkhole believed by the ancient Maya to be portals to the underworld, and often used as sacrificial sites. The water is a mix of emerald green and turquoise, with large lily pads floating on the surface and thick alamo tree roots plunging to its depths from the cliffs like giant eels.

Globe Aware volunteers in a rush to get a passport will soon have more options. The U.S. State Department will open six new passport agencies to assist those with “urgent travel needs. Find out in which following cities the facilities will be located in. 

Need a passport in a hurry? It’ll soon be easier if you live in one of these US cities.

Nathan Diller
USA TODAY
June 21, 2024

Story Summary

• The State Department will open six new passport agencies to assist those with “urgent travel needs.”
• The new agencies will bring the total number to 35.
• The State Department did not share addresses or opening dates for the new facilities.
• Travelers in a rush to get a passport will soon have more options.

If our Globe Aware volunteers are part of the projected record-breaking 70.9 million travelers going on a Fourth of July trip, get ready to pack some patience. Here’s how to avoid traffic this summer holiday season.

Expect a record-breaking number of travelers on Fourth of July week: How to avoid traffic

Kathleen Wong
USA TODAY
June 20, 2024

An estimated 70.9 million people will travel for the Fourth of July holiday, a record-breaking number.
The most popular domestic destinations are Seattle, Orlando, Anchorage, Honolulu and Miami.
The worst times to drive for 4th of July week are July 3 and 4 between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
If you’re one of the projected record-breaking 70.9 million travelers going on a Fourth of July trip, get ready to pack some patience.

Exploring Asia, embarking on an African safari, or traveling to the tropics often requires vaccinations, especially for children. Ensure you know how to prepare your kids for your next Globe Aware volunteer vacation abroad.

International Travel: Don’t Forget Your Child’s Vaccinations

By Ernie Mundell
U.S. News & World Report
June 16, 2024

Exploring Europe, taking an African safari, going on a trip to the tropics: In many cases, vaccines are needed for travel, and that’s doubly true for children.

According to pediatrician Dr. Lauren Nguyen, researching what vaccines are needed and preparing well before your family’s departure is crucial.

If you’re a Globe Aware volunteer, that means you love to travel, so there’s perhaps no sweeter phrase than “free flights.” And that’s exactly what Frontier Airlines is offering up in its Family Summer Getaway Sweepstakes.

Frontier Airlines Is Giving Away Free Flights for a Year — How to Win

Plus, 100 winners will receive a $1,000 flight voucher.

By Stefanie Waldek
June 15, 2024
Travel + Leisure

If you love to travel, there’s perhaps no sweeter phrase than “free flights.” And that’s exactly what Frontier Airlines is offering up in its Family Summer Getaway Sweepstakes.

One lucky grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 flight voucher each month for a year — all in, that’s enough for an estimated 12 round-trip flights for a family of four. Plus, 100 additional winners will receive a one-time $1,000 voucher.

Globe Aware destinations, like the Galápagos Islands, are raising their visitor fees, similar to other popular locations. Discover the reasons behind these fee increases and learn how to prepare!

Tourist fees are taking over popular destinations. Will they impact your next big trip?

Tourist hot spots are implementing measures against overtourism. Will this impact your next trip

June 5, 2024
Deseret News
By Caroline McDonald

With the summer travel season approaching, popular tourist spots are planning ahead with new rules and fees to control crowds. This is according to The New York Times, which outlined recent measures taken by Bali, Amsterdam, Paris and Milan — all popular destinations for tourists.

Here’s a reminder for Globe Aware volunteers to remain vigilant when traveling, especially to new destinations. Check out this list of common scams and learn how to avoid them this summer!

The 12 Biggest Scams That Tourists Fall For. (And How to Beat Them)

James Wong
Fodor’s Travel
June 10, 2024

Surprise taxi detours, helpful strangers with ulterior motives, and pricey encounters with baby alpacas. Here’s how travelers are being ripped off abroad and what you can do to be vigilant.

Where there’s a tourist, there’s a scam. As newcomers to a destination, we’re obvious targets for criminals, ready to take advantage of our dizzying lack of local intel and jubilant holiday spirit. Back home, everyone feels pretty street-smart, right? When you’re well-versed in a destination and its customs and know exactly what to do in an emergency, few will attempt to mess with your fine ‘n fierce self.