A record number of Americans, including Globe Aware volunteers, are gearing up to head to the airport or hit the highway for the first long weekend of the summer. Here’s what you need to know about this record-breaking travel weekend.

Memorial Day weekend travel forecast: What you need to know

AAA predicts this year will set a record for Memorial Day weekend travel.

By Ayesha Ali and Emily Shapiro
May 16, 2025
ABC News

A record number of Americans are gearing up to head to the airport or hit the highway for the first long weekend of the summer.

AAA forecasts more than 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 22, and Monday, May 26, which would break the Memorial Day weekend travel record set in 2005.

Here’s what you need to know:

TSA is expanding facial recognition technology at airports across the country. If a Globe Aware volunteer does not want their face scanned, here’s how they can opt out of the process without delaying their travel.

Yes, You Can Opt Out of TSA Facial Recognition—Here’s Why Experts Say You Should

And no, opting out won’t delay your travel.

By Stacey Leasca
May 5, 2025
Travel + Leisure

It seems like a near-daily occurrence to hear unsettling stories about international travelers facing denial of entry at U.S. airports. In April, a few German tourists were turned away at Honolulu’s airport and sent back to Europe after U.S. immigration officials said they couldn’t confirm hotel arrangements. New Zealand’s government has revised its U.S. travel advisory after at least eight of its citizens were detained or denied entry over visa-related issues over the last several months. And in March, a French scientist who was traveling to Houston for a research conference was denied entry after border agents reportedly found text messages on his phone that criticized President Donald Trump. (U.S. officials later claimed the denial was tied to unauthorized scientific data.)

Regardless of whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, climate change is likely to impact us all, so it’s wise to be prepared, whether you’re in a national park close to home or a forest abroad.

How to Avoid Poisoning Yourself in the Outdoors (And Other Tips for Being in Nature)

By Sydney Baker
May 6, 2025
FODORS

Whether or not you’re a fan of the outdoors or not, climate change will likely force many of us to face a lot of these issues, so it’s best to be prepared.

This year has provided endless reasons to replace screens with time spent in nature.

As a stereotypical outdoorsy girl from the Pacific Northwest, the mountains, forest, and water have always been my happy place away from work, obligations, and existential despair.

Here’s a reminder for our Globe Aware volunteers! Starting May 2025, travelers in the U.S. must present REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights. Additionally, U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe will need to obtain ETIAS authorization prior to arrival in Schengen Zone countries. Find out more in today’s blog!

Big travel updates: REAL ID and ETIAS Rules explained for US and Europe travel

Apr 7, 2025
TIMESOFINDIA.COM

Starting May 2025, travelers in the U.S. must present REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights. Additionally, U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe will need to obtain ETIAS authorization prior to arrival in Schengen Zone countries. Both changes aim to enhance security and streamline travel processes.

There’s more to the holiday than tacos and tequila. Globe Aware volunteers, learn how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo respectfully according to a Master Chef and an author.

A brief history of Cinco de Mayo and how it is celebrated

Tim Goodwin
April 24, 2025
Almanac

Do you know the real meaning of Cinco de Mayo? Here’s a brief history of this holiday and how it’s celebrated. Plus, we’ve included five yummy foods—chicken and cheese enchiladas, authentic frijoles, dips, and chicken and bean soup.

India, home to the iconic Taj Mahal and the birthplace of yoga, offers rich cultural experiences. However, planning for your Globe Aware volunteer vacation requires careful consideration to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

What you should know before travelling to India

By Polya Pencheva
April 4 2025
Travel Tomorrow

Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, India is a land of rich sensory experiences, abundant culture, and diversity. Beyond the Taj Mahal, India is also the birthplace of yoga, drawing practitioners from around the world to locations such as Rishikesh and Kerela. These destinations offer travellers opportunities to immerse themselves in meditation, wellness retreats, and mindfulness while being surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayas and the Ganges River.

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.