Volunteer Vacations Blog

Costa Rica

Costa Rica Grocery Store Guide: Local Products and Shopping Tips

7 April 2025
Globe Aware
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Categories: Globe Aware news

If you’re a Globe Aware volunteer heading to Costa Rica for a volunteer vacation, you’ll likely get the chance to shop local. For first-timers, navigating grocery stores can feel like a scavenger hunt, so here’s a quick guide to help you find your way.

Costa Rica Grocery Store Guide: Local Products and Shopping Tips

By Sarah Jordan
January 15, 2025
Tico Times

Chances are you shop local if you call Tiquicia home or spend enough time in Costa Rica. You head out to the feria, frutería y verdulería, pescadería and carnicería to enjoy all the fresh, wholesome goodness this country has to offer. For those yet to experience the supermercado in Costa Rica, it can feel like a scavenger hunt for some common items while being overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices for others. Consider this to be your quick guide to helping you prepare for the aisles of Costa Rica’s grocery stores.

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Your Orosi Valley Volunteer Experience: Orientation Essentials

25 November 2024
Globe Aware
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Categories: Orientation

Join us for an insightful, AI-hosted podcast designed to guide you through the essentials for your upcoming volunteer vacation in Costa Rica‘s beautiful Orosi Valley! This episode delves into key details from our preparatory orientation materials, including tips on what to pack, an overview of the local culture and environment, and what you can expect during your transformative volunteer experience. Whether you’re curious about accommodations, daily schedules, or how to best prepare for this unforgettable journey, this podcast has you covered. Tune in and get ready to make a meaningful impact while immersing yourself in the vibrant heart of Costa Rica!

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Quito, a Safe Destination for Tourists in Ecuador

30 September 2024
Globe Aware
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Categories: Globe Aware news

Contrary to a recent international ranking, tourists and Globe Aware volunteers frequently express how safe they feel while exploring Quito’s urban and rural attractions. Learn why you shouldn’t be hesitant to consider this South American destination!

Quito, a Safe Destination for Tourists in Ecuador

September 23 2024
Breaking Travel News

Despite what a recent international ranking may suggest, tourists consistently comment on how safe they feel when touring Quito’s main urban and rural attractions.

According to the Igarapé Institute’s Global Homicide Monitor, Quito is one of the least violent capitals in Latin America. In 2023, the city recorded a homicide rate of 9.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, far lower than cities like Caracas (47.9), San José in Costa Rica (22.8), Montevideo (15.2) and Bogotá (13.5).

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The most beautiful towns to visit in Central America

16 September 2024
Globe Aware
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Categories: Globe Aware news

Central America, a region rich in history and culture, is home to many magnificent cities, each offering a distinct glimpse into its vibrant character. Globe Aware volunteers will be familiar with two of these cities, one in Costa Rica and the other in Guatemala, both near our project sites.

The most beautiful towns to visit in Central America

A land of history and culture, Central America has many magnificent cities, each offering a unique perspective on this region with a strong personality. Here are our five favourites.

By Amandine Enard-Hauger
Sept. 5 2024
EnVols

When talking about Central America, you might first mention its varied and breathtaking landscapes, its tropical climate, its exciting cuisine and its legendary hospitality, but who could forget about its cities, each of which deserves to be properly explored over several days.

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Costa Rican diet: our ‘secret to longevity’

29 July 2024
Globe Aware
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Categories: Globe Aware news

Did our Globe Aware volunteers know that Costa Rica is home to one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people live longer and healthier lives than average? Learn all about the staple foods available, and even a recipe to try at home!

I’m from Costa Rica: Here’s what we eat every day for a long, healthy life—it’s our ‘secret to longevity’

Jun 23 2024
Melissa Guzman, Contributor
CNBC

Costa Rica is home to one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people live longer and healthier lives than average. I’m from a small town in the region of Cartago, called Llano Grande, which is known for its rich agriculture.

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The Top Best-Value Destination in the World in 2024

8 July 2024
Globe Aware
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Categories: Globe Aware news

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.

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A Mom’s Best Advice for Traveling With a Food-Allergic Kid

3 June 2024
Globe Aware
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Categories: Globe Aware news

Globe Aware volunteers can consult airline policies and stock up on safe snacks before they hit the friendly skies. Get even more great tips to help enjoy international cuisine safely.

A Mom’s Best Advice for Traveling With a Food-Allergic Kid

Consult airline policies and stock up on safe snacks before you hit the road or the friendly skies.

By Hallie Levine
Jun 3, 2024
Health Central

Last December, my two teenage sons, Teddy and Geoffrey, were scheduled to visit Israel with their dad and grandmother. When their trip was cancelled due to the conflict in Gaza, it meant I wouldn’t have to worry about my boys traveling into a war zone. It also meant I wouldn’t need to worry about Teddy traveling abroad without me, given all his food allergies.

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Cuba Relaxing Rules For International Travelers With New Electronic Visa

27 May 2024
Globe Aware
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Categories: Globe Aware news

One of the strictest countries to be a tourist in the world, the Caribbean cultural hotspot that is Cuba is finally easing entry rules for foreign guests. The country is launching a new electronic visa this May that will make traveling there alot easier, including for our Globe Aware volunteers.

Cuba Is Relaxing Rules For All International Travelers With New Electronic Visa

By: Vinicius Costa
May 9, 2024
Travel Off Path

One of the strictest countries to be a tourist in the world, the Caribbean cultural hotspot that is Cuba is finally easing entry rules for foreign guests.

The country is launching a new electronic visa (or eVisa) this May that will make traveling there a lot easier, including for Americans.

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The Best Airlines for International Travel

27 May 2024
Globe Aware
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Categories: Globe Aware news

International travel is a must-have life experience for millions of Americans, including Globe Aware volunteers. But which airline should you choose for your next volunteer vacation? Let’s look at a few popular U.S. airlines to see which ones fly to the most countries.

The Best Airlines for International Travel

By Ben Gran
The Motley Fool
May 24, 2024

International travel is a must-have life experience for millions of Americans. Whether you’re visiting another country for the first time or you’re a veteran globetrotter, it feels good to get your passport stamped in a new place.

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Why don’t more Mexicans celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Here’s everything to know about the holiday

29 April 2024
Globe Aware
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Categories: Globe Aware news

Globe Aware volunteers know that Cinco de Mayo holds significant recognition as one of the most celebrated Mexican holidays in the United States. Discover why Cinco de Mayo goes beyond tacos and tequila!

Why don’t more Mexicans celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Here’s everything to know about the holiday

By Tiffany Acosta
Arizona Republic
April 26, 2024

Cinco de Mayo is one of the most recognized Mexican holidays in the United States. It’s when people go in search of half-price margaritas and feast on Mexican food.

But Cinco de Mayo isn’t actually about burritos and beer, and while it’s celebrated in Mexico, it is not as deeply ingrained in the national culture as it is in the United States.

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