Were you planning on waiting to volunteer with your kids until they got older and “could remember it?” Did you think traveling with a kid just might be too difficult?
South Africa
These Are 10 Most Travel-Friendly Countries In Africa To Explore
Globe Aware volunteers may be surprised to learn we are adding a third volunteer vacation program to the two African countries that pop up on this list, can you guess which one?
These Are 10 Most Travel-Friendly Countries In Africa To Explore
BY AARON SPRAY
MAY 28, 2023
THE TRAVEL
Africa is an extraordinary destination, and these countries are some of the most travel-friendly for people wanting to explore the African continent.
Africa is a vast continent home to over a billion people and some 56 countries. It is diverse, and it is ancient. It is a place that everyone should visit if they have the chance. Plus, North Africa is extremely different from Sub-Saharan Africa and is often treated separately.
20 Cool Destinations for When You Just Can’t Take the Summer Heat
These off-the-beaten-path destinations are for seekers of cloudy days and cool breezes. You might be surprised to find this particular Globe Aware volunteer vacation on the list!
20 Cool Destinations for When You Just Can’t Take the Summer Heat
Escape the dog days with a breezy vacation.
By Andrea Romano
April 29, 2023
TRAVEL+LEAISURE
Summer is a time for lounging on the sand, soaking up rays, swimming in the surf, and strolling boardwalks with ice cream in hand — unless you’re averse to the sweat, sunburn, and general discomfort that comes along with the heat. These off-the-beaten-path summer vacations, from New Zealand to Greenland, are for seekers of cloudy days and cool breezes. Book your travels in one of these destinations to escape the dreaded dog days to come.
Incredible Hidden Travel Gems To Not Miss In Cuba In 2023
The island of Cuba is full of surprises and bucket-list-worthy secret places, ranging from picturesque colonial towns to breathtaking natural attractions. Here’s a list of the best-hidden gems, many of which are included on our Globe Aware volunteers’ itinerary!
Incredible Hidden Travel Gems To Not Miss In Cuba In 2023
BY QUINTER AUMA
May 13, 2023
The Travel
There are many things to do in Cuba, but many spots can see crowds. Instead, explore these secret places in Cuba during your next visit.
Cuba is one of the most unique destinations in the Caribbean and will charm every traveler with its incredible blend of African, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Cuba was a popular vacation destination for Americans in the 1930s, and visiting the island takes tourists back in the day. The gorgeous colonial buildings, vintage cars, and antique shops and bars adorn the towns. The island is full of surprises and bucket-list-worthy secret places, ranging from picturesque colonial towns to breathtaking natural attractions. Want to experience the magic that comes with exploring the Caribbean Islands? Here are the best hidden gems in Cuba to add to the itinerary.
What to Expect: The unique WORK of a Family International Volunteer Trip
Faithful Parent
family travel
Apr 23, 2023
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
ACTS 20: 35
In previous posts, we’ve encouraged families to consider taking a Family International Volunteer trip if they have the means to do so but have not discussed in detail the work of a family international volunteer trip. We’ve had the pleasure and privilege of doing six different “vacations” like this and have traveled to Peru, Costa Rica, South Africa, Guatemala, Kenya, and Indonesia.
These 81-year-old best friends traveled the world in 80 days
These two senior friends prove that getting older doesn’t have to stop you from traveling! Globe Aware volunteer vacations welcome all our senior volunteers!
These 81-year-old best friends traveled the world in 80 days
April 8, 2023
CTV
A pair of best friends from Texas are proving that adventure doesn’t have an age limit — even when you’re 81.
Ellie Hamby, a documentary photographer, and Sandy Hazelip, a physician and lecturer, toured the world in 80 days, adventuring from the beaches of Bali to the deserts of Egypt.
Top 8 Trending Travel Destinations This Year
We’re not surprised that Thailand’s trending again! Globe Aware volunteers will love our volunteer vacation in Chiang Mai, open to volunteers of all ages and a perfect summer program!
These Are The Top 8 Trending Destinations This Year
Now that travel has returned, where are people going?
While many countries have seen their tourist arrival numbers steadily increasing last year and so far this year as well, there have been some countries that have performed much better than anticipated.
Using data gathered from official tourism agencies around the world, there are certain destinations that are coming out on top so far this year.
With tourism numbers climbing to pre-pandemic levels again, these countries are some that are showing the biggest jumps in arrivals.
Dallas-Based GlobeAware Organizes ‘Voluntourism’ Trips of a Lifetime
March 5, 2023
By Joy Donovan
Candy’sDirt
Landmines — the explosive leftovers from the Vietnam War and other conflicts — are about the size of a toy and sometimes colorful, making them attractive to children. Two decades of war made these weapons of destruction plentiful in the forested landscape of Southeast Asia. Consequently, many children in Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam are living as amputees.
The memory of one of those injured children receiving a wheelchair is seared into Kimberly Haley-Coleman’s mind.
I asked ChatGPT to help me plan a vacation
Here’s an interesting dive into what ChatGPT can and can’t do when it comes to planning a vacation. Have any of our Globe Aware volunteers used this new chatbot?
I asked ChatGPT to help me plan a vacation. Here’s what happened next
Monica Pitrelli
CNBC
FEB 26 2023
Some people love travel planning.
But I am not one of those people.
So the idea that artificial intelligence chatbots, such as ChatGPT and Bing, can research travel destinations and create itineraries is intriguing.
But I’m skeptical too.
Do recommendations just scratch the surface — for example, suggesting that I see the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Or can they recommend lesser-known restaurants and handle specific hotel requests too?
The answer is: yes and no — at least for ChatGPT.
6 Sunny Destinations Trending On Social Media Right Now
With winter still upon us, winter sun getaways are trending on TikTok. Here are 6 places for maximum sunshine, and with Costa Rica on the list our Globe Aware volunteers have three different programs to choose from!
6 Sunny Destinations Trending On TikTok Right Now
BY: MARCI RIVERA
Travel Off Path
February 18, 2023
If you are somewhere deep in the middle of winters cold grasp right now, it should be no surprise that one of the biggest social media searches at the moment is winter getaways. The hashtag winter sun has over 26 million views on TikTok right now, and there’s no better time to sit and dream about these sunny destinations.
Each location is known for its long sunny days in March and April, and most of them offer high temperatures as well. If you are looking for some inspiration to get away and escape the winter blues, any of these sunny destinations should help to give you some ideas.
Here are 6 Sunny Destinations Trending On TikTok Right Now
Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Average daily temperature: March 66° / April 68°
- Average hours of sunshine a day in March: 8 Hours
- Average hours of sunshine a day in April: 8 Hours
- TikTok Views for #Tenerife: over 1.4 billion views
Most people in the UK and Europe know that the Canary Islands are the warmest you can get in March and April without leaving Europe. Despite being so far south, the Canaries are a territory of Spain, making them still a part of the European Union. Laying off the coast of Western Africa, Tenerife is a clear favorite for many reasons.
It’s been called The Island Of Eternal Spring, and a visit to this diverse land in the months of March or April will bring enjoyable weather without the summer crowds and roasting temperatures.
While the south of the island is much more touristy and arid, don’t miss out on the lush and mountainous north as well. A visit to Tenerife is not complete without a trip up the mountains to the village of Masca, where you can taste the famous coffee drink, barraquito, and watch the sunset into the Ocean.
Curaçao
- Average daily temperature: March 81° / April 88°
- Average hours of sunshine a day in March: 9 Hours
- Average hours of sunshine a day in April: 10 Hours
- TikTok Views for #Curaçao: over 6.7 million views
This Caribbean island is known for having some of the best weather in the spring, when it’s warming up but not too hot. March is the driest month of the year, and April is the best, as it’s nice and warm but not too hot yet. March is also a quieter time for the island, as spring breakers don’t venture to Curaçao as much as the other Caribbean islands, and many locals are recovering from the carnivals.
There is no shortage of ways to spend your time on this island paradise. While its ABC island neighbors of Bonaire and Aruba are also good choices, Curaçao seems to be a favorite among those looking for a winter sun getaway.
Malta
- Average daily temperature: March 57°/ April 60°
- Average hours of sunshine a day in March: 7 Hours
- Average hours of sunshine a day in April: 8 Hours
- TikTok Views for #Malta: over 2.4 billion views
If it’s history and culture you are looking for, Malta might be a good choice for you. This destination enjoys much cooler weather than the others on this list, yet the average hours of sunshine leave for long days exploring in the mild and breezy climate.
You would not want to hike around Malta’s Gozo island in the summer or explore the dusty and windy streets of Mdina or Rabat. It’s still a bit too cold to swim for most tourists in March and April in Malta, but you will see many locals enjoying a dip.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Average daily temperate: March 78° / April 80°
- Average hours of sunshine a day in March: 9 Hours
- Average hours of sunshine a day in April: 10 Hours
- TikTok Views for #PuntaCana: over 1.6 billon views
It’s no surprise that the Dominican Republic has made the list of trending sunny destinations, as its place as a favorite for spring travelers has all but been written in stone. While there are many other choices on the island for sun and sea in spring, it is Punta Cana that travelers seek out the most.
With an average temperate of 80° in April, it’s no wonder so many Americans visit to escape the never-ending winter that grips most of the northern half of the U.S. Punta Cana is also relatively painless and cheap to reach, with a variety of carriers servicing this route form all over the US.
Cancun, Mexico
- Average daily temperate: March 77° / April 79°
- Average hours of Sunshine a day in March: 10 Hours
- Average hours of Sunshine a day in April: 10 Hours
- TikTok Views for #Cancun: over 7.6 billion views
Although recent news coming out of Cancun and neighboring towns in the Yucatan have been less than favorable for travel, it still remains a long-standing favorite for travelers looking for a beach escape. Through travel warnings, sargassum, and taxi drama, Cancun seems to enjoy large crowds and overall traveler satisfaction. It’s hot and sunny in Cancun in the spring, and it’s easily the cheapest on the list to reach from most places in the U.S.
Costa Rica
- Average daily temperate: March 80° / April 86°
- Average hours of sunshine a day in March: 7 Hours
- Average hours of sunshine a day in April: 9 Hours
- TikTok Views for #CostaRica: over 12.7 billion views
Costa Rica is having a bit of a moment with US tourists, and the Central American country is drawing crowds nearly year-round. This tropical hotspot has also won the title of Central America’s best tourist destination. Spring, however, is an ideal time to visit, as the dry season is just coming to a close, and the green season is starting to make its appearance.
It’s important to note that Costa Rica is a country with many different climates, from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean and the Central Mountain area in between. March and April will bring different weather to each of these regions, so staying on top of the latest forecasts is crucial to ensure a good holiday.
