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. Oh, and did we mention the massive earthquake that shook Myanmar and Thailand the very next day? He felt it—tune in to hear what that was like!
Thailand
The nine best places to visit in spring in Thailand
Spring in Thailand looks quite different from elsewhere. Globe Aware volunteers, if you’re planning a visit in spring, here are the top places to explore in Thailand in 2025.
The nine best places to visit in spring in Thailand
By Craig Sauers
Mar 18, 2025
Lonely Planet
Spring in Thailand looks nothing like it does elsewhere. While the northern hemisphere shakes off winter, the Thai summer is just heating up.
March launches the country’s steady, fiery climb to April, the hottest time of year, when temperatures soar past 36°C (97°F) and can feel even hotter. Then as the heat reaches its breaking point, the first rains arrive in May – a prelude to the wet, muggy months ahead.
Dr. Drew’s audio blog from Globe Aware’s Thailand Hill Tribes location
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.
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.
‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Could Boost Thailand’s Tourism by 20%, Officials Predict
Are any Globe Aware volunteers fans of the last two “White Lotus” seasons? Thailand is expecting a surge in visitors following the show’s new season, and if the country’s got you interested why not include a volunteer vacation in your visit?
‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Could Boost Thailand’s Tourism by 20%, Officials Predict
The country is expecting a surge in visitors following the show’s premiere on February 16.
January 29, 2025
By Abby Montanez
Robb Report
First Hawaii, then Sicily, and now Thailand.
The past two seasons of The White Lotus spurred a surge in set-jetting visitors who wanted to visit the region where the HBO show was filmed. Ahead of season three, which was shot in the Land of Smiles, Thai tourism officials are anticipating a boost all across the country.
The 14 best places to visit in February 2025
Globe Aware volunteers can explore high-altitude festivals, spot rare birds, relax in thermal baths, and enjoy a variety of unique experiences. The list includes our volunteer vacation destinations in South Africa, Laos, and more!
The 14 best places to visit in February 2025
High-altitude festivals, rare birds, thermal baths, and everything in between
December 3, 2024
By Liv Kelly
Time Out Travel
While the gluttony of December and the high hopes of January are fading, February can be a pretty drab month, but it’s actually a brilliant time to travel – dismiss getting away at this time of year, and you’d really be missing out.
Thanksgiving in Thailand: A Family Adventure in Serving Together
Derek and Amy Weichel recount their unforgettable Thanksgiving adventure in Thailand. Discover more about their international volunteer experience with Globe Aware.
Last Thanksgiving, our family embarked on an unforgettable journey to Thailand for an international volunteer trip with Globe Aware. We were joined by three other families, making us a group of 15 adventurers, eager to serve and experience God’s beautiful creation in a new corner of the world.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve around the world: 11 epic destinations to consider
Globe Aware volunteers, these destinations are guaranteed to provide an unforgettable New Year’s experience. We wholeheartedly agree with the two volunteer vacation spots highlighted on this list!
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve around the world: 11 epic destinations to consider
These destinations are sure to offer an unforgettable New Year’s.
By Amanda Teague
December 5, 2024
The Manual
If you want to ring in the new year in style, there are plenty of amazing places around the world that know how to throw a party. Whether you’re seeking epic fireworks, bustling nightlife, or a more laid-back vibe, the world has something special to offer. From iconic cities buzzing with excitement to more remote options where you can celebrate in peace, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to go for New Year’s Eve.
Five Asian destinations were just named among the world’s best to visit for 2025
Five destinations from Laos to Japan proudly represent Asia, with a mix of popular spots and under-the-radar destinations. Three of them are Globe Aware volunteer vacation destinations!
Five Asian destinations were just named among the world’s best to visit for 2025
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 names 30 countries, regions, and cities you must visit next year
By Cheryl Sekkappan
October 28, 2024
Time Out
There are too many to count if we’re talking about must-visit places of all time in Asia. However, specific destinations in the region are ripe for a visit in 2025, whether because they’ve recently become more accessible or have a brand new attraction you want to be the first to catch. That’s where Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 comes in, with its handpicked list of 10 countries, 10 regions, and 10 cities you must book next year.
Thailand Captivates The World In Lonely Planet’s 2025 Best In Travel, Naming Chiang Mai A Top Global City
Thailand has again won top honors in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025, with Chiang Mai named among the “Top Cities.” Globe Aware volunteers can explore this beautiful city during their volunteer week in Thailand.
Thailand Captivates The World In Lonely Planet’s 2025 Best In Travel, Naming Chiang Mai A Top Global City
October 25, 2024
Travel And Tour World
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is excited to share that Thailand has again earned distinguished honors in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025. In its fifteenth edition, Best in Travel showcases 30 essential destinations for the upcoming year, featuring Chiang Mai as one of the “Top Cities.”
