Volunteer Vacations Blog

Thailand

I asked ChatGPT to help me plan a vacation

2 March 2023
Globe Aware
No comments
Categories: Globe Aware news

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.

Read More

Preparing for your Thailand Hill Tribe travels

14 February 2023
Globe Aware
No comments
Categories: Globe Aware news, Orientation

(First: Apologies that this audio isn’t as good as normal: we were testing new microphones!) What is proper etiquette around monks? What is appropriate clothing when visiting temples and otherwise? Why are the needs so great in northern Thailand near Myanmar? Is it safe? What do I pack? Is the water safe to drink? What can I do with my free time? How much money should I bring? Is it safe? Tell me about the wifi and power situation. What is the controversy about regarding elephants in Thailand? Join us for all this and more in preparing for either your Globe Aware trip near Chiang Dao or for your own Northern Thailand travels. https://www.globeaware.org/destinations/asia/thailand-hill-tribes

Read More

Thailand Reimposes COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

12 January 2023
Globe Aware
No comments
Categories: Globe Aware news

Globe Aware volunteers should know that Thailand has just reinstated some entry requirements for inbound international travelers. Requirements begin on January 9th, read more to find out.

Thailand Reimposes COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

LAURIE BARATTI
JANUARY 08, 2023
TRAVEL PULSE

Thailand today took a step backward in the evolution of its COVID-related border policies, having just released new updates to its travel restrictions on inbound international visitors.

It is reinstating some entry requirements, starting Monday, January 9.

Read More

China opens borders to quarantine-free travel

11 January 2023
Globe Aware
No comments
Categories: Globe Aware news

After nearly three years this is great news right before the Chinese New Year! We will update our Globe Aware volunteers as China hopefully lifts more rules and regulations, allowing us to resume our volunteer vacation there.

Excitement as China opens borders to quarantine-free travel

China lifts quarantine rules for inbound travellers, ending nearly three years of self-imposed isolation.

8 Jan 2023
AL JAZEERA

China has lifted pandemic restrictions on foreign travel, ending quarantine requirements for inbound travellers and with it, nearly three years of self-imposed isolation.

The first passengers to arrive under the new rules landed at airports in the southern cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen just after midnight on Sunday, according to the state-owned China Global Television Network (CGTN)

Read More

The Top 7 Trending Asian Travel Destinations for 2023

27 December 2022
Globe Aware
No comments
Categories: Globe Aware news

Globe Aware volunteers are ready and eager to explore Asia once again. We are delighted to offer open volunteer vacation programs in the trending destinations of Vietnam and Thailand!

Travelers Are Heading Back To Asia In 2023: These Are The Top 7 Trending Destinations

DECEMBER 25, 2022
BY: VINICIUS COSTA
Travel off Path

Travelers are eager to return to Asia and explore its natural wonders and colossal Buddhist temples now that it’s slowly reopening for tourism following nearly three years of closure. In fact, demand for country-hopping experiences in the continent is so high it now accounts for 7 out of the top 10 trending destinations for 2023.

Read More

The friendliest countries in the world

8 November 2022
Globe Aware
No comments
Categories: Globe Aware news

Our planet is home to some seriously friendly countries, and our Globe Aware volunteers will delighted to see some of our own program locations on the list. Get ready for warm welcomes in locations like the Philippines, Peru and more!

The friendliest countries in the world: 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards

The most welcoming destinations from all four corners of the globe, as voted for by you.

CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER
October 4, 2022

They say you can travel the world and you’ll never find anywhere as welcoming as home, but we don’t quite think that’s true. From the ever-beaming people of Sri Lanka to the famously open-armed population of New Zealand, our planet is home to some seriously friendly countries, ready to share the love they feel for their country with you. So, once again, we asked our readers to vote for the countries they consider to be home to the friendliest people in our 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. This is how you voted – counting backwards from 10 to one.

Read More

What is the Mid-Autumn Festival?

23 August 2022
Globe Aware
No comments
Categories: Globe Aware news

The mid-autumn festival lands on September 10th 2022, and is celebrated throughout Asia. Globe Aware volunteers in Vietnam during this month will be lucky enough to experience this special harvest celebration, also known as the “children’s festival.”

What is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and how is it celebrated around Asia?

29 Jul 2022
PYUSHA CHATTERJEE
Lifestyle Asia

The Mid-Autumn Festival or Moon Festival is celebrated across East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, especially those with Chinese communities, but what does it really entail?

Falling on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month (as per the Chinese lunar calendar), it is observed for a few days (mostly three) around the main day, wherein the city streets are decorated with bright and colourful lanterns and dazzling lights. During this period, people typically celebrate by savouring delectable mooncakes — which, as their name suggest, represent the full moon. The snack also symbolises happiness and family reunions.

This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 10 September. Mooncakes aside, not everyone might know what the event is all about. 

Read More

Thailand To Start Treating Covid Like The Flu From October

17 August 2022
Globe Aware
No comments
Categories: Globe Aware news

From October, Thailand will downgrade Covid to the same category as the flu virus. Thailand is re-asserting itself as a friendly destination for tourists and our Globe Aware volunteers.

Thailand To Start Treating Covid Like The Flu From October

By VINICIUS COSTA
Travel Off Path
August 13 2022

In a new development even the most optimistic didn’t see coming, Thailand will outpace the vast majority of Asia, and even the Western Hemisphere, in treating Covid as an endemic disease. From October, the once ultra-strict country will downgrade the pathogen to the same category as the flu virus, effectively treating both the same.

Read More

Thailand ends COVID registration for visitors, outdoor mask rule

20 June 2022
Globe Aware
No comments
Categories: Globe Aware news

Thailand is lifting a pre-arrival registration requirement for foreign visitors and it’s current outdoor mask mandate would be dropped as of July 1 except in crowded venues. Globe Aware volunteers should still pack masks for their volunteer vacation in case of changes in regulations.

Thailand drops registration for visitors, outdoor mask rule

Thailand is lifting a pre-arrival registration requirement for foreign visitors that was seen as onerous and a drag on the recovery for a tourism industry battered by the coronavirus pandemic

By The Associated Press
June 17, 2022

BANGKOK — Thailand is lifting a pre-arrival registration requirement for foreign visitors that was seen as onerous and a drag on the recovery for its ailing tourism industry.

The government’s COVID-19 center also said Friday that an outdoor mask mandate would be dropped as of July 1 except in crowded venues. The mask mandate was not controversial in Thailand and generally obeyed.

Read More

Thailand To Launch New Vaccine Passport For Entry

4 May 2022
Globe Aware
No comments
Categories: Globe Aware news

Thailand has removed all testing requirements for vaccinated tourists, which includes Globe Aware volunteers. Entry procedures have been simplified and the country is planning to launch a new vaccine passport soon.

Thailand Plans To Launch New Vaccine Passport For Entry

Here we go again. After Thailand removed all testing requirements for vaccinated tourists, many believed it was finally prepared to abandon its infamously strict Covid policies. Although entry procedures have been simplified, those who had been expecting a full reopening to follow will be surprised to learn the country is, in fact, planning to launch a new vaccine passport soon.

Read More

Archives