Vietnam, one of our Globe Aware volunteer vacation destinations, is experiencing a surge in international tourism this year, welcoming 14.2 million visitors in just the first ten months. It’s a fantastic choice for 2025!
By Lacey Pfalz
November 11, 2024
Travel Pulse
Vietnam is experiencing an international visitor boom this year, with 14.2 million international travelers visiting the country during the first ten months of the year.
Many Globe Aware volunteers forget about Laos as it borders the Southeast Asian tourist trifecta of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Find out why you shouldn’t miss out on this remarkable volunteer vacation destination.
By Emily Manthei
Oct. 2, 2024
Islands
Many travelers forget about Laos as it borders the Southeast Asian tourist trifecta of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In 2023, Statista reported over 28 million tourist entries into Thailand, while the Lao News Agency reported only 3.4 million visitors to Laos in the same year. What’s more, Trip.com reports you can spend as little as $30 to $50 per day as a budget traveler to stay, eat, and see the sights. To discover Southeast Asia beyond Thailand’s postcard-worthy beaches, check out this landlocked jewel’s mountains, rivers, ancient temples, and great food without the crowds.
This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 17th, a cherished celebration across East and Southeast Asia. It’s a time for families to come together, light lanterns, and admire the year’s fullest moon. Discover more and start planning a Globe Aware volunteer vacation in Vietnam to join the festivities next year!
By Maggie Hiufu Wong
CNN
September 16, 2024
Members of a fire dragon dance team spin balls of joss sticks in Hong Kong.
It’s time to hang a lantern, share a mooncake and peel a pomelo – Mid-Autumn Festival is here.
Falling on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, it’s celebrated primarily in East and Southeast Asia and is a time for families to gather to sample autumn harvests, light lanterns and admire what’s believed to be the fullest moon of the year.
September 4, 2024
American Association of Orthodontists
As a second-generation orthodontist, Dr. Drew Lombardi had an orthodontic practice in Fort Lee and Jersey City, New Jersey for 40 years until his transition to retirement in October 2023. Considering how to spend his time in retirement, Dr. Lombardi was eager to use his professional knowledge to give back to people in need.
A gem of Southeast Asia, Laos attracts visitors who love natural beauty, intriguing culture, and off-the-beaten-track experiences – without the throngs. Here are 10 places where Globe Aware volunteers can discover the treasures – and pleasures – of Laos.
By Dave Stamboulis
Aug 20, 2024
Lonely Planet
A gem of Southeast Asia, Laos attracts visitors who love natural beauty, intriguing culture and off-the-beaten-track experiences – without the throngs.
The country’s low population density means that many of the landscapes here are untouched by humans, which means exciting adventures for outdoor lovers. Yet in Laos’ cities and towns, visitors find historical treasures, alluring temples and a warm welcome from Lao locals.
International Globe Aware volunteers should be aware that Cambodia is actively working to boost tourism by hosting cultural events, lowering visa costs, and more.
August 9, 2024
Travel And Tour World
Cambodia, known for its rich cultural heritage and the iconic Angkor Wat, is grappling with a slow recovery in its tourism sector since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The figures from the first half of 2024 have painted a bleak picture for the industry. The number of foreign tourists arriving at Siem Reap’s airport has plummeted by 67% compared to the same period in 2019, with only 313,145 arrivals. This stark decline underscores the challenges Cambodia faces in revitalizing its tourism industry. So the visa fee reduction will serve as a potential booster.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Globe Aware volunteers opting for domestic travel this Memorial Day weekend, here are some fantastic destinations to explore in the United States.
May 11, 2024
TTW
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in the United States. It’s a time to honor those who have served in the military, enjoy the company of family and friends, and explore new places. If you’re planning a getaway, here are some of the best places to visit during Memorial Day weekend that promise memorable experiences.
Vietnam has secured the 5th position among the top 10 best graduation trips to undertake in 2024. It’s the perfect destination for Globe Aware volunteers planning one as a gift to a graduate!
By Bich Phuong
March 4, 2024
VNExpress
PTVietnam has secured the 5th position among the top 10 best graduation trips to undertake in 2024, recognized for its affordability, according to travel magazine Lonely Planet.
Vietnam stands out as the only Asian destination on Lonely Planet’s list of 10.
