As Thanksgiving approaches, millions of Americans prepare for what is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. But a growing number of travelers are asking a strategic question:Is it actually better to travel on Thanksgiving Day itself? Factors such as cost, traffic volumes, and destination popularity suggest that the answer may increasingly beyes – especially for those seeking a more purposeful holiday experience, such as a volunteer vacation with Globe Aware.
volunteer vacation
Podcast: Volunteer Vacations with Globe Aware’s Kimberly Haley-Coleman
Volunteer Vacations with Globe Aware’s Kimberly Haley-Coleman Ep 172
I loved learning about Kimberly Haley Coleman and Globe Aware – an award-winning short-term volunteer abroad program available in 26 countries. I didn’t know this was a thing, but I’m so glad it is! You can travel abroad to learn about a new place, help people and find purpose – this sounds like my kind of vacation! Tropical destinations, cooler weather, far away, or closer by, there’s something for everyone. Kimberly says they can teach the skills; they just need kind, willing people to offer short-term support – solo, or as a group!
Globe Aware and Volunteer Vacations: redefining what it means to travel with purpose
In this episode, Brent welcomes a truly inspiring guest – Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder and CEO of Globe Aware, an organization redefining what it means to travel with purpose. Kimberly’s mission is simple yet profound: to make “voluntourism” – the combination of travel and meaningful community service – accessible, sustainable, and life-changing for both volunteers and the local communities they serve.
Purpose-Driven Projects: Cultural Engagement, Volunteer Vacations and Impact with Kimberly Haley-Coleman
Imagine jetting off to a remote village, not as a tourist, but as a volunteer, building infrastructure alongside indigenous elders and realizing that true success isn’t in the bricks laid, but in the trust earned across cultures.In this episode of Powering ProjeX, host DK sits down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, Founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, to explore how culturally aware project delivery creates lasting impact.
From grassroots community design to stakeholder alignment across continents, this conversation uncovers how purpose-driven projects can transform not only communities but the people who lead them.
Run Radio Podcast | Guest: Kimberly Haley-Coleman of Globe Aware on volunteer travel
In this inspiring episode, host Trina Wilcox speaks with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder and executive director of Globe Aware, a nonprofit organization creating sustainable volunteer travel experiences around the world.
How about a Volunteer Vacation – Change a Community and Change Yourself
What if your next vacation changed a community and changed you? In this episode, Jake sits down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder/CEO of Globe Aware, to unpack the reality of short-term, no-politics/no-proselytizing volunteer vacations—one-week service projects designed to build cultural awareness, gratitude, and real-world impact.
Kimberly Haley-Coleman on Volunteering and Social Work
In this podcast conversation, we explore the transition from executive leadership to volunteer-driven roles and how designing a life centred on giving back can create lasting impact. Through the lens of volunteer service vacations and ethical travel, we explore how to bridge professional success with global purpose — utilizing skills, time, and resources to empower communities. Key themes include valuing depth over breadth, building intentional teams, and recognizing the expertise of local partners. Whether through short-term service vacations, volunteering overseas or ongoing volunteer work, giving back isn’t a break from achievement — it’s an evolution of it. That transforms your life and theirs; transformational travel!
The best countries in the world: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards
Globe Aware volunteers will recognize several of our volunteer vacation destinations among this year’s favorites, celebrated for their rich culture, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences.
The best countries in the world: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards
Europe dominated this year’s list of the countries Traveller readers have been choosing to go – matching what you were probably seeing all over Instagram
October 7, 2025
Condé Nast Traveller
Italy is a perennial favourite in our awards – when you see its scores for food, scenery and places to stay, well, that’s amore. More of a surprise is this year’s runner-up, though it shouldn’t be: in 2024, Qatar, with its world-class restaurants, museums and activities, drew more visitors than Malta and Jamaica. Once reclusive Bhutan is having a moment, thanks to its dragon-fired culture; Japan was rated highly for things to do and its streamlined transport; and you loved Thailand for its pungent food and famous welcome – a criterion that Morocco also embraced. In that spirit, a high five for Estonia: this is the Baltic nation’s first showing in our awards, with impressive scores for its slow-burn culture and outdoor activities.
Meet the Expert Kimberly Haley-Coleman chats with The Philanthropy Guy about volunteer travel and volunteer vacations
Since 1990, Kimberly Haley-Coleman has built long-term partnerships and projects across the nonprofit and for-profit sectors worldwide. Before co-founding Globe Aware, she served as Vice President of Business Development for aerospace firm Team Encounter and led international expansion efforts for Infotriever, a Canadian communications company. As Director of International Business Development at Telescan (now InvestTools), she developed strategic relationships across 20 countries, helping millions access free financial education tools. She also contributed to the launch of CNBC.com as interim Product Manager and co-developed Dcipher, an AI-driven investment analysis engine that provides free, real-time portfolio insights.
How and why young adults should volunteer abroad and serve abroad short-term
Marco sits down with Globe Aware founder Kimberly Haley-Coleman to explore the impact of volunteer vacations and volunteering abroad. In this inspiring episode, they discuss how young adults can make a difference through short-term service trips, also known as volunteer vacations, to gain cultural awareness and travel with purpose. Discover practical tips for responsible travel, explore global volunteering opportunities, and learn how serving communities worldwide can broaden your perspective.
