When most travelers think of Machu Picchu Peru, visions of mist-shrouded Inca ruins, emerald terraces, and breathtaking mountain views come to mind. But what if your journey could go deeper – beyond sightseeing – into meaningful engagement with local people and culture? With a Globe Aware volunteer vacation, this iconic destination becomes a gateway to purpose-driven travel that blends adventure with impact.
Volunteer travel blends purposeful service with exploration, inviting travelers to give their time, energy, and curiosity to support communities around the world. At its core, it’s about learning and serving – not just sightseeing. Rather than standing back as a spectator, volunteer travelers work side-by-side with local partners to help address real challenges, contribute to community-led projects, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures.
In this special installment of IVPA’s Industry Series, summer intern Alida Cuttriss sits down with Fiona Lally, one of the foremost risk and insurance specialists in the international volunteer sector. Together, they unpack what your credit card’s travel insurance actually covers—and the surprising gaps that could leave you unprotected while volunteering abroad. From medical emergencies to trip interruptions, Fiona shares practical tips to help program providers and volunteers travel smarter and safer. Produced by the International Volunteer Programs Association, this episode is part of our ongoing effort to raise the quality, awareness, and safety of short-term overseas volunteer experiences. https://volunteerinternational.org/
Peru consistently ranks among Globe Aware’s most popular destinations – and it’s no wonder. With its vibrant Andean culture, breathtaking landscapes, and strong spirit of community, Peru offers volunteer travelers an experience rich in purpose and connection.
Family vacations have the power to shape a child’s worldview – but few travel experiences are more transformative than volunteer travel. When families choose to serve abroad together, children gain a deeper understanding of global cultures, compassion, and responsibility.
Globe Aware specializes in child-friendly volunteer travel programs designed to give families hands-on experiences that strengthen bonds and positively impact communities. These short-term, accessible trips create memories-and values-that stay with children for life.
Volunteer travel has become one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world. For first-time volunteers, choosing the right destination can shape the entire experience – from cultural immersion to comfort level to project impact. Globe Aware specializes in short-term, accessible volunteer travel programs designed to support local priorities while giving volunteers a meaningful, well-organized experience.
When most people think of a vacation, they imagine beaches, sightseeing, food, and rest. But what if your next trip could do much more than recharge you? What if it could help others, deepen your cultural understanding, and create a lasting positive impact on a community? That’s the heart of a volunteer vacation — a unique travel experience championed by Globe Aware.
As the holiday season approaches, many travelers are searching for something different — a journey that’s festive, meaningful, and memorable. While destinations like the Philippines, with their world-famous Christmas celebrations, or Peru, with colorful Andean traditions, offer magical experiences, there’s another increasingly popular option: taking a volunteer vacation.
Ancient South America, vast American national parks, and volcanic islands in Asia all appear on the travel guide’s roundup for the year ahead, two being Globe Aware destinations! Find out which one on today’s blog!
Ancient port cities, volcanic islands, lush mountainous counties and vast national parks all appear on the travel guide’s roundup for the year ahead
By Liv Kelly
October 23 2025
TimeOut
As 2025 gradually draws to a close, you’re probably going to not only start thinking about all the cool places you ticked off the bucket list this year, but also about what lies ahead for your travel plans in 2026, right?
Well, if you need some fresh contenders, Lonely Planet has just published its roundup of the best places to travel, and along with some already-popular destinations like Mexico City, Botswana and Sardinia, there are some out-of-the-box suggestions on the agenda, too.
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.
