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.
volunteer vacations
Hottest travel destinations you didn’t see coming
A recent survey reveals that 70% of travelers now prioritize authenticity and unique experiences. Globe Aware agrees with this list, which includes these volunteer vacation destinations.
Hottest travel destinations you didn’t see coming
Feb. 25, 2025
Mandy Applegate
Seattle Times
A recent survey from Skift finds that 70% of travelers prioritize authenticity and experience in their travel plans. The destinations of the future are not what you would expect. Say goodbye to the typical tourist spots – emerging destinations like Rwanda, offering intimate gorilla encounters, and Malaysia, with its advanced tourism infrastructure, are answering the call.
Heart of the Andes: Volunteering in Cusco, Peru
Get ready for an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Andes!
In this AI-generated episode, culled from reading our orientation materials, we dive into some of the things you need to know about volunteering in Cusco, Peru—from what to pack and how to get there to the incredible experiences that await.
10 of the Most Popular Street Foods Around the World
What are the most common “grab and go” meals worldwide? Globe Aware volunteers, you’re in for a real treat with the top picks.
10 of the Most Popular Street Foods Around the World
What are the most common “grab and go” meals around the world? You’re in for a real treat with the top picks.
By Matt Hoffman
Dec 30, 2024
Mental Floss
Forget Michelin stars and tasting menus: the world’s real dining adventures take place on the street. A recent global survey from Remitly has dished up a definitive ranking of the world’s most drool-inducing street foods, and your taste buds are in for a wild ride.
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.
AAO Member Finds Innovative Approach to International Humanitarian Work
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.
September Is The Cheapest Month For Americans To Fly To These 5 Incredible Destinations
As summer draws to a close, it doesn’t mean our volunteers’ travel plans have to end, too. On this list, you’ll discover at least one destination that will ignite your wanderlust, with many of them being locations where we have Globe Aware programs!
September Is The Cheapest Month For Americans To Fly To These 5 Incredible Destinations
September 1, 2024
By: Megi Canco
Travel Off Path
Just because summer’s coming to an end doesn’t mean your travel plans have to, too.
The insufferable crowds have started to dissipate, temperatures are coming back down to Earth, and best of all, airfare to some of the world’s most incredible destinations has plummeted, giving adventurous travelers on a budget the opportunity of a lifetime.
Peru, the region’s leading destination in the World Travel Awards – South America 2024
Peru is a unique destination for Globe Aware volunteers, with experiences that connect the past and present, through historical sites, traditional recipes, natural landscapes, and more. Discover more about this mystical country on your next volunteer vacation!
Peru, the region’s leading destination in the World Travel Awards – South America 2024
July 2, 2024
Peru
Peru is a unique destination for Globe Aware volunteers, with experiences that connect the past and present, through historical sites, traditional recipes, natural landscapes, and more. Discover more about this mystical country on your next volunteer vacation!
Tourist fees are taking over popular destinations. Will they impact your next big trip?
Globe Aware destinations, like the Galápagos Islands, are raising their visitor fees, similar to other popular locations. Discover the reasons behind these fee increases and learn how to prepare!
Tourist fees are taking over popular destinations. Will they impact your next big trip?
Tourist hot spots are implementing measures against overtourism. Will this impact your next trip
June 5, 2024
Deseret News
By Caroline McDonald
With the summer travel season approaching, popular tourist spots are planning ahead with new rules and fees to control crowds. This is according to The New York Times, which outlined recent measures taken by Bali, Amsterdam, Paris and Milan — all popular destinations for tourists.
The 12 Biggest Scams That Tourists Fall For. (And How to Beat Them)
Here’s a reminder for Globe Aware volunteers to remain vigilant when traveling, especially to new destinations. Check out this list of common scams and learn how to avoid them this summer!
The 12 Biggest Scams That Tourists Fall For. (And How to Beat Them)
James Wong
Fodor’s Travel
June 10, 2024
Surprise taxi detours, helpful strangers with ulterior motives, and pricey encounters with baby alpacas. Here’s how travelers are being ripped off abroad and what you can do to be vigilant.
Where there’s a tourist, there’s a scam. As newcomers to a destination, we’re obvious targets for criminals, ready to take advantage of our dizzying lack of local intel and jubilant holiday spirit. Back home, everyone feels pretty street-smart, right? When you’re well-versed in a destination and its customs and know exactly what to do in an emergency, few will attempt to mess with your fine ‘n fierce self.
