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.
volunteer vacations
Where to Travel This Holiday Season? Discover the Magic of a Globe Aware Volunteer Vacation
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.
Discover the Magic of a Globe Aware Volunteer Vacation
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.
Winter Travel Trends to Know for 2025
Winter travel in 2025 is increasingly shaped by financial pressure, with many travelers tightening their budgets and prioritizing value over extravagance. Amid these shifts, a Globe Aware volunteer vacation offers a meaningful alternative-combining purpose-driven impact with affordable travel.
By Rebecca Speier
Nov 25, 2025
TravelAge West
Whether clients are reuniting with loved ones, chasing warm weather or embracing the snowfall this winter, the holiday season is bustling.
To help advisors stay ahead of the curve during this busy time, we have compiled a roundup of observed trends from industry experts. Here’s what they say is driving travel during the holiday season.
Nearly 82 Million Americans Projected to Travel over Thanksgiving
Concerns over recent flight cancellations could mean some air travelers switch to road trips
AAA projects 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Thanksgiving holiday period from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1. This year’s domestic travel forecast includes an additional 1.6 million travelers compared to last Thanksgiving, setting a new overall record. Thanksgiving is the single busiest holiday for travel compared to others like Memorial Day and July 4.
Volunteer Vacation for Thanksgiving Day? A Look at Costs, Crowds – and a Meaningful Alternative
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.
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!
The best places to travel in 2026, according to Lonely Planet
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!
The best places to travel in 2026, according to Lonely Planet
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.
Amplify Your Legacy: with Globe Aware founder Kimberly Haley-Coleman
Tune in to the latest episode of Amplify Your Legacy, where Kimberly Haley-Coleman, Founder of Globe Aware, shares how one woman’s choice to serve transformed lives — including her own. Hear insights on the importance of ethical volunteerism, how short-term volunteer travel can create lasting global impact, and the mindset shifts behind leading with purpose. Discover how to turn your professional experience into a legacy of service through meaningful, culturally immersive programs that empower communities worldwide.
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.
