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
Ten countries where you have to pay tourist tax
Numerous countries worldwide implement tourist taxes to support infrastructure, manage tourism impact, and fund environmental or cultural preservation efforts. Globe Aware volunteers, here’s where you can expect to pay a fee.
10 countries where you have to pay tourist tax
TRAVEL TRENDS
Mar 12, 2025
Many countries around the world impose tourist taxes to help manage the impact of tourism, maintain infrastructure, and fund environmental or cultural preservation projects. These fees vary depending on the destination and can take different forms, such as accommodation taxes, entry fees, or departure levies. While some are minor charges added to hotel bills, others are substantial fees aimed at promoting sustainable tourism.
Six spring break destinations where you can still find cheap flights
Globe Aware travelers, there’s still time to plan your spring break! A volunteer vacation in Puerto Rico is one of the top budget-friendly flight options.
6 spring break destinations where you can still find cheap flights
Airfare on the whole may be up this year, but there are still pockets of hope for sunny vacations this spring.
March 6, 2025
By Natalie B. Compton
Washington Post
You deserve a vacation. Not this summer, not later this year. Something much sooner, like an honest-to-goodness spring break.
Of course, life is feeling pretty expensive. It doesn’t help that airfare on average is higher than last year, said Katy Nastro, spokesperson and travel expert at Going, a cheap-flight alert service.
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.
17 tips for your next trip to Mexico
Despite Mexico’s vast scope, regional differences, social customs, cultural mores, safety concerns, and travel preferences, here are a few tips to make your upcoming Globe Aware volunteer vacation to Mexico a little easier.
17 tips for your next trip to Mexico
I grew up in a Mexican household in the heart of American suburbia, one of those kids who ping-ponged across the border as a kid.
By Liza Prado
Feb 12, 2025
Lonely Planet
I spent my summers in Mexico, as comfortable on janky city buses as I was body surfing on white-capped waves. Adulthood meant more of the same – but instead of mere months every summer, I passed entire years.
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 White Lotus’ Season 3 Could Boost Thailand’s Tourism by 20%, Officials Predict
Are any Globe Aware volunteers fans of the last two “White Lotus” seasons? Thailand is expecting a surge in visitors following the show’s new season, and if the country’s got you interested why not include a volunteer vacation in your visit?
‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Could Boost Thailand’s Tourism by 20%, Officials Predict
The country is expecting a surge in visitors following the show’s premiere on February 16.
January 29, 2025
By Abby Montanez
Robb Report
First Hawaii, then Sicily, and now Thailand.
The past two seasons of The White Lotus spurred a surge in set-jetting visitors who wanted to visit the region where the HBO show was filmed. Ahead of season three, which was shot in the Land of Smiles, Thai tourism officials are anticipating a boost all across the country.
Love birds flock to sun and sand this Valentine’s Day
Warm beaches and sunny coastlines continue to captivate Americans, including Globe Aware volunteers, this Valentine’s Day. See what destinations are being explored!
Love birds flock to sun and sand this Valentine’s Day
Warm beaches and sunny coastlines continue to captivate Americans this Valentine’s Day, while overall holiday travel searches increase by nearly half
By Kanchan Nath
Jan 30, 2025
Travel Daily Media
This winter, things are heating up as Americans favor warm-weather destinations to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Not only are desert-cities and island hot-spots receiving love this season, but holiday bookings overall have increased by 42% compared to the previous year, according to Allianz Partners USA’s 2025 Top Valentine’s Day Destinationsreport.
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.
