News Articles

The travel industry has identified the fall as when travelers are feeling more comfortable traveling abroad by air. Currently Globe Aware has various international programs open for these travelers. Airline CEOs Say Employees Low COVID Rates Prove Flying Is Safe Airline CEOs are saying that the fact that there are lower rates of Covid-19 among its workforce than in the general population it is safe to fly. Data from airlines shows that flight attendants and other airline workers have lower rates of the virus, despite tight quarters on airplanes, and executives and union representatives believe this proves that safety measures to protect passengers and employees are working and that flying is safe, according to a report on Business Insider. "At United, but also at our…

Additional Info

  • Source Travel Pulse
Tuesday, 15 September 2020 15:29

Thailand prepares to welcome back tourists

Thailand will start issuing special visas to foreign tourists starting October, easing a more than five-month-old ban on visitors. Globe Aware provides two volunteer vacations in Thailand is excited move forward with this new travel update. Thailand Moves a Step Closer to Welcoming Back Foreign Tourists Bloomberg Natnicha Chuwiruch and Suttinee Yuvejwattana Bloomberg September 15, 2020 (Bloomberg) -- Thailand will start issuing special visas to foreign tourists starting October, easing a more than five-month-old ban on visitors to revive the nation’s ailing tourism-reliant economy. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha’s cabinet approved a proposal to issue visas to tourists planning to stay between 90 and 280 days in Thailand, according to government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul. The tourists will undergo a mandatory 14-day state quarantine on arrival at…

Additional Info

  • Source Bloomberg
Travelers are seriously missing vacations abroad amid the pandemic—so much so that it’s begun taking a real emotional toll on them. Many cited travel as one of the activities that they’re most yearning for. New Study Finds Consumers Miss Travel So Much It's Taking an Emotional Toll on Many BY LAURIE BARATTIAUGUST 16, 2020 In a new Amex Trendex report, American Express found that U.S. consumers are seriously missing travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic—so much so that it’s begun taking a real emotional toll on them. Nearly half of those surveyed (48 percent) reported that the inability to travel at present is causing them to feel anxious and stressed, and three out of four respondents (78 percent) cited travel as one of the activities that they’re…

Additional Info

  • Source Travel Pulse
For the first time, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is now operating more flights than any other on the planet. Many Globe Aware volunteers fly from or through this airport when heading to their volunteer vacation abroad. How Dallas-Fort Worth Became the Busiest Airport in the World The Texas airport is operating more flights than any other hub on the planet. BY JESSICA PUCKETT July 30, 2020While the air travel industry is facing numerous declines during the pandemic, one unexpected upturn has surfaced: a new busiest airport in the world. For the first time in recent memory, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is now operating more flights than any other on the planet. In fact, for three months in a row the Texas hub has had the…

Additional Info

  • Source Conde Nast Traveler
Tuesday, 04 August 2020 11:48

Italy missing American tourists this summer

Traveling to Italy has become a summer vacation hot spot for Americans, but unfortunately this year the plans of many vacationers have been cancelled. Globe Aware staff look forward to visiting Europe again soon, and feel its nice that we are missed. Italy Misses The "Laughter And Infectious Curiosity" Of American Tourists This Summer AUG 4, 2020 8:30 AM Traveling to Italy has become a summer vacation hot spot for Americans. From taking a ride on the gondolas to strolling with a gelato in hand, Italy is absolutely alluring. In fact, six million American travelers choose this European country as their vacation spot each year, according to the Italian government’s statistics bureau. Unfortunately, this year is a lot different for us all. If you’re anything…

Additional Info

  • Source Travel Noire
Popular travel destinations are beginning to ease their Covid-19 lock down measures and are moving toward welcoming tourists back. If you're one of many Globe Aware volunteers eagerly awaiting news on where you can travel to this year, here's another updated guide to the top destinations making plans to reopen.   Which international destinations are reopening to tourists? Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN • Updated 3rd July 2020 (CNN) — Although many governments are still advising against "nonessential" international travel, a host of popular destinations are beginning to ease their Covid-19 lockdown measures and border restrictions and are moving toward welcoming tourists back. On July 1, the European Union announced it would be reopening its external border to 15 countries outside of the bloc in a bid…

Additional Info

  • Source CNN
Traveling during the Corona pandemic isn't the same as it was before all of this began. Globe Aware volunteers must be prepared with the right essentials to stay safe and prevent any further spread of the virus.   Traveling this summer? These 12 things will keep you safe and comfortable Amanda TarltonReviewed.comJune 17, 2020 As states lift their stay-at-home orders after months of quarantine, more and more people are beginning to venture out. But they aren't just heading to the grocery store or the gym—some people are starting to travel again, as well. Whether it be for business or pleasure, traveling during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic isn't the same as it was before all of this began. Not only are airports, airlines, and other public…

Additional Info

  • Source Reviewed.com
As lock down restrictions are eased in many countries, borders are being opened up again too. Many countries rely heavily on travelers during the summer therefore it is vital for the economy to get tourists vacationing back in their country again. Where can I travel this summer? Countries open for tourism June 15, 2020 The coronavirus has forced several countries to close borders and airline companies to ground flights but what countries can I travel to this summer? The coronavirus continues to spread in some areas of the world and is fluctuating in others from week to week. As lockdown restrictions are eased in many cities and countries, borders are being opened up again too. Many countries rely heavily on tourism during the summer with…

Additional Info

  • Source AS
Racism, like in many other sectors of society, has been built into the travel industry. Globe Aware, a nonprofit that specializes in volunteer vacations, takes their responsibility to be anti-racist seriously.   How the Travel Industry Can Do Its Part in the Fight Against Racism ALEX TEMBLADOR JUNE 02, 2020TravelPulse.com One of the first features I wrote about the subject of race and racism in the travel industry, a travel executive reached out to me to ask me who or what had made me so angry to write the piece. As a brown woman of color, he was essentially inferring that I was an “angry brown woman,” a stereotype that has long been used to highlight women of color who discuss controversial topics such as…

Additional Info

  • Source TravelPulse.com
Wednesday, 03 June 2020 15:05

Is it safe to travel now?

Travel is slowly starting up again and people locked down for months want to go out, whether its a road trip or international volunteer vacation. Learn how you can safely explore the world without endangering yourself or others.   Is it safe to travel now? It depends. Here are the best practices for getting on the road without endangering your health—or anyone else’s.   BY JOHANNA READ PUBLISHED MAY 28, 2020 ALTHOUGH MANY RESTRICTIONS are still in place, travel is slowly starting up again. People locked down for months want to stretch their legs, see something other than a screen, and boost the economy. Restaurants and some tourist attractions (Florida’s Universal Orlando Resort, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston) are opening for local and domestic…

Additional Info

  • Source National Geographic
Wednesday, 03 June 2020 14:41

Thailand Reopening after COVID-19

Once Thailand opens to international tourists, they'll likely only be able to visit certain vacation spots. This will be beneficial for both tourists and local residents, Globe Aware will continue to track when volunteer vacations can resume in their Thailand locations as well. THAILAND REOPENING TO TOURISTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW MAY 29, 2020 TREVOR KUCHERANTRAVEL NEWS The Thailand Tourism Authority has said that tourists will have to wait a few more months before visiting. The Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand said that tourism could return in the fourth quarter of this year. Here is everything you need to know about Thailand reopening to tourists and what to expect when one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world opens their…

Additional Info

  • Source CNN
With the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastation to tourist destinations such as Mexico and South America, it’s time to consider creating “travel bubbles. Volunteer vacation destinations closer to the U.S.’s proximity may be more likely to open for travel. U.S. 'Travel Bubbles' Would Let Us Fly Safely and Bring Back Millions of Jobs With the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastation to tourist destinations in Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America, it’s time to consider creating “travel bubbles. Andres OppenheimerMiami Herald (TNS)May 26, 2020 With the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastation to tourist destinations in Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America, it’s time to consider creating “travel bubbles” — or corridors — between countries. That’s what Australia and New Zealand have just done, and it should be done everywhere. Granted,…

Additional Info

  • Source Miami Herald
Mexico, one of the top ten countries in the world for travel and tourism plans to reopen its doors to travelers starting in June but not all at the same time. Globe Aware is closely monitoring as the country opens regions in stages. (CNN) — Mexico, one of the top ten countries in the world for tourism according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), plans to reopen its doors to travelers starting in June -- albeit not all at the same time. Similar to other nations globally, Mexico has been on lockdown due to Covid-19, forcing hotels and restaurants to temporarily close their doors and putting pre-booked tours on hold, such as cenotes snorkeling trips, Mexico City food tours and excursions to Mayan…

Additional Info

  • Source CNN
For most countries, staying isolated is not an option they can afford long-term, and experts predict it's just a matter of time before other countries create travel bubbles of their own. Countries are searching for pair-up partners, that appear to have their outbreaks under control, Globe Aware will be staying updated with this information as well. The future of tourism in the coronavirus era: Asia may hold answers to what's ahead Julia Hollingsworth and Kocha OlarnCNNMay 13, 2020 Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) — It's a sunny day on Bangkok's most famous tourist street, and shopkeeper Cletana Thangworachai is open for business. Her Khao San Road shop is crowded with shiny magnets, brightly colored elephant key rings and the patterned cotton pants that have become an unofficial…

Additional Info

  • Source CNN
Sunday, 26 April 2020 12:24

Coronavirus will reshape travel

Coronavirus will change your next volunteer vacation because you may be paying less for travel, and there will be more flexibility. Larger gatherings like festivals and concerts will not be at the forefront of many people's travel plans. Coronavirus will reshape your next trip, for better or worse. Here's what to expect Christopher ElliottSpecial to USA TODAY Henry Perez' summer vacation will be a little different this year. In addition to packing his swimsuit and camera for an Eastern Caribbean cruise this August, he's also planning to bring plenty of masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant. "I will now personally sanitize my whole stateroom," says Perez, who works for an extermination company in Boston. "The attendants do a good job, but I want that extra layer…

Additional Info

  • Source USAToday
Thursday, 23 April 2020 15:30

Thailand's rare sea turtles make a comeback

While the number of tourists on Thai beaches have fallen, the number of rare sea turtle has grown! Coronavirus lockdown boosts numbers of Thailand's rare sea turtles Largest number of nests of leatherbacks found in two decades as beaches emptied Reuters Thailand has discovered the largest number of nests of rare leatherback sea turtles in two decades on beaches bereft of tourists because of the coronavirus pandemic, environmentalists say. From wild boars strolling through the Israeli city of Haifa to deer venturing into London suburbs, lockdowns are drawing wildlife into many emptied areas. In Thailand, with 2,792 infections and 47 deaths as of Monday morning, travel curbs ranging from a ban on international flights to an appeal to citizens to stay at home have resulted…

Additional Info

  • Source Reuters
Wednesday, 01 April 2020 12:24

Explore Art & Culture During Quarantine

You Can Now Tour 2,500 World-Famous Museums From the Comfort of Your Own Sofa By McKinley CorbleyGood News NetworkMar 17, 2020 If you have suddenly found yourself confined to your home during the COVID-19 shutdowns, Google has launched an ingenious new service that allows art lovers to get their culture fix from the comfort of their own home. Google Arts and Culture has partnered with more than 2,500 museums and galleries around the world in order to offer virtual tours and online displays of their collections to internet surfers. The “tours” allow users to wander through the interiors of the world’s most famous museums similarly to the Google Street View feature. Users can also download Google’s free Arts and Culture iOS or Android app for…

Additional Info

  • Source Good News Network
Coronavirus: a message from GoAbroad’s founder to travelers Dear Travelers & GoAbroad Community, We are still here. Our employees are working from home, but they are still hard at work to help make meaningful travel possible. We have heard from many of you, and know that some of you are still traveling somewhere in the world, some of you are still planning to travel in the future, some of you have postponed your travels, and regrettably some of you have had to cancel your trips. We understand that there are many challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. In this time of uncertainty, global suffering, and sacrifice I am reminded of Mr. Rogers’ famous quote, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things…

Additional Info

  • Source Self
A little Irish cheer on this St. Patrick’s Day thanks to some rescue pups and a coffee shop. Enjoy! This Coffee Company Helps Save Rescue Pups — And They Have St. Patrick’s Day Goodies, Too By Morgan SmithMarch 16, 2020People When’s the last time you skipped the long line at a coffee shop and brewed your own cup of joe at home? Or hit snooze to sneak in a few extra minutes of cuddling with your pet before work? Grounds & Hounds, a California-based coffee company, is encouraging people to do just that. Jordan Karcher, 32, founded the company in 2014 after adopting his “sidekick” Molly, a sweet 9-year-old dalmatian. The company donates 20 percent of all its profits to help fund rescue programs in animal shelters…

Additional Info

  • Source People
A light story about a world-traveler and her pet ferret. Enjoy! This hiking ferret has summited 11 of Colorado's highest peaks Oliver enjoys camping, kayaking, touring national parks and napping (when he's not stealing pens and socks). March 13, 2020By Jen ReederSource: TODAY When paramedic Lauren Smith “impulse-bought” a baby ferret in 2015, she didn’t know much about ferrets. She just knew she wanted a pet and felt it wouldn’t be fair to keep a dog or cat alone in her apartment while she worked 12-hour shifts. “Somebody mentioned that ferrets sleep 18-20 hours a day, and I was like, ‘That’s perfect,’” she told TODAY. Little did she know that while awake, young ferrets are extremely energetic. Her ferret, Oliver, would run straight into the…

Additional Info

  • Source NBC Today Show
Grandparents have little in common with their grandchildren, or so it seems. It may just take a shared experience such as a volunteer vacation in Guatemala to brdge the generational gap.  Memories worth making The gap in relating with grandchildren has grown so much wider in the last couple of decades due to the domination of technology in the younger generations. Some grandparents may struggle to relate to the world their grandchildren now live in. Despite this gap in understanding each other, there are still ways to come together, share experiences and make memories that will bring them closer together. One way of bridging the gap is through travel and more specifically through volunteer travel. In recent years, volunteering abroad has become a way to…

Additional Info

  • Source Grandparents Day Magazine
Largley rural with an agricultural economy, the small South Pacific island nation is a happy nation.    Despite being prone to natural disasters, this Pacific archipelago's unique combination of sustainability and tradition makes it one of the happiest places in the world. By Bill Code10 February 2020BBC Travel One of the happiest places on Earth sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Vanuatu, a slingshot-shaped country that comprises more than 80 islands nearly 2,000km east of Australia, ranked among the four happiest nations in the world – and the happiest outside of the Americas – according to the Happy Planet Index. The rankings take into account a nation’s wellbeing, life expectancy and inequality levels, along with its ecological footprint. What makes this tiny nation…

Additional Info

  • Source BBC Travel
Thursday, 05 March 2020 13:03

Top-trending Travel Locations 2020

India has many wonderful, magical travel destinations. Globe Aware offers volunteer vacations in this diverse, culturally-significant country. Kochi or Cochin was voted the year’s trending destinations in the TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2020. By Clinton Moodle Feb 27, 2020Source: IOL The city in southwest India's coastal Kerala state saw the biggest spike in reviews and ratings on the travel website. And, judging by its many attractions, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. TripAdvisor revealed why travellers were enticed by this Indian city: “A blending of several small villages on the southwestern coast created the current incarnation of Kochi (or Cochin), where sunset strolls, sampling fresh fish from seaside vendors and boat rides through the islands just offshore top visitors' to-do lists. “Art centers showcase the…

Additional Info

  • Source IOL
 Spain is a popular tourist destination, second only to France. This country’s tourist arrivals hit a new record high in 2019 - can you guess where? TOURISM is a key element to every country's infrastructure, providing an opportunity to increase revenue and awareness to what the country has to offer - and one particular location reached a tourism record high. By LEAH SINCLAIRExpressFebruary 4, 2020 The number of international visitors to Spain hit a record high of 83.7 million in 2019, Industry and Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said last month. According to Reuters, tourist arrivals rose one percent last year. Spain is officially the world’s second-most visited country after France. “We address 2020 with optimism, because we have a strong and consolidated sector, capable of…

Additional Info

  • Source Self
To encourage more visitors from the European Union and Western Europe, Turkey is relaxing its Visa rules by abolishing associated fees. By Simon CalderTravel CorrespondentThe Independent February 20 2020 One of the most popular countries for British holidaymakers will abolish its current visa rules for UK tourists from next month. At present, British travellers must apply online for a permit to travel, which costs US$35 (£27). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara announced: “As of 2 March 2020, Turkey has decided to exempt visa requirements for the members of the European Union Schengen area, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland as well as the United Kingdom citizens for touristic travels to Turkey for every 90 days within 180 day period. “This step aims at…

Additional Info

  • Source The Independent
Thursday, 20 February 2020 10:45

Travelling to a Disaster Zone

Considering a vacation to a country or region recently damaged by a natural disaster? Here are some of the ethical questions. Australia’s recent bushfires are the latest in a spate of terrifying natural disasters across the planet. Can tourists help more by visiting or by donating? By Tim McDonaldBBC - TRAVEL19 February 2020 Lorena Granados and Gaspar Roman have set up a temporary leather goods stall by the edge of the road in Mogo, a bushfire-ravaged town in New South Wales, Australia. It sits in front of their old store, which was reduced to warped corrugated iron and ashes when the fires tore through this tiny tourist town of about 300 on New Year’s Eve. “We can continue to have a purpose in life and…

Additional Info

  • Source Self
Monday, 17 February 2020 10:55

Global tourism and the coronavirus

What impact will the coronavirus have on tourism in 2020? Some predict the effects will be felt globally, into 2021. The Coronavirus’s Effect on Tourism Will Carry Into 2021, Experts Say And it won’t just affect China, either. By Nikki EksteinFebruary 13, 2020Blookberg Coronavirus May Affect Tourism Into 2021 Earlier this week, even as infections of the novel coronavirus seemed to be slowing, the effects of the epidemic on the global tourism industry were accelerating rapidly. The impact of the pneumonia-like disease caused by the virus, called Covid-19, is already being felt across the Asian continent, where leisure and business travel contributed $884 billion to gross domestic product in 2017, the most recent year for which data has been compiled by the World Travel and…

Additional Info

  • Source Bloomberg
Saturday, 01 February 2020 13:42

Travel and Tourism Challenges of Coronavirus

Coronavirus is posing a challenge to the global tourism industry. The health sector and tourism and industry groups are working together to protect the global travel industry as concerns and questions mount.  The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre is rapidly emerging as a new and important to go organization for the global travel and tourism industry in times of challenges. Leadership and coordination are needed to protect this global industry, and the Center is ready to work with everyone, but urges it’s time to act now. UNWTO issued a very general statement today, WTTC CEO Gloria Guevara addressed coronavirus when talking to eTurboNews saying don’t cancel flights yet, don’t close your airports, ETOA CEO Tom Jenkins said: Coronavirus fear is a powerful deterrent…

Additional Info

  • Source eTurboNews
Wednesday, 22 January 2020 11:07

Canadians Seek Meaningful Travel Pursuits

Travel is a way of life for many young people, including many Canadians. However, finding the ideal, unique and life-changing destination and adventure is difficult. Instead of lounging on a beach, drinking to excess and being herded about with hundreds of other tourists, the goal, for many, is to take the road less traveled and experience other countries and societies while immersed in local communities. CANADIANS SWAP “FLY AND FRY” VACATIONS FOR MEANINGFUL TRAVEL PURSUITS By Michele Sponagle January 22, 2020 Source: YouAreUNLTD Magazine Many Canadians in their teens and 20s travel as a rite of passage between finishing school and getting serious about career, family or both. Later in life, the motivation changes. Having been there and done that, mature globetrotters are moved to explore…

Additional Info

  • Source Self
Recent events in the Middle East have put travelers on edge. Here are some tips on staying safe if you plan on travelling to the region in the near future.   ‘Maintain a high level of vigilance’ — travel security experts advise caution when traveling to the Middle East Jan 8, 2020  By MEERA JAGANNATHAN and ANDREW KESHNER The State Department says Americans should maintain ‘situational awareness’ in the region following the Baghdad airstrike Tourists at the Khazneh, or Treasury, in Petra, Jordan. The popular destination is in a region of the world where tensions can be expected to rise after an U.S. airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq, killed a top Iranian military official. Iran and Iraq are obviously not destinations for most U.S. tourists, but experts say…

Additional Info

  • Source Market Watch
Friday, 10 January 2020 12:48

Awesome Solo Travel Ideas for 2020

New year, new travel opportunities. Volunteer travel and volunteer vacations are but one unique solo-travel opportunities you can take to experience new countries, cultures and communities. Here are some other destinations to help you map out travel in the new year. 50 Awesome Solo Travel Destinations To Visit In 2020 From Slovenia to Ecuador, these spots offer a variety of activities for solo travelers. 10/01/2020 By Caroline Bologna HuffPost US Many people take the month of January to look at the year ahead and set travel goals. One of the most powerful ways to explore a new place is to take a solo trip. From the freedom and flexibility to the stress relief and boost in self-reliance, there are endless benefits to solo travel. And…

Additional Info

  • Source The Huffington Post
Thursday, 26 December 2019 13:06

Tips on traveling abroad for the first time

Traveling to a foreign country for the first time can be both exhilarating and anxiety inducing: have you considered all the required information, devices, social protocols and social etiquette? How about finances, security and insurance? Much to consider. Here are some tips on how best to navigate. 10 Things You Need to Know About Traveling Abroad for the First Time DECEMBER 26, 2019 By Megan GrantParade Remember that one time I went to Paris and brought my blowdryer so that I could look #fabulous while strolling down the Champs-Élysées, but forgot that the outlets are different and I couldn’t use it so my hair was a giant ball of frizz for eight days? Fun times. There are so many details we forget when traveling abroad—some…

Additional Info

  • Source Parade
Thursday, 17 September 2020 12:09

Looking for travel inspiration?

New year, new travel adventures. Looking for a unique destination and fresh adventure can be a challenge. You can always take a volunteer vacation which will immerse you in a community and culture completely new to you. Or you could travel to a destination you had preconceptions about only to be amazed by discovering an untapped world of wonder. Here are a few suggestions from travel writers that may pique your interest.  See Ya There! Here Are 10 Places That Travel Influencers Recommend Visiting in 2020 DECEMBER 17, 2019By Jessica SagerParade If you made a New Year’s resolution to travel more in 2020, get packing! From stateside locales to foreign lands that haven’t gotten much tourism yet, we’ve asked the experts where the best places…

Additional Info

  • Source Self
Sunday, 01 December 2019 12:28

Surviving Holiday Travel

Holiday travel is hectic: busy airports, overwhelmed airline staff, weather delays, high ticket prices are but a few of the challenges. Katherine Parker-Magyar writing for Forbes shares some collected wisdom from popular travel writers on how best to survive and thrive during the Christmas and holiday travel season. 15 Travel Writers Share Their Best Tips For Holiday Travel Katherine Parker-Magyar, Contributor Travel It's the most wonderful (and chaotic) time of the year. As hordes of travelers descend upon airports nationwide to journey home for the holidays, the prospect of December travel strikes both excitement and anxiety in the hearts of many. We decided to consult the experts for travel advice for the upcoming season (including tips on how to make your economy ticket feel like business…

Additional Info

  • Source Forbes
Saturday, 30 November 2019 11:58

Tips on Preventing Lost Luggage

If you are taking a volunteer vacation, a family trip to Disneyland or a Mediterranean cruise, few things put a damper on events like lost luggage. Lost clothes, toiletries, medications and electronics can drastically impact plans and enjoyment. Aimee Robinson, writing for Express Newspapers shares some tips that will help your bags arrive at your destination at the same time you do. Luggage: One simple passenger mistake makes lost luggage more likely - do you do this? LUGGAGE going missing is a traveller’s worst nightmare, however, it seems there are some passenger mistakes that make this unfortunate scenario more likely. Are you guilty of doing this on your travels? By AIMEE ROBINSON Lost luggage is a nightmare for many travellers. While often this means passengers are…

Additional Info

  • Source Express Newspapers
Thursday, 28 November 2019 13:00

Travel safely

Safety is always paramount when considering a travel destination. There is a lot of turmoil in the world and minimizing exposure to violence, crime and public unrest - especially when travelling with children and loved ones - is very important. To help in trip planning, Lonely Planet has released its list of safe destinations. The safest countries in the world for travel in 2020, according to a new report The Nordic nations of Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway and Iceland are some of the safest countries in the world to visit, according to a new report from security specialists at International SOS. The organisation released its 11th annual Travel Risk Map, an interactive map which predicts the safest and most dangerous places to travel in 2020,…

Additional Info

  • Source Lonely Planet
Friday, 01 November 2019 13:46

Life-changing Volunteer Vacations

For many people, family vacations create the longest lasting, happiest memories that are carried and shared for a lifetime. A family volunteer vacation has the added element of a new country, community and culture and changing personal outlooks as families give back while receiving a profound, eye-opening experience. Here is a fantastic article in a recent edition of Chesapeake Family Life Volunteer Vacations that Give Back November 1, 2019 Taking a family vacation can be a great way for families to relax and reconnect. But what if your family wants a more meaningful experience than the annual trip to the beach or a theme park? Enter volunteer vacations, a popular alternative to the traditional vacation that allows families to give back while also getting away. Volunteer…

Additional Info

  • Source Chesapeake Family Life
Tuesday, 29 October 2019 10:52

Changes to Cuba-U.S. Flight Rules

The current U.S. administration announced Oct. 25, 2019  that all flights to Cuba would be stopped to any city other than Havana. Globe Aware's volunteer vacation programs are based in Havana and will continue to function.

Additional Info

  • Source Washington Post
The workplace is changing. Employees in some companies are enjoying greater flexibility in work scheduling, planning days off and personal time off. Here is a great NASDAQ article profiling several companies who are leading this trend and offer employees an ideal opportunity to take a life-changing volunteer vacation.

Additional Info

  • Source NASDAQ
Determing the next great trip and adventure can be a challenge: finite money and time must vet seemingly infinite travel opportunities. Generation Z travelers are turning to social media to help them in their due diligence, finding the next-best-destination, trend and activity. Allie Jones in a recent article for Conde Nast Traveler examined the trends and motivators sending the newest generation of travelers around the world. Gen Z Are Starting to Travel—And Instagram and YouTube Determine Where They Go By ALLIE JONESJuly 29, 2019 Experts differ on the exact confines of America’s newest generation, Gen Z, but for the purposes of this article, let’s say that it includes anyone born after the year 1995. That means that Gen Z’s oldest members are now in their…

Additional Info

  • Source Conde Nast Traveler
Corporations of all sizes have international suppliers, manufactures, agents and customers. Learning about the countries, communities and people is important in understanding how best to manage these business relationships.Kimberly Haley-Coleman of Globe Aware has decades of experience leading groups around the world on short-term volunteer experiences and creating and managing volunteer abroad solutions for groups and companies of every size. Managing Risk and Reward When Volunteering Abroad Nearly every public company in the world, and an increasing number of smaller companies, have some level of international engagement linked to their core business. It's part of the globally connected present. Industries ranging from medical, tech, import-export, energy, and finance to agriculture, production, construction, manufacturing, marketing, executive and risk management need to be alert to how geopolitical…

Additional Info

  • Source Stratfor Enterprises
A family’s tradition of sending grandchildren, once they reach the age of 16, on trips to introduce them to different cultures and people and around the world continues. Here is a travelogue entry by Zeth to Guatemala with Globe Aware. Previous grandkids selected volunteer work in the Andes mountains of Peru, with the Roma people of Romania and in a small rural village in the West African country of Ghana. Day One: Lake Peten Itza, El Remate, Guatemala Moments like yesterday are why I’m a travel junkie. The guys still asleep, I took an early walk along a small road where we’re staying. What a treat! No city noise, only the idyllic sounds of nature: tropical birds unlike we hear at home … the occasional…

Additional Info

  • Source Self
by Huyền Phương & Lê HươngJuly, 11/2019 Driftwood, broken fishing nets or flip-flops may be rubbish to many people, but through the skilful hands of Hồ Công Thắng, who resides in An Bàng Village in Hội An, this detritus is transformed into unique objects. When he was younger, Thắng realised he had a passion for turning rubbish into useful objects. He could spend hours working on his creations. In 2016, he returned to Việt Nam after three years working in Japan as a shipbuilder. He chose Hội An to settle down as he thought the tourism destination would be a good market for handmade souvenirs. He soon opened a shop named Art Garden Décor, offering decorative items made from rubbish and recycled materials. His workshop…

Additional Info

  • Source Self
Monday, 29 April 2019 13:05

A profound volunteer travel experience

Idaho Senator Brent Hill shares the profound impact a Globe Aware volunteer vacation he took to Vietnam with his sons had on him. What Vietnam taught me about Idaho By Sen. Brent Hill | Guest columnist Apr 25, 2019 Vietnam. The very word sent chills down the back of every young man facing possible military draft during the sixties. It summoned to the mind other words like guerrilla warfare, Vietcong, communism, casualties. Over a quarter of a million American families lost a loved one in the Vietnam War. Four times that many Vietnamese were killed. As a boy growing up in the 1960s, I never expected to visit Vietnam — at least not for peaceful purposes. But earlier this month, three of our sons and…

Additional Info

  • Source Idaho Post Register
Friday, 26 April 2019 15:16

Volunteer vacations a growing trend

10 News, Tampa Bay's and and Sarasota's CBS station, recently looked at volunteer travel and volunteer vacation trends and their growing popularity. Volunteering on vacation is a fast-growing trend You can help others while seeing the world is a new trend! Author: Jenny DeanPublished: 11:00 AM EDT April 25, 2019Updated: 11:00 AM EDT April 25, 2019 TAMPA, Fla. — A vacation often means rest and relaxation, but more and more people are looking at traveling as an opportunity to help others and give back. "I've been up the Amazon River, I've been to Vietnam, Romania, Guatemala, Haiti, several places in the United States, Puerto Rico, all over the Caribbean," said Don Germaise. Germaise is a familiar face to many in Tampa Bay, but this former…

Additional Info

  • Source 10 News
This article in Christian Science Monitor gives some great tips about what to think about when planning an overseas volunteer experience. How to volunteer abroad: five points to consider MARCH 20, 2019 By Pamela Hawley Some 1.6 million people serve in places of need each year, according to a 2008 study. One popular country is Morocco, where volunteers are working in orphanages or assisting at schools. Thailand is also popular. One thing volunteers can do with an organization called Globe Aware is help preserve elephant habitat. There is so much good to do in the world! If you are planning a trip, here are some pointers to make your volunteer opportunities the greatest. 1. Prepare in advance. Make sure you take time to understand the…

Additional Info

  • Source The Christian Science Monitor
For those looking to have a career in nonprofit industry, one of the best ways to get experience and build your resume is to get in lots of volunteer service experience, whether domestically or abroad. This article explores this topic and gives additional information on what else is needed. LEARN MORE

Additional Info

  • Source Self
Wednesday, 13 February 2019 11:59

Volunteering and Healthy Living

Using hard earned-vacation or paid time off to volunteer may not resonate with everyone right off the bat. Understanding how volunteer travel and volunteering both domestically and internationally creates a healthier lifestyle, while also helping and learning from others is important. Working together as equals with host communities is a major focus in all Globe Aware programs. Read more and find out where to begin with Globe Aware’s volunteer abroad programs CLICK HERE

Additional Info

  • Source OURCOMMUNITYNOW.COM
There are many different reasons to volunteer, some of the obvious being that your efforts are good for the community and it makes you feel great. This article discusses how volunteering abroad on a volunteer vacation with groups like Globe Aware is also particularly great for your health and well-being.  As a way for clearing your mind and refocusing, putting yourself into a new and interesting culture while giving back can be as powerful as a yoga retreat. Read here for more on how service abroad can be good for your body and mind: CLICK HERE

Additional Info

  • Source OURCOMMUNITYNOW.COM
Friday, 01 February 2019 13:44

Preparing for Volunteering Abroad

One of the most common questions we hear from potential volunteers is, What shots or vaccines do we need before traveling to our destination? In many cases, there are no mandatory shots or vaccines, but we always recommend checking with your general practitioner and referencing the US Center for Disease Control’s website. It’s important to be aware of any recommendations that are not necessarily mandatory for entering a specific country. It is also wise to know about your host community’s geographic location. For example, mosquitos may be prevalent in some parts of a country while in other areas with a higher altitude, they may not be a problem at all. For more information on how to better prepare for a volunteer vacation, visit https://www.abroaderview.org/prepare-volunteer-vaccinations

Additional Info

  • Source Self
Thursday, 17 January 2019 13:54

Student Volunteerism

Exposure to new places, cultures, and ideas is vital to broadening the world view of our students and a key component of Globe Aware’s mission. Volunteer vacations are also a great way to develop lifelong skills and passions that may not be realized in other avenues. Read the attached article for insight on these benefits and others involved with student volunteer travel. LEARN MORE

Additional Info

  • Source Self
Monday, 07 January 2019 12:53

Tourism to change for the better in 2019

As major tourist destinations become overrun with tourists searching for the perfect photo for social media, many are turning to alternate ways of exploring new destinations. Volunteer vacations are a fantastic way to not only see the major sites, but also learn from the local people and culture. Working side by side with local experts on a variety of community driven projects will open your eyes and heart in a way that is incomparable to travel as a typical tourist. The sharing of thoughts, ideas, customs and beliefs will leave a long-lasting impact. Check out this article on predicted travel trends this year and reach out to Globe Aware to help plan your meaningful travel adventure. LEARN MORE

Additional Info

  • Source National Geographic
As 2019 quickly approaches many people are starting the process of setting goals for the new year. One common goal is to be more intentional with giving back and volunteering. To make this resolution happen this year it is vital to assess interests and strengths in order to foster a rich experience for both the volunteer and the recipient community. Globe Aware offers an array of international volunteering experiences that can focus on individual’s skills or strengths. Read this article to see some of the benefits of volunteering abroad and locally. The importance of volunteering in the community Volunteering connects you to others By Reggie ConnellThe Apopka Voice One of the better-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Unpaid volunteers are often the…

Additional Info

  • Source The Apopka Voice
Globe Aware is one of the few organizations that offer opportunities to families of all ages to participate in our volunteer travel programs. It is important to understand the growth and emotional capacities of children during these vital years and the effect that has on them as adults. How do you raise children to become caring, philanthropic centered adults? Read more here on how to foster a sense of compassion in your children. LEARN MORE

Additional Info

  • Source Self
Wednesday, 28 November 2018 14:45

Corporate volunteer travel opportunities abound

Corporate volunteering is a great way to build teamwork and company cohesion while giving back The corporate world is changing, and many employees are unaware of the amazing benefits that their employers offer them when it comes to volunteering. Volunteer time off and corporate matching are just a couple of ways in which employers are encouraging their employees to give back. Globe Aware works with these companies to maximize the impact of your time and charitable donation on a volunteer vacation. Check out this article to see how these companies are promoting volunteerism in their local communities and beyond. 7 employers with great volunteer benefits

Additional Info

  • Source Benefit News
Inspiring Volunteer Tourism Participation  Volunteering has an incredible impact for both the volunteer and the community being served. It might be hard to measure in numbers, but Morven Maclean takes a unique approach at assessing this and lays out tools for both volunteer tourism organizations and volunteering groups at large. Take a look at this article for helpful tips on increasing volunteer participation and securing funding. Volunteering has a crucial impact - so prove it! Volunteering participation in Scotland has remained largely static over the last ten years, with just 28% of adults volunteering in 2017. If we’re serious about driving participation rates and inspiring new audiences to volunteer, we need to start shouting about the incredible impact that volunteering can have, on volunteers, on…

Additional Info

  • Source Third Force News
Volunteer Vacations for Retirees Many people struggle with balancing a meaningful lifestyle after reaching retirement age. Voluntourism trips are a great way to connect with a local community, see the world, and learn from incredible people from all walks of life. Check out this article that dives a little deeper into traveling and volunteering once retired and steps you can take now to ensure a fulfilling experience. How to Travel the World After You Retire PATRICIA DOHERTYOCTOBER 14, 2018 Hitting the road after retirement, whether by vehicle or plane, train, or cruise ship, is the goal of many people contemplating a work-free future. Both retirees and those years away from retirement look forward to relaxation, travel, family time, and leisure activities, according to a survey…

Additional Info

  • Source Travel + Leisure
Summer is here and that means family vacation! Many families prefer resorts and all-inclusive experiences, while others prefer a good hiking and camping trip. While there are dozens of family summer vacation ideas, we want you and your family to find the right trip for you! Check out these 11 Family Summer Vacation Ideas For Every Type of Family to inspire your next family adventure: For the Outdoorsy Family Does your family love to be outdoors? The opportunities for your family are endless. How about spending a few days in a fancy tree house? Out n’ About Treehouse Treesort in Oregon is a family run business, sure to suit your every need. Not only will you be staying in the trees, but there are plenty…

Additional Info

  • Source Journo
Wednesday, 07 February 2018 11:09

Have fun! Help People! Teaching in Cambodia

It all started with a Facebook post. 'Anybody want to join me for a 1-week volunteer trip to Cambodia...?' Well, sure I do! And thus began a life-changing adventure! On the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, despite the holiday madness, my friend Mira Wooten was gracious enough to drive me up to SFO. There I met my friend and co-pilot on this adventure, Kyle. Kyle and I have been friends for almost 30 years. He and his husband travel extensively and often ask for friends to join them. I always wanted to say yes and the time was finally right! At 5 minutes after midnight, while turkeys were defrosting all across the US, our Singapore Airlines flight took off for Cambodia, by way of Hong Kong,…

Additional Info

  • Source Globe Aware
Thursday, 08 February 2018 10:36

Voluntourism - Your Ticket to Cuba

Story and Photography by Donne Paine I believe hurdles in life are meant to be jumped over are and not obstacles to stop us. When initial plans to vacation in Cuba were derailed by hurricane Irma, my heart was broken but not my spirit. I had to find another way to get to this island, which sits only 90 miles off the coast of Miami. Enter Globe Aware, a non-governmental organization (NGO) with volunteer programs in 17 third world countries. They are a “voluntourism” group—a mixture of volunteering and touring. Initially waitlisted, I joined a group of four in December for a week, and had an experience not to be forgotten. Cuba is much more than classic cars and cigars. It is a country full…

Additional Info

  • Source Pink Magazine
Tuesday, 06 June 2017 11:34

Student Travel Opportunities Abound

6 Suh-WEET Student Travel Sites to Bookmark by DANIELLE DESIMONE Making traveling for students a reality Although you may not always want to do your homework, getting the most out of your travel experience means doing your research. If you want the most affordable student airfare deals, hottest restaurant scenes, and helpful tips on navigating new sights and cultures, you’re going to want to use the best student travel sites on the World Wide Web. Learn More

Additional Info

  • Source gogirlfriend.com
Family volunteering holidays Is your family ready to really make a difference on your next overseas trip? By Carolyne AllmarkApril 2, 2017 Nobody wants to raise spoiled, entitled kids with no sense of empathy, or any idea of how lucky they are to live a life revolving around happy school days, a lovely home and – if you’re living here in the UAE – world travel at their finger tips. And it’s exactly this desire to travel and immerse in another culture that’s presenting families with the most exciting, and potentially life-changing, opportunity to do something really useful – and to give back – with their next holiday. Globe Aware is a non-profit organisation that plans volunteer vacations for families around the world, helping to…

Additional Info

  • Source Time Out Dubai
By Matt Chernov February 14, 2017 Though some might imagine the typical volunteer as a college student gaining valuable life experiences in a far-off country, the truth is that all types of people generously donate their time and energy every day. More than ever, this includes families volunteering together while on vacation. Beyond the benefits that volunteering can have on the community, the values it instills in young people are priceless. Children and teens who volunteer learn life skills, develop empathy and gain a feeling of self-respect and confidence that will last well into the future. To help you plan a volunteer vacation, here are five destinations and programs that you can share with your entire family. Globe Aware - Orosi Valley, Costa Rica Since…

Additional Info

  • Source United Airlines Hub
Tuesday, 18 October 2016 10:56

What do you know about volunteer vacations?

Oct 18, 2016, 04.26 PM Volunteer vacations or ‘voluntourism’ are exactly what they sound like; individuals spend anywhere from a few days to a couple of months working on social and environmental projects. Would you rather spend your annual two weeks of vacation sipping sangrias on a tropical beach or building greenhouses in the mountains? Would you opt to spend your time on a luxurious Caribbean cruise or teaching school kids in a remote area? Today more and more people are signing up for the latter options, in line with a rapidly burgeoning tourism trend known as volunteer vacations. Volunteer vacations or ‘voluntourism’ are exactly what they sound like; individuals spend anywhere from a few days to a couple of months working on social and…

Additional Info

  • Source Moneycontrol.com
Tuesday, 23 August 2016 10:26

Using your vacation to do good

August 23, 2016 Wisconsin State JournalBy LISA M. DIETLIN For Lee Enterprises Are you always in search of that one-of-a-kind special vacation? Are you constantly trying to find time to do good? There’s a tremendous opportunity to have a very special vacation, meet amazing people, visit places you’ve never been all while making a difference by taking part in voluntouring or in a do-good vacation. Voluntouring is a chance to  participate in programs around the world that make a difference within a short time frame – anywhere from one week to about three months, while vacationing! Because you're donating your time and effort to a nonprofit organization, a significant portion of your vacation costs may even be tax deductible. Here's how voluntouring works: You will…

Additional Info

  • Source Wisconsin State Journal
Wednesday, 01 June 2016 10:38

5 Ways To Give Back When Traveling

Travel Pulse writer Janeen Christoff explores the many forms and partners volunteer vacations are available.  Cruise Line & Cruise ShipCarnival’s new social impact cruise line, Fathom, debuted with much fanfare in April — and has continued to garner accolades from the traveling public throughout its inaugural sailings. One of the keys behind the experience that separates Fathom from other cruise lines is its dedication to voluntourism. Fathom provides cruisers the chance to immerse themselves in the cultures of Cuba and the Dominican Republic and make a difference by participating in a variety of volunteer projects offered as shore excursions by the cruise line.Its success speaks to the growing popularity of social impact in the traveling community. Voluntourism is one of the fastest-growing trends in travel…

Additional Info

  • Source Travel Pulse
Writer Linda Formichelli's new book "How to Do It All: The Revolutionary Plan to Create a Full, Meaningful Life — While Only Occasionally Wanting to Poke Your Eyes Out With a Sharpie" has a chapter on volunteering and features Globe Aware as one of the resources. Formichelli considers the fact women want to do, see, and experience everything they can to create a rich, memorable life, including rraveling, volunteer work, athletic events, entertaining, reading, learning, and trying new things but life and responsibilities get in the way. She offers a plan on how to do it all: Why stress should be welcomed, not avoided. The importance of living a do-it-all life. Why you shouldn’t expect support from your family…and where to get it instead. Why…

Additional Info

  • Source Linda Formichelli
Tuesday, 08 March 2016 13:33

Give Back While You are on Vacation

Emma Sarran Webster writing for Teen Vogue explores how to turn spring break into a truly worthwhile, beneficial vacation through a volunteer vacation with Globe Aware and other working vacation facilitators. 6 Spring Break Ideas That Allow You to Give Back While You Vacation From a Kindergarten in Argentina to the health campaigns in Ghana. This Spring Break, take the opportunity to travel and help others, through a volunteer vacation. The combination of volunteering and travel is growing in popularity as an increasing number of companies offer the chance to explore and make a difference. You can take your pick from working at orphanages in Africa, assisting in wildlife conservation efforts in South America, or protecting natural environments right here in the States. “Volunteering overseas…

Additional Info

  • Source Teen Vogue
Great news article by By Erika Miranda, writing for The Latin Post, on how youth can be inspired to give back to their community through volunteer vacations. Teach youngsters to be grateful for their blessings and give back to the community while enjoying their Spring break vacation in Latin America. Nowadays, youngsters look forward to Spring break because it is a chance to get away from all the toils of studying and spend time with family and friends out of town or overseas. While that sounds like fun, there may be better ways to enjoy the vacation while doing something to better the lives of others. Globe Aware Globe Aware can help your teenagers tap their inner altruistic self by going to Costa Rica where…

Additional Info

  • Source Latin Post
Thursday, 02 July 2015 00:00

Difference Maker

Ian Tilling, a retired British policeman, went to Romania to help children in need. His nonprofit Casa Ioana is a place where women and children can go to feel safe and learn how to rebuild their lives. Ian was so inspired and pleased with the impact and success of his efforts, he never left Romania. Here is his story from the The Christian Science Monitor. World People Making a Difference By Kit Gillet, Correspondent Bucharest, Romania — It’s been a journey to Romania of a quarter-century-and-counting for Ian Tilling. During that time he has been instrumental in setting up long-term shelters in Bucharest, the capital, initially for orphans, later for the homeless, and later still for families suffering from domestic abuse. Casa Ioana, which he…

Additional Info

  • Source The Christian Science Monitor
Friday, 23 October 2015 00:00

Voluntourism comes to Cuba via Dallas

Globetrotter Kimberly Haley-Coleman takes East Dallasites around the world By Brittany Nunn As the Obama administration eases travel restrictions to the long-exiled island of Cuba, millions of Americans are preparing to flock there in the upcoming years. Among those celebrating is Kimberly Haley-Coleman. Haley-Coleman, a multigenerational Lakewood resident, is the founder and director of Globe Aware, an organization that takes groups to countries for short-term, volunteer-centric trips. It’s “voluntourism” at its best, taking people into 17 countries from Costa Rica to Cambodia, and Haley-Coleman is especially excited to add Cuba to her list. Since the ’50s, when tension between the United States and communism reached its Cold War boiling point, Americans largely have been banned from traveling to the island nation, which sits less than…

Additional Info

  • Source Lakewood Advocate
Tuesday, 15 December 2015 15:38

Global Wings volunteer takes flight

Adan Gonzales was one of Globe Aware’s first recipients of the Global Wings initiative. Gonzalez grew up in Oak Cliff, a predominately Mexican-American community in Dallas that is mostly known for crime and socioeconomic strife. As a child, he sensed a disconnect between his surroundings and the American dream his parents had believed in when they immigrated to the United States in the 1980s.  Street violence was an everyday concern for the family as well as what seemed to be a series of never-ending financial blows. Adan was inspired by his parents’ work ethic and perseverance and at the age of eight, began to sell movies and snacks at the local flee market to help afford school uniforms for him and his brother. As his…

Additional Info

  • Source Globe Aware
Thursday, 18 June 2015 12:48

International Day of the African Child

  UniversalGiving™, a website that helps people give and volunteer with the top-performing projects all over the world, is recognizing the International Day of the African Child and some of the better projects and volunteer vacation facilitators. UniversalGiving Celebrates International Day of the African Child On June 16th, 1976, about ten thousand schoolchildren marched in Soweto, South Africa to protest the poor quality of education they were receiving, as well as to demand the right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of these young children were shot, simply for daring to believe that they deserved better. The International Day of the African Child (DAC) is a holiday taking place on June 16th that seeks to commemorate the children who died in Soweto, recognize…

Additional Info

  • Source UniversalGiving
Monday, 22 June 2015 12:48

Volunteering and Your Dream Job

Mark Horoszowski is Co-founder of MovingWorlds.org, a global platform connecting people who want to volunteer their skills with social impact organizations around the world. Mark recently wrote this great article on volunteering which appearred in his blog and in The Huffington Post. Good for the World, Good for You - This Infographic Shows How Volunteering Can Help You Find and Get Your Dream Job Finding and earning your dream job is no easy journey, but it turns out that doing good for the world might be your golden ticket. Over the past few years, we've spoken with hundreds of volunteers, hiring managers, recruiters, and career coaches to explore the theory that volunteering can help people get their dream job in any sector: public, private, or…

Additional Info

  • Source The Huffington Post
Writer Sally Bassett Brown offers a commentary in Carmel, IN, Current in Zionsville newspaper on the joys of traveling abroad, engaging locals and volunteer vacations. One of the greatest joys of leading “voluntourism” retreats, trips mixed with travel and service, is the mixture of ages within a group.  Recently I had 20 people join me to Costa Rica including high school students, an 11 year old girl and a 5-year old boy.  Our oldest was 70 years young.  Bernadette was a delight as she zip lined through the rainforest for her first time.  Grey, our 5 year old from Zionsville, kept everyone joyfully engaged throughout the week as we worked at our International Center for Girls. The group visited the school on four different occasions. …

Additional Info

  • Source Zionsville
Thursday, 16 July 2015 12:48

The Student Becomes the Teacher

A family traveled to Siem Reap, Cambodia on spring break and shared their experience and the confidence-building activities their son engaged in during their Globe Aware volunteer vacation. Learning in a one-to-one environment helps students build confidence. They grow in ways they never knew possible, and try new things they may have not done before. Patrick, a Fusion Park Avenue student, is a glowing example of this. He and his family spent their spring break on a service trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Patrick"s mom sent the Park Avenue team the following email about their trip: “I hope everyone had a nice spring break. I thought you guys might like to see some highlights from our sightseeing and service trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia with…

Additional Info

  • Source Globe Aware
Friday, 06 November 2015 12:48

Difference Maker

Globe Aware was featured in the October 29th issue of The Christian Science Monitor: People Making a Difference. As part of The Christian Science Monitor's efforts to Create a World Where Giving and Volunteering Are a Natural Part of Everyday Life®, the publication regularly features NGO partners. The Christian Science Monitor also uses social media to continually inform readers about how they can get involved with the NGO partners. Difference Maker Alexis Hurd-Shires found her calling helping Syrian refugees She headed to Lebanon with the general aim of doing some good. Finding a struggling refugee community badly in need of a school, she decided to open one. Beirut, Lebanon — When Alexis Hurd-Shires decided to leave the United States and move to the Middle East,…

Additional Info

  • Source The Christian Science Monitor
Wednesday, 20 May 2015 14:43

Being Aware of Your Globe

Globe Aware founder and executive director Kimberly Haley-Coleman wrote an article for Everyday Ambassador's “Wednesday Wisdom”, a weekly series curated by Everyday Ambassador Partnerships Manager Anjana Sreedhar. In her article, Kimberly highlights central values such as empathy and patience, and how they all relate to building a comprehensive cultural understanding about our environment. As a high school student in Dallas at Hocakday, I was fortunate to be able to travel internationally and to be involved in many lo­cal community service projects from candy striping at hos­pitals to working in women’s shelters. I was interested in other cultures and languages from a young age, and perhaps most specifically how cultural conditioning dictates such a great amount of our behaviors. It is something we don’t often examine, that…

Additional Info

  • Source Everyday Ambassador
Saturday, 02 May 2015 00:00

Make more of your time off

Writing for the Dallas Morning News, Lynn O’Rourke Hayes, editor of familytravel.com, offers suggestions on creating a family bucket listy with meaning. Make your time off mean more Are you creating your family travel bucket list? Here are five things to consider as you put yours together. Let your values lead the way. Ask yourself what aspects — geographically, spiritually and culturally — of the world you want to share with your loved ones. Then create your list of possible destinations and experiences accordingly. Share your heritage. Have you spent time in the area where you were raised? Have you toured the Old Country or explored your family’s genealogy? Time spent researching your family story and planning a trip to uncover more detail or to…

Additional Info

  • Source Dallas Morning News
Wednesday, 15 April 2015 00:00

Voluntourism improves lives

Winnipeg Free Press columnist Jen Zoratti examibnes the impact voluntourism has on communities, lives. 'Voluntourism' opens eyes, improves lives Volunteer tourism -- or the more buzzy "voluntourism" -- has been at the centre of much debate over the past couple of years. Once a niche in the travel industry, volunteer tourism is an area that has seen real growth as more and more Canadians are eschewing luxury resort vacations or European backpacking trips to build schools or teach English in developing countries. The profile of a voluntourist is usually young, middle- to upper-class and educated. Many of them are "gap year" students, taking a year off to go learn about the world. On the face of it, it seems like a righteous act. What could…

Additional Info

  • Source Winnipeg Free Press
Friday, 10 April 2015 00:00

World-Positive Leadership

Writing for Huffington Post, Mark Horoszowski, co-founder of MovingWorlds.org, a global platform connecting people who want to volunteer their skills with social impact organizations around the world, examines how volunteer travel and corporate volunteering can benefit companies. World-Positive Leadership Development Programs What is one thing that the Kenyan Red Cross and Microsoft have common? A lack of access to the expertise and skills needed to grow and make a bigger impact. In both cases, this "talent gap" is slowing progress. Research proves that major companies, like Microsoft, have a lack of quality, globally-minded leaders AND that they recognize this as one of their biggest challenges. In the case of the Kenyan Red Cross, and other social impact organizations working to address last mile challenges around…

Additional Info

  • Source The Huffington Post
Thursday, 30 April 2015 16:00

Trips that will lift your earning potential

Writer Morgan Quinn looks at volunteer vacations for U.S. News & World Report and considers the career and résumé they may hold. 6 Vacations That Will Boost Your Résumé These trips will give your earning potential a lift. By Morgan Quinn April 30, 2015 No matter how many corners you cut and airfare deals you score, taking a vacation is expensive. What's more, many Americans avoid taking time off altogether because they're worried how it will affect their careers. A 2014 Glassdoor survey found that U.S. employees only use only half of their eligible paid vacation and paid time off. A U.S. Travel Association study last year also found that nearly half of employees continue to check their work email when they do go on…

Additional Info

  • Source U.S. News & World Report
Friday, 17 April 2015 00:00

Homeless are individuals, not problems

Marilyn Jones, correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor, examines a former police officer's unique understanding and approach to homeless individuals in his Northern California community. Robert Anderson sees homeless people as individuals, not problems Because of the efforts of the former police officer, many people he came to know on the streets now have stable housing –  in a place and in a program he helped create. By Marilyn Jones, Correspondent April 17, 2015 After retiring recently from a 32-year career on the San Mateo, Calif., police force, Robert Anderson could be taking life easy, enjoying soft breezes on a tropical beach. But after decades working to find homes for chronically homeless people, he couldn’t just walk into the sunset. Because of his efforts, many…

Additional Info

  • Source The Christian Science Monitor
Wednesday, 25 March 2015 14:32

Be Part of the Solution

Globe Aware founder Kimberly Haley-Coleman was offered the opportunity to explain the attraction of volunteer vacations with Globe Aware to Perrault magazine readers. Kimberly uses her not-for-profit company's Thailand destination to illustrate her points. READ THE ARTICLE - CLICK HERE

Additional Info

  • Source Perreault Magazine
Thursday, 26 February 2015 00:00

Making a Difference

David Conrads, correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor, recently wrote an inspiring profile on Caroline Boudreaux who works with India's orphans and started The Miracle Foundation. Caroline Boudreaux is a passionate, effective advocate for India's orphans The Miracle Foundation dramatically improves standards in a growing network of orphanages. By David Conrads, Correspondent Austin, Texas — Caroline Boudreaux was not looking for her life’s work back in 1999 when she set out with a friend on a yearlong trip around the world. But she found it in a remote village of thatch-roofed mud huts in the Indian state of Odisha. Invited to dine at the home of a local family, Ms. Boudreaux was completely unprepared for what she encountered: more than 100 filthy, emaciated orphans, wide-eyed…

Additional Info

  • Source The Christian Science Monitor
Friday, 13 February 2015 10:58

Family Volunteer Travel

Writing for Chase magazine, freelancer Michelle Seitzer looked at the myriad opportunities and ways to turn a regular vacation into a meaningful vacation through volunteer travel. Globe Aware founder Kimberly Haley-Coleman offered some great insight on what to look for and how to pick volunteer vacations that provide the best return for destination communities and countries. Family Travel That Gives Back: A Meaningful Vacation Going Away for a Good CauseBy Michelle Seitzer Americans sometimes choose work over play -- a 2014 study found that more than 150 million vacation days go unused every year -- but a new kind of family adventure may be just the thing to give today's modern family a high-quality break. A volunteer vacation, or service trip, offers an opportunity to…

Additional Info

  • Source Self
Sunday, 08 February 2015 00:00

Volunteer Abroad

Writing for The Huffington Post's Blog, University of Southern California student Rachel Scott examines the benefits of traveling abroad, immersing herself in foreign communities and cultures and discovers the secret to the most fulfilling travel adventure is to volunteer abroad. Don't Just Go Abroad -- Volunteer Abroad Ask anyone about their study abroad experience, and they will tell you it was nothing short of amazing. But there is a secret to making it even better -- volunteering. I took my first trip abroad to Thailand this past December and found myself bringing in the New Year in a new country with new friends and an interesting new perspective on life. I spent nearly three weeks stepping out of my comfort zone, exploring the land, riding…

Additional Info

  • Source The Huffington Post
Friday, 06 February 2015 00:00

Corporate volunteering benefits

Mark Horoszowski, writing for Devex Impact, a global initiative by Devex and USAID in partnership with top international organizations and private industry leaders, examines how an international corporate volunteering program can help a business grow into new, growing markets and assist in staff recruitment and retention. Why your company needs an international corporate volunteering program By Mark Horoszowski 06 February 2015 The current state of the global economy shows that businesses have immense opportunity — not only by expanding into booming markets, but also by helping develop the economic potential of underdeveloped markets. It was evident at the 2015 World Economic Forum, where “the stars of the show were from the private sector … people and business are stepping in where government is failing,” according…

Additional Info

  • Source Devex Impact
Thursday, 29 January 2015 00:00

Battling Thailand's illegal dog meat trade

Every year tens of thousands of dogs are inhumanely transported from Thailand to neighboring countries where they are butchered for their meat. The Soi Dog Foundation and the Thai government are actively working to end this brutal and cruel practice. This story by by correspondent Tibor Krausz in The Christian Science Monitor relates the work of a retired British couple to put an end to the practice. The author also acknowledges the work done by Globe Aware volunteers to help Thai elephants. John and Gill Dalley battle Thailand's illegal dog meat trade The British couple moved to Thailand to retire. But when they learned of the illegal capture and torture of dogs, their plans changed. Buriram Province, Thailand — You hear them before you see…

Additional Info

  • Source The Christian Science Monitor
Thursday, 29 January 2015 00:00

Voluntourism and solo travel

GoGirlfriend.com is a niche blog that focuses exclusively on travel for women, products and tips. Highbrow or budget, hot spots or off the beaten path, eco-friendly, sustainable and smart travel choices. GoGirlfriend.com profiled Amy Angelilli, a socially responsible lifetime adventurer who’s visited at least 24 countries – and she continues adding a new one to that list every year. Amy shared her solo travel experiences and the big-draw of volunteer travel. Enjoy! Travel... It's Good for You! Still scouring the Internet for an ideal adventure that’s right for you this year? Don’t be overwhelmed reading about other people’s adventures. What’s right for someone else isn’t necessarily right for you. What matters is that you have an authentic experience, get just a little bit out of your…

Additional Info

  • Source gogirlfriend.com
Saturday, 03 January 2015 00:00

Volunteer Vacations' Growing Popularity

‘Volunteer vacations’ a popular trend for manyBy Jackie Runion Marietta Times Anyone vowing to travel or to make a difference in the new year can do both at the same time in the form of a "volunteer vacation." A number of companies, organizations and programs exist to offer people of all ages a chance to volunteer and help others while on vacation, whether it be either a car ride or a long plane trip away. A popular trend that comes in the form of mission trips, alternative spring breaks and state and nationally-organized charity projects, the concept of volunteer tourism can give people a chance to get out of their backyards and also make an impact in their state, country or in a community overseas.…

Additional Info

  • Source Marietta Times
Friday, 26 December 2014 00:00

Voluntourism offers many options

'Voluntourism' options available for all budgets and schedules Many people know all about "voluntourism," the option of volunteering while traveling. But not all of us can - or have the time to - spend vacation doing more work, even if it's in a beautiful locale. However, there's a growing trend that lets people still kick back during most of their time off but still kick in to help the local community. Kim-Marie Evans enjoys seeing the world first-hand and sharing it with her children. She finds ways for her family to have a good time but also do good. "Exposing them not just to the hotel pool and the kids club, but exposing them to the local culture, to the children and getting them a chance…

Additional Info

  • Source NewsProNet
Tuesday, 23 December 2014 16:05

New Year's travel resolutions

Making service vacations part of New Year's travel resolutions By Georgina Cruz, Special Correspondent Orlando Sentinel This is the time of the year to start making some resolutions for 2015, like perhaps losing weight or quitting smoking. For those who would also like to make some New Year travel resolutions, here is an idea: a volunteer vacation. Participants in this type of trip, sometimes called “voluntourism,” have opportunities to mix with the locals in many countries, living and working in communities on a variety of projects and activities –from teaching English to caring for youngsters in orphanages and from taking part in community improvement projects to assisting in conservation efforts. The experience gives the opportunity, as one organization put it, “to see the world through…

Additional Info

  • Source Orlando Sentinel
Tuesday, 02 December 2014 14:14

Q & A: The Festive Traveller

Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, recently sat down with Jessica Wynne Lockhart, contributing editor at Travel with Purpose's Verge Magazine to discuss how to make the most of a volunteer vacation. The Q & A is below. How to be an effective global citizen during the holiday season. As the holidays approach and the fiscal year draws to an end, it’s a natural time to think about how we can support our global community. But with thousands of charities to choose from, how do you select a reputable organization to donate your time or money to? It’s not an easy question, which is why we called in the experts: Nick Beardsley is the Project Advisor for Gapforce, a provider of structured…

Additional Info

  • Source Verge Magazine
Monday, 01 December 2014 16:15

Why You Should Travel with Your Kids

Downoad Article Travel abroad with young children? Are you NUTS? All the crying, nagging, and the money!! They won’t even remember it. Why on EARTH would I do that to myself? What will they eat over there? Fried monkey eyeballs? No thanks! I get these responses all the time. I have been traveling with my children since they were infants all over the world. -- all over Southeast Asia, Latin America, Europe, Russia, China, Africa. Here are my two cents. First: young children are often more portable than older children. They still think you know something and they actually want to be with you. Second, until age 2, they can ride in your lap for usually 10% of the cost of a normal ticket. Third:…

Additional Info

  • Source Perreault Magazine
Friday, 07 November 2014 00:00

Alumna Returns Service to Community

Hockaday travel program connects with alumna Kimberly Haley-Coleman’s organization Globe Aware By Megan PhilipsFeatures EditorTHE HOCKADAY SCHOOL Downoad Article When alumna Kimberly Haley-Coleman ‘88 was a Hockaday student, she was involved in many local community service projects from candy stripping at hospitals to working in women’s shelters. Today, she is giving Hockaday the opportunity she never had: to do community service abroad. Haley-Coleman found interest in other cultures and languages from a young age, and her five years at Hockaday “helped wet [her] appetite for learning about and understanding other cultures,” Haley-Coleman said. After graduating, Haley-Coleman continued her education in international cultures and held many jobs that required her international relations skills. She received her masters in French and Art History and got her MBA…

Additional Info

  • Source THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL
Monday, 22 September 2014 12:58

Voluntourism will boost your career

Just how important are the hobbies and extracurricular activities job applicants list on their job application resumes? Very important according to Rebecca Delaney writing for Consulting-Specifying Engineer. Employers are looking for worldly employees with experience working with people and communities around the world. Rebecca suggests that voluntourism can help bolster an applicants life experience and job prospects: Voluntourism will boost your career Four reasons becoming a global citizen will help you at work.Rebecca Delaney, PE, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Chicago09/22/2014 We have heard for years employers are looking for "well-rounded" candidates. In the past it has meant a list of your hobbies/extracurricular activities on your resume, which many employers promptly gloss over. Today, it's clear the world is getting smaller as technology advances, and we…

Additional Info

  • Source Consulting-Specifying Engineer
Tuesday, 02 September 2014 15:44

Voluntourism: Travel and give back!

Costa Rica Orosi Valley VOLUNTOURISM A new way to travel and give back! Costa Rica Orosi Valley About an hour from the city of San Jose, in a gorgeous, hidden valley (Orosi) rests the tiny community of El Yaz known for Its clean water, rich soil eternal, spring-like temperatures (about 75 degrees every day) and organic, agricultural way of life. Although the villagers love their natural paradise they have struggled to make ends meet as even low paying jobs are rare. Most Villagers are not in abject poverty, but have no access to hot water, cars, or the quantity or protein sources to which a North American may be accustomed. Volunteer vacationers in this paradise location stay in one of two side by side mountain…

Additional Info

  • Source Perreault Magazine
Monday, 30 June 2014 11:48

Travel brings father, son closer

Writer George Rush has appeared in Conde NastTraveler, Travel + Leisure, Departures, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Esquire and other magazines. To better connect with his young son, Eamon, George embarked on a number of trips throughout the world, seeking adventure and new experiences: How Traveling the World with My Son Brought Us Closer George Rush June 13, 2014 (All photos courtesy of George Rush) My dad took our family on typical vacations when I was growing up – Gettysburg, Williamsburg, the Wisconsin Dells. We stopped for clamwiches at Howard Johnson’s. It wasn’t until I was in my 30s that I left the United States. When I finally procured a passport, I lit out with friends on a three-month trip around the world. We were in…
Wednesday, 25 June 2014 15:53

Volunteer Abroad at 40

Yelena Parker, expatriate, executive coach and writer with The Huffington Post recently shared her views on volunteering abroad after reaching 40. In a nutshell, Yelena says "Dot it!" Read her insight and averviews for yourself: 4 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer Abroad at 40 Life begins at 40. Forties are the new twenties. We have heard, spoken and overused these sentiments, more so during the year we turned 40. Big dates make us pause, review where our lives have taken us, reevaluate our priorities and set new goals. Some people choose to go through a radical change: have an affair, get a divorce, get married (again or finally), have a child. Many are interested in restyling their careers: it is time for me to do…

Additional Info

  • Source The Huffington Post
Back to top