Are you preparing for an upcoming international trip or a volunteer service vacation? Packing for a journey abroad can feel overwhelming-it’s easy to load up on “just in case” items or forget the essential tools that make travel smoother.

In the latest episode of Globe Aware Adventures in Service, titled “What NOT to pack & Some Surprising Things You SHOULD Bring!”, we dive into practical tips to help you pack smarter. Overpacking adds unnecessary weight, creates stress, and leaves no room for souvenirs or essential project supplies.

Whether you’re gearing up for travel days or getting ready for hands-on volunteer activities with an organization like Globe Aware, we’ve got you covered. 

Listen to the full podcast episode on Spotify: What NOT to pack & Some Surprising Things You SHOULD Bring!

The post What NOT to Pack (And Surprising Must-Haves) for Your Volunteer Vacation appeared first on Volunteer Vacations Blog.

Mastering international travel with little ones comes down to clever preparation and adjusting your family’s daily rhythm on the go. Discover game-changing packing strategies and stress-free routines that transform long-haul journeys into smooth, enjoyable adventures for the whole family. Bring your kids on a Globe Aware volunteer vacation, available for all ages, at www.globeaware.org. 

By Dianne Apen-Sadler
AP

From baby-proofing your hotel to keeping kids entertained on the flight, here’s what you parents need to consider before booking that trip.
Travelling with babies and toddlers can be daunting for parents. Questions about air travel, what to pack and safety are often top of mind, especially on long-distance flights and international trips.

“Travelling with kids is a whole new world,” said Dr. Shannon Thompson, a paediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, adding that it’s important to “enjoy your kiddo on your trip” as much as you can.

Here are some tips and tricks for parents to travel safely with young children – and have fun with them, too.

Look for amenities like cribs and high chairs before you book

Before you decide where to stay, consider your options for baby-proofing.

Check whether items like portable playpens, cribs and high chairs are offered to guests. If you are staying somewhere with stairs, a balcony or a pool, inquire about baby gates; if they are not provided, see if they are available for rent nearby or consider bringing travel-friendly foldable mesh gates.

Pack electrical outlet covers and wipes to clean any dirty surfaces your kiddo might touch.

For babies, safe sleeping is still essential on vacation. Children younger than one should sleep on their back on a flat, firm surface such as a mattress in a bassinet, crib or playpen with nothing more than a fitted sheet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The organisation also recommends babies sleep in the parents’ room – but not in the parents’ bed – for at least the first six months.

You should also consider how you will get to your lodging: Will you fly in and rent a car or take a taxi, or take public transit from the airport? Will you mostly be driving or walking?

For parents, these factors can determine whether you want to bring a stroller and a car seat, both of which you can gate check for free when you fly, or rely on using a sling or baby carrier.

Plan for snacks and diaper changes on the plane

“Flying with kids is one of those big, intimidating things,” Thompson said. “I think the biggest thing to think about is always safety and then of course their comfort.”

While children under two can fly in their parents’ lap, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency recommends securing them in their own safety seat, such as a car seat certified for use on planes. This requires buying a seat for your child.

For long-haul or international flights, ask the airline if they have bassinets available.

Baby food such as formula, puree pouches and breast milk are not subject to the 100 millilitre rule when passing through security, but only for use during your trip (so you won’t be able to bring excessive amounts) and you might be asked to prove its authenticity.

In addition to snacks, don’t forget to carry on diapers, wipes, a portable changing pad and sealable plastic bags for disposal. Bring extra clothes to layer or change in case of accidents or messy spills.

Swallowing and chewing can help with ear pressure, so nursing little ones or giving them a bottle or pacifier can ease discomfort during take-off and landing.

Speak with your pediatrician beforehand if your child is prone to ear infections, and before travelling abroad, ask them what vaccines may be recommended.

Keep kids entertained on and off the plane

For flights with young kids, Christy Slavik, owner of the travel agency Mom Approved Travel, recommends “having little surprises that you can distract them with” – such as sticky mats for travel-sized play doh, suction cup toys and other games that are small and light to pack.

If sightseeing once at your destination, think about ways to make activities more fun and interactive. For art museums, bring notebooks that kids can draw in, or ask them what types of animals they can find in the paintings, Slavik said.

“Kids need a mission. They need games,” she said. “You have to get creative sometimes when you’re travelling.”

Exposing children to other cultures, foods and languages can also be fun. Some may enjoy picking out snacks at markets, for example, or learning foreign words for their favourite dishes and activities.

There are options for places to stay that are family friendly, with amenities such as pools or games. For those travelling abroad on a budget, many hostels offer private rooms for families so they don’t have to share a dorm-style room with bunk beds. Hotels and hostels provide the opportunity to meet other travellers, including fellow children who can become playmates.

The perks of travelling with extended family

Helping mums actually enjoy their vacation – and relax amid the stress that can come with planning and travelling – is a core goal of Slavik’s travel agency.

One way parents can get a break is by planning trips with grandparents or other family members.

This helps with babysitting duties, while also allowing loved ones to have special bonding time with kiddos. Just make sure they also have their own down time and aren’t wearing themselves out, Slavik said.

“When you bring grandparents to a vacation, you’re giving them the opportunity to experience those moments together,” she said.

The post Top tips and tricks for travelling internationally with young children appeared first on Volunteer Vacations Blog.

By Mina Elwell
AOL

Discover how smart planning and local expert guidance can safeguard your trip against unexpected natural disasters. Learn essential travel safety strategies and navigate unexpected emergencies with confidence. Globe Aware when help address your concerns when you book a volunteer vacation at www.globeaware.org.

Maybe you planned your summer vacation in Cancun for August, the heart of hurricane season. Maybe you just touched down in Hawaii and are getting ready to hit the beach when you hear there’s a tsunami warning. Maybe you just started a hiking trip through the forests of California during a particularly dry September and smell a little smoke on the wind. Natural disasters can strike at any time, leaving devastation in their wake. You may be wondering: If there’s any chance a terrible storm or emergency situation may hit while you’re on your trip, what do you actually need to do to give yourself the best chance of a fulfilling travel experience, and more importantly, to stay safe?

To find out what travelers should do when they realize their vacation may be impacted by a natural disaster, Islands spoke to Victoria Fricke, the owner of luxury travel agency Vic’s Vacations which specializes in creating custom itineraries and handling trave; logistics for clients. Her main piece of advice: “Stay calm and look for plans B, C and D.”

Fricke is no stranger to this issue. She shared that she has worked with clients whose trips were threatened by fires, tsunamis, and most frequently, hurricanes. Across the board, she said, her clients have had to cancel unsafe plans, change trip dates, and shelter in place until the danger passed. During the Maui wildfires in 2023, Fricke said she had to help clients who were in the path of the disaster, sharing, “We had to evacuate them to another island, find a hotel on that island and work to find new air days later as the airlines were inundated and we couldn’t get one out immediately.”

What you can do to prepare for natural disasters while planning your vacation

Some natural disasters are extremely unpredictable. While you may know that Japan has a high chance of earthquakes, you can’t really plan your trip to Osaka to avoid them. All you can do is be prepared and know what to do in an emergency. That’s not true of all natural disasters, however. According to Victoria Fricke, hurricanes are the most common natural disaster experienced by the travelers she works with, especially those headed to the Caribbean between June and November. Hurricanes are a lot more likely to occur during hurricane season, so travelers going to affected regions should be prepared. While there are significant deals on flights and hotels during this time, those savings come with risks.

If you decide to book a trip to a destination with a higher chance of being impacted by natural disasters, Fricke says you definitely need travel insurance. While it can be expensive, it may save you money in the long run. Although you’ll have to wait to be reimbursed for covered expenses, it’s far better than ending up stuck with a serious, unexpected bill.

Fricke recounted a story about clients who had to extend their trip due to a hurricane. “My clients were reimbursed for the cost for their hotel room those extra nights, their friends on property without insurance weren’t,” she told Islands. “The insurance cost they had paid was $180 for their trip. The cost of the three nights was about $2,000.”

Stay calm and get informed if you hear that a natural disaster is coming

If you’ve already arrived at your destination and find out that a major storm, wildfire, or other natural disaster may be about to hit, you’re probably going to feel overwhelmed, if not terrified. Not only are you at risk of missing out on the trip you have been dreaming of for ages and losing significant money by changing plans, but you and your loved ones could also be in serious danger. As stressful and upsetting as the situation may be, Victoria Fricke urges travelers to stay calm. Then, it’s time to gather information from trusted sources.

As scary as the situation is, it’s important to listen to the right people when it comes to information about natural disasters. While others around you may be feeling panicky, Fricke recommended: “Listen to local authorities and weather outlets to determine when the storm will hit … Don’t allow social media, speculation from non credible sources or other tourists allow you to panic. The best thing you can do is calmly wait to hear what local authorities and resort staff inform you to do.”

Change your flights as quickly as possible

While you may be tempted to wait and see what’s going to happen, Victoria Fricke says that when it comes to flights out of areas facing natural disasters, there is no time to waste. Otherwise, you may find yourself scrambling to figure out the best thing to do if your flight is canceled due to weather — alongside everyone else who decided to take a vacation that week.

If you think there’s any chance your flight out of your destination may be canceled, you should change your plans immediately. You will probably have to extend your trip either way, and if you wait until your flight is actually canceled, you could end up spending a lot more. Fricke explained: “If this happens keep in mind they are modifying all passengers, not just you. That means it could take days to get on a new flight. As soon as you know the potential hit, modify your flight to one to two days after … Moving ahead guarantees a seat on a flight vs hoping you get one.”

Depending on the situation, if you want to lave the area quickly and cut your trip short, that could be possible, too. Fricke shared that in the past, she was able to help multiple clients get out of the path of a hurricane before the storm even hit by encouraging them to make a fast decision. She explained that the key is always making the change early, “Whether it’s departing from your trip earlier than planned to avoid the threat all together or finding a new flight a couple of days later after the weather has calmed down,” she advised.

What to do if you have to ride out a natural disaster

If a natural disaster is coming and you have heard from reputable sources that you should shelter in place rather than evacuate, there are still things you can do to stay safe and improve your experience. Before anything else, Victoria Fricke advises plugging in your phone, laptop, or tablet and making sure you’re able to stay connected in the event that you lose power. Not only will this help prevent boredom, but it will also allow you to communicate with loved ones and stay informed about what to do and how long the disaster may last.

If you have enough advance warning, Fricke recommends stocking up before the disaster begins and before local shops close up for safety. She suggests picking up some water and snacks, just in case you can’t go out for a while. Don’t go overboard, though. Fricke cautioned: “Don’t allow fear to push you into being an inconsiderate person- just go grab some supplies for an overnight and missed meal if needed.”

The post The Best Travel Safety Tips For When A Natural Disaster Threatens Your Vacation appeared first on Volunteer Vacations Blog.

Several popular international destinations-including Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the Bahamas- have recently updated their entry requirements, visas, and digital arrival procedures for American travelers. Staying informed on these changing entry policies and digital declarations is essential for tourists planning overseas travel to ensure seamless airport check-ins and hassle-free border clearance. Globe Aware can assist you when planning your travel abroad, visit www.globeaware.org

Here is exactly what American travelers need to know to navigate these new rules and avoid getting turned away at the boarding gate.

1. Vietnam: The New Digital Arrival Card

The Change: A mandatory Digital Arrival Card is now required before you clear immigration.

If you are flying into Vietnam via Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), you can no longer skip this step. Vietnam has replaced the old paper arrival slip with a mandatory electronic declaration that generates a QR code to speed up border processing.

How it works: You must fill out the form online up to 72 hours before your arrival in Vietnam. It is completely free and asks for your passport info, flight details, purpose of visit, and where you are staying. The catch: The Immigration Department strongly advises completing this pre-arrival form before your departure to avoid delays. You need this form even if you are just transferring through Ho Chi Minh City to another domestic flight in Vietnam, as transit passengers are only exempt if they are staying in the airside transit area.

Where to get it: The official government portal is prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. Watch out for third-party sites trying to charge you a fee.

2. India: The Return of Air Suvidha

The Change: A mandatory health self-declaration form (Air Suvidha 2.0) is back.

Following a WHO alert regarding an Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa, India has temporarily brought back mandatory health screening for all arriving international passengers. Importantly, there is no outbreak in India; this is purely a precautionary border measure.

How it works: You have to fill out the form online up to 24 hours before you land. You will need to detail your recent travel history and list any potential exposure or symptoms.

The catch: This health declaration applies to all travelers regardless of nationality or final city in India, including passengers transiting through hubs such as Singapore, Dubai, or Kuala Lumpur on their way to India. Airlines may check for this submission at the boarding gate, and you must be able to show the confirmation receipt upon arrival. If you don’t have it saved on your phone or printed, you could face issues.

Where to get it: Fill it out for free at airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in

3. Sri Lanka: A Free Visa Win

The Change: The government fee for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) has been completely waived for Americans.

Good news for your wallet: Sri Lanka has dropped the application fee for its tourist e-visa for travelers from 40 countries, including the US, UK, and Australia.

How it works: You still absolutely must apply for the ETA before you arrive. You just don’t have to pay the processing fee anymore.

The catch: The free visa is valid for 30 days and allows for double entry. If you want to stay longer, you will have to apply for a visa extension upon payment of the applicable visa fee. Be careful, as many third-party websites will try to charge you this fee even though it is now free; only use the official portal at eta.gov.lk.

4. Thailand: Slashing Visa Exemption Times

The Change: Visa-free stays are being slashed from 60 days back down to 30 days for many Western travelers.

Thailand recently approved a major restructuring of its visa exemption policy. While the exact enforcement date depends on when the rule is formally published in the Royal Gazette (taking effect 15 days after publication), the writing is on the wall for long-term travelers.

How it works: Visitors from 59 countries and territories will soon be capped at a 30-day stay upon arrival, rather than the 60 days they have enjoyed recently.

The catch: If you were planning to spend two months backpacking through Chiang Mai and the southern islands, you will soon need to apply for a formal tourist visa in advance or plan for a border run.

5. The Bahamas: Testing Digital Customs

The Change: The country is testing a new digital arrival card to replace the old paper customs and immigration forms.

The Bahamas is slowly modernizing its borders. They have launched a pilot program that combines immigration and customs into a single digital form.

How it works: Right now, this is only a “soft launch.” The digital card is only available for select visitors arriving on specific flights.

The catch: Because they haven’t published a master list of which flights qualify, you shouldn’t panic if you can’t find the form online before your trip. If your airline doesn’t prompt you to use the new digital system, you will simply fill out the traditional paper cards while on the airplane.

The post These 5 Countries Just Changed Their Entry Rules For Americans This Summer appeared first on Volunteer Vacations Blog.

Following WHO’s Ebola alert, India has reintroduced the mandatory Air Suvidha 2.0 digital self-declaration form for all international travelers flying into the country.

Regardless of nationality or travel origin, passengers heading to India must submit their health status and itinerary details online within 24 hours of departure to ensure smooth boarding and hassle-free border clearance. A Globe Aware staff member can assist you when you book our India program at https://www.globeaware.org/destinations/asia/india.

The post Air Suvidha 2.0 Guide for Travelers to India: Where, When, How to Fill Air Suvidha Form appeared first on Volunteer Vacations Blog.

TSA Rule Update: Learn what surprising item airport security officially allows in your carry-on bag-and whether travel experts actually recommend packing it.

We provide helpful packing tips when you book a volunteer vacation with www.globeaware.org. 

https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/tsa-now-says-you-can-officially-bring-this-item-through-airport-security–but-should-you-183946447.html

The post TSA now says you can officially bring this item through airport security — but should you? appeared first on Volunteer Vacations Blog.

Even with summer heat in full force, it’s already time to lock in your fall foliage getaway before peak leaf-peeping spots sell out.

Discover the top 10 most in-demand leaf-peeping destinations for Fall 2026. You can also discover beautiful fall foliage abroad on a volunteer vacation, at www.globeaware.org.

https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/the-10-most-in-demand-leaf-peeping-destinations-for-fall-2026-110000155.html

The post The 10 most in-demand leaf-peeping destinations for fall 2026 appeared first on Volunteer Vacations Blog.

In Episode 64 of The Resolution Room with Dr. Nashay Lowe, “From Helping to Learning: The Power of Connection Across Cultures”-guest Kimberly Haley-Coleman shares her journey into short-term international service and how to turn cross-cultural tension into transformation.

True to the podcast’s mission of moving beyond “right vs. wrong,” this conversation explores how meaningful engagement helps reimagine social relationships and cross-cultural understanding.

Key Highlights:

Responsible Volunteerism & Sustainability: Moving past quick fixes toward ethical, lasting community impact.

Cultural Humility: Approaching new environments with a focus on active listening and mutual learning rather than just “helping.”

Global to Local Transformation: Turning cross-cultural insights into actionable lessons for your local community and collective evolution.

The episode also features Globe Aware, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit creating immersive short-term volunteer programs that promote sustainable giving back and genuine global connection.

The post From Helping to Learning: The Power of Connection Across Cultures appeared first on Volunteer Vacations Blog.

Summer air travel can quickly turn into a logistical nightmare, but a few expert strategies can save your vacation. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning flyers to look out for sneaky third-party booking scams and sudden hidden fees that spike trip costs. By mastering simple habits-like booking flights directly with airlines, securing comprehensive travel insurance, and packing a heavy dose of patience for inevitable airport delays-you can bypass the biggest seasonal headache. Discover the essential checklist that consumer experts recommend to keep your summer flight entirely stress-free and budget-friendly. Now you can book your volunteer vacation with Globe Aware with les stress, www.globeaware.org.

https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/business/2026/06/25/bbb-give-expert-tips-for-stress-free-summer-air-travel/90641598007

The post Essential Advice For Summer Air Travel Planning appeared first on Volunteer Vacations Blog.

Have you ever wondered what actually makes an international volunteer project successful?

It isn’t just about showing up with funding or tools. The real, lasting impact of a service vacation comes down to the relationships built along the way.

In the latest episode of the Globe Aware Adventures in Service podcast, “Change Through Community,” we sit down with a board member of the International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) and representatives from AYUDA. Together, we explore how shared values, trust, and peer collaboration are reshaping global service.

Redefining “Impact” Through Partnership

True community isn’t just a place on a map; it’s a network of shared values. High-impact volunteering isn’t a top-down effort. Instead, it relies on three essential pillars:

Trust: Authentic service requires deep, mutual trust between volunteers, host organizations, and local communities.

Collaboration: By working as peer organizations, global groups ensure they are maintaining the highest ethical and safety standards.

Shared Purpose: Bridging cultural gaps happens naturally when volunteers and local residents work side-by-side toward a common goal.

This intentional approach to service creates a two-way street of connection-offering invaluable global perspectives for volunteers while honoring and supporting the self-determined goals of host communities.

Get Inspired!

Ready to dive deeper into how collaborative communities drive real, sustainable change?

Listen Here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7mcarn5zXIge6VMMnmywjY?si=f86e0a30fb3048f7

The post How Real Change Happens: Why Community & Trust Drive Meaningful Volunteering appeared first on Volunteer Vacations Blog.