Last year, Carnival Corporation announced their newest cruise venture, Fathom. This voluntourism-focused brand promised cruise-goers a chance to “do good” in the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Their commitment to projects that, in their words, “contribute to local economic development, education and environmental initiatives” seemed well-intentioned. But at Discover Corps, we are experts in sustainable, culturally sensitive short-term … Continued
Do a quick search for “Walking With Lions” and you’ll find no shortage of destinations offering animal lovers this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for around $150 a person. It’s easy to understand why walking with lions tours, lion cub petting, and other wildlife encounters have become so popular in recent years. After all, who wouldn’t want to walk alongside one … Continued
I’m a sucker for the holiday season. Now based in California, I’ve lived 2,000+ miles away from my family and its Michigan roots all of my adult life. Each year around the holidays I get nostalgic for the magical times spent hiding from the snow, curled up on the couch with loved ones, and eating take-out straight … Continued
A few decades ago, there were only a couple of options available if you wanted to volunteer internationally: Join the Peace Corps (a lengthy commitment) or take a mission trip with a religious group. The lack of volunteer organizations to choose from ultimately kept most people from volunteering abroad. These days it’s much easier to find volunteer organizations that … Continued
Named the world’s first UNESCO Site in 1978, the Galapagos Islands is an archipelago of volcanic islands located 563 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The landscapes of these 19 islands are remarkably diverse, from the lush green flora of the Santa Cruz highlands (where the Galapagos Tortoise roams wild) to the harsh, alien lava fields … Continued
The festive holiday season is fast approaching. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we’re reminded of the extremely fortunate lives we in the United States lead. For many Discover Corps travelers, the opportunity to give back to communities in developing nations is part of what makes traveling so special. But your contribution to our shared world doesn’t … Continued
In August 2016, Cuba became an accessible vacation destination for Americans when the first direct, commercial routes were opened between the two countries since the early 1960s. Many Americans are thrilled by the opportunity to finally visit Cuba and meet the people who call it home. From mountains and beaches to the vibrant cities and towns in between, there are … Continued
This morning the world woke up to election results that very few expected. While the United States is a much divided country, the expression of shock and disbelief from nations around the world was resoundingly singular. America’s allies feel uncertain about its role in the world going forward. Beyond Politics However, the fabric of global … Continued
Picking a vacation destination can be complicated, particularly for families. The more people you have involved in planning a family trip, the more difficult it is to appeal to everyone’s disparate interests and activity levels. But the best family travel destinations offer a diverse array of options for activities and accommodations, ensuring there’s always something … Continued