You know the world is headed in a good direction when interest in using vacation time to volunteer helping others is at an all-time high. Voluntourism is a growing trend among international travelers, with enthusiasm largely steeped in the desire to make a positive impact on the people and places they visit. However, for both the volunteers and the recipients of their efforts … Continued
September 21 was officially named International Day of Peace by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982, to devote this day to “strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.” With the 2015 holiday fast approaching, we’re looking forward to seeing peace being honored and celebrated around the world. Here at Discover … Continued
When each day seems to bring bad news from all over the world, it’s inspiring to see how many people around the world are working to do good things for others, both at home and abroad. Lucky for us, many of these people document their adventures in doing good through blogs and social media. The following are … Continued
“Safe travels!” This is a common way to wish someone well just before they embark on a trip. But is it really necessary? Doesn’t wishing someone “safe travels” inherently imply that travel may not be safe? It’s natural to have certain fears surrounding travel in general, and participating in volunteer projects abroad in specific. After all, … Continued
It’s almost International Friendship Day! We love this holiday at Discover Corps because we believe the best way to discover a country is through its people. We lead volunteer vacations to connect people and create friendships across borders. To celebrate these unique relationships, we’ve rounded up 10 international friendships that inspire us. We hope they’ll inspire you, … Continued
Claire and Amanda met as they boarded a rickety boat in the Amazon Jungle. “Do you know where you’re staying in Iquitos?” Claire asked. “Nope!” “Me either! Let’s find a place together.” They traveled from Colombia to Peru as strangers down the Amazon River, then continued on to Bolivia and Ecuador as friends — eventually parting … Continued
We always love sharing behind-the-scenes profiles of our staff — from our friendly Dominican cooks to our enthusiastic founder — but this interview has to be one of our favorites. Meet Erik, who works side-by-side with our local guides to lead cultural trips to Cuba. A true renaissance man, he climbs, guides, dances, and writes — all with … Continued
Kids understand kindness. Even those born into difficult circumstances possess an appreciation for our world and an innocence that can be incredibly uplifting. If you love kids — whether you have your own or just enjoy spending time with the offspring of others — then volunteering with children is a great way to make a … Continued
Here at Discover Corps, we are always striving to expand our community of volunteer travelers, so we are pleased to announce our new partnership with AmeriCorps Alums! Starting today, members of AmeriCorps Alums — and their travel companions — will receive a 10% discount on all our volunteer vacation program costs. We’re really excited about … Continued