Category: Family Travel

Tips, ideas and resources for families planning a volunteer vacation abroad.

Apr
18

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Interview from Cuba: Discover Corps’ Guide Orelvis

Posted by on April 18, 2019 · Leave a Comment  

The passion of Discover Corps’ guide, Orelvis, is clear from the moment you first meet him. His enthusiasm for his country and showing you his country is infectious. As you explore Havana and the surrounding region “Elvis” provides colorful commentary that only deepens your experience. It’s no wonder, that many travelers can’t help but form a strong bond with their insightful guide.

“I remember one time, some [travelers] came back again [to Cuba] through Discover Corps with us, and I remember waiting in the airport. When they saw me and I saw them it was like seeing family. That was a unique emotion and feeling.” – Orelvis

So what better person, to share in his own words, what a trip with Discover Corps like Cuba: Preserving Nature’s Wonders is really like. Take it away Elvis!

Apr
11

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Ask the Alumni: Cuba through the Words of a Discover Corps’ Traveler

Posted by on April 11, 2019 · Leave a Comment  

This Traveler Plans to Return

For Discover Corps traveler, Barbara, her Cuba travel experience was so powerful she is already planning a return trip one year from now. During her adventure, she explored the country, felt the warmth of the Cuban people, and witnessed a moving reunion, years in the making. Barbara provides all the details below of her Cuba: Celebration of Arts & Culture vacation:

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Mar
18

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Interview from Thailand: Discover Corps’ Guide Tam

Posted by on March 18, 2019 · Leave a Comment  

After being a tour guide for so many years, you might think Discover Corps Guide Siwarkorn Hkt, or “Tam”, has probably done and seen it all. There’s something, however, that keeps him smiling and talking about how much he loves his job: the people. Of course, the wildlife and beautiful scenery on the Thailand: Elephants & Islands Expedition are incredible, but it’s the people that really stand out for him. From the conversations and shared experiences between travelers, to the time spent with locals, these relationships built while on your volunteer vacation stay with you for a lifetime.

“On the second day of elephant camp when we return in the morning time, the elephant makes noise to say hi or hello…the elephant remembers you, it smells you, it remembers your face and also your voice!” – Tam

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Feb
18

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Havana Biennial: Everything You Need to Know about Cuba’s Most-Anticipated Art Festival

Posted by on February 18, 2019 · Leave a Comment  

The Havana Biennial is back! For the first time since 2015, the world renown, month-long art exhibition will be held this April in Cuba. If the countdown clock on biennialhavana.org is any indication, the world is eagerly awaiting its return.

Considering this event is nearly four years in the making and will help celebrate the 500th anniversary of the city of Havana, there is truly no better time to explore Cuba. Here’s everything you need to know about the highly-anticipated biennial festival, including a local’s perspective (quotations throughout) from Dayron Gonzalez, Discover Corps’ Cuban partner and Havana resident for 40 years:

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Feb
8

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Ask the Alumni: Cuba Trips through the Eyes of a Discover Corps Traveler

Posted by on February 8, 2019 · Leave a Comment  

Three Cuba Trips in and this Discover Corps Traveler Still Wants More

After three Discover Corps Cuba trips, some might consider Elaine an aspiring Cuban expert. The way she describes her experiences there, it’s clear she has seen a side of the country that many have not. Yet, as she shares, there is still so much she wants to see and learn.

Elaine kindly opened up about her adventures – which includes some valuable information for future Cuba travelers – and to no one’s surprise, she is ready to go back again. This time with the whole family.

‘’[The trip] gave me an emotional rush that lasted for two weeks after we got home. It was just so exciting. We’re so used to what we encounter in our everyday lives at home. We tend to think the rest of the world is like that. And it isn’t.’’

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Jan
9

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Best Time to Visit: A Travel Guide for Every Season [Infographic]

Posted by on January 9, 2019 · Leave a Comment  

When planning a vacation many travelers are also expert researchers. How many minutes is the second layover? Does the hotel have 4 or 5 stars? and especially, Is breakfast included? This information is valuable, but knowing when to travel is just as important. So to help the cause, we studied the best time to visit each of the must-see destinations below. Now, you can focus on that complimentary omelet with orange juice. Enjoy!

best time to visit

 

Dec
17

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Letter from the Editor: This Year, Give the Present of Being Present

Posted by on December 17, 2018 · Leave a Comment  

“This reduction in stressors will free your family up to the lost art of single tasking.”

It’s crunch time! Don’t look at your calendar now, but Christmas Day is starting to come into focus, friends. We’ve officially entered the holiday season mayhem.

You know the routine. During this time of the year, event invitations pile up along with endless dirty dishes, your “trip to the store” transforms into the scene from the latest action film, and your shopping list goes up and up, but somehow your multi-colored lights haven’t found their way onto the front of the house just yet.

December does bring many joys: family, festivities and food, but if we’re honest with ourselves, what we’d really like to do right now is…breathe. There’s only so long we can continue to remember the next five things on our To Do list. 

So while the holiday season encourages you to go-go-go (and ho-ho-ho!), the Discover Corps team lovingly offers your family an opportunity to slow down and take in the moment. Or as we call it, give the present of being present.

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Nov
5

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5 Reasons Organized Tours Are Perfect for Multi-Generational Family Vacations

Posted by on November 5, 2018 · Leave a Comment  

Is your family itching to pack their suitcases and beeline to the airport? If so, you’re certainly not alone. Family travel is taking off globally and this trend is only expected to increase.

According to GlobalData, family travel is expected to rise by nearly 25% to 376 million trips annually by 2022. This rapid growth includes a rise in multi-generational family vacations, which presents an important question to consider – What’s the best way for my entire family to travel?

Countless options are available, but organized tours may offer the best opportunity for your family to share a more meaningful overall experience. Here’s 5 reasons organized tours are perfect for multi-generational family vacations:

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Nov
2

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Top Family Reunion Ideas to Top All Others

Posted by on November 2, 2018 · Leave a Comment  

The people will always make the place. For as much as world-class vacation packages can promise to entertain and impress, experienced travelers know that even the globe’s greatest destinations are really only as memorable as the family or friends you elect to bring along with you. The recipe for a truly unforgettable vacation calls not only for an awe-inspiring location, but also for a travel entourage worthy of the memories. Given that family vacations are unique in their ability to commemorate common bonds, resurrect familial friendships and establish a new generation of worthwhile memories, consider this your invitation to pair a worthwhile destination with a deserving audience.

As long as the people make the place, a family reunion is the perfect way to celebrate some of Earth’s foremost sights and sounds! Below are a few destinations that Discover Corps has found successful for family reunions in the past:

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Oct
29

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[Infographic] Sea Turtle Nesting and Hatching Seasons in Costa Rica

Posted by on October 29, 2018 · Leave a Comment  

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to fascinating wildlife such as gibbons, sloths, toucans, jaguars, and of course, sea turtles. Unfortunately, the population of Costa Rican sea turtles has declined by 90% since 1980. Sea turtles face myriad threats such as boat traffic, domestic animals, climate change, accidental catch by industrial fisheries, and increased trash in oceans and beaches (which they often mistake for food). As a conservationist, understanding nesting and hatching patterns is crucial to the protection of sea turtles.

On our Costa Rica: The Sea Turtle Initiative trip, we’ll spend three days volunteering on a turtle conservation campaign. Given the declining population of turtles, every bit of help is welcome and each turtle is precious. It’s up to you what time of year you’re interested in learning more about – protecting the nesting female sea turtles, or lending a hand with the vulnerable hatchlings. Check out the infographic below to help make your decision!

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