As the festive season sets upon us, Discover Corps travelers are immersing themselves in the vibrant tapestry of global celebrations!
Join us as we relive the magic of our recent Day of the Dead trip in Oaxaca and get an exclusive sneak peek into the ongoing Lantern Festival in Thailand. Additionally, check out some sneak peeks into our upcoming adventures in 2024 – from the lush landscapes of Bali to the cultural richness of Vietnam and the laid-back vibes of Jamaica.
Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead Festival
Our journey begins in the heart of Mexico, where the spirited celebrations of Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos unfold in the colorful city of Oaxaca. Our travelers explored the essence of this poignant festival through a lens of cultural immersion, and we’re thrilled to share some of the most captivating moments with you. From intricately designed altars to the lively parades filled with music and dance, the streets of Oaxaca came alive with the spirit of remembrance and celebration. Get ready to be transported to a world where every detail tells a story, and every step is a dance of reverence.
Travelers picking vibrant marigold flowers to get ready to make offerings to special loved ones
Travelers setting up beautiful ofrendas or altars for the departed loved ones using marigolds, candles, photos, and food
Travelers cooked traditional Oaxacan food with locals for their ofrendas or altars and some extra to have a beautiful lunch together with the local community
Lantern Festival in Thailand – Live from the Ground
Our travelers are wrapping up at the mesmerizing Lantern Festival in Thailand. The experience is built around two of Thailand’s most colorful festivals, the Loy Krathong festival of lights and Yi Peng sky lantern festival. DC travelers got to witness the ethereal beauty of thousands of lanterns illuminating the night sky and be immersed in Thai culture during one of the most joyous times of the year.
In addition, DC travelers got to explore Chiang Mai’s iconic temples & markets via tuk-tuk and long tail boat ride before setting off to the historic city of Sukhothai, where it is believed that the Loy Krathong festival originated. They dove into local culture learning to cook Thai food from a local chef, learned about Buddhism and biking alongside ancient temples. Their final days in Thailand took them to the rolling green hills just outside the city to an elephant sanctuary to assist the mahouts, or elephant caretakers, in their daily routine then visit a distant hill tribe in the village of Mae Kampong– a once in a lifetime experience!
DC Travelers exploring local Thai culture with a cooking class and lesson on Buddhism
Biking alongside ancient temples and exploring the city of Chiang Mai
The Loy Krathong festival was not short in the amazing festivities! Travelers got to experience beautiful fireworks and performances from local artists
Time to take a step out of city life to care for elephants with mahouts, elephant caretakers
Time to take part in local tradition and negative energy and wish for good luck and fortune in the coming year at the Yi Peng festival!
Teasers for Travel 2024 – Bali, Vietnam, and Jamaica
As we begin our farewell to 2023, we’re excited to offer you a glimpse into the adventures that await in 2024. Brace yourself for the lush landscapes of Bali for a on a sustainability focused adventure exploring the island’s reefs, beaches and mountains. Embark on a cultural odyssey through the vibrant streets of Vietnam, an emerging destination packed with culture, history & incredible national parks. Feel the rhythmic vibes of Jamaica as you explore its laid-back charm and vibrant music scene. These are just a few teasers of what’s in store, and we can’t wait to share the details of these upcoming trips with you in the new year. Schedule a time to chat with us to learn more!
Happy holidays and here’s to a year filled with new adventures!