Discover Corps Blog

4 Reasons International Friendships Make the World a Better Place

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

Meet Erik: Our Multi-Talented & Adventurous Cuba Trip Leader

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

How You Can Volunteer with Children Abroad

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

Announcing Our New Partnership with AmeriCorps Alums!

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

The One Type of Tourism That Will Save the Travel Industry

Have you ever been on a vacation where you felt like you were viewing the local culture through a glass wall? If you’re nodding your head “yes,” we’re not surprised. The nature of many traditional modes of travel — buses, cruises, massive group tours — can prevent you from truly experiencing new people and places. Community-based tourism, on the … Continued

What’s in a Name? Why You Shouldn’t Automatically Trust the Biggest Volunteer Organizations

People naturally seek comfort in recognition. They buy brands they’ve seen in commercials, eat in restaurants their friends have talked about, and smile at people whose faces they know. But when it comes to selecting a volunteer organization, the more recognizable names are not necessarily the best options. Big organizations of any kind are complicated; the more … Continued

Meet Jane: A Passionate Solo Female Volunteer Traveler

It’s time to introduce you to another volunteer traveler! Remember Catherine, who traveled to Tanzania with her college-aged daughters, Deirdre, who traveled to Costa Rica with her grandkids, and John, who called his Cuba trip the best investment he’s ever made? Well now it’s time to meet Jane, a solo female traveler brimming with passion … Continued

What Should You Pack for a Volunteer Vacation?

Maybe you’ve finally booked that dream volunteer vacation to an exotic country. Before you can start connecting with people and making a difference, though, there are a few important things to do — and packing is one of them! You’ve got to account for a myriad of factors like climate, personal comfort, and your daily activities. Gah! Sounds … Continued