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
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
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