When Ann Marie Testarmata first started researching summer travel experiences for her daughter, she hadn’t expected it to become a family affair. But once she stumbled upon Discover Corps’ Volunteer Vacation offerings, she realized that a family trip would be even more special. Ann Marie and her daughters, Vika (now 18) and Ira (14), spent nine days in the … Continued
Travel is an edifying experience no matter how you do it. When you leave your comfort zone to venture into the unknown, the new sights and sounds are bound to stimulate you. It doesn’t really matter if you’re in a group, on a round-the-world tour or taking a package vacation to a popular tourist destination. Your … Continued
Are you a spontaneous traveler who likes to have the freedom to play things by ear? Do you prefer to get a little professional assistance with organizing the detailed minutiae of your trip? Or are you the sort of traveler who prefers to have a knowledgeable, experienced representative plan your entire trip for you, so that … 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
