8 Reasons to Travel with Us

Our trips refl ect the vast knowledge and experience Smithsonian has gathered since its founding in 1846. All of our itineraries are carefully crafted to provide a deep, authentic, and unique experience, and many also provide special access to Smithsonian research, people, and facilities. For example, meet Smithsonian scientists at a research station in Kenya, observe astrophysicists at work at a Smithsonian observatory in Arizona, or delve into the culture of Alaska’s native people at the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center.

Smithsonian has worked hard over the past 175 years to earn its reputation as one of America’s most trusted institutions. And, as you would expect from Smithsonian, our journeys are known for top-notch service, engaging experts, and some of the most experienced trip leaders and local guides. And when you travel with Smithsonian, you know that your safety and well-being are always a top priority.

Our travelers tell us one of their favorite aspects of our journeys is the fun and engaging learning at the core of every trip. Our world-class experts bring meaningful enrichment and insider perspectives to hundreds of departures on all seven continents. You’ll fi nd that some of your best times with your Smithsonian Journeys Expert take place during informal conversations, at meals, and while exploring sites in more depth.

In addition to traveling with a Smithsonian Journeys Expert, you’ll be accompanied by a top professional trip leader and local guides who are the best in the industry. They know their destination and itinerary intimately and can make adjustments on a moment’s notice.

Now more than ever, the idea of traveling with a small group of fellow travelers is reassuring. Almost all of our land trips feature guaranteed small groups of 12 to 24 people, allowing for more fl exibility. You’ll experience the world in a bigger way, getting up close to renowned sites and taking the path less traveled. And with small-group travel, it’s all about the people. You’ll meet with the local people, participate in cultural traditions, and get to know your fellow travelers and trip leaders.

Once you add up the extras that we include—experts, enrichment, most meals, excursions, transfers, most gratuities, and even airfare-inclusive pricing on many trips—you’ll fi nd that many of our trips are a very good value in addition to being an exceptional experience.

When you travel with Smithsonian Journeys, your participation benefi ts the work of the Institution, supporting our educational mission to preserve our heritage, discover new knowledge, and share our resources with the world. And, you have the comfort of knowing that you are traveling with an organization that is committed to sustaining the character and biodiversity of the places we visit by selecting partners and suppliers who meet our standards for responsible travel and supporting regional economies through our use of distinctive local guides and accommodations.

On any given trip, you’ll travel with intellectually curious and adventurous lifelong learners. And the enthusiasm lingers long after the trip is over. Often some of the most lasting elements of a journey are the friendships that develop with other travelers who share your passion for deeper learning and exploration.

To assure your peace of mind during these times, we’ve made our payment terms more fl exible. Reserve your journey before May 31, 2022 and you may cancel up to 95 days before the departure date and receive a full refund.* And, we have implemented new protocols to ensure that all of our trips meet the health and safety guidelines established by the U.S. Travel Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

*Offer valid for new bookings received before May 31, 2022. At 95 days before departure, funds paid are no longer refundable. This offer is not available on Smithsonian Journeys/PONANT cruises, Private Jet, or Tailor-Made Journeys.