8 Reasons to Travel with Smithsonian Journeys

1. The Smithsonian Difference

Our trips reflect 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.

2. A Name You Can Trust

Over the past 175 years, Smithsonian has worked to earn its reputation as one of America’s most trusted institutions. And, as you would expect from Smithsonian, our journeys are known for topnotch 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.

3. Travel with Our Experts

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 find that some of your best times with your Smithsonian Journeys Expert takes 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.

4. The Smithsonian Community

On any given trip, you’ll travel with intellectually curious, worldly, 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.

5. Small Groups and Big Experiences

Now more than ever, the idea of traveling with a small group of fellow travelers is reassuring. 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 the local people, participate in cultural traditions, and get to know your fellow travelers and trip leaders.

6. Great Value

Once you add up the extras that we include— experts, enrichment, most meals, excursions, transfers, most gratuities, and solo traveler savings on select cruises—you’ll find that many of our trips are a very good value in addition to being an exceptional experience.

7. Supporting the Smithsonian Mission

When you travel with Smithsonian Journeys, your participation benefits 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.

8. Peace of Mind

To assure your peace of mind during these times, we’ve made our payment terms more flexible. Reserve your journey before December 31, 2022, and you may cancel up to 95 days before the departure date and receive a full refund.* And we are implementing 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 good for new bookings received on or before December 31, 2022. For cancellations made 94 days or less before departure, funds paid are no longer refundable. This offer is not available for bookings on Smithsonian Journeys/ PONANT Cruises, Private Jet, or Tailor-Made Journeys.