FAQs
About Us
Why should I travel with Democracy Journeys?
Unlike other travel companies that offer more general cultural and sightseeing tours, our journeys are focused specifically on exploring democracy and recent and current democratic movements—a topic that is top of mind these days.
We offer a level of expertise and access you can’t find with other tour companies, so you will have a truly unique experience. In fact, no other tour companies offer this. We bring deep local relationships, on-the-ground experience, and a commitment to showing democracy in its full complexity from our over 20+ years supporting democracy efforts around the world. We’ve helped organize elections, supported activists and reformers, and strengthened civic institutions. Our journeys include meeting with government and civil society leaders and others with personal experiences, combatting autocratization and furthering democracy in their countries.
What experience does Democracy Journeys have doing these kinds of trips?
With our parent company, Democracy International, and separately as professionals working with other organizations, our team has planned and led many trips for diplomats, development professionals, civic leaders, and youth around the world. We know how to manage logistics, navigate cultural contexts, and ensure participants are well cared for throughout.
About Our Journeys
Can I bring my family on a trip?
We believe in the power of intergenerational experiences and would love to host family members. Please note that these trips are curated for adult travelers, and we therefore have a strict 18+ age requirement for our trip participants.
I am interested in these trips, but I don’t know that much about democracy as a subject. Are Democracy Journeys right for me?
Absolutely! These trips are designed for curious minds, not democracy experts. We welcome everyone, and we find that genuine curiosity often leads to the most insightful discussions. Our experts provide all the background and context you need. Think of it as a friendly crash course that prepares you for each day. Our small group format means you're traveling with like-minded learners, so you're never on your own. Our team ensures everyone feels comfortable participating.
What is the balance between thematic learning, cultural experiences, and leisure?
On every trip, we aim for a balance of learning, culture, and leisure. Over the course of the trips, we typically have 5-7 touch points with democratic changemakers, which are disbursed throughout the trip. We also have days dedicated to historical and cultural exploration and regular periods of independent time for personal exploration and enjoyment. We will offer recommendations for activities and restaurants for all the personal time you have in each place so you can choose what interests you most. Please check the trip itineraries for more information.
Will we be roughing it?
Absolutely not. Each trip is carefully curated to include the best of what the country has to offer. This includes elevated meal experiences, comfortable lodging and transit, and carefully planned logistics to allow our travelers to focus on experiencing each location to its fullest. You'll stay in carefully selected accommodations that range from boutique hotels with local character to comfortable internationally recognized four- or five-star hotels. Our transportation is reliable and comfortable, our guides are professionals, and we maintain high safety standards throughout your journey. Each trip includes a team of American and local trip guides who have carefully planned the experience and are there to take care of the big and small logistics while you focus on enjoying the experience!
Do I need to be physically fit to enjoy the journeys?
Our journeys are designed to be enriching and accessible, but they may involve a moderate level of physical activity. Travelers should be comfortable walking several blocks at a time—sometimes on uneven surfaces or uphill—and able to enter and exit vehicles. A basic level of mobility and stamina will help you fully enjoy the experience.
Are international flights included in the price of a trip?
International flights are not included in your tour price, giving you complete flexibility to choose the timing and airline that works best for you. Many travelers appreciate being able to use their preferred airline, frequent flyer miles, or extend their stay with additional travel. Important: Please review your detailed itinerary for welcome and closing event times before booking your flights. This ensures you arrive in time for the group activities and don't miss any part of your Democracy Journey experience.
About Health and Safety
Will there be high-quality medical facilities where we are going?
In the countries where we have journeys there are adequate medical facilities in major cities but more limited options in rural areas. For this reason, we require all travelers to have travel health insurance that covers the costs of medical treatment and evacuation. Democracy Journeys utilizes International SOS Global Travel Assistance to provide 24/7 emergency assistance for all Democracy Journeys travelers. Before departure, International SOS’s website is an excellent resource and is where you can sign up for health and security email alerts or review country-specific reports. While you are traveling, your Democracy Journeys team and International SOS will help you locate a qualified health care provider, receive a prescription, or simply answer any general medical or security concern you may have so you get quality medical care and advice. In an emergency our team works with International SOS to provide medical, safety, and mental health support day and night. Please note that International SOS Global Travel Assistance is not health or travel insurance, and all travelers will be required to have travel health insurance.
What kind of insurance do I need to have?
It is required that all travelers on a Journey provide proof of current travel insurance before the trip begins. Travel insurance must cover (1) personal injury, (2) medical treatment, (3) repatriation, and (4) evacuation expenses, including helicopter rescue and air ambulance internationally. It is recommended that travel insurance also address personal property and trip cancellation coverage. Trip cancellation insurance may be the only means of receiving reimbursement for flights and other nonrefundable expenses if a Democracy Journeys trip is canceled, postponed, interrupted, or rescheduled, for any reason.
There are a number of companies offering this coverage including International SOS, Battleface, Insure My Trip, IMG Global and AIG Travel Guard.
You are responsible for (a) understanding the specifics of your travel insurance policy, (b) ensuring that your policy covers all optional and included activities listed in the trip itinerary, and (c) ensuring that there are no exclusion clauses (e.g., air delays due to mechanical issues) that would limit the coverage that you might reasonably need.
How does International SOS Global Travel Assistance differ from medical insurance?
Medical insurance , on the other hand, typically reimburses medical expenses but does not provide on-the-ground assistance or evacuation services. International SOS, on the other hand, provides immediate support when you face a health concern while traveling. This includes medical advice, referrals, and evacuation coordination.