As I’ve spoken with potential clients for the October Western Balkans trip, I’ve often been asked, “What will I get from this trip?” Having just returned from our planning trip, my answer has become even more robust and enthusiastic as the Western Balkans—and Kosovo and North Macedonia in particular—have so much to offer.

First – democracy at work. Kosovo and North Macedonia provide incredible context for our current global conversations about democratic resilience. Kosovo, one of the world’s newest democracies, has a political system built on fair representation, minority protections, and coexistence—three pillars central to any democratic society. North Macedonia, on the other hand, has a recent history of vibrant youth movements that have challenged corruption at the heart of government. In both countries, we will dine with leading state builders, activists, and journalists, hearing their stories of democratic change and resilience firsthand. . .

Dear Travelers, 

As we prepare for our journey through Kosovo this fall, I’d like to share some reflections from our recent planning trip in Kosovo that gave me a deeper sense of what awaits you. 

For me, this is more than a professional program—it is a personal homecoming. I was born in Kosovo, raised in a diverse cultural setting, left as a refugee during the war, and later returned. Experiencing this itinerary allowed me to see my country with new eyes. Meeting the people who shaped its modern history and listening to their firsthand stories gave me a fresh perspective on freedom and democracy—concepts I once took for granted, but now understand in a much deeper way. 

Our days were filled with encounters that will soon be yours to experience. We enjoyed dinner at Soma Slow Food, a restaurant set in Prishtina’s Germia Park with a magical ambiance and locally inspired cuisine . . .

From 2022 through 2024, I worked on a USAID program in Kosovo and had the opportunity to visit Kosovo for work. My experience was delightful: I ate in cozy, upscale restaurants with exceptional cuisine, wandered through lively city squares with striking architecture and deep history, and visited a countryside so picturesque it reminded me of Switzerland. I also experienced extraordinary hospitality: colleagues bringing Balkan delicacies to the office for me to try, and one even hosting me in her hometown for a weekend of exploration.

I was generally familiar with Kosovo’s recent history—the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the Kosovo War in 1998–1999, and Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008. On prior trips to Kosovo, I had seen the statue of former U.S. President Bill Clinton in the capital, Pristina, and noted the large U.S. presence in the country through the U.S. State Department and USAID. But it wasn’t until my trip last month to finalize our Democracy Journeys itinerary that I fully grasped the depth of the U.S.’s commitment to Kosovo over the past 30+ years—and why Americans should put Kosovo at the top of their travel list…

I just returned from meeting with our partners in Armenia and finalizing plans for our Spring journey, and I was again struck by the hospitality and deep pride Armenians have for their country. This trip also reaffirmed why we chose Armenia to be one of our inaugural trips. Armenia offers unique cultural experiences, delicious food and wine rooted in tradition, and a rich story of how everyday Armenians work at building their democracy.

Armenia’s culture and history are among the oldest and most enduring in the world. So old in fact, it was the first nation to adopt Christianity in 301 AD. On our Journey, we visit the centuries-old monasteries of Noravank and Haghartsin – places steeped in peace, beauty, and reverence. Its capital Yerevan, where we start and end our journey . . .