What is Nation Travels?

The Nation has been hosting unique travel experiences since 1998 – our mission has always been to design singular excursions for our community of adventurous, intellectually curious, and open-minded progressives.

Nation Travels specializes in unusual destinations.  We focus on parts of the world where our governments are sometimes at odds, yet where there is much to learn and experience. We believe that citizen-to-citizen contact will lead to more productive engagement and we carefully design all of our trips to enhance this goal and to support the people and communities we visit.

Why travel with us?

• Singular excursions for life-long learners, curious and thoughtful travelers eager to connect with people and places in a deep and meaningful way.
• Every journey is carefully curated—on aNation tour, we provide an immersive, conscientious and provocative experience.  Our editors and staff leverage The Nation’s international network to gain access to local political and cultural leaders, and to construct an itinerary available nowhere else. 
• Our programs provide a robust “recommended readings” list, and access to Nation archival coverage when applicable. Most trips include a pre-trip conference call with a leading subject expert on the area.
• 100% of the proceeds from our travel programs support The Nation’s journalism.
• Nation Travels purchases well-vetted carbon offsets to cover the emissions generated by our program and we support locally owned-businesses and community groups in each destination we visit.

Learn More

Who runs the tour?: We partner with experienced U.S. based tour operators who in turn work with expert local staff at each destination.  Our trips offer excellent value—unparalleled local guides, excellent hotels, exceptional meals, and memorable entertainment.

What are group sizes?: Depending on destination, group size varies from small groups of 12 up to 32 travelers.

Are programs guaranteed to operate?: We do require a minimum number of travelers to operate a tour. The number varies by destination and we will always do our best not to cancel a program. When this is unavoidable, you will receive a full refund or the option to enroll in a future departure.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?: Yes! Contact us for more details about your specific destination.

How rigorous are your tours?: Physical demands vary by destination, but generally speaking, travelers who are in good overall health and can walk unassisted 1-2 miles should be able to participate in our programs. Please contact us for more details about your specific destination of interest.

How do I register?: Complete the registration form and send with a copy of your passport (for international trips) and a deposit and send directly to our tour operator. See the individual tour registration form for deposit amount for your specific departure and contact details for the tour operator for your tour.

Is there a registration deadline?: Registrations are taken as they are received and there is no formal deadline. If space is available, we will take registrations close to tour departure. Please note that if registering after the final payment is due, you will need to make full payment to secure your space on the tour.

May I use a credit card?: Some of our tour operators take credit cards for the deposit only. Please see the individual tour registration sheet for details about your destination.

Can you accommodate single travelers?: Yes!

Is airfare included?: Airfare is not included. For many tours our tour operator can assist with booking flights (a fee is charged). For domestic and Cuba tours you will be given guidelines for booking flights that best fit the tour schedule.

What information will I receive to help me prepare for the tour?: Complete pre-departure information is provided including a detailed reading list, a complimentary book chosen by Nation staff, as well as information about flights, insurance, arrival and departure, hotel, general details about the destination, etc. On many departures a pre-departure call with a Nation expert is also scheduled for about 2 weeks prior to departure.

I am interested in a destination but can’t travel at that time. Are other dates offered: Contact us directly if you do not see dates that work with your schedule.

How do I contact you?: You can contact Nation Travels at [email protected] or call us at 212-209-5401. For a detailed itinerary see the individual tour webpage under All Destinations.

Covid-19

COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for Nation Travel tours. We do highly recommend that travelers stay up to date with all recommended vaccines, including COVID-19 and influenza, in accordance with the CDC recommendations. As always, we recommend consulting your personal physician prior to departure.

If there are other specific health requirements for your specific tour you will find these in pre-departure materials.

Insurance: We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan in the event of illness prior to or during the tour. When purchasing a policy, please consult with a travel insurance agent to review COVID-19 related coverage. You will receive information regarding a recommended provider for your destination upon registration.

On Tour: In an effort to provide a safe travel experience for all members of your tour group, by joining a tour, you agree to make the following commitments to health and safety:

• If you exhibit cold or flu-like symptoms while on tour, you will be required to wear a mask.
• For guests exhibiting cold or flu-like symptoms, The Nation recommends self-testing for Covid-19. We suggest you bring rapid covid tests with you on the program. If you test positive for Covid-19 you will be required to follow local regulations, which may entail quarantine for a certain period of time. While these regulations are subject to change, most tour destinations no longer require isolation following a positive Covid test. 
• If you test positive for Covid-19, you will be expected to mask when in enclosed spaces (on the bus and in lecture rooms) or other situations, and you may be separated from the group during meals. 

• You agree to take personal responsibility for your health and to respect the well-being of fellow travelers and the tour staff. If you are especially concerned about getting infected during any part of the program, we recommend that you mask when the group is in enclosed spaces. We suggest that you bring appropriate masks with you on the trip.
• Follow all local requirements and the directions of tour staff in instances where face masks or other actions are recommended or required. This applies to both group activities and to time on your own.

Contact Nation Travels at [email protected] or call us at 212-209-5401 with any questions or concerns.