- Live Info Session: JapanLink visible for attendees
Join this online info session on May 21st to learn about traveling to Japan! Can’t make the time? Sign up and we’ll send the recording!
You MUST register on Eventbrite here.
About this event
Do you want to experience Japan in a uniquely culture-centered way? Let us take you on a virtual tour through Kyoto, Nara, Beppu, and Osaka with a focus on culture, cuisine and spiritual traditions. Starting in Kyoto, learn about the iconic red torii gates of the Fushimi Inari shrine and the cobblestone streets where Kodaiji Temple and Yasaka Shrine hearken historical eras. Go deeper into the Arashiyama and Sagano areas with a visit to 8,000 Bhuddist statues, a stroll through a hidden bamboo forest, and a visit to a park where more than 100 Japanese macaque monkeys live in the wild. A ferry takes you to the famed hot spring town of Beppu where you can cook a special onsen meal before resting in your traditional ryokan accommodations. Learn about local characters preserving seasonal agricultural traditions, and visit a tea farm and learn the techniques of brewing. Our journey will culminate with a Buddhist temple stay where travelers can join in sunrise meditation and breakfast with the monks. Finally, learn about the iconic Osaka Castle before a fantastic farewell in a city renowned for its cuisine.In this live session you’ll also walk away with:
➔ An overview of local history, culture and geography.
➔ Why we choose these specific destinations and activities in Japan
➔ The best months to travel in this region of Japan and why
➔ Details on various hikes you can explore and wildlife you can see.
➔ A glimpse into Japanese foods, ingredients and culinary traditions
➔ Information on the Traverse Journeys trip in March 2025 including group size, dynamics and if it’s the right fit for you
➔ An exclusive discount available to those who register for this event!The event is presented by Traverse Journey’s founder Ashley Blake and our local Japanese partners.
For more details on the trip itinerary visit: Take Me to Japan
Stick around after for a Q&A and learn about how you can join this trip. All participants are eligible for a special discount announced at the end of the event!
Important notes:
You MUST register on Eventbrite here.**This online event is a 20:00 PACIFIC time - don’t forget to select “Add to Calendar” when you register and it will automatically show up in your local time zone.
**We will utilize Zoom for this virtual session. Don't have a zoom account? No problem! Sign up here (ahead of time), for free: https://zoom.us/signup
**Can't make it to the live event? No problem - RSVP and we'll send you the recording afterwards!
**The link to join this online event will be emailed to all who've registered in your order confirmation email and again in the week prior to the event. Please be sure to check your emails from Eventbrite to find the info!At Traverse Journeys we are hosting these virtual events to engage our community and learn about different cultures and countries across the world. We'll share travel stories, tips and tricks from the road, and inspire each other for when/where/how to travel next. While we would of course love for you to join one of our group trips, there’s no pressure either. You’re more than welcome to attend and learn about the destination.
Find all of our Meetup Live sessions here.
Sign up to view recordings of past events here.
See all of our trips here.By signing up for this event, I acknowledge that I will be subscribed to Traverse Journey's newsletter with information on trips, virtual events, discounts, blog posts, and more. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time.
- Classic Machu Picchu & CuscoAlejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, Cusco$2,495.00
May 25 - June 2, 2024
See all the details here:
https://traversejourneys.com/trips/peru-machu-picchuThis 9-day itinerary offers two options: Choose to hike the classic Inca Trail or opt for the non-hiking version and explore the Sacred Valley, both culminating with a visit to Machu Picchu. We’ll start together in Cusco and learn about ancient Andean culture before heading to Ollantaytambo for cultural immersion and a pachamanca traditional feast. From there, hikers will take off on the 4-day hike and non-hikers will stay back and explore Moray, Salineras, Pisaq and other ancient sites. We’ll all meet up together at Machu Picchu with our fantastic local guide before heading back to Cusco for our last night of fabulous Peruvian cuisine.
Included:
Accommodations- 8 nights’ accommodations in boutique
- Centrally located hotels
Meals
- Daily breakfast
- 6 dinners
- 3 lunches (hiking) or 1 lunch (non-hiking)
Transportation
- Transfers to/from Cusco airport
- All transportation between Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and group excursions
Activities
- Cultural exchange with our community partner to learn about the preservation of the Quechua language + contribution to their organization
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu + bus to/from Aguas Calientes + train to Ollantaytambo
- Boleto turistico with entry to more than 12 museums & archeological sites
- Healthy, nourishing meals using traditional ingredients and local sourcing
- Small group experience, max 16 people
Hiking option
- 4 days/3 nights hiking the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu
- Healthy, nourishing meals prepared by our on-site cook, starting with breakfast on departure day to breakfast on last day of the hike
- Clean, potable water throughout the hike
- A team of local porters to carry provided tents, chairs, food, medical emergency kit and other equipment. Sleeping mat provided (you will carry)
- Entry fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes + train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Option for a full or half porter to carry some or all of your suppliesLocal guides 24/7
Non-hiking option
- Continued stay in Ollantaytambo
- Excursions & entry fees to the Moray ruins, Salineras salt mines, and Pisaq artisanal market
- Organic farm lunch with a visit to a local rum distillery and brewery
- Optional visit to Chinchero to learn about traditional textiles
- Train to/from Aguas Calientes + bus to/from Machu Picchu
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu + guided tour
- Traverse representative 24/7
See the full itinerary and inclusions here: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/peru-machu-picchu
- Costa Rica Wellness RetreatJuan Santamaría International Airport, Río Segundo, PR$3,295.00
June 23-29, 2024
For more info and to secure your spot: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/costa-rica-retreat
Join our 7-day retreat to reset your system and connect deeply to your mind, body, and soul. Based near Bahia Ballena National park, at a luxurious retreat center surrounded by nature. The retreat center is on the outskirts of a peaceful beach community and has thoughtfully designed “nature nooks” for quiet time, a refreshing pool, and private river access for dips in fresh, clean water. World class chefs will prepare all high quality your meals with love using local and sustainable (mostly organic) ingredients. Each day you can explore meditation, breathwork, ecstatic dance, painting and more for a transformative experience. You will leave feeling invigorated as your most authentic self.
TRIP INCLUDES
Accommodations- Private ensuite room for 6 nights at a luxurious retreat center nestled in nature
Transportation
- Airport transfer from San Jose Airport (SJO) on arrival and back to SJO for departure
- All in country transportation between destinations and activities
Activities
- Entry to Bahia Ballena National Park and day on the beach
- Visit to Nauyaca Waterfall
- Explore Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist guide to spot wildlife
- Guided breathwork journeys & guided meditation
- Introduction to Authentic Relating
- Art & creativity playshop
- Cacao ceremony
- Explore movement & Ecstatic Dance
- Community Ecstatic Dance event
Meals
- 6 breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 6 dinners
Additional
- Learn about our community partner + donation to their organization
- Local trip host in-country from arrival to departure & experienced retreat leader
- Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
- Small group experience, max 16 people
Add-Ons
- Extra nights available
We hope to see you in Costa Rica!
For more info and to secure your spot: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/costa-rica-retreat
- Morocco AdventureMarrakesh, Marrakesh$2,295.00
September 28-October 6, 2024
For all the details to secure your spot:
https://traversejourneys.com/trips/moroccoThis 9-day Morocco itinerary combines the culture and stunning landscapes of Morocco with deep immersion into the local culture. Our route starts in Marrakech, teeming with souks in the ancient medina. We head to the UNESCO-protected village of Aït Ben Haddou as we make our way across the Atlas mountains. Then we continue into the Sahara Desert complete with a camel ride, oasis excursion, and music under the stars. En route back to Marrakech, we stop at Berber women’s textile co-op to learn about how their artisan craftsmanship shapes their community.
For the complete Moroccan experience, you can choose an optional 3-night add-on to Fes and Chefchaouen. Here you'll discover luxury riads in Fes as well as the vibrant colors of "the Blue Pearl" of Chefchaouen.
Itinerary includes:Accommodations
- 6 nights’ boutique hotel stay
- 2 nights desert camping in permanent structure tents with real beds
Transportation
- Transfers to/from airport on arrival & departure days
- Private ground transit between Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou and the Sahara
Meals
- Daily breakfast + 6 lunches + 7 dinners (group trip) or 4 dinners (self-guided)
Activities
- Visit to the UNESCO site of Aït Ben Haddou
- Sahara desert excursion with 2 nights all-inclusive camping complete
- Camel ride, stargazing, traditional music & food and an oasis outing
- Marrakech souk tour
- Entry to Bahia Palace and Madrasa ben Youssef
Additional
- Visit to a traditional Berber textile women’s co-op + donation to their organization
- Dedicated local guide
- Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
- Optional add-on to Fes & Chefchaouen
- Optional Hammam spa and massage
- Optional Cooking class
- Small group trip, max 12 people
https://traversejourneys.com/trips/morocco
This trip is designed by your Meetup organizer Ashley Blake to showcase the incredible landscape, spirit and hospitality of Morocco!
- Mexico Pilates & CookingSan Miguel de Allende, San Miguel de Allende, GU$2,295.00
October 22-27, 2024
Pilates + Cooking Retreat with Lee Vallely MaoAdditional dates: Yoga retreats - March 23-28, 2025 with Michelle Fajkus & October 30-November 4, 2025 with Leti Alvarez - Día de los muertos
For all the details and to secure your spot:
https://traversejourneys.com/trips/mexico-yoga-retreatA 6-day retreat in the beautiful, mountainous state of Guanajuato, Mexico with daily pilates and local explorations. Discover the charming city of San Miguel de Allende, try your hand at cooking local cuisine, visit the birthplace of famous muralist Diego River, learn about native plants and sustainable agriculture in the region, and deepen your pilates practice in this vibrant epicenter of Mexican culture & cuisine.
TRIP INCLUDES:
Accommodations- 5 nights in boutique accommodations in San Miguel de Allende
Transportation
- Transfers to/from airport on arrival & departure days
- Private van to & from Guanajuato City for day outing
Activities
- Daily pilates (mats provided)
- Market outing & cooking class with a focus on local, organic ingredients
- Tamale-making experience
- Day trip to Guanajuato
- Entrance to Las Grutas thermal cave pools
- Optional add-on: Half day winery tour at an organic vineyard
- Optional add-on: Full day winery tour and visit to the historic town of Dolores Hidalgo
- Optional add-on: Day trip to Guanajuato
Meals
- Daily healthy breakfast + 3 dinners + 1 lunch featuring fresh, local fare (vegetarian & vegan options available)
Additional
- Community partner activity to learn about organic agriculture in the region + donation to their organization
- Dedicated Traverse pilates instructor & host
- Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
- Adherence to our Covid-19 Safety and Risk Management Framework
- Small group trip, max 12 people
For all the details and to secure your spot:
https://traversejourneys.com/trips/mexico-yoga-retreat - Experience CyprusLarnaca International Airport, Larnaca$3,695.00
October 27-November 4, 2024
Full Trip details: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/cyprus
This 9-day Cyprus itinerary that takes you off the beaten path and into the villages, mountains and ancient mythology that make this island so alive. You’ll journey from the Troodos mountains dotted with Byzantine monasteries and mountain resorts to the sparkling turquoise waters of Paphos on the Mediterranean to the historic village of Lefkara. We’ll ground with numerous hikes, taking in the history, mythology and natural landscapes of the island. We’ll feast on fresh-caught seafood and farm-to-table village fare as we learn about Cypriot cuisine - including its famous halloumi - as well as its wines. Each day is dotted with personal encounters with artisans and village characters who are excited to share and preserve the Cyprus way of life. You might also find yourself caught up in traditional dancing after dinner!
TRIP INCLUDES:
Accommodations- 8 nights’ local stays in mountain resorts & boutique hotels
Transportation
- Airport transfers on arrival/departure day from Larnaca airport (LCA)
- Ground transit & local guide in a private vehicle
Activities
- 2 day hikes in the Troodos mountains
- 2 hikes in the Akamas region
- Cooking class with a local chef - and feast to follow!
- Winery visit and tasting in the village of Omodos
- Traditional halloumi cheese tasting
- Visit to Timios Stravos church in Pelendri, a UNESCO site
- Visit the House of Dionysos mosaics in Kato Paphos, on the UNESCO heritage list
- Paphos harbor visit
- Sunset cruise to the Blue Lagoon
- Village stay in Lefkara with walking tour
- Learn about local artisan crafts including lacework and basket weaving
- Traditional Cypriot folk dancing night - with option to participate!
Meals
- Daily breakfast + 4 dinners & 4 lunches
- Cypriot cooking class & wine tasting
Additional
- Visit with our local Community Partner + donation to their organization
- Dedicated Traverse local guide throughout your trip
- Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
- Small group experience, max 12 people
Does not Include
- International airfare
- Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed
- Tips to your local guides and drivers
- Alcohol or other drinks, unless specified
- Required travel insurance
For all the details and to secure your spot: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/cyprus
- Chile Cultural & TrekkingArturo Merino Benitez International Airport, Pudahuel, RE$4,295.00
November 1-8, 2024
Additional dates: April 12-19, 2025For more info and to secure your spot: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/chile-patagonia
Join our 8-day journey based in Patagonia with an option to add-on the 3-day Santiago extension. This adventure combines the best of Chilean culture with Patagonia's stunning landscapes. We’ll start by getting to know an integral part of this region – its wildlife! We’ll head to the Strait of Magellan to visit the residents of Isla Magdalena – penguins! Then invoke your inner rancher at a quintessential Patagonian experience, an estancia visit complete with a horseback ride and barbeque. Then get ready for outdoor adventures as you head down to Torres del Paine National Park in stunning Patagonia for a fully guided 4-day Patagonia trek through landscapes and viewpoints that will leave you speechless. Finish off the adventure with a glacier boat cruise to the famous Glacier Grey. End there or continue your journey with explorations in Santiago and colorful Valparaiso. Throughout the trip you’ll not only get to know Chile’s diverse landscapes, but also its warm-hearted people and diverse cultural influences.
TRIP INCLUDES:
Accommodations- 4 nights’ accommodations in boutique, centrally located hotels
- 3 nights camping in tents in Torres del Paine
Transportation
- Arrival transfer in Punta Arenas (PUQ)/Departure transfer from Puerto Natales (PNT)
- All excursion transit including private vehicles, boat and bus/shuttle transfers
Activities
- W Trek hiking & tent reservations + detailed itinerary and all meals while trekking
- High quality sleeping bag + sleeping mat, pre-assembled at each location
- Informative and safety briefing in Puerto Natales prior to your departure
- Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park
- Learn about rewilding in the Patagonia region
Meals
- Daily breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 5 dinners
Additional
- Detailed itinerary with complete self-guided instructions, packing & gear advice, local recommendations, cultural tips & more
- Visit with our local Community Partner to learn about rewinding efforts in Patagonia + donation to their organization
- Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
- Small group experience, max 12 people
For more info and to secure your spot:
https://traversejourneys.com/trips/chile-patagonia - Guatemala Wellness & Yoga RetreatLa Aurora International Airport, Cdad. de Guatemala$1,995.00
November 11-16, 2024
Wellness + Yoga Retreat with Leti AlvarezFull trip details: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/guatemala-retreat
Please RSVP here on Meetup to express interest in finding out more. As well, this trip is promoted on several channels so note that RSVP numbers here do not reflect actual guest count.
Join us for a 6-day immersion in nature, local culture, and rejuvenating yoga. Perched on a volcanic crater lake surrounded by sweeping conical peaks, the stunning vistas of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala are sure to take your breath away. Limited road access means that much of the lake's small villages are only accessible by boat, creating a peaceful haven where connection thrives, and life moves at a slow pace. With prevalent Mayan communities in the region, strong indigenous traditions still prevail.
Our gorgeous retreat center is the perfect sanctuary from which to base our inward and outward explorations. Enjoy a full-service farm-to-table restaurant, providing all your meals with plenty of organic and locally grown food. An expansive yoga deck opens onto breathtaking views of the lake and common areas as well as a library and onsite sauna, giving you space to connect and realign the mind and body. Daily yoga classes offer the opportunity to connect within while exploring unique activities that connect you to the thriving communities and bountiful lands surrounding you.
Trip Includes:
Accommodations
- 5 nights/6 days at an idyllic and sustainably-built retreat center
Transportation
- Airport transfer to/from La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
- All in country transportation to/from included activities
Activities
- Daily yoga and meditation
- Yoga props like bolsters, cork yoga mats & handmade yoga blocks
- Onsite sauna
- Day trip to permaculture community with open air market, natural pools & more
- Cacao and chocolate-making workshop
- Organic farm tour and waterfall hike
- Mayan Fire Ceremony
- Add-on activities: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rock-climbing, hiking, acro-yoga & more
Meals
- Three meals a day, plus coffee/tea, two snacks, and dessert
Additional
- Engagement session with our community partner + donation to their organization
- Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
- Dedicated Traverse host throughout trip
- Adherence to our Covid-19 Safety and Risk Management Framework
- Small group experience, max 14 people
RSVP for more details or see the link below. You can also reach out with a message on Meetup or via email to: laura@traversejourneys.com
Full trip details: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/guatemala-retreat
- Cuba Women's RetreatJosé Martí international Airport, La Habana$3,995.00
November 16-23, 2024
Full trip details: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/cuba
This is an 8-day women’s retreat in Cuba to experience its music, art and lush landscapes that will delight your senses and inspire your soul. You'll experience the heart of the Cuban people through charming B&Bs, art and artisans, our local expert amiga and perhaps a bit of vibrant Havana nightlife. Each day we will have workshops with our experienced retreat leader to pause and take an inventory of what's next. This trip is open to female retreat participants looking to gain a conscious perspective on their life. Building these skills while experiencing new perspectives and another culture is a fantastic way to build your soul vessel!
TRIP INCLUDES:
Accommodations- 7 nights in charming Cuban B&Bs in Havana and Trinidad
Transportation
- Airport transfers on arrival/departure day at Havana international airport (HAV)
- Private vehicle and driver throughout
Activities
- Guided Havana art & architecture tour
- Walking tour of Old Havana
- Walking tour of the colonial town of Trinidad
- Tobacco farm tour, horse ride and cigar rolling lesson
- Bay of Pigs excursion + beach time
- Visit to a 5th generation pottery studio
- Organic farm visit & farm-to-table meals
- Opportunities for live music and nightlife
Meals
- Daily breakfast + 1 dinner + 2 lunches
Additional
- Travel Visas obtained for you (required to visit the country)
- Dedicated Traverse local guide throughout your trip
- Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure
- Small group experience, max 14 people
Does not Include
- International airfare
- Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed
- Tips to your local guides and drivers
- Alcohol or other drinks, unless specified
- Required travel insurance
For all the details and to secure your spot: https://traversejourneys.com/trips/cuba