Cross Cultural Journeys provides socially and environmentally responsible travel for individuals and organizations interested in global awareness, indigenous wisdoms and societies at the crossroads.
There are many reasons to travel, possibly as numerous as there are travelers. Our journeys are journeys of the spirit as well as of geography; we are cognizant of the inner experience which is an integral element of every external exploration and adventure. We travel to see and come to know and appreciate other cultures, other peoples, other lands, but we also go to put ourselves in new situations where our hearts and minds and spirit can blossom and flourish.
Our repeat travelers, who are many, appreciate the small groups… the good-spirited, like-minded travelers… the conscientiously planned itineraries with lots of attention to detail… the opportunities to interact with local people… the terrific combination of an experienced, knowledgeable trip leader with ties to the culture along with a competent, fun-loving trip manager who pulls the group and trip together… and they appreciate the flexibility of plans that can gracefully accommodate and take advantage of the serendipitous and spontaneous chance encounters that present themselves along the way.
The exotic destinations speak for themselves and they change each year. We warmly invite you to join us and the CCJ family this year. Think of it--the adventure of your life could be just a few months away!
AS RESPONSIBLE TRAVELERS WE...
• Travel in a spirit of humility and with a genuine desire to meet and talk with local people
• Are aware of the feeling of the locals, and respect their customs in our action
• Cultivate the habit of being present, of listening, of not always talking and having answers; of learning by watching and listening
• Realize that other people may have concepts of time and thought patterns different from ours—not inferior, just different
• Discover the richness of everyday activities in another culture instead of always seeking the exotic
• Remember that we are among many visitors, and do not expect special privileges
• Make no promises to local people that we cannot implement; keep the promises that we make
• Always respect temples and other sacred places and their holy artifacts as we would the churches and temples in our homelands
• Show particular respect when we photograph: exchange a few words and then ask permission to photograph; respect a "no"
• Spend time each day reflecting on our experiences, considering the possibility that what enriched us may have robbed another
• Utilize the opportunity of travel for personal and transpersonal growth and global understanding
