Geographic Expeditions

05/28/2026

For the Samburu people of northern Kenya, song and movement are woven into ceremonies and gatherings that bring communities together across generations.

Ntorosi is a longstanding Samburu tradition, led by married women who gather to dance and pray for rain, or give thanks after it arrives. Dressed in layered beads and red ochre, the women move between villages in song and dance, carrying hopes for well-being, fertility, and the strength of the community.

While on safari in Kenya, GeoEx Expert Becca Glatz was invited to join the Samburu women in their ntorosi dance following a recent rain, a moment she describes as one of the most meaningful experiences of her journey.

Moments like this offer a deeper understanding of the communities and traditions that shape life in northern Kenya.

05/26/2026

Tucked away in the lush mountains of Mai Chau, Avana Retreat reveals a quieter side of Vietnam.

Days here can be spent hiking through terraced rice fields, exploring nearby villages by Jeep, enjoying local cuisine surrounded by lush landscapes, or unwinding with a private candlelit dinner by the waterfall's gentle flow. With just 36 villas, the retreat feels deeply intimate while still offering endless opportunities for adventure, wellness, and relaxation.

GeoEx expert Ellie Becker describes Avana as “one of the area’s best-kept secrets,” sharing that it offers “the perfect contrast to Vietnam’s bustling cities, with endless opportunities to explore both nature and local culture.”

05/19/2026

Few places tell a story of resilience quite like Mostar.

“The Stari Most is important literally as a connector between the two communities of Mostar… But its importance is even greater as a symbol of connection, of reconciliation and rebirth, of hope.”

Discover more about the enduring spirit of Bosnia & Herzegovina and the bridge that continues to unite the city:

Discover the timeless beauty and resilient spirit of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on a journey through one of the Balkans’ most iconic destinations.

05/11/2026

GeoEx’s Women of the World Collection was designed for travelers who want to experience a destination more deeply through the perspectives of local women.

From chefs and artists to conservationists and entrepreneurs, these journeys create space for authentic cultural exchange, thoughtful conversations, and long-lasting camaraderie.

Whether traveling solo or with friends, these trips are rooted in curiosity, community, and shared discovery.

Explore the Women of the World Collection:

https://www.geoex.com/travel-by-interest/luxury-women-of-the-world-travel

📸 - Ultimate Safaris and GeoEx Staff

05/07/2026

Hidden deep in Shikoku’s remote Iya Valley lies one of Japan’s hidden gems: Nagoro Scarecrow Village.

Here, artist Tsukimi Ayano has lovingly “repopulated” her dwindling hometown with more than 350 remarkably lifelike kakeshi (scarecrows), each created in memory of former residents and everyday village life.

What makes this experience even more special for our travelers? Through our deep local connections in Japan, we get to experience the stories behind places like this. Tsukimi even created a scarecrow of our beloved trip leader, Don George, making our connection to this magical mountain village deeply personal.

From abandoned classrooms filled with handmade figures to quiet roadside scenes frozen in time, Nagoro feels like stepping into a living piece of rural Japan that few travelers ever get to see.

📸 - GeoEx Staff

05/07/2026

So many wonderful destinations on this list! ✈️

Experts say this decade is about deeper, more purposeful travel—here’s where to go next. Learn more at the link in the comments ⬇️

05/05/2026

Wind through Europe on the Golden Eagle Danube Express and savor each mile.

Luxuriate in Champagne tastings, alpine crossings, and the cultural crossroads of the Balkans, with history, flavor, and tradition shifting from one border to the next.

Between destinations, settle into spacious cabins, enjoy refined dining, and unwind with evenings of live music.

Unpack once and watch varied landscapes unfold beyond your window each day.

📸 - Golden Eagle Luxury Trains

05/01/2026

Once the heart of the Great Silk Road, Samarkand’s legacy as a center of trade and culture still resonates today.

The Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, crowned by its brilliant blue dome, stands as a powerful symbol of the city’s storied past and marks the resting place of Amir Timur, the 14th-century conqueror who shaped its history.

Across the city, the vibrant Siab Market hums with activity, where the scents of local delicacies fill the air. Nearby, the soaring scale of Bibi Khanym Mosque and the intricate, jewel-toned facades of Shah-i-Zinda showcase the artistry that defines the city.

Beyond its grand monuments, Samarkand offers moments of connection. Spend time with local artisans preserving centuries-old traditions such as papermaking, where mulberry bark is stripped, pulped, and pressed by hand, keeping these traditions alive today.

📸 - Amanda McKee

04/29/2026

Step aboard a traditional Turkish gulet and settle into restorative days on the Aegean Sea.

With just a few hours of sailing each day, there’s time to swim in hidden coves, explore lesser-known archaeological sites, and linger over fresh meze on deck as the sun slips below the horizon.

Relaxed and unhurried, explore Türkiye’s turquoise coastline.

04/24/2026

In Southern France, art, cuisine, and heritage shape each day, revealed in small moments across Provence and the Côte d’Azur.

Mornings begin in village markets, the scent of herbs in the air, bread still warm in hand. Afternoons move through the galleries of Fondation Maeght and the quiet stone lanes of Saint Paul de Vence. Evenings settle along the Riviera, where a glass of wine stretches the hours.

As Don George reflects, Southern France becomes a celebration of life, something to be taken in fully, with care and curiosity.

Read more reflections here:
https://www.geoex.com/blog/celebrating-the-good-life-in-southern-france-art-culture-cuisine-and-la-bonne-vie

📸 GeoEx trip leader, Don George