Washington, D.C. (January 25, 2024) – Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution – the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, and a leader in authentic and enriching small-group travel – reports significant growth in demand for their custom Tailor-Made Journeys. With more than 70 possible destinations across the globe, and 60 suggested itineraries that travelers can adapt to create their ideal trip, these custom-designed trips are resonating with a clientele that seeks to explore independently with a trusted name in travel. 

“When we launched Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journeys, we wanted to create the opportunity for our travelers to have an unforgettable trip that is educational and enriching, and tailored to their interests, budget and timeframe,” noted Lynn Cutter, Senior Vice President of Smithsonian Travel.  “We’ve teamed up with the highly regarded Audley Travel to create compelling suggested itineraries to a wide range of destinations, and we’ve been delighted with the success of the program.

Tailor-Made travelers simply choose their trip dates and whom they would like to travel with—whether it’s a spouse, a student celebrating a graduation, a group of friends, or a multi-generational family—and work directly with a country specialist to plan a personalized itinerary. For example, last year, one client planned a trip for his extended family by combining elements of two of Smithsonian’s suggested itineraries to Italy. This year, the family will be discovering another part of Italy as well as Switzerland on their third Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey, following a custom itinerary that features activities and accommodations selected specifically to suit their pace and preferences. 

In 2023, top destinations for Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journeys were Italy, Japan, Ireland, Ecuador, the United Kingdom, Iceland, South Africa, Australia, Morocco, France, and Southeast Asia (Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos).

The Smithsonian Journeys website has dozens of suggested Tailor-Made itineraries designed to pique interest and help guide planning. The newest suggested itineraries include:

• Art and Architecture of France: A Tailor-Made Journey
• Paris and Normandy: A Tailor-Made Journey
• Germany and Austria:  A Tailor-Made Music Journey
• Easter Island and the Atacama: A Tailor-Made Journey  
• Thailand for Families: A Tailor-Made Journey 
• Australia for Families: A Tailor-Made Journey
• South Korea Through the Ages: A Tailor-Made Journey

To get started, those interested in creating their own Smithsonian Tailor-made Journey are encouraged to call 855-215-8690 and be connected to a country specialist or fill out a request on the website outlining their ideas and preferences. 

About the Smithsonian 

Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. It is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Two of the 21 museums – the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum – are in the early planning stages. The total number of objects, works of art, and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 155 million, of which 146 million are scientific specimens at the National Museum of Natural History. www.smithsonian.org 

About Smithsonian Journeys 

Smithsonian Journeys is a global leader in cultural travel for diverse audiences, offering unique, expert-led trips on all seven continents. In addition to its Tailor-Made Journeys, Smithsonian Journeys offers small-group land journeys, small-ship ocean cruises, river cruises, cultural stays, private jet trips, active journeys, and student travel programs. Smithsonian Journeys is part of Smithsonian Enterprises, a division of the Smithsonian which oversees the institution’s commercial activities, including the Smithsonian Channel, which is available in over 55 million households globally; the retail operation, which includes 35 museum and airport stores, food concessions; an E-commerce business, Smithsonianstore.com, and Smithsonian magazine, which reaches more than 8 million monthly readers, consumer and education licensing, and books. For more information visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 1-855-330-1542.