The idea that travel can be educational, fun, and positively influence international affairs motivated the first Global Exchange Reality Tours in 1989. Our tours provide individuals the opportunity to understand issues beyond what is communicated by the mass media and gain a new vantage point from which to view and affect US foreign policy. Travelers are linked with activists and organizations from around the globe who are working toward positive change. We also hope to prompt participants to examine related issues in their own communities.
Why go on a reality tour?
Today Global Exchange Reality Tours organizes trips to over 30 countries in Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Participants learn about women's struggles in Afghanistan, the impact of oil exploration on Ecuador's indigenous communities, fair trade in Tanzania, the struggle for peace and justice in Palestine & Israel, and more. Global Exchange Reality Tours also provide opportunities for Americans to travel as "citizen ambassadors" to countries like Syria, Iran, Libya, and Cuba, breaking down the stereotypes and misinformation that can lead toward hatred and war.
All Global Exchange Reality Tours are coordinated by locals working in the host communities we visit. Our tours are directed by qualified trip facilitators and typically include two meals per day, double room accommodations, translation of all programs, reading and preparatory materials, all transportation within the country, program and entrance fees.
Regardless of age, background, or your knowledge of particular issues, we invite you to join us on a Global Exchange Reality Tour and learn first-hand about global issues. You can begin your search for a tour by country, date, or issue.
Global Exchange Reality Tours can also custom design a delegation for your school, place of worship, workplace, or professional association. If there's a country you want to visit or an issue you would like to explore and you can put together a group of 6 or more people, please contact Malia Everette, Director of Reality Tours at 800-497-1994 ext. 233 or malia@globalexchange.org.
Join us on an educational adventure that will change your life!
ANNOUNCING REALITY TOURS 2008 PHOTO CONTEST
The Grand Prize Winner will receive: $500 off of a Reality Tour of your choice (which is also transferable a friend or family member) and A Women Around the World Fair Trade Gift Basket
The 2nd Place Prize will receive: $200 off a Reality Tour of your choice and a Chocolate Lover's Fair Trade Gift Basket
The 3rd Place Prize will receive: $100 off a Reality tour of your choice and a Coffee Lover's Fair Trade Basket
Please include prints (the bigger the better!) and a digital copy on disk, and mail entries to Global Exchange, Attention: Paula Jenkins, 2017 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. Also please include the photographer's name, the name of the Reality Tour, date and a brief description of the photo. We will be accepting photos postmarked up to July 28th, 2008.
Participant's photos may be in a show at the Reality Tour fundraising party.
