In South Sudan we once had to cross a river to visit a tribe on the other side. There was no bridge, so we had to wade across the river, trying to keep all our gear as dry as possible! We travel to places that are often ignored, misunderstood, or avoided. Where culture is complex and unpredictability is part of the experience.
How We Choose Our Destinations: Following Curiosity into the Unknown
Over the past 6 years, we have conducted more than 250 tours in 19 countries. At Rocky Road Travel, the way we build our tours is driven by a passion for stories, cultures, and human connections. We choose destinations that are politically complex, culturally rich, and often misunderstood. Our goal is to offer you a different perspective โ one that challenges assumptions and opens minds. If a place sparks curiosity and has a bad reputation, then we want to take you there.
The Biggest Challenges in Creating Itineraries
We often work in countries with limited infrastructure, shifting regulations, or sensitive political climates. Balancing authentic experiences with safety, logistics, and respect for local communities is a constant challenge. But it’s also what makes our trips so rewarding โ for all involved.
For example, In South Sudan we once had to cross a river to visit a tribe on the other side. There was no bridge so we had to wade across the river trying to keep all our gear as dry as possible!
How We Test Our Tours: We Walk the Walk, Literally
It took us 3 different Iraq research trips before settling on a reliable local partner, decent mid-range hotels and clean tourist friendly local restaurants and street food hangouts.
We never offer a tour until weโve done it ourselves. We test food safety, hotel cleanliness and above all – the local guides.
Our guides arenโt just โstaff.โ The guides are our cultural bridges, translators, problem-solvers, and trusted companions. We chose them based on their local expertise, integrity, passion and Alignment with Our commitment to responsible, human-centered travel โ people who value connection over performance, and honesty over polish.
Before any trip goes live, we travel the route ourselves. We meet local guides, test the accommodation, check transport links, and fine-tune the logistics before the real deal. Itโs not just about feasibility โ itโs about making sure each moment adds value
Have you ever canceled a route? Why?ย
Yes we cancel or pause destinations and itineraries frequently due to changing geo-politics. Most recently for example in Syria during the downfall of the Assad regime our tours were on hold for months.
What ‘Authentic’ Means to Us: Real People, Real Stories, Real Impact
We donโt helicopter in. We collaborate with local guides, drivers, cooks, and small businesses to keep tourism personal and sustainable.
Itโs sitting down for tea with a local family, or hearing someone speak candidly about life in their country โ the good, the bad, and everything in between. Thatโs what we mean by being present, staying curious, and showing deep respect for the people and the place.
In Somaliland, our travelers understood the geopolitics of the Horn of Africa better in three hours with the locals than they had in a year of news reports.
Three Incredible Things Youโll Discover on Our Routes:
In Eritrea, you can explore a city frozen in the 1930s. Asmara, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with Italian Art Deco architecture. Itโs like stepping into a time capsule โ espresso bars and vintage cinemas included.
In Syria, you can walk through a city that has been continuously inhabited for over 11,000 years. Damascus is one of the worldโs oldest cities, with layers of history. Youโll walk past Roman gates, ancient mosques, and buzzing souks.
In Papua New Guinea, there are over 800 spoken languages โ more than any other country. Every valley can have its own land.
We disrupt the usual travel norms, break through cultural boundaries, and shift your perspective on the world. And most importantly,ย youโll come away with stories that youโll share for years to come.
So, where are we going next?
Check out our upcoming trips. Got a question? Drop us a message โ we actually read them.
