About Us

Our Approach

Cultural Crossroads is an award-winning tour company specializing in outstanding, enriching cultural journeys to classic and exotic destinations. Discover the world through one-of-a-kind itineraries for the ultimate travel experience. We offer small tailor-made tours for individuals, multi-generational families, groups and non-profits. We connect travelers to people and places through unique events and experiences. Visiting with locals, we delve into customs through traditions including dance, art, music, food and wine. Cultural Crossroads proudly supports sustainable community projects in the places where we travel.Our tours have been recognized numerous times by both National Geographic, “50 Tours of a Lifetime” and Condé Nast Traveler Magazine, “50 Trips of a Lifetime.” “Culled from thousands of tours worldwide, these are the antidote to the average – all offered by outfitters with solid reputations. They offer a short but deep dive into far-flung cultures and transformative experiences.” Cultural Crossroads is proud to be one of those companies and to have won the honor 5 times.

Our Story

Carrie McDougall, President and owner of Cultural Crossroads, is first and foremost a passionate traveler with a natural curiosity for people and places. She has visited over 70 countries and all 7 continents! Carrie enjoys interesting, often remote and exotic destinations as well as classic ones, just like ones around the corner where she lives in Vermont.

Even before establishing the company in 2005, she nurtured the ability of crafting perfect trips, exploring unique combinations of solutions for herself, her family and a circle of friends who encouraged her to launch her own travel business.

Before becoming a full time Tour Operator, Carrie worked for 12 years at Harvard University in various capacities in Alumni Relations. She was the Harvard representative on 14 Harvard Alumni tours and also led 2 trips for Scandinavian Seminar, a division of former Elderhostel, now Road Scholar. Her background includes working in the hotel business at both Disney and Hyatt hotels, as a travel agent, for an airline and setting up programs in schools for the Canadian Government in India and Nepal. Carrie holds a Master’s Degree in Intercultural Relations.

Today, celebrating the first decade of success, Carrie is still exploring every spot on the planet she can, willing to find and create the finest cultural experiences for her travelers.

One of a Kind Itineraries

Our tailor-made tours are perfect for individuals, multi-generational families, small groups and non-profit organizations. Travelers are connected to people and places through unique events and one of a kind experiences. Cultures and customs, such as dance, art, music, food and wine are brought to life through interactions with locals residents

Award Winning Services

Cultural Crossroads has been recognized globally for their unique and creative tours by National Geographic, “50 Tours of a Lifetime” and Condé Nast Traveler Magazine, “50 Trips of a Lifetime.”

Commitment to our World

Each of our tours is designed to support cultural and indigenous traditions, education, and economic programs in the countries where we travel. Many of our tours include portions of the proceeds donated to organizations that support women and children. In addition, Cultural Crossroads proudly supports sustainable community projects in the places where we travel.