Transform Through Travel

Welcome on your journey to Benin, West Africa!  We will explore the dichotomy of rich, beautiful culture and the damaging legacy of the Atlantic Slave Trade. This opportunity is meant for all individuals and will include opportunities for multi-racial and affinity group dialogue sessions.

Join Us In Discovery

We invite you to join us for a nine day tranformative journey to Benin, West Africa, July 18-27, 2025.

This all-inclusive trip with two facilitators  will introduce you to a variety of cultural experiences, food, music, and history. Part of our trip will take place in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin and the other part in Ouidah, a city that was the heart of the Atlantic slave trade and also serves as the center for the indigenous practice of vodoun.

We recognize that a trip like this will elicit different emotions and reactions from different people. At the core of what we do, we believe that tangible experience leads to transformation and on this particular trip, we hope to give people a chance to reconnect to roots and walk in the footsteps of their ancestors, who may have been those who were stolen from the land or those who stole from the land.

These experiences can be deep, meaningful, freeing, and heavy. As such, we will include regular opportunities for participants to dialogue as a group as well as opportunities for different racial/ethnic identities to meet in affinity groups. We recognize that the experiences of those in the African diaspora may differ from those who are white and it is important that all particpants have a chance to reflect and hold space for one another.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to travel, explore, discover and transform!

Exciting Opportunities in Benin

Here are some highlights to expect.

Beautiful Accomodations

Whether in the city of Cotonou or beachside in Ouidah, our accomodations are comfortable and convenient

Cultural Excursions

We will have the opportunity to visit museums and cultural sites, highlighting both the history of the slave trade and its impacts as well as the rich, indigenous traditions that continue to be practiced today.

Fun!

In addition to the transformative work you'll do, there will be plenty of time to enjoy recreational activities and the vibrant nightlife of Cotonou.

Available Travel Packages

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!  $200 OFF list price.  Enter BENIN200 during registration.
Discount cannot be used for deposit only payments, but will be applied to future invoices.

Single Occupancy Package

This package offers you the privacy of your own hotel room.

$2750

Single-Occupancy Hotel Room

Itinerary Coordination

24/7 On-Site Travel Support

Hotel Accomodations

In-Country Transportation

Excursion Entry Fees

Most Meals

Group Dialogue Sessions Led by Professional Social Workers

Double-Occupancy Package

Share your experiences with a roommate!

$2400

Double-Occupancy Hotel Room

Itinerary Coordination

24/7 On-Site Travel Support

Hotel Accomodations

In-Country Transportation

Excursion Entry Fees

Most Meals

Group Dialogue Sessions Led by Professional Social Workers

Meet Your Facilitators

Suzen

Suzen is a social worker and Associate Professor at West Chester University near Philadelphia. She grew up right outside of the city, but has been a proud resident of Philly for nearly 20 years. Suzen’s primary areas of work have been in international social work education and white racial identity, but she’s worked in a variety of other fields including housing, legal services, and group work with adolescent girls. Suzen fell in love with Benin when she lived there for four months in 2007. It was the most transformative experience of her life. She currently lives with her husband, two sons, and pit bull. She enjoys learning languages, right now working on her French, Swahili and Yoruba skills and loves traveling. Her music tastes range from motown to mid-nineties grunge to 2000s hip-hop and RnB and Afrobeats.

"To me, personally, there is no greater opportunity to transform then when you travel and literally get to walk in the footsteps of others"

Keisha

Keisha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a full-time Counselor at Bryn Mawr College. She’s a Philadelphia Native, with appreciation and love for her city! She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Kutztown University of PA and continued with a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University in New York, NY. With over 15 years of counseling experience, Keisha has worked with adolescents, individuals, families, and veterans, and developed a passion for college students. She works from a strengths-based perspective and trauma-informed care. She has a professional interest in housing insecurity and supporting marginalized communities. She values family, community, and sisterhood, and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. She has a personal interest in travel, exploration, music, concerts, and dance.

"I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Maya Angelou

Testimonials

See what others have to say about traveling with us!

Slide 1 of 4

Suzen and Keisha made my experience in Kenya unforgettable! Their leadership kept the group safe, engaged, and made traveling smooth. They know how to lead a traveling group and implement fun while maintaining a learning environment. I would recommend them both for leading any travel experience!

- Kyla C.

Keisha and Suzen organized gatherings for us to get to know each other prior to departure and provided valuable information about the culture and the country we visited. They fostered a sense of unity within the group and ensured our safety was their priority during the trip. They handled and addressed any inconvenience we could encounter with professionalism and were ready to assist us with anything we needed. Their leadership style was friendly but professional, making it an enjoyable learning experience. Traveling with them as my organizers, leaders, and guides was a great pleasure. If I have another opportunity, I will choose them.

- Frida N.

My time in Kenya was an incredible experience due to the leadership of Suzen and Keisha. Each step was perfectly planned. We were given a cultural immersion education upon arrival that provided us an understanding of the beauty of the people and their country. Suzen and Keisha mindfully chose our Kenyan work partners to mesh with our strengths. It was truly amazing. I carry with me a fondness for the people, country and the diverse group of women who shared this experience with me.

- Ann K

Working with Suzen and Keisha has been nothing short of extraordinary! This experience isn't just about travel - it's about deep connections, cultural discovery, and personal growth. For those who aspire to be global leaders, this program is more than an opportunity - it's a must.

Sakwa M.

Suzen and Keisha made my experience in Kenya unforgettable! Their leadership kept the group safe, engaged, and made traveling smooth. They know how to lead a traveling group and implement fun while maintaining a learning environment. I would recommend them both for leading any travel experience!

- Kyla C.

Keisha and Suzen organized gatherings for us to get to know each other prior to departure and provided valuable information about the culture and the country we visited. They fostered a sense of unity within the group and ensured our safety was their priority during the trip. They handled and addressed any inconvenience we could encounter with professionalism and were ready to assist us with anything we needed. Their leadership style was friendly but professional, making it an enjoyable learning experience. Traveling with them as my organizers, leaders, and guides was a great pleasure. If I have another opportunity, I will choose them.

- Frida N.

My time in Kenya was an incredible experience due to the leadership of Suzen and Keisha. Each step was perfectly planned. We were given a cultural immersion education upon arrival that provided us an understanding of the beauty of the people and their country. Suzen and Keisha mindfully chose our Kenyan work partners to mesh with our strengths. It was truly amazing. I carry with me a fondness for the people, country and the diverse group of women who shared this experience with me.

- Ann K

Working with Suzen and Keisha has been nothing short of extraordinary! This experience isn't just about travel - it's about deep connections, cultural discovery, and personal growth. For those who aspire to be global leaders, this program is more than an opportunity - it's a must.

Sakwa M.

Suzen and Keisha made my experience in Kenya unforgettable! Their leadership kept the group safe, engaged, and made traveling smooth. They know how to lead a traveling group and implement fun while maintaining a learning environment. I would recommend them both for leading any travel experience!

- Kyla C.

Keisha and Suzen organized gatherings for us to get to know each other prior to departure and provided valuable information about the culture and the country we visited. They fostered a sense of unity within the group and ensured our safety was their priority during the trip. They handled and addressed any inconvenience we could encounter with professionalism and were ready to assist us with anything we needed. Their leadership style was friendly but professional, making it an enjoyable learning experience. Traveling with them as my organizers, leaders, and guides was a great pleasure. If I have another opportunity, I will choose them.

- Frida N.

My time in Kenya was an incredible experience due to the leadership of Suzen and Keisha. Each step was perfectly planned. We were given a cultural immersion education upon arrival that provided us an understanding of the beauty of the people and their country. Suzen and Keisha mindfully chose our Kenyan work partners to mesh with our strengths. It was truly amazing. I carry with me a fondness for the people, country and the diverse group of women who shared this experience with me.

- Ann K

Working with Suzen and Keisha has been nothing short of extraordinary! This experience isn't just about travel - it's about deep connections, cultural discovery, and personal growth. For those who aspire to be global leaders, this program is more than an opportunity - it's a must.

Sakwa M.

FAQs

What services does Travel to Transform offer?

Travel to Transform offers a unique opportunity to turn tourism into personal growth and transformation. This trip has been cultivated with intention and invites you to explore a country in a way you may never have before.

We manage all booking related tasks and try to make your travel experience as seamless as possible.

What is included in the price?

Your package price includes all trip preparation and bookings, in-country transportation, hotel accomodations, most meals, entry fees for cultural excursions, and access to group dialogues meant to support transformation and processing.

What is not included in the package price?

The package pricing does not include roundtrip airfare from your location, vaccination fees, visa fees, meals not indicated in the itinerary, gratuities, and personal expenses, such as souvenir shopping.

Does Travel to Transform offer 24/7 support for travelers?

Yes, we provide round-the-clock support to assist travelers with any issues they may encounter during their trips. We are on the trip with you and available to support you at any time.

What language is spoken in Benin?

French is the official language in Benin, however, many individuals in the travel industry have a working knowledge of English and are eager to engage with you. Our tour operator is also fluent in English and French, ensuring ease of travel and experience.

Do I need any vaccinations?

The only vaccination required for entry into Benin is a yellow fever vaccination. This is a lifetime vaccine, so if you have ever received it before you do not need to update it so long as you have your vaccination documentation. This vaccine can be expensive, so we encourage you to speak with your physician, shop around and we can also provide suggestions on where to get it.

How does Travel to Transform ensure traveler safety?

We prioritize traveler safety by providing real-time updates, risk assessments, and emergency support throughout your journey. As with any travel, we encourage you to never travel alone and follow the advice of our tour operator. We recommend purchasing travel insurance for medical emergencies. You may also want to explore Cancel for Any Reason insurance, which can refund you should you need to cancel at any time.

Register Now

Click below to reserve your spot. You will have the opportunity to enter your contact information, package selection, payment schedule and method of payment.

Don't forget to enter BENIN200 for your early bird savings! Expires March 15, 2025.

Get In Touch With Us

Do you have questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are excited to welcome you on this journey and want to support you every step of the way!