Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends

Alumni Share Why They Travel with Brandeis

February 10, 2025

Intellectual curiosity brings travelers together on unforgettable journey

In the middle of a trip to India, about 20 alumni and friends were faced with a traveler’s nightmare: a two-hour traffic jam.

But rather than allow gridlock to derail the day, Harleen Singh, an associate professor who led the trip, saw an opportunity. She directed the bus to a nearby restaurant, gathered some chairs, and delivered an impromptu lesson on Bollywood, the world’s largest film industry.

“It was so clever to turn what could have been a very stressful experience into something really fun,” said Andrea Soloway ’89, P’20. “We laughed and sang. And by the time we finished our tea, we were able to get back on the road.” Soloway joined the tour as a solo traveler and immediately felt welcomed by the group.

That experience illustrates what makes the Brandeis Travelers program so special. While the destinations are notable – from the Pyramids of Giza to historic synagogues in Prague – many participants say the real magic comes from seeing the world with fellow intellectually curious Brandeisians.

“The personalized Brandeis stamp is what makes these experiences stand out,” said Rita March ’64, P’93, P’94, who has traveled to India and Egypt with Brandeis. “Everyone was so friendly and warm. I’ve been in commercial tour groups before, and the people weren’t half as congenial.” 

Sarah Kaplan ‘05, who traveled with her father to Iceland last year, agreed. While she was drawn to the Nordic island nation for its striking landscapes, she found her experience went far beyond seeing the Northern Lights.

“Everybody shared a common mindset,” she said. “And we all had the same goal: to have a meaningful, unique experience.”

Brandeis Travelers groups range from 15 to 24 alumni and friends. These might include couples, groups of friends or family members, and people traveling solo. That variety often makes for a tour filled with diverse perspectives and experiences. 

“You are traveling with people who all have this common bond whether you know them or not,” said Lewis Brooks ‘80, P’16, who has been on five trips and is booked for two more. “Everyone’s climbed the Rabb steps on campus. While they may be strangers when you start the trip, you become very close by the end and often feel more connected to Brandeis, too.”

Each trip is led by a Brandeis professor who has expertise in the destination, its history, arts, or culture. They provide formal lectures and informal insights throughout the tour.

“The academic component is a huge highlight,” Soloway said. “It’s something that I’ve not experienced on other trips, and I’m pretty well-traveled.”

Some faculty members, including Singh, even take a prominent role in crafting the itinerary. She has led two trips to India and is leading the upcoming trip to the Himalayas, a region where she grew up.

Singh says her favorite part is creating a “learning community” over the course of a trip – a mobile classroom that features the intellectual exploration alumni remember from their Brandeis classes.

“To be part of a group that is learning, thinking, and experiencing together -- that can’t be quantified or captured in words,” Singh said. 

She believes alumni appreciate having elevated experiences in a new destination that you don’t just get to visit, but come to understand in a meaningful way. 

Some tours reflect the university’s Jewish heritage. An upcoming trip to Spain will feature a stop at an 800-year-old synagogue that is one of Europe’s oldest. A past trip explored the Jewish history and heritage of Egypt with visits to the synagogues and Jewish sites in Old Cairo.

“We all want to learn and have new experiences,” Soloway said. “What a special way to see these parts of the Earth.”

Brandeis Travelers will take alumni and friends to four continents in 2025 – from a multigenerational tour of Alaska’s Denali National Park to Spain’s cultural capitals to the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of Costa Rica. Additionally, 2026 itineraries are being finalized now. For more information, visit the Brandeis Travelers website.