Los Angeles World Affairs Council Signature Travel Program!
The Los Angeles World Affairs Council’s Signature Travel Program isn’t your average getaway—it’s a curated global experience designed for the internationally curious. Join fellow delegates as we travel to key destinations around the world, gaining behind-the-scenes access to top diplomats, government officials, and global changemakers. From private briefings on foreign policy to high-level conversations on America’s evolving role in international affairs, this is your chance to step into the room where it happens—and represent LAWAC as a true citizen ambassador.
Not only do we bring global conversations to Los Angeles, through the travel program, we also bring Los Angeles to the world.
A designated Council staff person accompanies each tour to assist with logistics, customer services, and ensuring our members have a smooth experience from the time they sign up for the tour to when they land back home after. Having Council members travel together means that you will have the chance to meet globally-minded people from your area, who can share this experience with you during and after your travels. We look forward to traveling with you!
Past Delegations Have Traveled To:
- Cuba (2014)
- North Korea (2015)
- United Arab Emirates, Oman, & Iran (2016)
- Cuba (2016)
- Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet (2017)
- Egypt (2017)
- Jordan & Israel (2017)
- Russia (2018)
- Washington, D.C. (2018)
- Eastern Europe: Berlin, Budapest, Krakow, and Warsaw (2019)
- Saudi Arabia (2022)
- Morocco (2023)
- Panama (2024)
- Washington, D.C. (2025)
- Taiwan (2025)
Small Nations, Big Signals: The Baltic States in a Fragmenting World
October 10–21, 2026
A Region of Outsized Global Importance
In a moment when global alliances are shifting and democratic norms are being tested, the Baltic States stand at the center of some of the most consequential debates of our time. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—small in size but outsized in strategic importance—sit at the crossroads of NATO and Russia, digital governance and hybrid warfare, European integration and regional resilience. Their histories are complex, their innovations cutting‑edge, and their geopolitical stakes remarkably high.
A High‑Level Delegation Beyond Traditional Travel
This October, join the Los Angeles World Affairs Council for an immersive, high‑level delegation to the Baltics—an experience designed not simply as a trip, but as a deep exploration of three nations charting the future of European security, cyber defense, and democratic durability. Participants will engage directly with government officials, diplomats, policy experts, and leading think‑tank analysts while gaining first‑hand insight into how these countries are navigating an increasingly fragmented world.
Three Countries, Three Perspectives
Our journey begins in Tallinn, Estonia, a global leader in digital governance and cyber resilience, where participants will meet with technologists and policymakers shaping the next frontier of secure digital societies. We then travel to Riga and the Latvian countryside, exploring issues of regional defense, cultural identity, and societal cohesion amid geopolitical pressure. The delegation concludes in Vilnius, Lithuania, where energy independence, historical memory, and strategic deterrence converge in one of NATO’s most pivotal front‑line states.
Culture, History, and Context Alongside Policy
Alongside high‑level briefings, the delegation features rich cultural experiences—including medieval town centers, Baltic culinary traditions, and landscapes that reflect centuries of shifting borders and enduring national spirit. This is a rare opportunity to understand the Baltics not just through policy discussions, but through the lived realities of the people shaping the region’s future.
Learn More
For those interested in learning more, including pricing and full itinerary details, please contact lawactravel@windingwaytravel.com.
El Salvador in Transition: Young Professionals Study Tour
November 11–15, 2026
Overview
The Los Angeles World Affairs Council invites emerging leaders to join an immersive Young Professionals Study Tour to El Salvador—a country undergoing rapid political and social change. Over four nights, this dynamic program offers a unique opportunity to explore key issues shaping the nation today, including governance, security, and democracy, while experiencing its vibrant culture and striking natural landscapes. Participation in this delegation is exclusively available to LAWAC Young Professional members between the ages of 18 and 40.
Professional Engagement & Insight
Participants will engage directly with journalists, academics, civil society leaders, and youth voices, gaining diverse perspectives through candid conversations and expert-led briefings. The itinerary includes exclusive professional exchanges such as a university roundtable and a visit to the U.S. Embassy, providing valuable insight into regional and international dynamics.
Cultural Immersion
Beyond policy discussions, the program emphasizes meaningful cultural connection. Travelers will experience daily life through visits to historic districts and community spaces, offering a deeper understanding of Salvadoran society, identity, and civic life.
Exploration & Adventure
The tour also highlights El Salvador’s natural beauty and heritage. Participants will venture to iconic destinations like El Boquerón National Park for a scenic hike, connect with a coffee cooperative to explore rural livelihoods, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Joya de Cerén—often called the “Pompeii of the Americas.”
A Well-Rounded Experience
Blending professional insight, cultural exchange, and outdoor exploration, this study tour provides young professionals with a rich, well-rounded perspective on a country in transition—fostering both global awareness and meaningful connections.
Learn More
For those interested in learning more, including pricing and full itinerary details, please contact lawactravel@windingwaytravel.com.