Connect to Our World’s Cultural Riches on These Once in a Lifetime Journeys

In partnership with the International Folk Art Market, BJ Adventures provides travelers with a Passport to Folk Art — trips that provide a unique opportunity to meet and connect with master folk artists in their home countries. See how these artisans are creating a better future for their communities through folk art and experience their rich histories and traditions firsthand. Each trip provides a donation to the International Folk Art Market, as well, so it’s a win/win! Typically a maximum of 10 to 12 travelers are allowed on each adventure.

PASSPORT TO FOLK ART: GHANA, TOGO & BENIN
This Trip is Now SOLD OUT! (Contact Us to be Added to a Wait List)
November 4 to 16, 2025

Visit the vibrant West African nations of Ghana, Togo, and Benin to meet with master folk artists, visit local workshops, traverse exciting markets, and reflect in cultural centers. We’ll explore bustling cities, palm-fringed beaches, and tiny fishing villages alike, and experience the electricity of festivals and the healing magic of Voodoo, drumming, and dances in this still largely untraveled part of Africa.

All Passport to Folk Art Trips are Fully Inclusive of:

  • All accommodations

  • Meals and local beverages

  • Ground transportation

  • Sightseeing and transfers

  • English-speaking guides and entrance fees

  • Gratuities

You as the Traveler Need Only to Pay For:

  • $500 donation to benefit the International Folk Art Market (required to secure your spot)

  • Airline tickets (BJ Adventures can help you with these)

  • Airport transfers, depending on the country

  • Required travel insurance

  • Personal expenses such as airport taxes, visas, camera fees, specialty beverages, etc.

  • Any optional activities (eg: spa, balloon ride, etc.)

  • Room service

Hear from Former Passport to Folk Art Travelers …

“... At the end of my of 3 years of retirement (with more to come), I am celebrating some of the most amazing travel experiences I have ever had! From Cuba to Indonesia to Nepal and Bhutan I have met IFAM artists who on their home turfs met and entertained us in great style and hospitality! ... Jean and Ahdina, these experiences could not have happened without your care and planning! ... So thanks so much to you guys at BJ Adventures! I am hooked!”
— Janis Mendelsohn
“We toured historic sites, part of the Silk Road, mosques and madrassas, forts and other museums, but the highlight was meeting with many of the fine folk artists that come to Santa Fe for the Folk Art Market in the summer. We saw their workshops, ate in their homes, met their families, saw how they are using the money they make in Santa Fe to expand their production, hire other folk artists, build schools to train artists, and build a better life for themselves and their communities. It was over the top interesting, and of course, we bought amazing works of art.”
— Cathy Allen, IFAM Board Member
“Traveling with BJ Adventures on a folk art trip to Colombia was one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever taken. I’ve traveled a lot, to many countries, and for varying reasons (archaeological digs, art collections, just plain tourism, etc.), but this trip was an adventure. We saw great folk art and much more. Jean adapted to varying delays and problems with incredible ease. Her choice of a Colombian tour leader was excellent and added greatly to the trip. I’ve asked Jean to plan another trip to Colombia for me!”
— Trish Foschi

To sign up for any of these trips, or to request a detailed brochure, contact:

Jean Zunkel
E   jean.zunkel@bjadventures.com
T   +1.505.466.2289
M  +1.505.310.5110

Ahdina Zunkel
E   ahdina@bjadventures.com
T   +1.505.466.2289
M  +1.505.670.5199

 

Gallery Photos: Oziel Gómez, Mustafa ezz, Roxanne Shewchuk, Tomáš Malčo, Samlro, IFAM, Carl Ottersen, Ekrem Canli, Davide Mauro.