Journey Beyond Destination
Transformative Travel for the Culturally Curious
Upcoming Adventures 2025
Welcome to our tours page—your gateway to culturally immersive, transformative travel. Are you ready to experience travel as a soulful journey of discovery? If so, you’re invited to leave behind the predictability of package holidays and step into a world where every trip holds the promise of serendipity.
Our itineraries aren’t just about sightseeing—where you are simply a spectator—they're about site 'being,’ where you're immersed in meaningful, life-enriching moments.If the idea of exploring the world with wonder and authenticity excites you, then click the link below to discover our journeys for 2025.We hope you'll join us on an adventure that goes far beyond the destination.
Hi, I'm Zani McPherson, the founder and owner of Journey Beyond Destination, I personally design and lead each tour, drawing on my love for sustainable, culturally conscious travel to create authentic experiences in places I know and cherish. With our small groups of just 8 to 10 travelers, I ensure that every journey feels personal, immersive, and truly unforgettable.
Our Journeys - 2025
Latvia, August 14-24
Inspired by my time in Latvia in 2024, this unique 10-day itinerary seamlessly blends nature adventures, timeless traditions, and culinary discoveries with ancient history and Art Nouveau. From mystical castles to quintessential medieval towns, towering pine forests to mossy bogs, Latvia has so much to offer.Latvians seem to cherish and live by similar values as my own: love of nature, love of the arts, respect for personal space, and a taste for delicious, organic cuisine. I found myself feeling quite at home in this baltic gem and departed with a deep fondness for it and a desire to return as often as I can.This August, join me and we'll savor the essence of this enchanting country together.At Journey Beyond Destination, we believe in intimate, small-group adventures—just 8 to 10 kindred spirits on each journey make every seat special. Space fills up quickly, so we recommend reserving your spot today with a small deposit and taking advantage of our easy payment plan to spread the cost before we depart.Please be sure to review our terms & conditions to ensure you have all the details about our refund policy before leaving your deposit.To view the itinerary, reserve your spot, or request more information, click on the corresponding link below.Let's explore Latvia’s loveliness firsthand this August 2025.Wanderfully yours,
Zani
Morocco, November 2025
In the summer of 2019, I finally checked a lifelong dream off my list: watching the sun setting in the Moroccan Sahara. At that time, I’d already been calling Morocco home for two years, yet I had never ventured from Marrakech all the way south to Erg Chigaga, the largest and still relatively untouched portion of the Sahara. Sitting on top of the tallest dune as the desert sun painted the sky in deep hues of orange and pink, enveloped in profound silence and endless expanse, I experienced something truly transformational that cannot be expressed with words.During my years living in Morocco (2017–2020), I roamed through picturesque Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains and lively souks in remote towns off the beaten path, immersing myself in a culture that touched my being deeply. These soulful wanderings have inspired a unique itinerary that brings you face-to-face with the mystique of Morocco’s traditions and landscapes—from the vibrant labyrinth of Marrakech’s medina to the mesmerizing stillness of the Sahara.This 10-day journey is designed for those who seek not just to travel but to truly connect with a destination.
Join me this November as we experience Morocco in all its authenticity, creating memories as transformative as the desert sunsets.To reserve your spot, view the itinerary, or request more information, click on one of the corresponding links below.Wanderfully yours,
Zani
From Vision to Voyage
Tailored Experiences for Unforgettable Adventures
I'm excited to share that, alongside our curated tours, Journey Beyond Destination now offers personalized itinerary planning to bring your travel dreams to life. Whether you're seeking fully accessible journeys designed for mobility devices or planning a private escape for a group of inspiring women over 50 celebrating a special milestone, I work closely with you to create an adventure tailored to your desires, budget, and dietary needs. Explore captivating destinations like Latvia, Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, where every detail is thoughtfully crafted just for you. Ready to turn your vision into reality? Request a Zoom call today, and let's start planning your unforgettable journey together!
Testimonials
"Zani showed us a truly special side of Morocco."
“We had an unforgettable trip in Morocco with Zani.While I primarily book my own travel and organize my own trips, I traveled with Zani in her Bucket List Morrocco tour in 2023. I found that the most beautiful and profound moments of my trip with Zani were because of Zani’s authentic relationships with people and were experiences I could not have had on my own.Zani has a rich knowledge of the place, incredible charm and authenticity, and a sense of awareness that can safely shepherd you through a country and allow for rare and privileged access to culture, people, and place.An absolute highlight was staying in an ancient kasbah in the middle of an oasis and having a private concert in the kasbah's main hall. It was a surreal setting!
Highly recommend!”By Phoebe R and Daniel M
for Bucket List - Morocco 2023
“Our journey through Morocco with Zani was nothing short of extraordinary.”
"From the moment we signed up for the 2023 Bucket List - Morocco trip, Zani promised us magic, and she more than delivered.She introduced us to the authentic heartbeat of Morocco, far beyond the typical tourist trails.What truly sets Zani apart is her unique blend of meticulous planning and boundless creativity. Her passion for Morocco is not only enriching but also contagious; she infused every moment with enthusiasm and genuine joy.Zani didn't just lead a tour—she created a tapestry of memories and connections that will stay with us forever.Her expertise, charisma, and love for this beautiful country will not only enrich your experience but also leave you grateful for the opportunity to have met someone as remarkable as Zani.”By Shane M
for Bucket List - Morocco 2023
"This isn’t just a trip, it is soul food!”
“WOW. This was one of the most magical trips of my life.
This was my first time in Morocco and my first time on a guided trip, and I can’t recommend going with Zani enough. She connects with anyone authentically and is so full of life, laughs, and stories that there was never a dull moment. This isn’t just a trip, it is soul food. A celebration of the beauty of the people, music, land, and mysticism of Morocco with people who will feel like family by the end of it! Thank you so much, Zani for an absolutely unforgettable adventure!”By Laura H
for Bucket List - Morocco 2023
"Truly a trip of a lifetime.”
“I traveled with Zani through Morocco in September 2023, and it was such an incredible journey. Zani has such a deep connection to the local culture and residents that meant we didn't just get the classic tourist experience. We connected with locals and got a chance to have private concerts with some incredibly talented musicians. Zani had a special love for music, and, in a way, it felt a little like a tour through the various Moroccan music cultures, including Gnawa and Chaabi. Truly a trip of a lifetime.”By David R
for Bucket List - Morocco 2023
“Always Truly Unique Experiences with
Journey Beyond Destination."
“In 2023, I took a small group tour to Morocco with Journey Beyond Destination and was blown away by the planning and authentic experiences. But as a solo female traveler over 50, I wanted a trip for myself with the same immersive experience we had in Morocco.As someone who loves exploring the world but often finds the planning part overwhelming, Journey Beyond Destination took all the stress away while crafting the perfect itinerary for me. My August 2024 trip to Latvia truly exceeded my expectations. Zani nailed it by offering a balance of guided exploration, a chocolate-making workshop, wine tasting, and plenty of personal time to absorb the country's beauty and culture.Latvia wasn’t even on my radar before this trip. I chose it on her suggestion, and it turned out to be a hidden gem. The blend of history, culture, and natural beauty was simply magical. I especially loved the emphasis on local, handcrafted goods—from the breadmakers to the enthusiastic artists creating traditional Latvian products.If you're a woman eager to explore new places without the stress of organizing everything yourself, I can’t recommend Zani and Journey Beyond Destination enough. Her personalized approach, curating truly authentic experiences, means you're not just passively visiting a destination—you’re actively creating memories for a lifetime.By Linda P.
for Discover Lovely Latvia, 2024
