Explore the World with Mel

Discover the World with Us



Mel is Melissa Kendrick, and I'm the owner of Sojourns Fair Trade in Birmingham, AL.

For years customers inquired about my buying trips and asked, so you need someone to carry your bags? Or hey, have you ever thought about taking folks along?



Well, I finally got the hint and started opening of trips to meet with artisans. First a small group of friends joined me for Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca, Mexico. Then there was Thailand. And Morocco. And Turkey. Word began to spread and I realized how much fun it was to share my adventures with like minded people and well, here we are!



But I still want to keep the intimacy of my trips sharing one on one time with artisans, so we limit most trips to 5 people. Sometimes we take more, but it will never be large groups that feel commercial or cookie cutter. We try to give yu "off the beaten path" experiences and a unique experience discovering crafts, culture and local cuisine.



Cultural Immersion Adventures
Experience hand-picked cultural journeys like never before!
Fair Trade Focused
Authentic Local Cuisine
Explore Unique Destinations
Support local artisans by choosing fair trade options.
Indulge in mouthwatering authentic dishes that tell a story of tradition and history.
Travel to off-the-beaten-path locations with fellow adventurers.
Explore the World Authentically

At Travel with Mel, we specialize in small group travel that immerses you in local cultures. Experience unique destinations, engage with artisans, and enjoy authentic cuisine for a memorable adventure.