Traveling the World with Penelope Norton of Democracy Journeys
Sometimes relationships just fall into your lap. That’s exactly what happened with my friendship with Penelope Norton.
Many of you will remember her—Penelope was a fixture in the stores for years and still reappears now and then to help us out in a pinch. For a decade, I attended the same church she grew up in, so I had heard of Penelope and her family long before we ever met. But we didn’t actually cross paths until one of my managers quit just two weeks before the opening of our clothing store. In a moment of retail panic, our contractor Mike said, “Don’t you know Penelope? She’s looking for something temporary right now.”
Mike gave me her number, I texted her, and she was in the store the very next day.
At the time, Penelope was working on her master’s degree in International Conflict Analysis and Resolution, and the store fit her schedule perfectly. Everyone loved her immediately, even though she had never worked retail before.
Here’s what you need to know about Penelope. First, I have never met a harder worker. True story: she is also a beekeeper. One morning I walked into the store and her eye was literally swollen shut. She had checked on her bees that morning, gotten stung, and came to work anyway. She is not only a renaissance woman—she’s tough.
The second thing you should know is that she loves travel and place in a way I’ve never seen before. Penelope has a deep passion for meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, and understanding the world through human connection. Most importantly, she genuinely cares about people.
Which brings me to why I’m writing this.
It brings me so much joy to see Penelope doing what feels like her perfect job. She has helped create Democracy Journeys, a travel company that leads high-end, educational trips to countries where democracy is being shaped in real time. Their current destinations include Armenia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Mexico, Albania, and Washington, DC. Side note: The New York Times recently named Armenia one of the top 50 places to visit, and Condé Nast called Albania the hidden gem of Europe.
I am, by nature, a timid traveler. Truly—even Richmond can feel like a stretch. But I still want to see the world, and this is exactly how I would want to do it. On the journeys Penelope designs, you’ll see extraordinary places, drink phenomenal wine, and enjoy incredible meals. But you’ll also meet local leaders and journalists and learn about the movements shaping democracy from the inside. It’s sightseeing with purpose.
If you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to explore, this is your moment. This year, Penelope is leading trips to Armenia and Mexico. I may be biased, but I would sign up in a heartbeat. I thought our readers would enjoy getting to know Penelope a little better and learning more about the work she’s doing.
You can explore all upcoming trips at democracyjourneys.com.
Q&A With Penelope Norton
What is the first country you ever visited?
The first country I visited was Belize. I went with my church on a service-learning trip where we renovated homes in underserved communities. It changed my life and cemented for me that travel is about connection. Getting to know the families we were volunteering for gave me a much deeper appreciation for the country itself. I felt like I truly knew the place.
What country is still at the top of your list?
Albania. It’s at a tipping point on the world travel scene, and I’m eager to experience it before it becomes too well known. We’re offering a Democracy Journey to Albania in October 2026, and it’s truly the perfect time to go.
What sets Democracy Journeys apart from other tours?
Our trips are designed as spaces for understanding, not spectacle. You’ll experience essential sites, but you’ll also go beneath the headlines through conversations with historians, artists, journalists, and civic leaders shaping the country today. We gather around remarkable meals—from home kitchens to beloved local spots—where food becomes another way to understand culture and values. You don’t just come home having seen a place; you return inspired.
How has travel shaped your beliefs and values?
I’ve traveled to 42 countries, and I’ve learned that while cultures differ in countless ways, the human experience is profoundly shared. People everywhere want safety, opportunity, and a good future for their families—and every place has a word for “cheers.” Travel has taught me to resist “othering” and approach unfamiliar places with curiosity rather than fear. Difference does not equal danger, and our shared humanity is far greater than what divides us.
