The Book Society and Fair Travel Co. have teamed up to turn your reading list into a passport.
Together, we’ll choose unforgettable books and invite you to explore their worlds, in real life.
Join thoughtful readers for a trip that blends literature, culture, conversation and connection.
By Sarah Dykman
Ride alongside monarch butterflies on their epic 10,000-mile migration from Mexico to Canada Part adventure, part environmental call-to-action, this memoir invites you to see the world from a slower, more intentional pace.
When monarchs mysteriously arrive in Appalachia, one woman’s world is upended This novel blends climate science, self-discovery, and natural beauty in a deeply moving story of change.
SEE THE PLACE THAT INSPIRED THE STORIES
M e x i c o C i t y
Embark on an unforgettable journey tracing the path of the Western monarch butterfly through vibrant Mexico City to the misty oyamel fir forests straddling Michoacán and Estado de México, where millions of butterflies gather in one of nature’s most awe-inspiring migrations.
EXPEDITION DATES: (anticipated)
EFebruary 10-16, 2026
mbark on an unforgettable journey tracing the path of the Western monarch butterfly to the misty oyamel fir forests straddling Michoacán and Estado de México, where millions of butterflies gather in one of nature’s most awe-inspiring migrations.
Our adventure begins in vibrant Mexico City, where we’ll dive into the city’s rich tapestry of food, wine, art, and contemporary culture. From there, we’ll drift through the ancient canals of Xochimilco alongside local axolotl researchers, gaining insight into the unique ecology of these living fossils.
Venturing beyond the city, we’ll trek through forested trails known mostly to locals, guided by experts who offer a deep connection to the land and its stories. Your path leads to the breathtaking Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the air hums with delicate wings and magic.
This trip is a celebration of transformation, migration, and the threads that connect us from ecology to culture and community.
The 56,259 hectare biosphere lies within rugged forested mountains northwest of Mexico City. Every autumn, millions, perhaps a billion, butterflies from wide areas of North America return to the site and cluster on small areas of the forest reserve, colouring its trees orange and literally bending their branches under their collective weight. In the spring, these butterflies begin an 8 month migration that takes them all the way to Eastern Canada and back, during which time four successive generations are born and die. How they find their way back to their overwintering site remains a mystery.”
Journey to Mexico City and get settled at your hotel in the beautiful Roma Sur neighborhood.
There you can rest from a long day, walk the streets as a local, or venture to the neighboring areas of La Condesa (CDMX’s trendy hipster scene) and Roma Norte (a lively, upper-class neighborhood your stomach will thank you for exploring ) In the evening, we’ll join for a welcome reception and brief you on the days to come.
Paddle through the waterways of Xochimilco with axolotl biologists for an authentic, behind the scenes view of life amongst the chinampas Share a traditional meal with your fellow Reading Roamers
After lunch, break off from the group for a solo taste of Mexico city, or for an optional tour of la Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s former resistance turned museum
Consider spending the afternoon on a trajinera, a colorful party boat!
Now acclimated to elevation, you’ll start your journey west in search of this winter’s monarch migration As we reach Zitacuaro, look around for your first sign of butterflies and take in the views of mountains, lakes, and forests
Say, “Hello!” to your hosts at a simple, yet beautiful woman-owned hotel in a remote mountain town close to the eastern population of monarchs
Encounter the monarch butterflies at The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Wake up and enjoy breakfast! Introduce yourself to a strong and well-fed horse, your companion for the day
Together you’ll wend into lesser know roosting areas, some guaranteed to feel like your own private sanctuary
Lean on your local guide’s intimate knowledge to select the best of 3 locations to view the butterflies Trusted by National Geographic and the Smithsonian Institute, Alejandro will find us remarkable encounters
Return to Mexico City Say goodbye to your new friends, or perhaps stick together for the next leg of your Mexican adventure!
Daily breakfast and evening meals in Zitácuaro
Guided tours and excursions
Admission to the National Museum of Anthropology
English-speaking local guides
24/7 expedition leader support
Carbon/GHG offsets
Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
Trajinera ride in Xochimilco
Airfare to/from Mexico City
Solo accommodations (available upon request)
Meals outside of breakfast and specified dinners
Entry fees to additional historic sites
Gratuities
Travel with 7 to 15 ethical roamers. Activities led by local experts.
Digital archive of your journey.
CO2 stored via carbon removal.
Unique experiences adapted to you. Welcomed with flavorful libations!
Ethically curated experiences.
Fair Travel Co is a group expedition company specializing in sustainable, responsible, and ethical travel. As we explore our planet, we aim to provide ethical roamers with unique and memorable experiences that support the environment and local communities
As a 1% for the Planet member, 1% of Fair Travel Co. revenue is pledged to environmental organizations.
WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS
Our online store allows you to shop by your values and delivery is 100% carbon neutral
We do the legwork so you don’t have to! Our ethical framework makes sure your adventure is environmentally friendly does the most good (and the least harm) and builds strong relationships with the communities we explore
From researchers to entrepreneurs to volunteers, humans have badass ideas to save and sustain our planet Your expedition gives back to these innovative thought leaders, bolstering our collective societal and environmental impact
11% of global CO2 emissions are caused by the travel and tourism sector Let’s change that In addition to reducing GHG emissions, we put your expedition’s equivalent volume of CO2 back into carbon storage via carbon removal
Whether you have a companion in mind or are a solo traveller looking to meet fellow explorers, we've got you covered!
Each expedition is an opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences, seek a new way to look at the world, and connect deeper than the average tourist
Your itinerary has been crafted and evaluated against our sustainability and ethics framework All you have to do is show up throw on your best pair of shades, and be ready to enjoy the moment
Because group sizes are small (5-25 people) we get you to niche locations large tour operators with big buses can't We also leave our destinations with less disruption, both culturally and environmentally
Fair Travel Co was founded in 2023 by Mary Cate Bernal and is proudly a female owned company
