The Politics Of Personality

Since he came to prominence following a failed coup in 1992, Hugo Chávez (28 July 1954 – 5 March 2013) had been one of the most enduring and divisive figures on the world political stage. After he gained victory in the 1998 elections, Chávez promised to enact ‘revolutionary’ social policies, waging war on the political elite that faced a backlash from the frustrated population.

Though Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the Americas, huge inequalities of wealth drove populist support for Chávez who accused oil executives of living in ‘luxury chalets where they perform orgies, drinking whiskey.’

Despite an ultimately failed coup against him in 2002, Chávez remained a popular leader for his social reforms such as health services and education for the entire population. However, his critics accused him of becoming increasingly autocratic, a viewpoint that was given credit by his 2009 referendum that lifted term limits on elected officials.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.