Australians, with a thirst for high-stakes political drama, are heading to the United States to witness firsthand what is shaping up to be one of the most contentious and closely-watched elections in recent memory. As the November showdown between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris intensifies, many Aussies are signing up for specialist tours that dive deep into the heart of America’s electoral battlegrounds.
UK-based tour operator Political Tours, which offers unique, journalist-led excursions, has reported a surge in demand for its upcoming U.S. election tours, primarily from Australian travellers. The tours, slated to run from October 30 to November 6, will take participants through crucial swing states—Michigan and Pennsylvania—culminating in Washington, D.C., on Election Day.
A Growing Interest in U.S. Politics
“We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the interest, particularly from Australians,” remarked Nicholas Wood, founder of Political Tours and a former New York Times and BBC correspondent. “We had to introduce two additional tours just to accommodate the demand, most of it coming from Down Under.” He notes that Australians and a few New Zealanders now make up more than half of the 32 participants currently booked for the U.S. election tours.
The tours, led by top correspondents and political analysts, provide participants with a behind-the-scenes look at the electoral process. Travelers can attend campaign rallies, meet voters, and even converse with campaign strategists to gain insights into what’s fueling America’s political divide. The experience is designed to offer an unfiltered perspective on what’s driving voter sentiment in one of the world’s most polarized democracies.
The Allure of Swing States: Michigan and Pennsylvania
The itinerary includes visits to the swing states of Michigan and Pennsylvania, both considered pivotal in determining the outcome of the 2024 election. With their mixed demographics and razor-thin margins, these states will likely be battlegrounds where every vote counts.
“Michigan and Pennsylvania are where the rubber meets the road,” explained Wood. “These states encapsulate America’s deep political and cultural divides. For Australians, who might not have the same exposure to U.S. electoral intricacies, it’s an eye-opening experience.”
Participants will witness the enthusiasm of campaign rallies and the stark contrast between urban and rural voter bases. The tour concludes in Washington, D.C., as the nation—and the world—holds its breath on Election Day.
Aussies’ Fascination with U.S. Politics
Wood attributes the surge in interest from Australians to the growing obsession with American political drama. “Australians are some of our most dedicated clients. They stay up late watching CNN and Fox News, analyzing every twist and turn in U.S. politics,” he said. “Now they have the chance to experience it all in real-time, alongside experts who can contextualize what they’re seeing.”
This is not the first time Australians have shown a keen interest in American elections. Political Tours, established in 2011, has covered every primary U.S. presidential election since 2012, except for the 2020 cycle due to pandemic disruptions. Previous tours have included the Iowa Caucuses, midterm elections, and primary debates.
A Unique Travel Experience
Political Tours prides itself on offering more than just a superficial overview of U.S. politics. The company’s guiding philosophy is to immerse travellers in the local political landscape, providing an “insider’s view” through meetings with journalists, political strategists, and everyday voters.
“It’s an election on a knife-edge,” Wood emphasized. “Likewise, our tour will be edgy, off the beaten path, and will give people a real sense of what Americans are thinking as they prepare to cast their votes.”
These tours promise to deliver unparalleled insights for those eager to understand why millions might choose to re-elect Trump or, alternatively, why Harris could be poised to break the glass ceiling as America’s first female president.
Tour Information and Booking
The tours run from October 30 to November 6, ending in Washington, D.C., where participants will have a front-row seat to election history in the making. For more details or to book a spot, visit Political Tours’ official website or contact Nicholas Wood directly via email at nicholaswood@politicaltours.com.
Whether driven by curiosity, political intrigue, or simply a desire to be part of history, Australians are seizing the opportunity to witness the election that could redefine America’s political landscape—and potentially the world’s.
Written by: Octavia Koo
