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USA TODAY 10Best

10 best adventure tour operators that will help you conquer new horizons

Best Adventure Tour Operator (2024) June 5, 2024

These 10 adventure tour operators — nominated by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best — cater to travelers who crave excitement, challenge, and fun in their vacations. Whether you're looking for an individualized journey or group tour, they'll have something for you, with activities ranging from hiking and biking to rafting and kayaking.

No. 10: Intrepid Travel

Toronto-based Intrepid is a treasure trove for small-scale sustainable tours, with more than 100 countries available to visit. With itineraries like lemur-spotting in the rural depths of Madagascar and cultural immersions across the Middle East, this storied adventure company is perfect for accessing some of the most remote corners of the globe.

No. 9: Thomson Safaris

Best known as the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has earned worldwide acclaim for its abundant natural beauty — a quality that Thomson Safaris has been highlighting for more than 40 years. While there’s no going wrong with a classic safari, the company also offers food-focused tours and even plane excursions, each one led by a team of expert local guides.

No. 8: Nantahala Outdoor Center

Beginning as a small-scale rafting tour company back in 1972, Nantahala Outdoor Center has expanded far beyond just the rivers of North Carolina, operating tours from southern Iceland to the Zambezi River. Though their scope has expanded on an international scale, the company still excels at domestic adventure, showcasing the incredible rafting opportunities across the Southern United States.

No. 7: MT Sobek

MT Sobek has been a leader in the adventure travel industry for more than half a century. Today, travelers can choose from some 200 journeys around the world. Each one is designed to inspire and exhilarate, with interest categories like multi-adventure, family adventure, wildlife and safari, adventure cruising, hiking and trekking, cultural discovery, and rafting and kayaking.

No. 6: Bindlestiff Tours

Bindlestiff Tours specializes in small group adventures with a focus on the American Southwest, Alaska, and western Canada. Guests enjoy fully customized touring vehicles with enlarged viewing windows, free Wi-Fi at most campsites, and the myriad benefits of insider expertise, like the best spots to photograph a sunset or favorite local restaurants.

No. 5: Stubborn Mule Travel

A perfect fit for all ages, Stubborn Mule Travel has curated a wide variety of itineraries designed specifically for traveling families. Destinations span across five continents, and as an added bonus, the company also offers unique itinerary stops based off of the interests of each individual guest.

No. 4: Adventure Canada

Equipped with a fleet of small-scale cruise liners, Adventure Canada has mastered the art of both Arctic and Antarctic excursions. Across Canada, the Northwest Passage voyage highlights the idyllic beauty of Nunavut, while those hoping to spot polar bears in the wild should spring for a Heart of the Arctic expedition, with both featuring highly educated naturalists and archaeologists aboard the ship.

No. 3: Explorer Chick Adventure Co.

From snorkeling around the Galapagos to gorilla trekking in Uganda, Explorer Chick’s curated tours span five separate continents — and each one is crafted specifically by women, for women. Founded in 2014 by Nicki Bruckmann, this adventure company provides ample opportunity to explore gorgeous landscapes and forge new friendships all across the globe.

No. 2: WHOA Travel

WHOA Travel works with women guides and business owners to build unique travel experiences. WHOA group adventures are scheduled all over the world, from Kilimanjaro and Peru to Iceland and Bavaria.

No. 1: Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions specializes in “amazing outdoor adventures for all women.” The company leads trips to more than two dozen countries around the globe, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, surfing, sailing, and yoga.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Brandon withrow.

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in...   Read More

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in Northwest Ohio, covering ecotourism, wildlife, outdoor adventures, and eco-friendly stays, as well as the secrets of underrated cities. He appears in The Daily Beast, BBC Travel, Canadian Geographic, Business Insider, The Hill, and Sierra Magazine. You can find him at  www.brandonwithrow.com ,  @bwithrow  on Twitter, and  @bgwithrow  on Instagram.

Chez Chesak

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Dave Stamboulis

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer...   Read More

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave discovered Bangkok on a 45,000-kilometer world bicycle trip and moved there in 2005. Dave is the author of Odysseus' Last Stand , which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. He is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, a writer for Lonely Planet, Fodor's and DK Eyewitness Guidebooks, and his travel features and photography appear in publications around the globe.—

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a...   Read More

Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She...   Read More

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for   Insider,   Fodor's Travel ,   Yahoo ,  the Huffington Post , the  Washington Post,   Viator  and  Reviewed  among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer.    Jamie can be reached at  [email protected]  and can be found on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok .

Marla Cimini

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com

Meg St-Esprit

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh...   Read More

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh who covers family travel, lifestyle, education, and parenting. With their four kids in tow, she and her husband love to travel anywhere and everywhere — but have a soft spot for camping and outdoor adventures. In fact, her kids are well on their way to achieving their goal of visiting all 124 state parks in Pennsylvania. Meg believes travel doesn’t need to be luxurious or costly to be valuable, and aims to share that with her audience. Meg’s work has appeared in publications such as  The New York Times, Thrillist, The Washington Post, Fodor’s, Yahoo, Good Housekeeping, Romper , and more. Follow Meg on Instagram and Twitter at @megstesprit or check out her work on  https://megstesprit.com/

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of Read More

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com , the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter  and Instagram .

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

Shea Peters

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent...   Read More

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on  Instagram  and  Twitter .

Tamara Gane

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best...   Read More

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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Best Adventure Travel Companies

This is our roundup of the best adventure travel companies. This article is for those of us who love to travel, but don't have the time or energy to spend on figuring out complicated logistics. 

There are hundreds of adventure travel companies operating all over the world, from Andorra to Zimbabwe, that cater to a wide range of different travel styles and preferences. Booking a trip through an adventure travel company can save hours of frustration and help you have a fantastic experience.

We’ve taken a systematic approach to ranking these tour operators, taking into account everything from popularity, to online reviews, sustainability commitments, and the company’s breadth of trip offerings, so you can be confident that you’ve found the operator that’s right for you.

Let’s get to it!

Want to book your next adventure with a local guide?

These are all individual travel operators, but if you want to book direct with a local guide, check out the trips on Skyhook. 

Best Adventure Travel Companies In the World

#1. g adventures (9.8/10), best small group adventure travel operator.

G Adventures is one of the world’s largest and best adventure travel companies, with over 700 different trip offerings around the globe. Although they take over 200,000 travellers out on adventures each year, they’re actually best known as a small group travel operator with a high focus on sustainability and authenticity.

Instead of shuttling travellers from tourist attraction to tourist attraction, G Adventures takes small groups of guests off the beaten path and give them the chance to have quality interactions with local people.

G Adventures eschews fancy hotels and western-style meals for more local options. Their tours are best suited for the traveller that’s interested in stepping outside their comfort zone for a more authentic travel experience.

#2. Audley Travel (9.2/10)

Best tailor-made adventure travel company for luxury.

Audley Travel believes that the best way to see the world is to explore it in your own way. That's why they specialise in creating travel experiences that are tailored to the individual needs and desires of any given traveller.

Instead of selling you a pre-packaged experience, anyone travelling with Audley Travel starts their journey with a conversation with a specialist, who will figure out what your budget is, where you'd like to go, and how you want to travel, so you end up with an experience that's perfect for you.

This top-of-the-line service means that guests adventuring with Audley Travel can expect luxury accommodation and itineraries crafted just for them. Of course, this type of service doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for custom luxury travel, Audley Travel might be for you.

#3. Exodus Travel (9.2/10)

Runner-up: best adventure travel company for small groups.

Exodus Travel offers an amazing range of different travel experiences that focus on active adventure and education about a country's culture and environment. Each of their 500 different trips builds in a variety of outdoor activities, whether that be hiking and biking or winter sports.

Exodus takes guests to more than 90 countries on all seven continents, so they've got something for everyone. Plus, they've made a commitment to travelling responsibly, with respect to both the environment and other cultures, when bringing guests to some of the world's most fascinating places.

#4. Intrepid Travel (9/10)

Intrepid Travel was founded nearly three decades ago by two Australian friends who set off for a journey around Africa. They gave up traditional Western comforts for an authentic travel experience like no other. It is this ethos that started Intrepid lives within the company to this day. Intrepid takes over 100,000s of travellers on over 800 different trips on every continent in the world.

These days, Intrepid specialises in small group travel to some of the world's most remote places. As their name suggests, they focus on out-there adventures that are off the beaten path, yet committed to sustainability.

They run trips to suit a wide range of different travellers and travel styles, but everyone travelling with Intrepid should be ready for an adventure like no other!

#5. National Geographic Expeditions (9/10)

Best operator for expert guides.

The name ‘National Geographic’ is synonymous with amazing photography and ground-breaking scientific research. Nat Geo brings the same quality found in their magazines to their adventure travel trips .

Each Nat Geo trip is designed for people of a specific interest group, whether that be food, culture, wildlife, or active adventure. There’s a Nat Geo tour for pretty much everyone.

What sets Nat Geo apart from other tour operators is their commitment to hiring only true experts to run their trips. So, when you book on an African safari, you’ll be accompanied by an actual researcher that’s dedicated their life to studying the very animals you’ll see.

#6. Urban Adventures (8.8/10)

Best city adventures.

Sometimes, the best adventures happen in the heart of a city. Although the idea of “adventure travel” usually conjures up imagines of high mountain peaks or vast desert landscapes, Urban Adventures firmly believes that there’s a lot to explore and learn from inside some of the world’s greatest cities.

Urban Adventures has a trip for everyone, whether you’re a foodie or an active traveller. They’ve got shopping tours, beer tours, and multi-city tours, so it’s not difficult to find a trip that piques your interest.

Urban Adventures will create a custom itinerary just for you. You can be sure that you’re getting the city adventure you’ve always dreamed of.

#7. World Expeditions (8.8/10)

Runner-up: best small group adventure operator.

World Expeditions wants to take you to some of the world’s most amazing places via the path less travelled. They’re committed to providing high-quality travel experiences that focus on responsible tourism and supporting local communities. World Expeditions brings travellers to every continent but leaves behind the touristy areas for some seldom seen places.

They focus on cultural immersion and active adventures, but they cater their trips to travellers of all different ages and different activity levels so you can find a trip that's right for you. Plus, if you have a dream trip in mind, they'll even help you craft an entirely custom made itinerary and make it happen.

#8. TrailFinders (8.2/10)

Best adventure travel agency.

Trailfinders offers a variety of different tours that have garnered them a worldwide reputation. While they have a selection of pre-packaged trips, where Trailfinders really shines is in creating tailor-made travel itineraries because they know there’s nothing better than a bespoke travel adventure.

Trailfinders is known for its fantastic customer service, from actual travel experts who have actually been to the places they sell tours. You can be confident that you're getting an itinerary that's right for your needs. They offer everything from a weekend getaway to months-long holidays and everything in between.

#9. International Expeditions (8.2/10)

Best eco-travel operator.

If eco-friendly small group travel sounds like your kind of adventure, then look no further than International Expeditions . The company is committed to sustainable tourism and conservation efforts both in their offices and on their trips.

International Expeditions create award-winning travel experiences to over 20 different countries. They focus on facilitating authentic interactions with local people and cultures.

On an International Expeditions trip, you’ll be accompanied by an expert naturalist and expedition leader who are local to the area you’re travelling to. This means that with International Expeditions, you’ll get information and service that you could never find in a guidebook.

#10. Kuoni (8/10)

Runner-up: best luxury & tailor-made travel company.

Kuoni is one of the best adventure travel companies for luxury custom travel that's designed specifically to meet your needs. Whether you're looking for a guided small-group tour or a carefully designed experience, Kuoni is there to make your dreams a reality.

Where Kuoni really shines is in its customer service. For travellers from the United Kingdom, you can visit their offices and have a chat with one of their destination experts. If you're someone who wants to plan a trip and a pre-packaged tour won't cut it, Kuoni's adventures just might be for you.

#11. Flash Pack (8/10)

Best adventure travel company for 30-40-somethings.

Are you between the ages of 30 and 49? Do you frequently travel alone but wish you had adventure companions like you? If you answered yes to both of those questions, then Flashpack is the best adventure travel company for you.

Other tour operators place people on a trip together simply because they wanted to go to the same place at the same time. Flashpack specialises in connecting travellers in their 30s and 40s with other like-minded adventure enthusiasts. You can explore the world in style without having to go about it alone.

#12. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel (8/10)

Runner-up: best operator for expert guides.

Wild Frontiers was founded by renowned travel writer Jonny Bealby with a mission to bring travellers to amazing places and introduce them to the fantastic people and cultures that make these locations so special.

The company specialises in small-group travel. Itineraries are organised by regional experts that have been to the places you’ll journey to.

Wild Frontiers offers a wide variety of different tours to some truly remote places, but they’re also happy to tailor-make an itinerary, just for you. On a Wild Frontiers trip, you’ll stay active and experience some of the world’s most remote places like a local.

#13. Trek America (7.8/10)

Runner-up: best small group adventure travel operator.

North America is home to some incredibly diverse landscapes, from the deserts and canyons of the Southwestern United States to the jagged, snow-covered peaks of the Canadian Rockies. There's so much to see and do in the USA and Canada and one of the best ways to experience it all is on a Trek America tour.

Trek America offers road trips in the USA and Canada for young international travellers who want to see the big cities, stunning national parks, and everything in between on their next North American holiday.

Tours vary from just three days to three months. Trek America has something for every active young traveller looking for an adventure holiday in North America.

#14. KE Adventure Travel (7.8/10)

KE Adventure Travel started out as the premier adventure tour operator in the remote Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan. Since then, they’ve expanded their range of offerings to include trips to popular destinations such as the Himalaya , Mount Kilimanjaro , and the European Alps . Hike, bike, climb, and adventure to your heart’s content.

KE Adventures specialises in organising active travel holidays to nearly 90 countries. On a KE Adventures tour, you'll head off the popular trails toward hidden valleys and isolated villages and immerse yourself in the culture of the local people for an authentic travel experience.

#15. Classic Journeys (7.8/10)

Although they may be called “classic,” Classic Journeys ' tours are anything but standard. Classic Journeys is dedicated toward making sure that every traveller on their trip has the experience of a lifetime.

Most Classic Journeys' trips go to popular locations, like France , New Zealand , and the Galapagos . However, they give you a chance to see these places in a different way.

Classic Journeys’ itineraries give you a unique perspective on some of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Classic Journeys' high-end trip offerings include options for families and solo travellers, too, so there’s really something for everyone.

#16. Austin Adventures (7.8/10)

Family-owned and operated, Austin Adventures is a pioneer in small group active holiday adventures around the world. Austin Adventures prides itself on hiring only the highest-quality tour guides and all of their trip itineraries have been fine-tuned. 

The best part about Austin Adventures? Their trips are priced at an all-inclusive rate. You don’t have to worry about shelling out more money after you arrive at your destination. Trips come with a departure guarantee, so you don’t ever have to worry about last-minute cancellations due to low enrollment.

#17. Abercrombie & Kent (7.6/10)

Abercrombie and Kent have been guiding guests on luxury adventure tours for over 50 years, so it’s no surprise that they’ve made it onto our list of the best adventure tour operators.

Abercrombie and Kent will take you quite literally anywhere you want to go in the world. You can choose from one of their pre-set luxury small group tours or ask about a custom itinerary and tour, just for you.

The defining feature of any Abercrombie and Kent tour is luxury. When you book a trip, you can rest assured that you'll be staying at the best hotels and travelling in the most comfortable way possible.

#18. Butterfield & Robinson (7.6/10)

Butterfield and Robinson  offer prescheduled journeys in dozens of countries on nearly every continent.

Their trips focus on hiking, biking, and other outdoor pursuits during the day, but ensure that you still get to enjoy the comforts you expect from a luxury travel company. Butterfield and Robinson  offer a bespoke travel service, so they can design a luxurious active holiday that’s just right for you.

#19. UTracks (7.6/10)

Best active european adventure travel company.

Photo by Sam & Jo

UTracks ' tours are all about exploring Europe in your own way. Dedicated to leading the industry as an active European holiday tour operator, UTracks offers over 400 different small group tours  in nearly 50 countries.

Plus, they have a range of self-guided tour options, so you can skip the hassle of planning logistics and just worry about having an amazing time on your trip. All of UTracks’ trips focus on either walking, cycling, boating, or winter sports, so they’ve got a little bit of something to please everyone.

#20. Natural Habitat Adventures (7.4/10)

Runner-up: best eco-travel operator.

Natural Habitat Adventures specialises in nature travel, bringing visitors to some of the world’s most remote places, so you can see first-hand the beauty of the natural world. Natural Habitats even partners with the World Wildlife Fund to design sustainability and conservation-focused tours for their guests.

Natural Habitats itineraries are wholly unique, and their expedition leaders are some of the most experienced guides out there. Plus, their trips have very small group sizes, with an average of just nine guests per tour, so you can spend more time enjoying nature and less time avoiding tourist crowds.

#21. Explore! (7.2/10)

Explore! has been guiding visitors around the world for nearly 40 years. In that time, they’ve grown from offering just six tours to their current selection of over 600 tours.

Offers range from your classic group excursions to active family adventures. They offer trips in over 130 countries, each of which gives you the chance to learn more about the unique culture and environment in the region you choose to visit.

On every Explore! tour, you'll be guided by locals, who can provide you with information and service that you just can't get from a travel blog or guidebook. Explore! has been fine-tuning their itineraries for nearly four decades, so they have the skills and expertise necessary to create some fantastic active holidays.

#22. Peregrine Adventures (7.2/10)

Peregrine Adventures is the premium small group adventure travel section of the better known Intrepid Travel Company. Like Intrepid, Peregrine is dedicated to offering travellers an off-the-beaten-path experience, so you can get an authentic feel for a place during your holiday.

Where Peregrine stands apart, however, is that their maximum tour size is just 12 people. This means you'll get a much more personalised experience. Peregrine hires experienced local guides, hand-picks their accommodation, and travels in smaller, private vehicles.

#23. Tucan Travel (7.2/10)

Best latin american adventure travel company.

With over three decades of experience under their belt, Tucan Travel is no newcomer to the adventure travel game. Tucan Travel offers first-time travellers and seasoned globetrotters a choice of over 200 different tours in 70 countries. We rate them as the best adventure travel company for Latin America.

Tucan Travel also caters specifically to solo travellers, who make up over half of their total clientele. Tucan Travel is committed to offering affordable active holidays that are focused on sustainable and responsible travel.

#24. Kandoo Adventures (7.2/10)

Best hiking adventure travel company.

If you like to hike, Kandoo might be the adventure tour operator for you. Kandoo pitches themselves as a world expert in adventure trekking, and with trekking tours to places such as Aconcagua, Bhutan, Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu, and Nepal, there’s no doubting that they know what they’re talking about.

Kandoo's trips are specifically designed to bring small groups of hikers to some of the world's most remote and famous high-altitude trekking destinations. They're perfect for the adventure traveller with a bucket list.

The team at Kandoo is also committed to responsible travel. When you book with them, you can be confident that your local guides and support team are all adequately compensated and respected.

#25. Adventure Alternative (7/10)

Runner up: best hiking adventure travel company.

Photo by AJCHO

Adventure Alternative was founded almost thirty years ago by Gavin Bate, a mountaineer and International Mountain Leader with decades of personal climbing, trekking, and international travelling experience under his belt.

These days, they focus on providing the highest quality adventure travel experience to their guests. Whether that be on a trip to the jungle, the desert, or the Arctic.

All of the Adventure Alternative’s trips have a focus on hiking, so they’re best for anyone looking to stay active and off the beaten path on their holiday. They’re also more than happy to help you plan a private expedition whatever your personal trekking challenge.

#26. REI Adventures (6.8)

Photo by NW Boating

REI Adventures is the adventure travel subsidiary of Recreational Equipment, Inc., one of the largest and most popular outdoor gear stores in the United States.

REI’s mission is to get people outdoors. They’ve dedicated themselves to providing over 150 different trips to every continent to help their guests have the experience of a lifetime.

REI trips are active adventure expeditions that bring guests to some of the remote places in the world. They’re led by top-notch guides, many of whom are local to the places you’ll be travelling in. The emphasis at REI Adventures is on environmentalism and authentic experiences.  You won’t find any cookie cutter trips with this company.

Ranking Methodology

Criteria & scoring.

To rank the adventure travel companies on our list we used 5 main criteria, as follows: 

We researched the web traffic statistics as measured by SimilarWeb.com and social media audiences as measured by followers on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribers on Youtube. We created a popularity score for 1. Web Traffic and 2. Social Media presence on a scale of 1-3. Total available points: 6. Weighting: 5%

Review Profile

We analysed the public review profiles of each of the travel companies focusing on the major independent 3rd party review platforms like Trustpilot, Tourradar, Stride, Tripadvisor, Feefo and Facebook. We divided our review score into two parts: 1. Size of Review Profile, and 2. Overall Quality of Reviews. Each part was scored on a scale of 1-3. Total available points: 6. Weighting: 80%

Responsible Travel Practices

We reviewed each travel operator's website and read their statements about responsible travel / ethics / sustainability. We then scored each operator on a scale of 1-3. Total available points: 3. Weighting: 5%

Awards and Accreditations

We explored each travel operator's website to uncover evidence of accreditations like ABTA, ATOL, ATTA and AITO (among others), and official awards / recognitions from the travel industry. We then scored each operator on a scale of 1-3. Total available points: 3. Weighting: 5%

Breadth of Offering

We analysed the breadth and scale of each operator's tour offerings, focusing on the number of tours offered, countries covered and number of activities. We then scored each operator on a scale of 1-3. Total available points: 3. Weighting: 5%

We recognise that smaller travel companies would struggle to compete on some of the criteria above.

For example, a small tour operator would most likely have significantly less web traffic and a smaller social presence than a big travel operator. Equally, they would likely have a smaller scale and breadth of offering.

To provide a level playing field, we therefore weighted our overall score heavily towards 3rd party reviews - a criteria that all operators can fairly compete on.

The total review score counts 80% towards the overall score, with the rest of the criteria accounting for 20%.

Table of Adventure Travel Company Data

Below is the raw data we captured for each adventure travel company during our analysis. Please note, metrics like traffic, social media followers and reviews are dynamic and change overtime. The data below is a snapshot of these metrics as of April / May 2019.

We will revise these numbers annually. 

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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great article.. thanks for the information…

Hello Mark,

Do you have any experience with a travel company called 10Adventures? We are planning a hiking trip through Tuscany and I cannot find any reviews.

Hi Marianne, I’m not familiar with this company, but you may want to look at the Italy trips on our platform, Skyhook: https://skyhookadventure.com/go/italy

We work with local guides to offer great value adventures at unbeatable prices.

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Since 1978, we’ve remained dedicated to designing innovative trips to the most fascinating corners of the world. Our adventures offer something for every adventurous spirit—from African safaris to hiking odysseys in the Alps to expedition cruises in Antarctica. We invite you to join us!

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Experience the Alps the right way with our world-class mountain guides. Hike among soaring peaks, hidden hamlets, and lush valleys—this is the way to see the Alps.

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Savor fine hotels and cultural exploration in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and trek the spectacular alpine trails of the Cordillera Blanca.

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Enter a mysterious world of soaring temples in a timeless desert landscape, from the Great Pyramids to Abu Simbel to a luxury cruise on the Nile.

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“Absolutely EVERYTHING about this trip was perfect: itinerary, food, lodgings, trip leaders, educational opportunities. A perfect example of why Wilderness Travel will always be our first choice when planning adventures.”

“We were taught so much beyond the usual viewpoint given to a tourist that I felt I had a much deeper understanding of the culture and history than I would have if traveling with a different company.”

“An incredible variety of activities was packed into the trip, yet we never felt rushed. It would be impossible to do what we did in the same period of time without the expertise of WT guides.”

“I have dreamed of taking this trip for years. Truly this journey exceeded my expectations on all fronts. The wildlife, terrain, people, staff and fellow trip mates made it an adventure to always treasure. I feel blessed and fortunate. Thank you Wilderness Travel. You have my complete confidence.”

“Because of our Trek Leader’s vast experience in the area, we used several trails that aren’t known to many trekkers and we were invited into Sherpa homes, which was wonderful. I had been dreaming of this trip for 30 years and now those dreams are fulfilled.”

“Couldn’t have asked for a more interesting trip and two outstanding guides, accommodations, and meals. This was our fourth trip with Wilderness Travel and one of the best (although we say that about every trip we have been on!)”

“I love Wilderness Travel! You select the best guides, a variety of special places to stay, the food is always plentiful and cultural, and the adventure is top drawer! Thank you for offering trips that expand one’s knowledge of other cultures while making it enjoyable and fun.”

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“This was my first trip to India and I cannot imagine a better introduction. Because of the care with which the trip had been planned and organized, I was able to relax, enjoy, and try to fully absorb the experience without spending even a moment concerned about the quotidian details of the trip. What a luxury.”

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Adventure Travel & Tour Companies

Browse and compare adventure tour companies and find the perfect tour for your next action-packed adventure

Embark on an adventure tour

Looking for something a bit different from your average vacation? An adventure tour is just the thing to satisfy your wanderlust! Jam-packed with activities such as whitewater rafting, zip-lining, trekking and scuba diving, these adventures are guaranteed to get your heart pumping and your pulse racing in far-flung destinations across the globe.

Best global adventure travel companies

Not only are these global tour operators considered to be some of the leading brands in the industry, but they also offer an extensive selection of top-rated adventure tours.

Intrepid Travel

8,770 reviews

Europamundo

3,850 reviews

On The Go Tours

2,128 reviews

G Adventures

13,516 reviews

37,805 reviews

Exodus Adventure Travels

13,269 reviews

5,701 reviews

1,942 reviews

Travel Talk

4,364 reviews

Expat Explore Travel

4,654 reviews

Local adventure companies with outstanding reviews

Click Tours

709 reviews

Bindlestiff Tours

1,548 reviews

309 reviews

Flying Kiwi

105 reviews

Adventure tours, worldwide

If you already know where you want to go, check out our list of adventure tours categorized by continent below.

2,211 Tours

1,065 Tours

Latin America

North america, australia/oceania, top countries for adventure tours.

• Tanzania (353)
• Morocco (299)
• Kenya (251)
• Egypt (141)
• South Africa (88)
• Madagascar (85)
• Uganda (62)
• Namibia (49)
• Botswana (33)
• Tunisia (13)
• Zimbabwe (12)
• Rwanda (11)
• Senegal (9)
• Mozambique (7)
• Mauritius (6)
• Nepal (1107)
• Vietnam (305)
• India (291)
• Sri Lanka (140)
• China (117)
• Thailand (96)
• Jordan (72)
• Mongolia (66)
• Bhutan (59)
• Indonesia (51)
• Cambodia (30)
• Pakistan (28)
• Philippines (26)
• Maldives (25)
• Georgia (23)
• Malaysia (18)
• United Arab Emirates (16)
• Israel (14)
• Armenia (12)
• Azerbaijan (11)
• Uzbekistan (11)
• Kyrgyzstan (11)
• New Zealand (70)
• Australia (59)
• Papua New Guinea (5)
• Turkey (67)
• Croatia (52)
• France (43)
• Greece (42)
• Ireland (29)
• Portugal (27)
• Albania (26)
• Iceland (26)
• Germany (22)
• Romania (21)
• Sweden (15)
• Scotland (13)
• Finland (13)
• Slovenia (12)
• Norway (10)
• England (10)
• Austria (9)
• Lithuania (7)
• Macedonia (7)
• Bulgaria (7)
• Czech Republic (7)
• Moldova (6)
• Switzerland (6)
• Montenegro (6)
• Ecuador (143)
• Argentina (125)
• Costa Rica (96)
• Mexico (64)
• Brazil (46)
• Colombia (36)
• Bolivia (28)
• Guatemala (25)
• Puerto Rico (6)
• El Salvador (6)
• Canada (32)
• Greenland (11)

Choose your Adventure style

Hiking & Trekking

The only way to reach some of the best views on the planet is on foot. Take the first step now by exploring our selection of Hiking and Trekking tours. There are so many adventures to choose from!

If the call of the wild fuels your wanderlust, a Safari adventure is just what you need. Witness beasts in their natural habitat, sleep under the stars and experience the beauty of untamed nature first-hand.

Whether you’re cycling in the foothills of the world’s greatest mountain ranges or traveling off-the-beaten path in iconic cities, exploring the world on two wheels will show you a different side of it.    

Set sail on an exclusive private yacht or join a group and explore unmissable destinations like Greece and Croatia in Europe or Thailand and Indonesia in Asia. The world is your oyster when you sail.

Physical rating for adventure tours

Tours in this category typically involve light activities and are accessible to virtually all ages and fitness levels.

This style requires a sense of adventure and a good fitness level, as it may involve numerous activities and longer journeys.

These trips may include challenging activities, so they’re best suited to experienced travelers in excellent physical condition.

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Cultural Nepal Bhutan Tour with India

India, Nepal and Bhutan Tour

Exotic India

North East India Tour from Kolkata

Cultural India Tour with Ayodhya

What you need to know about adventure tours, how can i find the ideal adventure tour.

Finding your perfect adventure tour is a breeze on TourRadar! Discover our recommendations above for some of the most highly rated travel experiences, or browse our selection of Adventure tours and use our handy filters to narrow down your options until you find your perfect adventure!

Are climbing tours available?

You can find climbing tours in our range of adventure tours and in our Hiking and Trekking category. Feel free to reach out to our Travel Experts for further information about climbing tours.

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Adventure tours are designed for all ages and fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned experts. That being said, you’re more likely to enjoy your trip if you have a good fitness level and an active lifestyle. If you’re unsure which tour best fits you, don’t hesitate to ask one of our Travel Experts for guidance.

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10 best adventure travel companies, according to our readers

9 Best Travel Companies for Walking Tours and Hiking Tours in 2024

Enjoy some of the world's most beautiful landscapes at the speed of your own two feet..

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There’s something extra special about seeing someplace on foot the way you do on a walking tour, hiking tour, or guided trek. Maybe it’s the slower pace and the ability to actually admire sights you might just zip by in a car, bus, or train. Maybe it’s the easy opportunity for connections and conversations with local people. Or maybe it’s being out in the fresh air, enjoying and appreciating the natural setting of the location you’re visiting.

It’s probably some combination of all three that make walking tours, trekking tours, and hiking tours a popular way to travel. Whether you prefer an easygoing amble, a moderate hike, or a challenging summit, there are some great foot-fueled tours from hiking tour companies that explore famous locales and off-the-beaten-path spots all over the world. Here are my picks for the nine best travel companies offering walking tours and guided hiking trips.

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1. G Adventures

Small group tour specialist G Adventures  places a special focus on creating guided trips that benefit the destinations visited. The company offers a big range of hiking and trekking tours that let you experience iconic destinations in an active way . Many of these trips are physically challenging excursions, like the  Trans Bhutan Trail and trekking tours in places like  Nepal , Patagonia , and the  Alps . Hiking tours with G Adventures take you all over the world, too, from  Southern Iceland  and  Northern Greece  to  Alaska  and U.S. national parks.

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Tour descriptions feature a handy “Is this tour for me?” section that includes the physical rating, service level of accommodations, and visa requirements. Hiking and trekking tours can be filtered by budget, destination, and service and physical levels. And if this kind of travel is new to you, the G Adventures website has answers to commonly asked questions about its hiking and trekking tours, like the effects of altitude and where and how you’ll sleep. 

Quick Facts about Hiking Tours and Trekking Tours with G Adventures

• Average guided tour group size: 10 to 12 people.
• Price range: Pricing varies, with most tours in the $1,000 to $5,000 range.
• What’s included:  Accommodations, some meals, staff and guides.
• What’s not included: Pre- and post-trip airfare, some meals.
• Primary audience: Standard tours are open to adults and children ages 12 years or older when accompanied by a parent. Family Adventures are open to families with children between six and 17 years of age. The company also offers tours just for  18-to-30-somethings .
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand, North America, and South America.

2. Explore Worldwide

Adventure travel company Explore Worldwide  has four decades of experience leading immersive, once-in-a-lifetime trips featuring well-crafted itineraries, top local guides, small group sizes, and a commitment to responsible travel. More than 400 tour options take you to 120 countries on all seven continents. Explore offers a range of small-group guided walking tours and trekking tours in locations around the world . Expert guides lead the walks along the planned-out routes, and Explore takes care of elements like accommodations and luggage transfers.

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Walking tours are available at different activity levels so you can choose one that best matches your interests and physical abilities. Easy to moderate options in 2024 include a walking and wine tasting tour of Spain and Portugal , a walking holiday on the Amalfi Coast , and a walking tour of Jordan’s Spice Trails . More challenging treks and bucket-list-types of trips include  Kilimanjaro  and  Mont Blanc  trips. 

In addition to detailed information included in the description for each tour (activity level, information on accommodations and meals, daily itineraries, etc.), the active travel company also offers lots of insight about walking, trekking, and hiking tours in general on its website. You can find answers to  seven common questions about walking vacations and other advice and guidance. 

Quick Facts about Walking Tours and Trekking Tours with Explore Worldwide

• Average guided tour group size: 12 guests.
• Price range: Explore’s walking tours and trekking tours start at $530 per person and go up to $7,650, with most in the $2,000 to $5,000 range.
• What’s included: Accommodations, meals (number of meals vary by tour), tour excursions, leaders and guides.
• What’s not included: Flights to and from tour start/end points (there is an option to purchase them through Explore), some meals, gratuities, and optional excursions
• Primary audience: Solo travelers, couples, and friends who like small group travel and active vacations. Explore guests tend to range from 40 to 70 years of age; about 65% of attendees are female and about 65% are solo travelers.
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand, North America, and South America.

3. Intrepid Travel

In its more than 30 years in business,  Intrepid Travel  has taken guests on thousands of trips to all seven continents with a commitment to responsible travel. That means focusing on things like community-based tourism, animal welfare, diversity and inclusion, and climate change when planning trips and itineraries.

The company offers a range of walking tours that allow you to explore destinations on foot in a way that works best for you, e.g., walking, hiking, or trekking. Walking tours travel on defined tracks and smooth surfaces, and you don’t need any special equipment or preparation. Hiking tours take to trails, mountainsides, and other rugged terrain and make for a great in-between option. Trekking tours travel to remote destinations on challenging terrain that requires both specialized equipment and the ability to rough it. 

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Intrepid also offers creative alternatives to overcrowded trekking routes. For example, the 12-day Great Inca Road  trek avoids the highly popular Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and brings tourism to new communities along a less-traveled trekking route in Peru. Other good options for walkers, hikers, and trekkers include the company’s tours along  Camino de Santiago , treks to  Everest Base Camp  and  Kilimanjaro , and hiking tours of  U.S. national parks .

You can search trips by region and activity types, and tour descriptions include info on itineraries and inclusions as well as helpful sections labeled “Is this trip right for you?” and “Why you’ll love this trip” to assist with choosing the right adventure. There’s also a  FAQs section  that answers common questions about these kinds of tours and lots of  reviews  for firsthand traveler insight.

Quick Facts about Hiking Tours and Trekking Tours with Intrepid Travel

• Average guided tour group size: 12 people.
• Price range: Prices vary widely; the average price for a 12-day tour is $3,000.
• What’s included: Accommodations, transportation during the tour, most meals, included activities, leaders and guides, and all hiking permits.
• What’s not included: Airfare and travelers’ insurance.
• Primary audience: Tours attract all audiences; there’s an age minimum of 15.
• Destinations: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, and the Middle East.

4. The Natural Adventure Company

Founded in the United Kingdom in 2009 by a pair of avid adventurers and explorers,  The Natural Adventure Company  aims to make walking holidays and cycling vacations financially accessible for travelers interested in exploring areas in a nature-focused way. Most of its tours are self-guided, with itineraries that include stays in small, locally owned accommodations and an emphasis on responsible tourism.

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Popular 2024 walking tours from the company include a self-guided tour of the  trails of the Albanian Alps , a self-guided journey along  Portugal’s coastal Fishermen’s Trail , and a privately guided walking holiday in Morocco . Newer offerings for folks who like to travel by foot range from self-guided walking tours in  the Balkans  and the  Swiss and Italian Alps  to a two-week guided tour of the  Corsica GR20 long-distance walking trail . 

Online tour descriptions include a day-by-day itinerary and information on what to expect in terms of everything from accommodations and meals to level of difficulty, terrain, and weather conditions. Reviews from past travelers and photo galleries provide further insight on the trips. You can search tours by destination or holiday type, then further filter by difficulty grade. All walking tours include accommodations, transport, luggage transfers, support from the tour company, and suggestions for food and activities. Some tours also include meals.

Quick Facts about Walking and Hiking Tours with The Natural Adventure Company

• Average guided tour group size: Most tours are self-guided. Guided tours tend to range from eight to 10 guests.
• Price range: Tour prices start at around $300 and average about $1,200.
• What’s included: Accommodations, transport, luggage transfers (as per itinerary), 24/7 phone support. Some tours also include meals.
• What’s not included: Air, train, or bus fare to the destination; connecting transfers; meals not mentioned in itinerary; travel insurance (required); and local tourist taxes.
• Primary audience: Participants on these tours tend to be active and outdoorsy, digitally savvy, and in their 40s and up. Most travel with a partner, but some travel with a family member, friend, or solo.
• Destinations: The majority of the company’s tours are in Europe, but it also offers tours in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. 

5. Exodus Travels

Exodus Travels  led some of the first group trekking trips through the Nepalese Himalaya more than 45 years ago, and today that legacy lives on. The company offers a range of walking and trekking tours  around the world led by experienced trekkers and local guides. Exodus operates in more than 100 countries and focuses on low-impact tourism and contributing to local communities. Walking and trekking tours are available at several different activity levels, from leisurely and moderate trips to challenging and extremely difficult treks.

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Tour groups often stay in locally owned accommodations, and the company’s guided (and self-guided) walking tours allow you to really connect with a destination at your own pace and with a low carbon footprint. Popular tour options include a walking tour of Italy’s Prosecco Hills , a classic trek along Peru’s Inca Trail , and an  Everest Base Camp trek . Newer walking and trekking tour offerings include a coastal walking tour in the French Riviera , a self-guided walking tour on Malta , and a walking excursion on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast . 

Tour descriptions detail daily itineraries and distances traveled each day, information about the local weather and terrain, and reviews from past participants. In addition to filtering the company’s walking and trekking tours by activity level, you can search trips by types of adventure (summits, coastal walks, etc.), price range, and destination. 

Quick Facts about Walking Tours and Hiking Tours with Exodus Travels

• Average guided tour group size: Four to 16 guests.
• Price range: Tours average $2,000 to $4,000 per person.
• What’s included: Accommodations, most meals, airport transfers in destination, services of a local guide, some gratuities, admission to any sites on the itinerary, and any specialized gear needed.
• What’s not included: Pre- and post-trip airfare, some meals, and some gratuities.
• Primary audience: Travelers who like to move. Tours with an activity level of one (leisurely) just require that you be healthy enough for a standard weekend walk. Moderate trips require a basic fitness level since there will be some walking at higher altitude and occasional longer/harder days. Challenging and tough tours require a high level of fitness and often previous experience. 

6. Boundless Journeys

When  Boundless Journeys  puts together its small-group travel tours, it aims to create trips featuring active itineraries, cultural encounters, and authentic experiences. Local guides bring destination-specific knowledge and insight to the tours, and the company has appeared multiple times among the Top 10 World’s Best Tour Operators in  Travel + Leisure ’s World’s Best Awards. The company’s hiking and walking tours allow you to immerse yourself in a destination by seeing it on foot. Local guides take you to the best trails and walking routes in the region. Accommodations are locally run hotels and inns, mountain lodges, and seaside resorts.

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The  Tour du Mont Blanc adventure rates as the company’s most-popular waking and hiking tour, taking you through the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps and stopping to admire sweeping vistas and small Alpine villages along the way. Other options include a walking tour of the lesser-known villages and coastline of  Italy’s Puglia region  and a tour that includes hiking along Japan’s Nakasendo Trail  (a historic inn-to-inn walking route linking Kyoto and Tokyo). Trekking tours are also available for a more challenging experience . 

Walking tour descriptions include detailed itineraries, the activity level of each trip, and a “What to Expect” section with a range of information about the destination and the tour. Tours range in duration from seven to 13 days and extensions are offered in certain destinations.

Quick Facts about Walking Tours and Hiking Tours with Boundless Journeys

• Average guided tour group size: Eight to 10 people.
• Price range: Depending on the length of the tour, location, and the type of tour, prices range from $4,895 per person based on double occupancy to $9,895. 
• What’s included: Accommodations, guides, all on-tour transportation, all activities noted in the itinerary, entrance fees, all or most meals.
• What’s not included: International flights to and from destinations, optional meals and activities.
• Primary audience: Boundless Journeys guests tend to be well-educated, well-traveled, active individuals; generally hail from North America; and range in age from 40s to 70s.
• Destinations: Asia, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, and North America.

7. Backroads

Active travel outfitter Backroads  has been a force in adventure travel since 1979, leading walking tours, hiking tours, biking tours, and multi-adventure tours all around the world. The company offers more than 130 walking and hiking trip itineraries  that take you through rugged spots like  Alaska  and  Patagonia  and scenic locales like  Cinque Terre  and the  Cotswolds . Walking and hiking tours are offered at many different activity levels and for different kinds of travelers.

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Dolce Tempo tours  move at a more leisurely pace and are well-suited for novices to active travel. Some walking and hiking tours are available for families with older teenagers or kids in their 20s, while others are best suited for adults with a strong fitness level. Tours include almost everything, and accommodations range from casual hotels to more luxurious lodging options. Small group sizes make for a more intimate experience and guides help travelers find the best views and special spots along the way.

Quick Facts about Active Tours with Backroads

• Average guided tour group size:  Backroads hiking and walking trips average 16 guests with a maximum of 20 in the U.S.
• Price range: Prices vary depending on destination and trip length, starting around $2,999 per person double occupancy four a four-day trip.
• What’s included: Accommodations, most meals, trip leaders and guides, private guided tours at some sites, all gratuities at hotels and restaurants, special events (like wine tastings) mentioned in the tour itinerary, park and other entry fees, transportation during the tour, and baggage transfers and porterage.
• What’s not included: Airfare, alcohol, and trip leader gratuity.
• Primary audience: Participants range from couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers to families with older teenagers or kids in their 20s.
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and North America.

8. Country Walkers

Walking tour company Country Walkers  took its first steps as a tour operator out of an old barn in Vermont in 1979. Today the company helps travelers explore the world on foot in destinations near and far, with a focus on authentic travel and local engagement. The company offers two types of experiences for travelers. Small-group guided walking tours take you beyond just the usual spots for hands-on experiences and connections with members of the local community. For self-guided walking tours, Country Walkers takes care of all the logistics and planning so you can explore at your own pace. 

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Local restaurants and small, family-owned or locally based accommodations are part of the equation no matter which option you choose, part of the company’s commitment to sustainable travel, responsible tourism, and the slow food movement. Tours are classified by activity level and range from anyone-can-do-it easy walking tours to challenging excursions where you’ll walk for miles each day, sometimes at high elevations. Each tour description includes information on daily mileage as well as reviews from past travelers to help guests choose the best fit for them.

Options in 2024 include self-guided tours of the  Portugal coast  and  England’s Cotswolds region  and guided walking excursions of  Italy’s Puglia coast ,  Greece , and  Norway’s fjords . Country Walkers offers a number of guest benefits, from the option to book air travel along with the tour to a referral program, plus options for solo travelers.

Quick Facts about Walking Tours with Country Walkers

• Average guided tour group size: About 18 people.
• Price range: Tours range from $2,098 to $8,798 per person, double occupancy.
• What’s included: Accommodations, most meals, and guides or access to assistance for self-guided tours.
• What’s not included: Airfare to and from the destination, airport car service. (You can choose to book a flight-tour combo through Country Walkers to get these and other add-ons.)
• Primary audience: Country Walkers’ main demographic is travelers ages 55 to 80. But the company also welcomes people traveling with their adult children and/or teenage grandchildren. 
• Destinations: Africa, Asia and South Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America, and South America.

9. World Expeditions

World Expeditions  took its first group of trekkers to Nepal in 1975. Since then, it’s become a go-to operator for travelers interested in small-group active tours, responsible tourism, and “taking the path less traveled.” World Expeditions was the first operator to offer cycling holidays in India (1977) and China (1978) and trekking trips in Mongolia (1980), Tibet (1981), and Japan (1999), and is also the first to offer fully supported commercial treks along the entire length of the  Nepal section of the Great Himalaya Trail .

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The company believes that active outdoor travel helps people better experience a destination, no matter the activity level of a trip or age of a participant, and offers both  guided  and  self-guided  walking and trekking tours. On the guided excursions, expert local guides and adventurers enhance the trips with knowledge and expertise. Tours range in difficulty from introductory treks to highly challenging trips. Tour prices include the cost of accommodations, most food, and transport.

Among the company’s unique offerings are tours that help you explore the  Armenia Transcaucasian Trail and  Georgian Transcaucasian Trail  in the Caucasus Mountains. World Expeditions is one of the first operators to offer the option to trek selected sections of the long-distance Transcaucasian Trail in both countries, and you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking vistas and cultural sites along the way.

Quick Facts about Walking Tours ands Trekking Tours with World Expeditions

• Average guided tour group size:  8 to 10 people (maximum of 16).
• Price range:  Upscale, price varies greatly (World Expeditions offers hundreds of itineraries ranging from a few of days to 150 days). 
• What’s included:  Services of an expert local guide, accommodations, private transportation, most meals, sightseeing and national park fees.
• What’s not included:  International flights, alcoholic beverages, tips and gratuities, and travel insurance.
• Primary audience:  Active travelers ages 40 to 65 and older.
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Middle East, North America, and South America.

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I love our tour leader edith and.

I love our tour leader Edith and the support we got from her was excellent!

A great variety of experiences (learning about

A great variety of experiences (learning about culture, but also being in nature and doing some more physically challenging activities). Great tour leader and great ...

I felt we covered a lot in

I felt we covered a lot in a short time and there was a flexible app...

Great country, people, food and quality of

Great country, people, food and quality of the trip & leader

I thoroughly enjoyed my Intrepid tour and

I thoroughly enjoyed my Intrepid tour and all the optional activities on offer. It's great to travel with the comforts of having transport and accommodation already ...

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Welcome to Aegean Outdoors

Aegean Outdoors means authentic Adventure and Experiential Tours in Greece! Immerse yourself in the  culture and landscape of Greece  by discovering the non-touristy side of our beautiful country through your favorite activity: hiking ,  cycling ,  sea kayaking ,  sailing ,  rafting , and more. 

Οn  Santorini  or  Mount Olympus , in the pristine gorges of  Crete  or  Epirus , in the  Peloponnesian  stone villages, in the alleys and coastal trails of our world-famous  Greek islands,  or in any other part of the versatile  mainland , we offer  tailor-made trips, helping you avoid endless research and first-timer mistakes.   Our tours  are filled with  hands-on experiences  that mix  history, outdoor activities, mythology, and gastronomy!

Visit the Classic Greek monuments such as the  Acropolis, the Parthenon, Delphi, Ancient Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Vergina, Knossos , and many more as an active insider with the guidance of our knowledgeable guides.  Join us  and  explore Greece off the beaten path!

We are Greece’s  No. 1 Adventure and Experiential Travel operator , enjoying the benefits and advantages of a vast network of committed and experienced professionals, proud  designers of life-lasting memories. 

We look forward to seeing you in Greece! 

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• Adventure Travel

How to Choose Between Adventure Travel Tour Companies

Dominic has studied abroad in India, worked for GoAbroad’s content team in the Philippines,...

• Program Selection Tips
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For travelers who want to go the extra mile during their next trip abroad, gaining access to local insights and experiences that aren’t typically available to independent tourists, adventure travel tours have your name written all over ‘em.

Adventure travel tours are a unique way to immerse yourself in a new country while learning all about your surroundings from an experienced guide and interacting with the culture in an array of exclusive scenarios. From sitting in on community gatherings in remote villages to doing volunteer work in big cities to exploring the great wilderness in between, an adventure travel tour can give you a holistic experience abroad that is not possible by any other means.

The mountains are calling...k, bye.

There is certainly something to be said for the freedom of traveling independently, but what you sacrifice in the flexibility of your itinerary as an independent traveler, you gain in the steadily perfect itinerary of experienced adventure travel tour companies. Adventure tours are great for younger travelers who will benefit from the guidance, older travelers who will benefit from the ease, and everyone in between who is interested in learning a little bit more about the country to which they have come as guests.

So, how do you know that you’re choosing the best adventure travel tour companies ? How can you guarantee that you’ll get the very best out of your experience, and the most bang for your buck? Here are some key pointers that will start you off in the right direction:

What to look for in adventure travel tours

Organized adventure travel tours are perfect for people who don’t have the time to plan every detail of their trip— or maybe don’t spend their free time daydreaming about navigating bus schedules and museum fees… Those pesky details like lodging, transportation, meals, and general sightseeing, are all included. Spend less time stressing about logistics and more time present on your adventure. These tours are also a great way to connect with like-minded travelers from all over the country and world who have similar interests and adventurous spirits.

These are the hallmarks of a great adventure travel tour, and things you should take into consideration as you start searching for your next adventure… 

Specific Activity & Experience Level

Hiking. Biking. Kayaking. Climbing. Surfing. Snorkeling. Spelunking. The list of possible adventure activities to indulge in abroad seems never ending. No matter your desire for adrenaline, there’s a trip out there for you.

Whatever specific activity or endless combination of activities, you want to make sure that it’s suited to your skill and fitness level. If you’re a beginner rock climber, or you’re not as in shape as you used to be, an advanced-level climbing trip with long days of trekking between spots might not be for you. But, if you’re out here riding around Tour de France style, you might want to look for a more challenging biking tour. You know your limits best, don’t push yourself too hard, and look for an adventure tour that matches your fitness and skill level. 

Not all adventure travel tours are created equal— especially if you’re not much of an ice climber, you know?

You’ll look at this once, and never have to worry again! That’s the beauty of organized adventure travel tours. As a traveler, you want to maximize your outdoor adventure time, so it’s good to know exactly how much time you’ll spend on buses, trains, and planes, in order to reach any and all of your destinations.

Are there long days of driving involved? Will you be trekking from place to place? How many travel/transport days are there compared to actual activities/adventure time? Will you be staying in guest houses? Hostels? Hotels? All of these things vary between different adventure travel tour companies and itineraries, so you’ll want to go with the one that suits your needs and comfort level. 

Optional Activities 

One drawback to organized trips like these is a lack of independence. If you’re looking for a lot of free time/down time to explore on your own, you’ll need to look for tours that have optional activities, or free time built into the itinerary. A good look at logistics will help determine how much free time you’ll get on your trip. 

Group to Guide Ratio

This can really make or break an experience. You’re looking forward to traveling with a group of like-minded adventurers, sure, but a huge charter bus with 50 people to one haggard, overwhelmed guide is no one’s idea of a good time. Especially if you’re going to be doing a lot of outdoor activities. Climbing with too many people gets boring and stressful, and you’re more likely to have a wider range of experience level. Less is more, when it comes to the size of your adventure travel tour groups. That way you get to know everyone you’re traveling with AND your guide.

Trust us, you really want to get to know your expert guide. They know your host country and adventure activity better than anyone! They have all the insider info on local culture, customs, and the best spots for everything— climbing, kayaking, hiking, etc. etc. 

Cost (Because You HAVE to) 

Obviously, this is a huge factor. And, with the cost of the program, you also want to look at whats included. Most adventure travel tours will include lodging, meals, transportation, and equipment rentals in the program fee, but always double check! There might be days where lunch is on your own, or you might be required to bring some of your own gear depending on the activity. You’d hate to forget trekking poles and be SOL on your hike through the Swiss Alps. 

Get matched with top notch adventure travel tours today.

You don’t even get offended when people tell you to take a hike. You’re like, yeah, I certainly will, buddy!

What to look for in adventure travel tour companies

Choosing the right adventure travel tour is the fun part — now come the tough decisions. How do you know that you’re going with the right adventure travel tour company? That they’ll take good care of you, provide the best experience possible, and not cut corners? That their travel philosophy matches your own?

Credibility

First, you want to make sure that the adventure travel tour company you choose is an established, credible provider. Look at how long the company has been around, how long they’ve been operating in the region you want to travel to, read up on their background. Also check out reviews from past participants.

Local buy-in

You also want to make sure that the adventure travel tour company you choose has a positive local presence wherever their programs embark. Do they hire local employees and guides to lead the tours? And how much of the money feeds back into local communities, versus a larger parent corporation? These are questions you should ask yourself to ensure you’ll be travelling with a fair, locally valued program.

Expert Guides 

Also look into the kinds of guides that lead the adventure travel tours themselves. Are they teachers? Experienced travelers? Locals who know how to get about town? Your adventure travel tour guide can be a defining element of the experience, so you want to make sure you match with them stylistically.

Adrenaline junkies rejoice, you’ve finally found adventure buddies abroad.

Dig through as many reviews as you can. Reach out to alumni. Reach out to the company itself and talk to a representative. Simply put, do your research. This is a big decision, and you’ll want to make sure that you’re as informed as possible in making it. Narrow your list down to a final few options, and cover all your bases in picking the right one.

Make a thorough checklist of all of these points to consider, so you’ll know what to look for as you're doing your research and so you won’t get blindsided by any nasty surprises abroad. In truth, most adventure travel tour companies know what they’re doing, and most guides that work for adventure travel tour companies know what they’re doing. But, it’s important that you enter into the experience with at least a basic idea of what you’re getting yourself into.

Recommended adventure travel tours to get your blood pumpin’

So where to begin the search for the perfect program? Our Adventure Travel Directory can direct you to all sorts of great adventure travel tour companies with programs located all over the world, and is a great place to launch into your research. Here are a few top adventure travel tour companies to check out for a basic idea of what to expect:

1. Gapforce  

Gapforce provides a wide range of adventure travel opportunities for students interested in taking a gap year, ranging from volunteer placements and cultural immersion programs to vocational training. With expert expedition staff, you’re sure to have a safe, and AMAZING adventure abroad. I have never been the company of such amazing people doing things that I love. The staff on the phase were brilliant with a huge font of knowledge about the oceans and environment surrounding us.” - Fred, Bahamas

The towels are a little scratchy, but the view here is great. Still 5 stars.

2. Fronteering

Fronteering specializes in adventure travel programs to off-the-beaten-trail destinations such as the Canadian Arctic Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest. Students and travelers with a true taste for adventure should look into these programs.

My best memories are not the ones riding camels or driving the 4x4 but with the amazing Jordanians with the biggest smiles.” - Alexandra, Jordan

3. Oyster Worldwide  

Oyster Worldwide boasts a large network of volunteer openings around the world for gap-year students, ranging from teaching in Nepal to farming in Australia. There’s an Oyster Worldwide program for you, don’t even worry.

This programme was really tough but so rewarding. The training is really fun and you get to meet loads of people - most of my group was from the UK, Germany and Denmark. When I got to my job I learnt so much about cattle and improved my horse riding skills no end.” - Georgia, Australia

4. GoCambio  

GoCambio is a unique cultural exchange program that will set you up with a host family in your country of choice, to whom you can teach English in return for accommodation. This is a great program option for more independent adventurers looking to explore individually.

I got to see a part of Spain that was completely different and I had an off the beaten track travel experience, I felt like I was fully back in the Spanish culture, something I craved since I left there.” - Lorraine, Spain

Remember: safety first, fun and excitement a very close second.

[ Truly compare top adventure travel companies with MyGoAbroad ]

Tl;dr: 5 steps to choose the right adventure travel tour company for you.

• CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION. The broadest place to begin is by narrowing down your options based on location . Many adventure travel tours will take you throughout multiple countries in a region, while many others will stay focused within one specific country. Once you know what part of the world you want to embark on an adventure travel tour too, whether you want to embrace a more regional or local approach is the next thing to decide one.
• FIGURE OUT YOUR AVAILABILITY. Then — how long do you intend to stay abroad ? Adventure travel tours can be as short as just one week or as long as six months to a year, depending on your preference. Many adventure travel tour companies will also offer trips of varying lengths to choose from, some with the opportunity to extend or shorten your stay from the same itinerary.
• BEGIN YOUR PROGRAM RESEARCH. Now comes the fun part. You’ve decided where you want to go and how long you want to be there. Now you get to start checking out different programs . The major draw of an adventure travel tour is the level to, and ways in which, they immerse you within your host country. Are you interested in history and culture or in extreme sports ? Volunteering , teaching , working ? Learning a new language or learning about ecosystem conservation ? What about all of the above?
• KEEP ON RESEARCHIN'. These are all choices you’ll have to make when deciding on an adventure travel tour company. Some programs are more focused on one theme (i.e. the environment) while others offer a little bit of something for everybody. Research a wide array of different itineraries , keep an open mind, and eventually you’ll come across the one that feels meant to be.
• RESEARCH SLUMP? USE TRAVEL TOOLS. PICK ONE AND GO! But, to get technical, you’ll want to start by saving and comparing your favorite adventure travel tours side-by-side with MyGoAbroad . Once you’ve narrowed down your options— from where you want to go ( New Zealand ? Patagonia ?), to what you want to do ( yoga retreat ? Trekking the alps ?), reviews are going to be your best insight into the nitty gritty details of each adventure. You’ll get all the deets on every adventure tour company’s credibility, local buy-in, the quality of their guides and overall experience, yadda, yadda, yadda. 

Adventure is out there...

There are tons more adventure travel tour programs out there to choose from; the important thing is that you land on one that feels right for you. Everyone travels differently. Dig deep, and don’t settle for anything less than your perfect adventure— whatever that looks like.

You need to start here, and go wherever your internal compass takes you.

Browse Adventure Travel Tour Possibilities Now

Look for the Perfect Adventure Travel Program Now

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15 Best Tour Companies of 2024

Tour companies like Intrepid Travel and G Adventures can help you create the experience of a lifetime. Choosing the right company depends on your destination and travel preferences.

Guided tours can be a great way to experience a new destination, but you want to make sure you get the best experience possible. How can you find the best tour companies to guide your adventure?

Whether you’re looking for group trips, self-guided tours, river cruises, tours for solo travelers, or overseas adventure travel, you want to find a tour operator that can deliver a seamless, enjoyable, and authentic experience, all without zeroing out your bank account.

Here are the top 15 tour companies out there today. I’ll walk you through what each excels at and how to pick the best one for you.

• Our Top Picks
• Best Tour Company Overall: Intrepid Travel
• Best Small Group Tour Company: G Adventures
• Best for Day Tours: Get Your Guide
• Best Tour Company for Solo Travelers: Go Ahead Tours
• Best Tour Company for Families: Adventures by Disney
• Best Tour Company for Seniors: Trafalgar
• Best Tour Company for Europe: Tauck
• Best Tour Company for Italy: Insight Vacations
• Best Tour Company for Ireland and Scotland: CIE Tours
• Best Iceland Tour Company: Nicetravel Iceland
• Best Tour Company for Spain and Portugal: Cosmos
• Best Egypt Tour Company: Exodus
• Best Asia Tour Company: Klook
• Best Tour Company for Israel: Click Tours
• Best Tour Company for Greece: Epos Travel Tours

Intrepid Travel : Best Tour Company Overall

When you imagine travel tours, you may picture massive group tours and a bus packed with 50 noisy, gawking tourists.

That’s not what you get with Intrepid Travel . This company specializes in adventurous and immersive small group tours with an average of 10 people.

Operating on all seven continents, Intrepid offers a huge range of trip types to fit any traveler. You can choose biking tours across New Zealand, river cruises in Europe, trekking in the Himalayas, or wildlife safaris in the Serengeti. There are options for all-female adventures, family expeditions, active trips for adventure travelers, or trips catering specifically to 18-29 year olds.

If you don’t want to spend the trip of a lifetime sitting on your butt looking out a bus window, Intrepid Travel is for you. Their group trips are designed to fully immerse you in the culture and beauty of a new place. Here are two examples of what you’ll get from Intrepid Travel:

With the Alaska: Hike, Bike, & Kayak tour, you are led by an expert guide on a range of active adventures through some of Alaska’s best scenery and national parks. You’ll go sea kayaking, cycle along the rugged Alaskan coast, and hike through Denali National Park.

If you’re looking for more of a cultural experience, the Premium Sri Lanka tour is an incredible journey through the culture, history, food, and wildlife of this island. You’ll explore ancient temples, eat incredible food with locals, and search for leopards in the country’s wildlife preserves.

One last perk: Intrepid Travel is a Certified B-Corp, meaning they are dedicated to doing good in the world. They donate to worldwide relief causes and offset the carbon footprint of every trip they operate.

G Adventures : Best Small Group Tour Company

If you’re looking for small group tours, G Adventures is one of the best in the category. Just like with Intrepid, their tour groups average 10 people, so, with G Adventures, you won’t have to deal with being part of a massive hoard of tourists.

So what sets G Adventures apart? Unlike many tour operators, they focus on helping you get exactly the experience you’re looking for instead of packing every day with a rigid schedule. Every trip offers a wide range of optional activities that you can pick and choose from to personalize your experience. Plus, you can opt for more free time to explore or hang out on your own.

I also love that G Adventures hires all local guides. They put a lot of emphasis on their guides, even calling them CEOs (chief experience officers). That means you get local, insider expertise on your trip. Your tour director will speak the local language, know the best spots to eat, and fully understand the culture.

If you’re looking for big luxurious hotels and resorts, G Adventures probably isn’t for you. Instead of going to the big chain hotels, G Adventures uses locally owned and operated lodgings.

This has two benefits. First, you get a much more authentic local experience. Big hotel chains don’t have the same charm and character as a true local hotel. Second, your money will go toward benefiting the local economy rather than some giant corporation. That’s a big win for G Adventures in my book.

Get Your Guide : Best for Day Tours

You may not need or want a fully guided multi-day group tour, But sometimes it’s nice to have the guidance of a local expert for a truly unique experience that you couldn’t get otherwise. Choosing day tours is a great way to get the benefits of guided group tours without being stuck with a tour group for your entire trip.

Get Your Guide is my favorite resource for finding amazing day tours, entry tickets, and other travel experiences. It’s perfect for more independent travelers who can manage the details of their own trip, but are looking for shorter guided tours.

How does it work? Get Your Guide is essentially an online marketplace where you can search for and reserve tours, museum passes, adventure activities, and more.

For example, let’s say you’re planning a trip to Sweden. On Get Your Guide, you could book a dog sled adventure to see the northern lights, a day cruise on an icebreaker ship, a “ghost-walk” historical tour of Old Stockholm, and a guided ice climbing excursion.

I’m already getting excited about that trip.

Go Ahead Tours : Best Tour Company for Solo Travelers

Solo travel can be a bit intimidating, especially if you don’t have a lot of travel experience. I’ve found that group tours can be a great way to ease some of the stress and make it easier to enjoy your trip as a solo traveler.

Go Ahead Tours is one of the best tour companies that specializes in trips for solo travelers. With their solo trips, you always get a private room at no extra cost, and the other travelers in your tour group will also be solo—so you don’t end up as the awkward 17th wheel in someone else’s family vacation. As a solo traveler with Go Ahead Tours, you get all the benefits and security of a group trip, and you’ll meet other amazing people traveling the world on their own.

Go Ahead Tours focuses on small group itineraries in tour destinations around the globe, from popular destinations to locations off the beaten path. Want a food-centric trip across Italy? Check. Want to visit South America and hike to Machu Picchu? Check. How about a wildlife safari in Kenya? Yep, they’ve got that. Go Ahead Tours offers the best group tours for solo travelers, and you may even make some new friends on the way.

Adventures by Disney : Best Tour Company for Families

Family travel can seem complicated, especially if you have younger kids. Group tours can help simplify planning the dream trip, but tour operators often plan trips focused on adults, so younger travelers may get bored quickly.

Adventures by Disney is one of the few group travel companies that specialize in family-oriented trips and tours, from South America to Scandinavia. Disney Vacations designs their group trips to have something for everyone: wine tastings for the adults, adventure scavenger hunts for the kids, and sights and experiences that will engage your entire family.

Disney Adventures trips are a bit pricier than many other group travel companies, so not all families will be able to afford them. However, if you can make it work with your budget, your family will get an amazing experience that you just won’t find from more mainstream travel.

Trafalgar : Best Tour Company for Seniors

Trafalgar is one of the biggest (and best) group travel companies in the world. They offer hundreds of international trips to popular destinations around the globe.

Trafalgar’s guided tours are great for travelers of all age groups, but they cater particularly to senior travelers. The majority of Trafalgar guests are over 50. It’s also great for family tours to get grandparents and grandkids spending quality time together.

If you’re looking for highly active itineraries with adventure activities packed in, Trafalgar may not be the best for you. They focus more on cultural immersion, history, architecture, and local cuisine. Trafalgar is a great choice if you want to take a deep dive into the essence of your destination.

You can count on having a tour leader who is an expert in the local culture and history, and you will come home with tons of new knowledge.

Trafalgar focuses primarily on land-based tours, but they also offer a range of cruise vacations if you want to travel by sea.

Hotel stays, meals, transportation to/from the airport, and all the logistics are all arranged for you. You can even add on flights, extra hotel nights, and travel insurance so you don’t have to worry about any additional complications for your trip.

Tauck : Best Tour Company for Europe

Tauck is another big name in group tours that operates on all seven continents. While they have guided tours all around the globe, Tauck is an especially good choice if you’re looking for a group tour in Europe.

It’s easy to go to European cities, see the major tourist sites, and head home without really diving deep into the culture and spirit of the place. My favorite thing about Tauck is that their European tours are designed to give you more than just the standard tourist experience. Their Yellow Roads of Europe tours take you off the beaten path for a truly unique European experience.

Every Tauck tour pairs you with handpicked expert local guides who will help fully immerse you in the experience.

Tauck offers both river cruises and land-based group tours. If you want a unique European experience, imagine cruising through Western Europe along the Seine.

Insight Vacations : Best Tour Company for Italy

Almost every traveler dreams of a bucket list trip to Italy. What’s not to love? Amazing food, amazing sights, amazing culture, Italy has it all.

If you’re looking for the best guided tours in Italy, I highly recommend Insight Vacations . Insight offers tours all over the world, but their Italy tours are especially good. Whether you want to see the major sights, learn to live like a local, or sample the best food from around the country (or all of the above!) they’ve got tours for you.

As an example, you could choose their Best of Italy Tour for your next trip. This 11-day tour includes stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, and more. You’ll learn from local artisans, eat farm-to-table meals on the foothills of Mount Vesuvius, and get a VIP tour of the Vatican (including areas normally off-limits to visitors).

Insight’s tours are all led by local tour guides who speak the language and have in-depth knowledge of the culture and history of each site you visit.

If you’re traveling with a group of 10 or more people, Insight Vacations can also put together custom itineraries specifically for your group.

CIE Tours : Best Tour Company for Ireland and Scotland

If you’re into history, stunning scenery, charming towns, or good times at the pub, you would probably love touring Ireland and Scotland. CIE Tours is technically based in the US, but it’s partially owned and operated by the Irish government. It specializes in travel to Ireland, Scotland, and a few other European countries.

This dialed-in focus means that there are no better guided tours for Ireland and Scotland. I highly recommend their Taste of Scotland and Ireland Tour . In 11 days, you’ll experience sightseeing in Glasgow and Dublin, a day cruise on Loch Ness, carriage rides through the Irish countryside, and a feast in a historic castle.

Their tours have a great balance of exciting sightseeing and activities with enough downtime to relax or do plenty of exploring on your own. It’s a great way to get all the benefits of group travel without feeling like you have no control over your schedule.

If you want more freedom, CIE also offers independent adventures. They will build an itinerary for you and book your lodgings, admission tickets to attractions, and rental car (or you can opt for a private driver). You can choose from their pre-packaged itineraries, or build your own custom trip.

I also appreciate that CIE Tours has fairly affordable rates that include all admission tickets and most of your meals. Plus, they often offer discounts on airfare!

Nicetravel Iceland : Best Iceland Tour Company

Maybe you’ve always been intrigued by Iceland’s wild, untamed beauty (I know I have). If you want to experience this first hand, Nicetravel Iceland is one of the best group travel companies in this amazing country.

Nicetravel Iceland by three local Icelandic families, so they have a lot of local expertise. They offer trips ranging from 8 hours to over a week and have itineraries to suit any type of traveler, whether you want to relax in natural hot spring pools or hike along the glaciers and coastlines.

They focus on small group tours, and you’ll never have more than 19 people in your group. Most of their tours start from the capital, Reykjavik, and will drive you to various destinations in Mercedes Sprinter Vans. Way better than the huge tour buses many other companies use.

In addition to standard tours for sightseeing, they also have a range of tour options for more adventurous travelers. You’re in the right place if you want to explore caves, hike on glaciers, or raft down raging rivers.

Cosmos : Best Tour Company for Spain and Portugal

For a tour operator on the Iberian Peninsula, Cosmos is one of the best choices, especially if you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. Cosmos has been guiding group travel for nearly a century, and they employ expert local guides to help you get the most from your trip.

The Cosmos Best of Spain and Portugal Tour is an incredible 13-day group travel itinerary. You will stay in 7 amazing cities across the two countries and visit a wide range of historical sites.

Cosmos is also a good choice for responsible travel, as they have several initiatives to support local communities and planet-focused nonprofits like the African Wildlife Foundation, The Ocean Cleanup, and Trees4Travel. I appreciate companies that are taking steps toward sustainable travel.

Exodus : Best Egypt Tour Company

It’s hard to visit any travel website without seeing a picture of the Great Pyramids. Egypt has captivated the minds of explorers and travelers for centuries, and it is worth having on your bucket list.

If you want a guided tour of Egypt, I highly recommend Exodus Travels . With destinations on all seven continents, Exodus Travels is one of the most popular group travel companies for adventurous travelers, and their Egyptian tours are particularly good.

With 9 different guided tours in Egypt, you can find the perfect itinerary for your trip. Exodus Travels is a true expert in the industry and hires incredible guides for their group travel excursions.

Plus, Exodus Travels also offers trips that are perfect for family travel.

Klook : Best Asia Tour Company

Whether you want to experience the hustle and bustle of downtown Tokyo or an adventurous trek to Everest Base Camp, Klook is one of the best group travel companies for Asia.

Klook is more than just a tour operator. It is a marketplace for everything travel, from airline tickets to hotels to tickets to museums, theme parks, and more. Klook offers trips for small groups or individual travelers all around the globe, but they are based in Asia, and that’s where they focus.

Klooks South Korea Tour will take you to Nami Island, through beautiful gardens, and into a centuries-old palace in Seoul.

Click Tours : Best Tour Company for Israel

Click Tours specializes in group travel in Europe and the Middle East, and Israel is by far their most popular tour destination. In Israel, Click Tours will offer trips ranging from 3-day highlight tours to 18-day deep-dive cultural experiences.

They focus on small group travel, and your tour group will have 15-24 guests. That means you get more personal attention and a more authentic experience of the country.

A tour of Israel with Click Tours will focus on historical and archeological sites. You’ll visit temples and ruins that are thousands of years old as well as dive into the amazing food and rich culture of Israel.

Epos Travel Tours : Best Tour Company for Greece

If you’re looking for a group travel trip to Greece, Epos Travel Tours is a local company based in Tripolis that offers tours across the country.

Since Epos Travel Tours specializes only in Greece, you can expect catered trips and insider knowledge. They are truly the experts in travel to Greece, and their trip itineraries are designed to help you get the most from your trip, whether you want to visit historical sites or delve into amazing food and culture.

If you’re into history and architecture, their tour of Ancient Corinth is hard to beat!

Best Tour Companies FAQ

Which is the best tour company in the world.

In my experience, Intrepid Travel is the best tour operator. They have amazing small-group tours.

What are the top travel companies?

The top travel companies for tours include Intrepid Travel , G Adventures , and Trafalgar .

Is Globus or Trafalgar better?

Trafalgar is usually the better choice. They offer amazing all-inclusive tours around the world.

Are tour companies worth it?

Group travel can be worth it if you want the stress and planning taken out of your trip.

Who is the biggest tour company?

Disney is the biggest tour company by revenue.

How do you know if a tour company is legit?

It is a good idea to look for reviews of a tour company on TripAdvisor.

Jakob Thygerson

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The Golden Ring of Russia includes several historical towns located not far from Moscow. A classic Golden Ring tour starts in Moscow and covers Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl Zalesskiy, Rostov Velikiy, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Suzdal and Vladimir. When you return to Moscow, you make a kind of a circle or a “Ring”. The term “Golden” is originated from the golden cupolas of Orthodox churches. We have a selection of day trips from Moscow to Sergiev Posad, Vladimir, Suzdal and Rostov Velikiy. Our tailor-made Golden Ring tours may include Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Ivanovo, Plyos, Uglich, Myshkin, Murom, Rybinsk, Palekh, Kideksha and other towns.

Moscow has plenty of historic attractions and beautiful places. Just to name a few – the Kremlin, the Red Square, Novodevichiy Convent, Kolomenskoe Estate, Zaryadye Park, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Discover Moscow on our day tour or request a tailor-made Moscow itinerary according to your interests.

Veliky Novgorod is one of the oldest Russian cities with a great number of well-preserved historic monuments. The museum in Novgorod Kremlin hosts valuable collections of birch bark manuscripts and Orthodox icons. Vitoslavlitsy museum of wooden architecture is well worth visiting. Other travel destinations in Novgorod province include Valdai National Park and the town of Staraya Russa with Dostoevsky house-museum.

Visit historic sights and enjoy scenic landscapes of the Russian Karelia region

• Kizhi Island
• Ruskeala Park
• Traditional Karelian village
• Available from May to October

Price: from 28000 Rub/person

Discover St. Petersburg, one of the world’s most fascinating cultural destinations.

• Wander the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre
• Visit the best museums
• Explore Royal palaces and gardens
• Learn about Russian culture

From 95000 Rubles/person

Adventures, activities and a bit of culture on the scenic roads of the Russian north (September — April).

• Explore picturesque nature spots
• Hunt for the Northern Lights
• Ride on a steam train
• Visit a husky kennel
• Taste local food

From: 770 USD/person

Aurora hunt in Murmansk, Russia

• 3-day package
• Northern Lights hunt
• Teriberka village
• Hotel included

From: 30000 Rubles/person

Russia tours with Nordic Travel

Russia is a land of immense variety. Discover its natural beauty, historical and cultural heritage on a private or small group tour to the top travel destinations and off the beaten track places. At Nordic Travel, we have been crafting Russia tours since 2001. Whether your ambition is to discover St. Petersburg museums, enjoy natural highlights of Russian Karelia, hunt for the Northern lights or travel on a vintage steam train, get in touch with us for expert travel advice. Contact Nordic Travel, an inbound tour operator for Russia via WhatsApp , Telegram or just send an e-mail to [email protected] .

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For authentic experiences off the beaten path

Most popular tours

Book one of our most popular tours that are not only our guests but also our favorites. All of them are customizable and can also be offered as private guided tours.

Hiking Tour Norway Untouched Fjords | 7 days

• Go off the beaten track on this guided hiking tour
• Go on hidden hikes: Only known by locals
• Hike along the fjords, high sea cliffs, glacial terrain, and islands
• June - September

Norwegian Fjords Kayaking & Hiking | 5 days

• Hike and kayak in the scenic and remote Hjørundfjord
• Paddle away from the crowds and hike with fantastic views
• Sleep in cozy guesthouses
• Easy, Moderate

Fjord Adrenaline Family Adventure

• Enjoy days filled with adventures off the beaten track
• Explore the fjords kayaking, hiking, rafting and soar on zip lines across waterfalls
• Stay at charming small handpicked hotels

Norway travel reviews & guest experiences

Let our guests’ reviews about tours and vacations to Norway and their favorite travel experiences inspire you

Adventure of a Lifetime with Norway Adventures

• Private tour

We booked a 14-day self-guided tour with Norway Adventures and it was totally worth it! If you have the ability to stay longer, you should do it.

Custom Family Adventure

Anne did a fantastic job planning a custom trip for my son and me (ages 32 and 71).

Extraordinary Adventure

• Leanne, USA

My partner and I wish to express our gratitude to Anne and her team for curating such an extraordinary journey through the Norwegian wilderness.

Fantastic adventure in Norway!

• Roxana, USA

We had an amazing experience kayaking and hiking in one of the most beautiful places we have ever been!

Private week long tour

• August 2023

We (my wife and I; my sister and her friend; and two friends from Atlanta, GA) asked Anne/Norway AdvenTURes to arrange a week long trip for us to Norway.

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• Norway Treasures: Explore curated highlights by Rogier and Anne
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What are you dreaming of?

There are so many things you want to experience in Norway that you might not know where to start. Check out our favorite themes for inspiration.

Active outdoors

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Explore the fjords

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Why travel with norway adventures.

In-depth experiences

Our goal is to immerse you in unforgettable experiences. Trek through stunning nature, meet knowledgeable guides, learn about Norwegian culture, enjoy local cuisine and stay at unique small-scale hotels, away from the crowds.

Customized with local expertise

Share your interests and dreams with us and we will use our local expertise to design your dream trip. You will experience the local gems and highlights, tailored to you with a personal touch.

Save time and money

With our experience and our network of local suppliers we will design the best itinerary for you. We will spare you the hassle of planning and solving logistical challenges. By booking directly at our agency you will avoid double middleman fees.

Success guaranteed

With our local insider expertise, more than 18 years of experience, and many excellent guest reviews, you know you are in the best hands!

Carefree travel

Travel with a guide and leave everything to us or travel on your own: we’ll prepare a personalized travel guide with our best insider tips, including detailed driving directions with recommended sites and stops along the way. This means you can travel safely without any practical concerns or logistical headaches.

Travel responsibly

Our central mission of providing unique tours “off the beaten track” aligns with our sustainability ethos. Through our Eco-lighthouse certification you can be assured that we are dedicated to preserving the wilderness and the cultural treasures of Norway.

Latest blogs

For more practical information and insider tips check out our blogs about relevant topics.

Five most beautiful stave churches in Norway

The beautiful stave churches are unique to Norway. The churches are centuries old and held up by wooden posts instead of glue. Between the 12th and 14th century, thousands of stave churches were spread across Europe, but now only 28 remain, all of them in Norway. These buildings range from large structures with towers and ornate Viking decorations to tiny churches where you have to duck to not bump into the ceiling. We have put together the most unique stave churches for you to visit on your vacation in Norway.

Driving in Norway

Going on a road trip in Norway is an experience unlike any other. Behind every turn hides a completely different landscape for you to admire. But driving in a country you are not used to can be scary, and Norway is no different. With these tips and tricks, you can go on your Norwegian adventure prepared for (almost) anything and enjoy the sightseeing safely!

Nine reasons to visit Nordfjord

For experiencing the best that Norway has to offer in one fjord, we invite you to visit Nordfjord, the fjord we call home. This fjord is located at the West Coast, between Bergen and Ålesund, off the beaten track and away from Norway’s busiest tourist destinations.

The people behind Norway Adventures

One thing that really sets Norway Adventures apart is that we’re a small, family company, firmly rooted here in the western fjords of Norway. Rogier fell in love with the Norwegian wilderness as a young boy. 23 years ago he and Anne moved here, determined to share those enduring experiences in nature with their young children.

Rogier founded Norway Adventures in 2004, an adventure travel tour operator in Norway, with a mission to share “the humbling enormity of the fjord landscape” with the world.

We design tours especially for active guests who are ready to dive in and experience nature and culture in Norway. As Rogier says, “At Norway Adventures, it’s not about seeing Norway, it’s about doing it – fully experiencing the culture and all the natural wonders of the mountains and fjords.”

By really getting to know you and listening to your dreams, wishes, and desires, we strive to offer you the ultimate Norway Adventure whether you’re looking for an active family vacation, a thrill-seeking adventure, or a luxury honeymoon with an adventurous twist.

Norway Adventures: for authentic experiences off the beaten path

Our goal is to immerse you in adventures in authentic Norway, away from the crowds. Hike and paddle through stunning nature, meet knowledgeable guides, learn about Norwegian culture and history, enjoy local cuisine and stay at unique small-scale hotels.

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45 OTAs for Multi-Day Tours & Custom Trips

A quick guide to help tour operators and DMCs understand the growing landscape of online travel agencies for custom and scheduled multi-day tours

by Douglas Quinby | 1 June 2021

This article was updated on June 7, 2021 to include corrections and companies overlooked since publication

As we prepare for our upcoming Arival Multi-Day Tours & Experiences Forum June 9-10, we have been researching the distribution landscape for multi-day tours to help operators understand their distribution options, especially with online travel agencies (OTAs). 

The OTA landscape for multi-day tours and experiences is diverse, and it can be confusing. We identified 45 companies offering multi-day tours, and no doubt there are many more we have missed.

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This article explains the different types of multi-day OTAs and provides a list below of the nearly 40 companies. We always strive to avoid industry jargon, but this article does refer to the different types of tour operators (outbound, inbound, DMC, etc.) as well as tour types (escorted, scheduled, custom, etc.). Here is a link to Arival’s glossary of terms for multi-day tours in case you need a quick refresher on the different types of tours and tour operators. 

The biggest general OTAs, such as Booking.com and Expedia, do not offer multi-day tours, however, we have uncovered a diverse landscape of nearly 40 OTAs that offer multi-day tours. 

Three Types of Multi-Day OTAs

OTAs for multi-day tours fall into three broad categories: package tour OTAs, custom trip OTAs, and specialty OTAs. We explain each below, but keep in mind that many OTAs may offer tours that fit into both categories. In those cases, we’ve grouped the OTA according to the type of tours it focuses on the most. 

Package Tour OTAs

These OTAs aggregate scheduled multi-day tours. Packaged tours have pre-set travel dates and itineraries. These may be escorted tours, such as an escorted seven-day tour of a national park, or an unescorted resort package to Cancun including airport transfers and activities. These tours may be operated by both outbound and inbound tour operators. They may or may not include air travel to the tour’s point of departure. 

TourRadar is one of the oldest and largest OTAs, working with more than 2,000 operators.  It’s followed by Denmark’s Bookmundi and the U.K.’s TourHub . These sites operate as an OTA, handing the transaction and payment and charging a commission to the tour operators. 

There are at least two metasearch sites for package tours: TravelStride and TourHound . These websites aggregate tours from tour operator websites and link directly to the tour page on the operator website for a referral fee. 

Although travel’s biggest online agencies, Booking.com and Expedia, do not offer multi-day tours, Airbnb, GetYourGuide and Viator do offer scheduled multi-day tours.

Are they right for your tour business?

If you run scheduled tours with pre-set travel dates and itineraries, and you are comfortable with the terms, conditions and commissions, which range from 15% to well over 20%, then you may want to consider working with some of these OTAs to reach more customers.

Custom Trip OTAs

This is a relatively new type of OTA that offers online custom trip planning through travel agencies, as well as local tour operators and DMCs in the destination. The largest is Paris, France-based Evaneos , which says it works with more than 2,000 operators across 160 destinations and has raised $109 million in venture funding. Berlin, Germany-based Tourlane is another leading player, having raised more than $80 million. 

However, the online custom trip planning space is an increasingly crowded one. We have identified a dozen such companies. TripAdvisor has stepped into the arena with Reco , its travel-planning service for travel agencies, and package tour OTAs such as Bookmundi have also introduced custom trip planning services. Elsewhere is a new, U.S.-based custom trip startup focusing on responsible tourism and founded by two former employees of Evaneos. 

If you offer custom incoming, receptive trip services, such as itinerary planning and booking of in-destination transportation, accommodation and activities, custom trip OTAs may be a good option for you to get more bookings. They typically offer an extranet and tools to manage your bookings. Expect to pay a commission to the OTA. TripAdvisor’s Reco charges a traveler fee for planning. 

Multi-Day Specialty OTAs

There is a rising wave of specialist OTAs that offer multi-day tours around a particular theme or type of travel. Most of these OTAs offer scheduled tours and packages, and the common themes are adventure, wellness, or a particular destination or region.

Responsible Travel is a leading OTA that focuses on multi-day trips that meet specific criteria for responsible and sustainable tourism. Safarigo focuses on safaris, while Indy Guide offers custom and scheduled trips to underserved destinations, predominantly in Central Asia. 

There are several OTAs dedicated to rising interest in wellness travel, such as Book Retreats and Vacayou . Tripaneer is a network of websites focused on adventure travel, wellness, safaris and other specialty areas of active travel. 

These OTAs have a clear area of focus, so they will only be appropriate for operators offering tours in these particular niches. 

Want to learn more about multi-day distribution and working with OTAs? Join us at Arival’s Multi-Day Tours Forum June 9–10 . Hear from leading companies and attend hands-on workshops on operators, marketing and technology designed specifically for multi-day tour operators.

Tickets for the Multi-Day Tours & Experience Forum two-day event start at $39 for non-members. Or become a Pro Access member to get easy access to all of the Arival Accel series of virtual events and premium research for a full year, starting at just $179. If you would like to attend, but your business remains in financial distress, you are welcome to apply for a scholarship here

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Since 2019, Arival has hosted one major event in Europe each year. For 2024-2025, we’re thrilled to offer two exciting events: Arival 360 | Valencia and Arival | Activate Edinburgh. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which event to attend—or why you might want to come to both:

• Scope : Flagship European Event with a global reach; up to 30% of attendees from outside Europe, including the U.S., Middle East, LATAM, and APAC.
• Audience : Experience creators, tech and distribution companies, and industry professionals from around the world.
• Arival Theater Content : Global topics including: over-tourism and sustainability, technology, distribution, European consumer and operator trends.
• Breakout Sessions : In-depth workshops on operational best practices, product expansion, AI, channel management, marketing tech, a Spain-specific track and an Innovation Showcase highlighting the most tech-savvy companies in our industry.
• Networking : Connect with leading OTAs and distribution companies, and build valuable partnerships.
• Location : Valencia, a stunning coastal city offering rich cultural experiences.
• Attendees : Approximately 800, providing extensive networking opportunities.
• Scope : Regional focus on the UK, Ireland, and the Nordic regions.
• Audience : Operators and industry professionals from the region.
• Content : Gain insights on regional topics like technology, distribution strategies, and hear from top regional tourism leaders.
• Breakout Sessions : Experience hands-on learning at Edinburgh’s top attractions and tours, with sessions on visitor experience, digital journeys and innovative tour development. In-depth sessions for companies at the beginning of their digital journey and more advanced sessions for people and companies looking to elevate their experience.
• Networking : With a more intimate setting. you’ll have more time to build deeper connections and create more meaningful interactions with your current and future partners including distributors, tech companies, DMOs and more.
• Location : Edinburgh, known for its stunning architecture and historic charm
• Attendees : Approximately 400, fostering an intimate peer-to-peer learning and networking environment.
• Global vs. Regional Focus : Valencia is a global event with an international audience, while Edinburgh is a regional event focused on the UK, Ireland, and Nordic regions.
• Event Size : Valencia hosts about 800 attendees, providing broad networking opportunities, whereas Edinburgh’s 400 attendees create a more intimate, focused environment.
• Content and Sessions : Valencia features global themes and advanced topics, whereas Edinburgh provides region-specific insights and hands-on experiential learning.
• Location Experience : Valencia providing a coastal escape and Edinburgh offering historic and iconic attractions.
• Who Will Be There: The most valuable part of Arival Events is the connections you make and the partnerships you build to grow your business. At Arival | Activate Edinburgh, you’ll engage with key industry players in the UK, Ireland, and Nordic regions. If your business focus is on these areas, Edinburgh is where you need to be. For those targeting broader European or global markets, Arival 360 | Valencia offers the ideal platform to network with international leaders and innovators. 

With limited opportunities for business development, learning, and networking in our industry, attending both events is a strategic move. By participating in both Edinburgh and Valencia, you maximize your exposure to diverse markets and influential contacts. 

However, if budget constraints or a specific regional focus dictate your decisions, choose the event that best aligns with your primary business goals. Join us in Edinburgh for regional insights or Valencia for global perspectives—or better yet, attend both to fully leverage the potential of Arival’s expansive network.

For service providers such as a restech or ticketing platform, distribution company, or other services including marketing, AI tools, etc., attending both gives you access to attendees from both markets to connect with your current customers and to meet new ones!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

At Arival, we believe travel can make the world a better place. Our mission is to establish and inspire a diverse community of individuals and companies in the In-destination Industry by providing opportunities to gain insight, share knowledge and build connections. To make it possible for true collaboration, creativity, innovation, and idea exchange to thrive, we are committed to facilitating a welcoming and respectful community for all. This Conference Code of Conduct shares our community expectations and applies to all attendees, employees, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and other participants at Arival- produced and sponsored events. We empower all participants in our community to actively engage in creating a friendly, inclusive and safe environment for all.

Arival’s core values include the following, and create an expectation for conduct at our events and in online community spaces:

We demonstrate a  deep respect  for human beings inside and outside our company and for the communities in which they live. We  value integrity  and strive to consistently interact with others in ways that are authentic, ethical, and fair. We are  dedicated to transparency , committing to clear, open and honest communication. We  actively pursue and advocate for inclusion, diversity and representation  of varying cultural backgrounds, perspectives and ideas

Arival welcomes people from all cultural backgrounds, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, religion (including religious dress and grooming), marital status, domestic partner status, genetic information, age, national origin or ancestry, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Accordingly, participants must refrain from displaying any demeaning, harassing, aggressive, or intimidating behavior or materials that would interfere with others’ experience and participation in our community.

If you witness or are subjected to inappropriate or disruptive behavior or have any other concerns, notify an Arival staff member as soon as possible.

Inappropriate or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Arival reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any party from any event or community space at any time when participation or behavior create a disruption or hinder the event or enjoyment of the event by other participants. All determinations are at the sole discretion of Arival, and the decision of the Arival team will be final. Severe breaches of this Conference Code of Conduct may result in disqualification from participating in future events. Individuals expelled due to violating this Conference Code of Conduct will not be eligible for a refund or other consolation.

If you have questions regarding this Conference Code of Conduct or its implementation, please contact us at [email protected] .

Privacy Overview

How to Enjoy an Accessible Costa Rican Adventure — From Tour Operators to Hotels and Transportation

I n Costa Rica, accessible activities can include everything from zip lining and diving to chilling out at the pool bar. Here's what to know.

Costa Rica offers tourists some of the most lush greenery on Earth, breathtaking beaches, and countless options for those who love adventure. There’s certainly no shortage of activities or world-class places to stay, but unlike many tourists who can book their flight and leave the rest to spontaneity, foresight and planning are central for the 12.5 million (and growing) people who travel with disabilities every year. 

Costa Rica first turned its attention towards accessibility in 1996, and over the last two and a half decades has steadily made improvements to make its best sights and tourist destinations welcoming for everyone. 

This guide sheds light on some of the best that Costa Rica has to offer in accessible travel, including where to stay, how to get around, what to see, and which tour operators to tap for your visit.

Hotels and Resorts

Tabacón thermal resort & spa.

This boutique resort and spa has panoramic views of La Fortuna’s lush greenery. Resort board member Mario Mikowski said the resort recently added “an experiential wheelchair tour through the resort” and “remodeled the main pool so that guests in wheelchairs can access the swim-up bar.” There are property-wide access ramps, including to the resort's adults-only Shangri-Lá Gardens. You can also pick up a one-day pass to access the property. Rates start at $376/night.

Bosque del Mar

Melanie Marsell of accessibility-minded diving tour group Dive the Americas says Bosque del Mar’ s “garden suite rooms are the ideal choice” for the accessible traveler looking for beachside accommodation on one of Costa Rica’s most accessible beaches. There are wide pathways to all major property amenities and easy access to the beach. This property is close to several parks and its Niromi restaurant infuses Costa Rican flavors into international favorites. Rates start at $181/night.

Los Altos Resort

Los Altos Resort ’s rustic suites have unbeatable panoramic views of the rainforest, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the Pacific Ocean. All suites are accessible by elevator. According to Marsell, getting to the resort’s amenities is easy, as they offer an accessible shuttle to the restaurant and ramped pool. For culinarily-minded travellers, there are 27 restaurants within a half a kilometer of the resort. Rates start at $366/night.

Amor Arenal

For accessible travelers seeking romance, Amor Arenal ’s name says it all — it’s a hotel for lovers. There are two handicap-accessible rooms with private plunge pools with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano. According to Marsell, a lift can be requested for easy access into and out of the plunge pools. The property has a fixed ramp pool and the main pool with wet bar has an accessibility lift. Rates start at $548/night.

Cala Luna Resort

For accessible travelers with wellness in mind, Cala Luna has an extensive range of wellness and spa services, including Tibetan singing bowls, sound baths, wave drums, massage, vitality treatments featuring a traditional Chinese heater called moxa, plus reiki and aromatherapy. According to Marsell, “all of the facilities are on the ground floor with easy access” and Tamarindo beach is five minutes away with an accessible ramp. Rates start at $342/night.

Outdoor Activities and Nature

Lankester botanical garden.

For orchid lovers, Lankester Botanical Garden in Cartago cannot be missed. The gardens are home to more than 3,000 species of plants, with nearly 1,000 being native and exotic orchids. The 27-acre botanical garden has wheelchair-friendly paths, and the gardens have wheelchairs available for rent to tourists.

Tortuguero National Park 

Many tour operators offer handicap accessible tours of Tortuguero National Park , reachable only by boat or plane. The national park has a mix of beaches, canals, lagoons, and wetlands make it an excellent visit for bird and wildlife watching, turtle nesting, and boating.

Manuel Antonio National Park

In February 2018, the accessible El Manglar trail opened in Puntarenas Province’s Manuel Antonio National Park . Built over a mangrove, the trail spans from the park’s entrance down to Espadilla Sur Beach and connects to existing trails. The park features white-sand beaches, rainforests, and hundreds of wildlife species.

Arenal Volcano

The “La Peninsula” zone of Arenal Volcano National Park in La Fortuna is a completely accessible trail area of the park, which features an active volcano. It’s renowned for its wildlife, and tourists will have an easy time spotting howler and white-faced monkeys, sloths, tapir, and various bird species.

Sky Adventures Arenal Park

For adventure-loving travellers, Sky Adventure Park ’s Arenal location offers wheelchair accessible zip lines. The views at this location include the Arenal volcano, Lake Arenal, and primary rainforest. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush on your next trip to Costa Rica, this is an accessible must.

Museums and Culture

Pre-columbian gold museum.

Located in San José, Costa Rica’s Pre-Columbian Gold Museum has gold pieces and artefacts dating back to 500 A.D. The museum is a part of the Museos del Banco Central, which has exhibitions about numismatics, archeology, and visual arts.

Museo del Jade

The fully wheelchair accessible Jade Museum houses the largest collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts in the world. There are more than 7,000 items on display, most from 500 B.C. and 300 B.C.

Museo Nacional de Costa Rica

The museum is wheelchair accessible and features a butterfly garden alongside exhibits about Costa Rica's natural history, anthropology and archaeology. The former fortress in San José was converted into a museum in the mid-20th century.

The Town of Sarchi

The capital of artisanal crafts in Costa Rica, the town of Sarchi is a small, handicap-accessible Alajuelan town. It’s also renowned for its oxcarts, which town residents would decorate with bright patterns and colors. Today, an oversized, hand-painted oxcart pays homage to this legacy and is a can’t miss photo opportunity for tourists. 

Costa Rica has 15 accessible beaches, thanks to the work of Red Costarricense de Turismo Accesible, a local organization that helps makes beaches accessible to everyone. Their Donatapa campaign turns recyclable beach waste into colorful handicap-accessible ramps. 

In general, the western half of the country will be better for accessible tourism, as most of the accessible beaches are on the side of the Pacific Ocean rather than the Caribbean sea.

Locals recommend the fully accessible Jacó beach, which has a 206-foot-long ramp constructed out of recycled plastic. Home to a vibrant surfing community, Jacó was the first beach in Central America to be fully accessible to people with disabilities. The beach town is also a half hour’s drive from the wildlife-packed Carara National Park, which has low-impact trails, Braille information cards, and other aids.

Dive the Americas

Dive the Americas is a travel company that specializes in dive travel planning, and they work with several dive operators that go above and beyond to ensure the safety of accessible travelers on dives. Marsell recommends booking “well in advance to ensure properly trained guides in small groups.” Dive the Americas works with Pacific Coast Divers in Guanacaste that have a wheelchair accessible boat and dive instructors that are trained and experienced in adaptive diving.

Il Viaggio is a local Costa Rican tour operator that specializes in accessible tours. They have pre-created packages, or can design something à la carte if you want to build your own itinerary, have specific travel needs, or require specialized mobility equipment.

Transportation

In San José, city buses are wheelchair accessible. Most taxis throughout Costa Rica can accommodate a folding wheelchair. The national airline carrier, Sansa, can also accommodate a folding wheelchair, but requires all passengers to board and deplane unassisted. Only some shuttles have a wheelchair ramp, so it’s important to inquire before booking to ensure that anyone who requires a ramp will be able to board a shuttle.

Several locals working in hospitality suggested bringing a cushion to help reduce the impact of the often-bumpy Costa Rican roads while travelling.

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18 distribution channels tour and activity operators should consider

• Tourism Marketing

This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated in July 2021 for relevance. 

With so many ways to promote your tours , it's worth putting some thought into your distribution channels. How are you getting your tours in front of your customers? What range of channels are you using online and offline, what free advertising options are there?

Online Travel Agents (OTAs) such as Viator and Expedia are key distribution channels, but should only be one part of a balanced distribution plan to ensure your tour and activity business's recovery and sustainable future. 

To help you decide which distribution channels are best for your company, here is  rundown of what we consider to be the best channels for tours and activities:

1. Your website

In 2019, Arival found that operators conducted a whopping $44 billion in sales via their own websites. 

Research, planning and booking tours and activities are no longer what they used to be. Travellers are used to purchasing and booking other products and services online, so why can't they book a tour or activity online too?

The pandemic has also accelerated the rate of digital adoption due to tighter health and safety regulations. Tours to famous attractions now require timed ticketing to adhere to  social distancing and capacity limitation guidelines. For travellers, it also makes sense to book and secure a spot in advance so that their much anticipated city break is relished. 

2. Google My Business

Getting your tour company listed on Google is crucial. It's simple to do (click here to get started) and allows you to add your business, opening  hours, phone number, and directions. Your listing will come up on Google Search which adds trust to your customers when booking. It will also appear on Google Maps which will help with customer directions.

3. TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor should be one of your top priorities as a tour operator.  Phocuswright’s study   prepared for TripAdvisor revealed that 53% of bookers would not commit to booking until they read reviews, and 80% would read between 6 -12 reviews before booking. 

Here's how to get closer to the #1 spot on TripAdvisor for your destination .

4. Social media

Social media is an effective (and free) way to reach new customers, so it's definitely worth considering as one of your basic distribution channels. But rather than trying to succeed on every social media channel out there, it's worth working out which platform reaches your selected audience. 

Where does word of mouth travel best for your company? If it's on Facebook, you could dedicate more time to it. Are your tours very visually marketable? If so, Instagram may well be worth the time investment . Your social media strategy should always be adjustable.

5. Media attention

Do you offer something unique, or do you have an interesting take on the local tourism space that you'd like to share? The media is a great distribution channel if you have fresh and relevant content.

Create an experience that's different and contact local journalists for their opinion. If they are interested in hearing more, then you can share the story even further. 

Read more: How to organise a FAM trip and get the media coverage you deserve

6. Online Travel Agents (OTAs)

As we noted in our 2020/21 Travel Trends Report , OTA bookings were the fastest growing booking channel in 2019 (pre-pandemic) and made up just over a third of all our bookings. We expect OTAs to play a crucial role in recovery as more and more travellers go online to research, plan and book their next (safe) escape. 

There are many types of OTAs to work with, not just the popular ones like Viator, GetYourGuide, Trip.com, Groupon, or Expedia. It is important to note, however, that larger OTAs tend to be very selective with who they work with and as we've seen with Viator, they're focusing more on high quality tours rather than simply adding more tours to the site. 

Larger OTAs are also more focused on profitability which means that operators receive less attention and support from these OTAs when it comes to setting up their product listings. With this in mind, it is important that you work with a reputable booking system provider who can offer seamless API connections to larger OTAs. 

Lastly, there is also concern over the role and dominance of OTAs once travel resumes. GetYourGuide has invested heavily into its own branded tours, Originals , launched back in 2018, and  acquired Versailles operator Guidatours in April 2021. Potential conflicts of interest between promoting their own products over those of the operators its supposed to represent have been discussed by news sites and dismissed by the OTA. 

Other, smaller, OTAs you could look into include Headout, Globol, Aoliday, Lulu Trip and many many more. 

Not sure who to work with? Compare Viator, Expedia, GetYourGuide and Airbnb Experiences (and more) in one place.

7. Destination-specific OTAs

We've recently announced our partnerships with Swiss Activities and Tourism Exchange Great Britain (TXGB) , two platforms that work exclusively with tour and activity operators in their specified destinations. 

The great thing about working with country or destination OTAs is that they're experts in selling your destination, and understand how best to position your products in front of local and international customers who are interested in visiting your destination. 

8. Vertical-specific OTAs

These are marketplaces that focus on a specific vertical, for example watersports or adventure tours. 

Civitatis , for example, is the largest marketplace for Spanish tours while TourRadar focuses exclusively on multi-day tours. Manawa by Adrenaline Hunter resells on thrilling outdoor experiences while Silverscreen Tours offers tours to popular film locations, tv-show or movie themed tours. 

Learn more about TrekkSoft's extensive channel manager that is connected to over 30 marketplaces and growing.

9. Direct offline bookings

Direct offline bookings are still highly in demand, especially as most tour and activities are booked once the traveler is in-destination as  they are often weather-dependent, or there is a lot to choose from.

Advertising and stalls in destination 'hot spots' are key to selling additional tours. 

10. Sell through other tour operators and activity providers

Building a partnership and cross-selling your activities via TrekkSoft's Partner Network  with other tour and activity companies could be  a lucrative step for those on both sides of the deal.

Can you recommend each other when full or if your customer requests something you don't offer? You could even  bundle your complementary activities as a package , perhaps at a discounted price for guests.

11. Visitor information centres

If you have a local visitor information centre, this can be a really valuable partner. A lot of VICs  are willing to  act as an agent and sell your tours directly , and can do so easily with TrekkSoft's Point of Sale (POS) desk . They can take an agreed commission when they book tour and activities. 

Also check if you can put up marketing materials such as leaflets, brochures, or discount codes for your tours at their centres. 

Read more: The power of well designed (and well placed) brochures

12. Your destination's website

Is there a government-funded destination website you can promote your tours? This may just involve being on a list of suppliers but, increasingly, destination management organizations (DMOs) are acting as a marketplace and selling local tours and activities on their own website.

Some long-term DMO partnerships we've built include Fjord Norway , Interlaken Tourism, Davos Klosters, and Engadin St. Moritz.  

If your local DMO is considering this move, it's worth being a part of it. 

13. Inbound tour operators

If you have an established product with a good reputation in-destination, you should be in a good position to work with inbound tour operators (ITOs). They're looking for the best of your destination, and your business will stand above the rest if you're offering a unique tour with great reviews and value for money.

Read more: How much commission should you pay for distribution?

14. Sales agents 

Do you have contacts in the tourism industry who would be willing to sell your tours for you? With the  TrekkSoft Booking Desk , you can  allow agents (depending on their user rights) to view upcoming trips and availability, book trips, sell vouchers/add-ons, and even generate widgets to use on their own websites. And you can view all of your bookings in real-time on one handy dashboard.

15. Hotel concierges

Guests want recommendations of the best local tour and activities, tour operators want the visibility, and hotels can benefit from the commission. It makes good business sense for both hotel and supplier. With TrekkSoft, concierges can book directly into your system and see availability in real-time – without risk of overbooking.

16. Hostels

Often, but not always, visitors who stay in hostels can be more adventurous and open to activities with new people than those staying in hotels. Tour and activity operators can benefit from cultivating a special relationship with their local hostel.

This could involve a dedicated booking desk in reception, the option to book tours with the accommodation booking , marketing materials inside and outside the hostel (such as a board listing the next departure), or a dedicated departure time each morning from the hostel.

17. Airbnb Hosts

Partnering with local Airbnb hosts can be a great way to get precious word-of-mouth referrals for your tours. To find out who you should work with, go on Airbnb and look for local listings in your destination. Find out what travellers say about them to gauge if they'd be a good partner to work with. 

From there, send them a message, take them on a tour and offer them a referral commission for each new booking. 

Read more: How to work with Airbnb hosts to promote your tours and activities

18. Restaurants

Are you on good terms with local restaurants? Are any promoting or reselling your tours, or partnering with you? Depending on your activity, it might make sense to package it with a meal provided by a local restaurant.  For instance, you could combine a ski trip with a stop for fondue at a restaurant in the mountains. With TrekkSoft, it's easy to offer packages to your customers . The software also handles all payouts, invoicing and commission for you.

Photo by MING Labs on Unsplash

How do you pick the right channels for your business?

It all goes back to your ideal customer. Who does your business serve and where are they likely to book a tour? If you offer budget outdoor experiences, it would make sense to work with smaller OTAs like Adrenaline Hunter, midrange Airbnb hosts, hotels, and hostels. 

While your website is a great place to sell your tours, other channels can help you reach people you might find hard to reach on your own. When choosing the right mix of channels, consider the following:

• Can this marketplace reach my ideal customer more efficiently than I can? Are they more cost-efficient?
• Can this marketplace or reseller help me expand into a new market more efficiently? They might have market insights that you do not possess. 
• Does this reseller offer additional services? Perhaps they offer translation services or free photo services that you can also use for your own website. 
• How does working with this reseller impact my bottom-line? Can I afford the commissions? 

Don't forget to consider the non-negotiables for every operator: your website, your social media, and your TripAdvisor listing. 

How can you stay on top of so many channels?

Answer: With a channel manager.

What is a channel manager? A channel manager allows businesses to manage multiple distribution channels (OTAs or other online marketplaces) from a single interface.

What are the benefits? Coupled with a live booking system, a channel manager can update your availability in real time whenever a booking is made. This reduces admin, prevents human error, and removes the risk of overbooking. 

With a channel manager, each spot on your tours or activities is also promoted on your chosen range of OTAs simultaneously. This multiplies the opportunity to get booked by a customer.

A majority of business spend no more than an hour managing their bookings via OTAs each week, but a significant amount spend more than two hours per week . A channel manager is the best way to cut down on this admin.

Connect your live inventory to distribution channels like Viator, Expedia, GetYourGuide plus your agents and resellers with TrekkSoft.

Header image by Dstudio Bcn on Unsplash

Posted by Nicole Kow

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