The best tour operators in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

By Condé Nast Traveller

Scott Dunn

It’s been a challenging few years for tour operators but the names below are in it for the long haul (as well as the short and medium), honing itineraries and managing expectations. So who prepared your travel documents this year? Red Savannah and Black Tomato scored highest for first-hand knowledge, and Exodus Adventure Travels and Abercrombie & Kent for on-the-ground support. But when it came to all-round endeavour, Scott Dunn and The Turquoise Holiday Company were leaders of the pack. Both report a surge of interest in Asia, as well as multi-generational travel, solo adventures to Namibia, Bhutan and Mexico, and authentic experiences such as outback stations in Australia and bear lodges in Canada.

These are the best tour operators in the world, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards . The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.

The Turquoise Holiday Company

The best general tour operators in the world 2023

15. Cox & Kings. Score 88.00

14. Hayes & Jarvis. Score 89.44

13. Carrier. Score 90.73

12. Simpson Travel. Score 91.48

11. Kuoni. Score 92.82

10. Mr & Mrs Smith. Score 93.29

9. Kensington Tours. Score 94.14

8. Audley Travel. Score 94.77

7. Original Travel. Score 95.44

6. Cazenove + Loyd. Score 95.92

5. The Ultimate Travel Company. Score 96.75

4. Abercrombie & Kent. Score 97.12

3. Elegant Resorts. Score 97.39

2. Red Savannah. Score 97.96

  • The Turquoise Holiday Company. Score 98.42

Scott Dunn

The best travel specialists in the world 2023

15. Wild Frontiers. Score 94.81

14. Martin Randall Travel. Score 95.17

13. Intrepid Travel. Score 95.40

12. Wilderness. Score 96.54.

11. Inntravel. Score 96.88

10. Oxford Ski Company. Score 97.15

9. Kirker Holidays. Score 97.47

8. andBeyond. Score 97.61

7. Ampersand Travel. Score 97.65.

6. InsideJapan Tours. Score 97.79

5. Steppes Travel. Score 97.88

4. Black Tomato. Score 98.03

3. Exodus Adventure Travels. Score 98.15

2. Healing Holidays. Score 98.35

  • Scott Dunn. Score 98.70

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

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Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

Images of nature around the mountains and lakes of Slovenia as seen on the Exodus Travels' Lakes and Mountains of Slovenia walking tour

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

Groups of hikers walking and camping around the mountains of Kilimanjaro with World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

People visiting famous sites around China with the G Adventures' China Express group travel tour

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

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When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Shots from around Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and accommodations provided by Intrepid Travel's Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Aerial shots of various islands and coastlines around the Croatia and Dalmation Islands and shot of sailboat belonging to Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Shots of the interior and exterior of the Ocean Adventurer ship and shots of nature around Antarctica as seen on the Chimu Adventures' Antarctica Fly Cruise

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Collage of images from the For the Love of Travel Lapland Tour

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Collage of shots from DuVine's Holland Bike Tour

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Collage of images from the different cities involved in the Abercrombie & Kent Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in USA 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in USA. Below you will find 29 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in USA offering in total 261 tours and holidays through-out USA. Combined they have received 173 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in USA are: Adventure and sport, Wildlife, landscapes and nature & Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history.

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29 Tour Operators in USA with 173 Reviews

Infinite Adventures

Infinite Adventures

  • Address 809 W Riordan 100-325, Flagstaff, USA
  • Response Rate 100%
  • Response Time 2 hours

Bamba

  • Address 2461 FM 778, Mineola, USA
  • Response Rate 95%
  • Response Time 1 hour

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  • Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
  • Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
  • Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Expat Explore

Expat Explore

  • Address 10 Merryweather Place, London, England
  • Response Rate 90%

Omega Tours

Omega Tours

  • Address 142 Westmount Avenue, Toronto, Canada
  • Response Rate 94%

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel

  • Address 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia

World Expeditions

World Expeditions

  • Address 1B Osiers Road, Wandsworth, London, England
  • Response Rate 82%
  • Response Time 3 hours

Trafalgar

  • Address Picquet House, St Peter Port, Guernsey, London, England

The Coyote Trip

The Coyote Trip

  • Address 182 Mayall Road, London, England

Luxury Gold

Luxury Gold

  • Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
  • Response Rate 60%

Doctor Gumbo Tours

Doctor Gumbo Tours

  • Address 823 Decatur St, New Orleans, USA
  • Response Rate 50%

Indus Travels

Indus Travels

  • Address 233, 11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond, Canada
  • Response Rate 97%

Adventures Abroad

Adventures Abroad

  • Address 2148-20800 Westminster Highway, Richmond BC, Canada

Costsaver

  • Response Rate 88%

Explore

  • Address Nelson House, 55-59 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, England
  • Response Rate 96%

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Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

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Want to tour the Louvre after hours? Tag rhinos in Rwanda? Get married on Mykonos? Throw a milestone birthday party on St. Barts? Or take a luxurious cruise to the Arctic? Our travel advisors have you covered. In our 22nd annual A-List, we present a directory of the most influential vacation specialists in the world, vetted by the editors at  Travel + Leisure .

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Best Online Travel Agencies

Booking.com is our top choice for making your trip arrangements

Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

top tour travel agency

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Planning a trip can be easier through an online travel agency than if you handle each aspect of the planning separately. You can book hotels, air travel, rental cars, and more through a single site, and booking everything together sometimes results in discounts. By inputting a destination, a range of dates, and other preferences, you will see a list of options for each aspect of travel.

The best online travel agencies offer options from the largest number of airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and more. Look for sites that offer discounts for combining reservations for different aspects of your trip. For example, the best sites will have lower rates if you book both plane tickets and a hotel through their services. The best sites also provide reviews from customers who actually have booked through the service. These are our top picks.

  • Best Overall: Booking.com
  • Best Budget: Skyscanner
  • Best Price Predictor: Hopper
  • Most Innovative: Kiwi.com
  • Best for Eco-Conscious: Kind Traveler
  • Best for Social Impact: I Like Local
  • Best for Design-Forward Homestays: Plum Guide
  • Our Top Picks
  • Booking.com

Kind Traveler

I Like Local

  • See More (4)

Final Verdict

Frequently asked questions, methodology, best overall : booking.com.

 Booking.com

This industry leader offers one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms on the Internet.

Lots of options to choose from

Interface is easy to use

Numerous filters to customize your search

Tricky to tell whether changes/cancellations can be made with Booking.com or the vendor directly

Booking.com was founded in 1996 and has grown into an industry leader that stands out for being one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms out there. From one website, you can compare and book accommodations, flights (including one-way and multi-city flights), sightseeing activities, and even airport taxis. The website lists more than 28 million accommodation options, from hotels, hostels, and B&Bs to vacation homes and luxury resorts—you can browse more choices per destination on Booking.com than other online travel agencies. The website also performs well on cost and typically returns lower-than-average prices for flights and hotels. 

Booking.com's interface is also easy to use. On the home page, search for a hotel by entering your chosen destination and dates. Then, use the extensive list of filters—such as price range and distance from the city center—to narrow the results down and find the best fit. You can also search for a specific hotel, or seek inspiration by clicking through options grouped by destination or property type or by topic such as the country’s best Michelin-starred hotel restaurants or the top cities for vegan travelers. The flights, car rental, and other tabs are just as intuitive. 

Best Budget : Skyscanner

 Skyscanner

You can compare prices across airlines, hotels, and car rentals.

Simple interface

Option to toggle searches between specific dates or by monthly calendars

Search Everywhere button is great for spontaneous planners

Extra clicks are required to make a final purchase

Must read fine print for changes/cancellations—may need to deal directly with the vendor

Ads on the sidebar can be distracting

Find deals on airfare, hotels, and car rentals with an aggregator site like Skyscanner , which uses a metasearch engine to compare prices from all online travel agencies and the airline, hotel, or car rental company in question. Run searches with fixed dates, opt to compare airfare prices month to month, or click “Cheapest Month.” Searches also include options for nearby airports or non-stop flights only. With hotel searches, you can choose to select only from properties with free cancellation, a cleanliness rating of 4.5/5 or higher, or 3- or 4-starred hotels only. Car rental searches include an option to select “return car to different location.”

Once you’ve found the best rate, click on the link to be redirected to the third-party site to make your booking. Feeling spontaneous? The Search Everywhere button on the homepage offers a list of the cheapest flight deals for destinations both locally and across the world—just plug in your departure airport first.

Best Price Predictor : Hopper

The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting when flights and hotel rates will be cheapest.

Color-coded system makes it easy to determine cheapest days to buy

App is easy to use

Option to track flights and receive alerts when the best time to buy arises

Some have mentioned the app functions better as a research tool than a booking tool

Unclear whether Hopper will price match if you find a cheaper flight elsewhere

Hopper is a travel app available on iOS and Android that aims to help travelers save on airfare by usng historical data and their own algorithm to predict when flights will be cheapest. Just type in where and when you’d like to fly and Hopper will present you with a color-coded pricing calendar indicating how much tickets are likely to cost. (Green is the least expensive, then yellow, orange, and red for most expensive.) Hopper will also recommend you either buy now or wait, or you can choose to watch a trip and receive notifications on the best time to buy. In addition, the app has expanded to offer hotel and car rental price predictions, too.

Some newer features since the app’s inception in 2009 include an option to freeze a price for a limited time—for an extra fee—as well as exclusive app-only discounts. Hopper is free to download, and you can choose to book directly through the app, though some users mentioned they use Hopper as more of a research tool before booking directly with the airline or hotel. The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting flight rates up to a year ahead.

Most Innovative : Kiwi.com

This metasearch engine scours the web to piece together the ideal itinerary using planes, trains, buses, and more.

Creative itineraries get you where you need to go, especially if you’ve got a multi-stop trip

Kiwi Guarantee offers rebooking or cancellation protections

Nomad option appeals to travelers with a lot of flexibility

Creative itineraries mean you may not fly out of the same airport you flew into

Kiwi Guarantee has an additional fee

Charges all-in-one fee for booking flights, trains, buses (though you can always purchase a la carte)

Travelers planning multi-city destinations and seeking a bargain, as well as those looking to take planes, trains, and automobiles to get there, might consider Kiwi . Kiwi is a metasearch engine that scours and pieces together itineraries from various airlines (even if they don’t have a codeshare agreement), considers multiple airports (even if your arrival airport is different from departure), and offers booking options, whether you’re looking at very specific dates or more general ones (up to 60 nights).

Some will find the ability to make multiple bookings for a particular trip more convenient than going at it manually several different times, though note that you must opt into the Kiwi Guarantee program to access rebooking and refund protections should your reservation change or be canceled. Kiwi’s Nomad option allows you to plug in a bunch of destinations you’d like to visit and the length of your intended stay, and the website will churn out the most affordable itineraries for review.

Best for Eco-Conscious : Kind Traveler

A give-and-get business model means booking accommodations with exclusive perks, a donation to environmental organizations, and more.

All participating hotels include a local give-back component

Exclusive savings and perks

Participating hotels are located in some of the most beautiful places in the world

Inventory is much smaller compared to other booking platforms

Some of the amenities mentioned are based on availability only

In 2022, Kind Traveler (an online trave agency focused on hotel bookings) announced an increase in environmentally and socially conscious hotels, charity donations, voluntourism opportunities, and additional perks like waived resort fees or a welcome amenity.

Unlock exclusive hotel rates and perks from participating Kind Traveler hotels with a minimum $10/night minimum donation to a local charity. For example, stay at the Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and receive up to $33 off the nightly rate and perks such as a food and beverage credit and an Earth Lab or Alchemy Bar workshop when you make a donation to Manta Trust. The organization funds coastal research to protect the island nation’s large yet fragile population of reef mantas.

Select from more than 140 participating hotels from the Hawaiian Islands to Bozeman, Montana, and the Maldives. Charities include wildlife, human rights, arts, education, and environmental preservation organizations.

Best for Social Impact : I Like Local

Choose from a host of travel experiences with the peace of mind that 100 percent of the cost goes directly to local partners.

Social impact mission woven into organization’s business model

Immersive experiences led by local guides

Range of experiences offered

May not be best fit for those seeking upscale, luxury experiences and stays

Can’t sort experiences by a list of countries (though an interactive map is available)

No experiences outside of Africa and Asia

For an online travel agency with a booking platform designed to route dollars spent directly to the communities travelers intend to visit, consider I Like Local . Visit the website to browse a host of travel experiences in countries including Indonesia, Kenya, and Cambodia. Experiences include homestays and farmstays as well as wellness and culturally oriented experiences—from cooking and cycling tours to weaving classes.

To search for an experience, select from drop-down items like travel dates and experience categories, or view a global map and click on a country to view experiences that way.

The platform got its start in 2014 and has grown to 4,000 local hosts across nearly 20 countries. As a social impact organization, 100 percent of each booking fee goes to local hosts. To date, 16,000 travelers have booked with I Like Local.

Best for Design-Forward Homestays : Plum Guide

Browse and book seriously vetted, design-forward vacation homes.

Highly curated inventory of vacation rentals across the world

Design-forward

Thorough vetting process

Does not publish guest reviews

Other platforms have homes available across more destinations

When it comes to booking a vacation home, serviced apartment, or condo, travelers are spoiled for choice. Plum Guide is an online travel agency that specializes in accommodations—though not just any home makes its directory. The company claims that each potential home listed on its site must jump through 150 hoops to be included, from internet speed and mattress and pillow quality to the showers’ water pressure and the home’s proximity to dining, shopping, and attractions.

Search by a featured collection on the website such as “ pet-friendly homes ” or “one-of-a-kind homes in Palm Springs.” Scroll to the bottom of its homepage to view its top destinations, as well as a list of all destinations where Plum Guide homes are available, including Barbados, Mexico, Portugal, Switzerland, the U.S., and Turkey. Note: From the top right-hand corner of the site, use the dropdown menu to select currency of choice.

As long as you know what you value most out of your travel experience—such as affordability, social impact, or luxe accommodations—there’s an online travel agency to help plan your next trip. Be sure to read the fine print, as some agencies are third-party websites and not direct vendors. If you're not sure where to start, Booking.com is your best bet for a smooth user experience and hard-to-beat offers on flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

What Is the Biggest Travel Agency?

Our choice for best overall, Booking.com, is known as an industry leader with listings for all major hotels, airlines, car rental companies, and more. It boasts more choices for accommodations per destination than any other site, and we found its interface to be user-friendly.

Are Online Travel Agencies Worth It?

This depends on your needs and priorities. The best online travel agencies certainly can save time by booking everything all at once. However, if you're someone who is good at haggling and enjoys the details of planning a trip, you might be able to find better deals by reaching out to hotels or other destinations and speaking to someone personally.

Is It Cheaper to Book Online Than With a Travel Agent?

Not always. A travel agent you know and trust should have the experience and connections to find deals that can match or surpass what you'll find online. Additionally, if something goes wrong, travel agents provide you with an actual person you can use as an advocate to correct the problem . But if you don't have access to a good travel agent, online sites still provide plenty of ways to streamline planning and save money .

We considered dozens of online travel agencies and narrowed down the options based on user experience, volume and quality of inventory, unique offerings and specials, and customer reviews. We also assessed travel companies’ environmentally and socially conscious policies.

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From Booking Safaris to Planning Global Vacations, Here Are the 10 Best Travel Specialists

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Roar Africa Safari

Travel specialists have never been more essential than they are right now, with their invaluable ability to pivot, re-book and offer advice. We picked 10 standouts in the luxury field from across the world, a directory of those who embody that above-and-beyond spirit essential in the past year.

Christoper Sitwell, Cazenove + Loyd

top tour travel agency

Wilmot-Sitwell has been working in travel for more than three decades. The co-owner of a 16-person London-based agency specializes in long-haul luxury, often to far-flung sites in rural Africa and Asia. The team there spent much of 2020 canceling or postponing trips—most recently, unpicking rescheduled itineraries to the Tokyo Olympics when a ban on foreign spectators was announced.

The firm anticipated today’s conscious-travel concerns from the outset, always focusing on owner-run and locally staffed independent operations, such as preservation outfit Campfire in Zimbabwe. Cazenove + Loyd also offsets the entire carbon cost of its research recces via a partnership with CommuniTree , a 12-square-mile tropical reforestation project in Nicaragua. Clients can easily opt into this, too; anyone whose itinerary swoops through the country can visit the project and personally plant the trees.

Learn More: Here

Tanya Dalton, Managing Director UK, Greaves

top tour travel agency

Dalton leads the UK office of this India specialist outfitter, which was founded by her Mumbai-born grandfather in 1978 and later run by her mother. With generations’ worth of in-depth experience and exclusive connections at her fingertips, she arranges custom trips as luxe as they are immersive. Depending on their interests, travelers may find themselves granted entrée to private palaces, sacred religious sites and landmarked government buildings; meeting with celebrated curators, authors, artisans, jewelers, chefs or astrologers; or exploring desert wilds while staying at plush mobile camps.

Dalton’s team—45 in Delhi and Mumbai, and 15 in the UK—helped extract some 40 clients from India at the start of the pandemic, as borders closed. Now she’s helping guests plan their return. On her radar currently are safaris to spot India’s rising tiger population, top-end hotel openings in Rajasthan and a new single-suite wooden boat that’s perfect for privately cruising the Ganges, Bhagirathi and Hooghly Rivers.

Jules Maury, Scott Dunn Private

top tour travel agency

Maury runs this offshoot of the UK-based travel firm, focused entirely on bespoke itineraries. Much of her work during the pandemic involved extended stays for home-schooling families who were looking to live and work in a new locale, whether spending two and a half months at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives or a month in residence at Antigua’s Jumby Bay. Another guest commandeered the five-room Sheldon Chalet in Denali National Park, an ultra-secluded property accessible only by a 45-minute helicopter ride.

The SDP team follows multiple pro-social protocols when it travels and encourages clients to follow suit, including the Pack for a Purpose program, in which visitors pack requested supplies in their luggage for distribution at the destination. It’s laser-focused on ethical practices, too. Animal welfare is a priority, so providers that offer bullfighting or elephant riding are not used, and there’s a pledge that 90 percent of all operators will not provide single-use plastics to guests by the end of 2023.

Deborah Calmeyer, Roar Africa

top tour travel agency

The Zimbabwe-born Calmeyer has carved out a discrete niche as the ultimate elite safari planner, with the ability to pull off near-impossible requests, even during the pandemic. Rwanda’s government requires a negative PCR Covid-19 test for visitors, but offers only the throat-swab version at Kigali airport—a problem for one Roar Africa client, desperate to go gorilla-trekking but phobic about anything touching his throat. Calmeyer set up a protocol change, arranging for a nose swab to be administered instead.

She has offices in Nairobi, Johannesburg and Cape Town, with the HQ in New York, and Roar Africa continued to pay drivers, freelance guides and its staff even during lockdown, as governmental support in situ was scant. Roar Africa supports several social programs, including an all-women anti-poaching academy in Kenya, which has so far graduated almost 30 fully trained rangers, and underwrites a scholarship at a college of tourism in South Africa that trains women to work at local hotels and lodges.

Catherine Heald, Remote Lands

top tour travel agency

Remote Lands’ expertise centers entirely on planning ultra-luxury trips for Americans to Asia, with offices in New York and Bangkok, plus country managers in every locale.

Heald and business partner Jay Tindall try to ensure a positive impression both for their guests and by them, encouraging clients, for example, to fund the digging of a water well for a local family whenever Siem Reap in Cambodia forms part of the itinerary. Conscious of the higher carbon footprint of itineraries that span the continent, the pair deliberately minimize the number of flights, private or commercial.

Last year, a Texas couple who were planning to go solo to Asia to celebrate both his 70th birthday and their 40th wedding anniversary had to postpone, and instead Heald helped them turn their three-week, four-country trip into a reunion with their grandchildren, whom they plan to take along this November.

Beks Ndlovu, Founder of African Bush Camps

top tour travel agency

Ndlovu has maintained momentum, despite the safari industry’s devastating year. The operator and hotelier kept his entire 600-person staff employed while also unveiling Khwai Leadwood, a new high-design lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. It’s the latest in his eco-conscious properties; he has rolled out 16 of them in 15 years across three countries, a remarkable achievement. Each has a light footprint, via solar farms and water recycling, while also offering direct support to surrounding communities via the company’s ABC Foundation.

Even amid the logistical and medical constraints of the past year, Ndlovu seamlessly pulled off a recent journey for 14 people to Zimbabwe via private plane. “There was a lot of juggling, but it was well worth it,” says Ndlovu, who advocates for guests to spend their tourism dollars with brands that preserve wilderness areas and empower minorities and locals. “We continue to make the effort in identifying key talent that we can support and help rise to the surface.”

Cedric Reversade, Unique Properties & Events

top tour travel agency

Luxury travel was already tilting toward villa rentals before the pandemic made the idea of privacy, and self-containment, even more appealing. The London- and Paris-based Reversade and business partner Koskas offer discreet access to the world’s best rental homes in hot spots like Saint-Tropez, Ibiza and Capri while also acting as a travel concierge.

Take the California client who had bought a piano nobile on the Grand Canal in Venice, just before the first lockdown—and for whom they managed to secure a visa even when borders were shut. They also arranged excursions in the city, like a day on Burano with the glassblowers and a night visit to San Marco. Or the polo-loving English client who ditched her Chelsea townhouse for a seafront estate in Ibiza they’d wrangled on her behalf as lockdowns loomed; she then took trips around Spain, including lunching with a retired rejoneador from whom she bought two horses to ride at her country estate.

Cari Gray, Gray & Co.

top tour travel agency

Based in Santa Monica, Calif., Canadian expat Gray runs a lean team of about 10 with a particular expertise in active luxury. Take the trip to Argentina and Uruguay which shuttled her guests between cycling spots by private jet. It was due to start just as Argentina shuttered its borders last March, so Gray’s team pivoted, re-booking the group on a similar itinerary in California within 24 hours.

She’s determined that the lavish sums spent by clients truly uplift every destination, especially in developing areas. One pair of travelers sponsored GPS collars on a research project for rescued elephants at a local animal reserve in Namibia and witnessed the process firsthand. And an always recommended pit stop in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco is one of the late Eve Branson’s projects, which employs local women making crafts. It isn’t all do-gooding, though: Gray is renowned for arranging Michelin-caliber chefs to cater alfresco at the end of a day’s hiking.

James Jayasundera, Ampersand Travel

top tour travel agency

Sri Lanka is one of the rare destinations in Asia that have managed to create a program that allows visitors to experience the country during the pandemic, and no one is a better expert to help navigate an itinerary in that new normal than Rome-raised Jayasundera and his five-person, almost two-decade-old firm. Visitors can stay in designated hotels, he explains, and even go sightseeing, as long as they remain in “bio bubbles” to protect the local populace from imported infection.

Jayasundera started early, noting the preferences of each of his 12-strong family as they traveled constantly in his childhood, and has made such attention to detail a hallmark of his commercial operation. Inclusivity is a longtime passion, with a strong presence in the LGBTQ community among both staff and clients, and efforts to use female guides where possible to offset challenges around equality.

Mark Duguid, Carrier

top tour travel agency

The 60-person, Manchester-based Carrier plans less than 5,000 trips per year, allowing it to retain a reputation for flexibility. It’s willing to change itineraries within hours of departure and never charging amending fees. Duguid and his team were well placed, then, for the challenges of last year: See the couple from the UK who seized the chance to travel when permitted during a break in lockdowns, heading impromptu to the Maldives as an add-on to a last-minute visit to Dubai. Carrier recognized the appeal of the outdoors for travelers in the last year, too, and created an exclusive trip to Octola in Finland’s Arctic Circle, a five-star private wilderness reserve where local guides hosted open-fire lunches and ran excursions on husky sleds and snowmobiles.

Duguid reports a surge in so-called revenge spending, noting that the average booking value for 2021 has risen 90 percent year over year, with clients indulging in once-in-a-lifetime trips after lockdown restrictions loosen.

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Top Travel Agencies in the USA: Leading Choices for Your Trips

Discover the best travel agencies in the usa to make your next adventure unforgettable.

The travel industry is an ever-evolving landscape, and finding the best travel agency in the USA can be a daunting task for both seasoned and first-time travelers. From planning family vacations to organizing corporate trips, travel agencies cater to a wide range of needs and preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we have compiled a list of the top travel agencies in the USA, taking into account factors such as customer service, value for money, and the range of services offered. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious getaway or an adventurous excursion, you’ll find the perfect travel partner in this list.

1. One Nation Travel

Great Temple Petra, Jordan

Onenationtravel.com , an esteemed travel agency with offices in Princeton, New Jersey, Toronto, and Istanbul, Turkey, specializes in offering top-notch tours to destinations like Turkey , Greece , Egypt , Jordan , Morocco , Thailand , Vietnam , and more. Known for creating unique and unforgettable experiences, One Nation Travel provides a personalized approach, meticulous attention to detail, and strong connections with local communities. By catering to various preferences and budgets through an extensive selection of tailor-made tours and vacation packages, they ensure that every traveler can discover the captivating allure of these remarkable destinations.

2. American Express Travel

Galata Bridge in Istanbul

As a subsidiary of the world-renowned financial institution, American Express Travel offers top-notch travel planning services, especially for its cardholders. They provide personalized travel experiences, including access to exclusive deals, rewards points, and premium customer service. Their travel consultants are well-versed in designing unique itineraries, making American Express Travel a preferred choice for luxury and corporate travelers.

3. Liberty Travel

Casablanca, Morocco

With over 65 years of experience, Liberty Travel is one of the oldest and most trusted travel agencies in the USA. They specialize in creating customized vacation packages, from romantic getaways to family adventures. Their team of experienced travel consultants ensures a seamless and stress-free travel experience, from booking flights and accommodations to arranging guided tours and activities.

4. Travel Leaders Group

Travel Insurance

Travel Leaders Group is a network of over 6,000 travel agencies, offering a wide range of services, from leisure and corporate travel to luxury cruises and adventure tours. Their extensive network allows them to provide personalized and tailor-made experiences for every traveler. With a strong focus on customer service and satisfaction, Travel Leaders Group is a reliable option for travelers who want a hassle-free and enjoyable journey.

5. AAA Travel

Aswan High Dam

AAA Travel, a division of the American Automobile Association, offers travel services to its millions of members across the United States. They provide a variety of travel planning resources, including trip-planning tools, exclusive discounts, and member benefits. AAA Travel is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a reliable agency with a well-established reputation and the added advantage of roadside assistance.

6. Virtuoso

Best Time to Visit Thailand

Virtuoso is a luxury travel network that connects travelers with a global network of top-tier travel agencies, hotels, tour operators, and cruise lines. They specialize in creating bespoke travel experiences, from high-end accommodations to exclusive access to events and experiences. Their experienced travel advisors can curate personalized itineraries, making Virtuoso the go-to choice for luxury travelers.

7. G Adventures

Visit the Pyramid of Chephren

For travelers seeking an adventure-packed vacation, G Adventures is a leading choice. They offer small group tours, safaris, and expeditions to over 100 countries, focusing on responsible and sustainable travel. With a commitment to supporting local communities, G Adventures provides authentic, immersive experiences that allow travelers to connect with local cultures and environments.

Top Experiences & Tours in the USA

1. Grand Canyon West Tour with Hoover Dam Stop and Optional Skywalk : Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon West Rim, including a visit to the iconic Hoover Dam and the thrilling option to walk the Skywalk.

2. Chicago Architecture River Cruise : Marvel at Chicago’s stunning architecture from the unique vantage point of a river cruise, an immersive way to experience the city’s renowned skyline.

3. Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa 9 Hour Tour : Embark on a comprehensive tour of Oahu’s stunning landscapes, from its lush valleys to its pristine beaches, culminating in a visit to the charming town of Haleiwa.

4. New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour : Discover the essence of New York City in a day, with guided visits to its most iconic landmarks, including Times Square, Central Park, and more.

5. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour : Explore the rich history and enduring symbol of freedom with a tour of the Statue of Liberty and the immigrant gateway of Ellis Island.

6. New Orleans Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire Walking Tour : Delve into the mysterious and eerie side of New Orleans with a tour that explores its famous legends of ghosts, voodoo, and vampires.

Journey’s End:

Selecting the ideal travel agency for you will depend on your unique needs, preferences, and budget. This comprehensive guide showcases some of the top travel agencies in the USA, each offering a distinct set of services and experiences. Whether you’re planning a luxurious retreat, a family vacation, or an adventure-filled getaway, these agencies can assist you in crafting the perfect itinerary while providing exceptional customer service throughout your journey. From the culturally rich tours offered by One Nation Travel, which is known for its regional presence and offices in various locations, to the bespoke luxury experiences of Virtuoso, this list caters to every type of traveler. Before making a decision, take into account your travel goals, desired level of customization, and the overall value provided by each agency. By conducting thorough research and consulting with travel experts, you can ensure a seamless and unforgettable travel experience that meets your dreams and expectations.

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Philippines Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Philippines tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Philippines and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 75342 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Philippines travel companies & tour operators with 75342 reviews

One Life Adventures

One Life Adventures

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  • Excellent - 7,878 reviews for Philippines tours
This was a great tour! I did the Philippines 14 Day tour with One Life Adventures back in 2022 and I think this may even be a better tour than that! This tour has made me realise how amazing the Philippines is and how good of a job One Life does at crafting their tours. Always an experience that I could not do on my own, always an amazing tour guide, and always other travellers that are looking for the same as me! Thank you Rachael and One Life. I'll be joining you in Korea next!
Loved this tour! Was the perfect mix of activities and group time and relaxation / solo time. The 2 day island hopping with overnight stay on the remote island is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! Our tour guide cece was amazing too and made it really fun and involved everyone. Best snorkelling I’ve ever done too! Definitely recommending to friends and will be booking another one life tour in the future

TruTravels

  • Excellent - 15,415 reviews for Philippines tours
AJ our tour guide was amazing
I had such a fantastic time with the TruTravels group! Orty the guide was very friendly and welcoming! I would definitely go through booking a group tour with TruTravels again in the future!

INTRO Travel

INTRO Travel

  • Excellent - 14,784 reviews for Philippines tours
This was one of the best trips I've done. The itinerary was the perfect mix of activities and down time & I felt, hit the key places I'd travel to if doing it fully solo. Whilst the tour itself and the people I met on it were a big part of me having the best time, it wouldn't have been the same without our tour leader Andri. He helped join the group together before we even started and made everyone feel included once we got there. He was the best mix of chilled and reliable, super knowledgeable and put the needs of the group first like the wonderfully caring human he is. We always knew what we were doing and when and it felt like he made the trip run so smoothly - I only had to worry about turning up and having a good time. If you're thinking about booking this DO IT (and pray you'll have Andri has your leader)
This was the most amazing trip ever. I was travelling as a solo female and this was my first stop on my first trip. The philippines in its self is beautiful, but i feel like this tour gave us the best experiences you can get! Our tour guide was also amazing (Andri Agassi), and made everyone feel welcomed and safe the whole trip. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone wanting to explore the Philippines and its beautiful waterfall, nightlife and adventures!

Wanderlands Travel

Wanderlands Travel

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  • Excellent - 3,977 reviews for Philippines tours
Diane was a fantastic tour guide. Very knowledgeable, kind, accommodating and helpful with all of our questions and concerns. I especially want to note how gracious and kind she wants when I tipped over my motorbike caring for me very gently and even went out to get me pain medicine early in the morning at her own expense.
I had a wonderful time on my tour, our tour guide Dian did an incredible job organizing everything and answering all our questions. I am very happy I went with Wanderlands. 10/10 service, would 100% do this tour again!

CTPH TOUR

  • Good - 57 reviews for Philippines tours
Generally the itinerary is very good and operating company is willing to assist as possible.
I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Some of the other reviews had issues with the hotels, I actually thought they were quite quality locations. Each had an attentive front desk, hot water, and amenities were available for purchase. The tour itself packs a lot into a short time frame. I was tired at the end of it, but in a good way. I actually liked that the week ended with the town tour of Coron, because it was a little more low key and less active than the other days, which was necessary.

Uncharted Philippines

Uncharted Philippines

  • Excellent - 6 reviews for Philippines tours
This tour was by far one of the most amazing experiences of my life. This was my first time travelling to a Southeast Asian country by myself but I felt safe and welcomed the entire time. I enjoyed observing beautiful rice terraces, meeting friendly village people, and learning lots about Ifugao culture from my tour guide. The opportunity to stay in a guest house in one of the small villages gave me the chance to truly appreciate the simplistic life of the village people. My tour guide, Marvin Bunaton was a wonderful guide to have. He gave me lots of valuable information about Ifugao culture and made sure I was safe the entire time. I am very lucky to have had him as a tour guide. I recommend this trip to everyone who loves hiking and beautiful sceneries! If I ever come back to the Philippines, I will bring my loved ones and do this tour all over again!
Although my trek was very challenging, I enjoyed every bit of it. My tour guide Jonathan was an amazing companion throughout my tour making me feel at home. Would definitely recommend it this tour of Banaue, Batad etc

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel

  • Excellent - 11,703 reviews for Philippines tours
Excellent tour and Ellise our guide was simply outstanding.
Ian, our tour guide, was knowledgeable and made sure everything was running on time. We had some disruption to our water activities due to high waves in Palawan, but Ian and Michael pivoted the activities so they were still fun and engaging. I booked the tour to just relax and let someone else do the planning for me and it worked wonderfully. Would book again with Intrepid.

Abraham Tours Philippines

Abraham Tours Philippines

The trip was well worth it. All of the sights were beautiful and worth the long bus trips to and from Sagada and Banaue. It was a small group tour was only two couples. Fred was great as a tour guide. The Kamayan feast was very memorable and tasty at Bangaan on the last day. One of the best tours we’ve ever been on. Would definitely recommend it.
Amazing, rich tour with a lot packed in- serious value for money! Rohan was one of the best guides I have ever had, and he clearly loves this part of the Philippines!

Do You Travel

Do You Travel

  • Excellent - 101 reviews for Philippines tours
This trip has been on of a lifetime! Where to begin... everywhere we visited was just pure paradise and the activities were all perfect for each place- it was the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure! Soo many amazing beaches we saw and the expedition took us to some remote islands which were so quiet it felt like a private island tour! Jovain our guide could not do enough for us all, answering any questions and always keeping us up to date on each days itinerary. There was a situation which arose with a fellow traveller where Jovain was getting spoke to very aggressively and he handled the difficult situation very professionally. Alongside this there was an elderly member of the group and he was by her side wherever she needed help being there to assist her and so kind. The accommodation was all clean and the camping was so cool! The food was brilliant along the way with so many options. Really enjoyed this tour and would do it allll over again if I could! Thank you Jovain and do you travel!!!
Our tour leader Jovain was very well organized and upbeat about our tour which kept it fun. Good stays and excellent food.

Agate Travel

Agate Travel

  • Excellent - 280 reviews for Philippines tours
  • This operator has no Philippines reviews

Sturmfrei Travel and Tours

Sturmfrei Travel and Tours

  • Excellent - 1 review for Philippines tours
Travelled solo in a private guided tour organised through Strumfrei Travel and Tours, and I cannot recommend this company highly enough!! I would give them more than 5 stars if I could. Pre-travel email and mobile phone communication with both Tour Radar and Sturmfrei Travel and Tours was timely and responsive, and they were able to effectively manage my travel requirements and interests. Throughout the tour the Sturmfrei Travel and Tours guides and driver took great care to ensure the planned itinerary went ahead and met my expectations. Ultimately, though, the tour actually exceeded my expectations in so many ways: the region's amazing natural beauty was enhanced even further by both the Sturmfrei and local guides' general knowledge of Philippine culture and history, the Sturmfrei guides' efforts in ensuring my safety and enjoyment of the various physical activities I participated in, and my introduction to local Filipino foods and delicacies. The local Filipino people I met were just lovely and very friendly and added to my enjoyment of my northern travels. This trip was the highlight of my 2-week Philippines experience.

Indus Travels

Indus Travels

  • Excellent - 252 reviews for Philippines tours

Bamba Travel

Bamba Travel

  • Good - 1,690 reviews for Philippines tours
Neil, Ike and William did an excellent job. They are very knowledgeable of the areas that they took us to. I would recommend this package to others. Michael Kasper
Palawan tour was totally disaster. I end up with paying double money.I never used tour.what happened to your ivestivation?

Big Dream Boatman

Big Dream Boatman

  • Excellent - 210 reviews for Philippines tours
Exellent tour. Friendly crew, food was really great. Can recommend to everybody.
Team Violet was incredible!!! The tour was beyond any expectations and the crew, especially Jerome and Paul, were so attentive, warm and funny. The food was soooo yummy and I missed the chef’s cooking once I left! Plenty of food to choose from and they accomodated to all dietary requirements. The islands were stunning and loved our fire on the beach to get to know each other more. Our tour group ended up making a WhatsApp group chat after all of our bonding together and I think our strong bond was due to Team Violets efforts to make us feel safe, happy and cared for! 5 Stars!!!

LakbayPalawan

LakbayPalawan

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Starting with the mesmerising snow-clad mountains of the Himalayan range that takes up the northeastern section of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh , Ladakh , Uttarakhand , Sikkim , and so on. Besides phenomenal panoramic views of the region, these locations are also ideal for individuals looking for thrilling winter sports and other adventure activities. Next on the list of popular trending holiday destinations in India is Rajasthan , where tourists can not only enjoy the Great Indian Desert but also catch a glimpse of the remarkable royal history of the region through forts, palaces, temples, and so on. Gujarat is yet another well-known vacation spot that offers individuals a diverse tourism experience in the form of temples, national parks, historical landmarks, hill stations, and the most notable, the Rann of Kutch. While for the ultimate cultural, shopping, spiritual, culinary, and historical extravaganza, places like West Bengal , Andhra Pradesh , Telangana and Kerala are among the most preferred holiday destinations within India. As a peninsula, the country shares its border with the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, making it an ideal getaway for beachside holidays. Places like Goa and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer tourists some of the world’s most spectacular beaches, like Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Baga Beach, Palolem Beach, etc. These versatile locations are also known for their unique culture and traditions, shopping aspect, historical monuments, regional festivals, and religious landmarks.

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TOP TOURS FOR AGENCIES

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TOP TOURS BUSINESS TRAVEL

Top Tours is a Venice-based Travel Agency and Tour Operator that has been active in the travel sector since 1983. We plan together the journey of your dreams: let us turn it into reality. Dream, Create, Travel: welcome to Top Tours!

WHY CHOOSING TOP TOURS

« The only way to do a good job is to love what you do. » S. Jobs

This is just one of the reasons for choosing Top Tours. At the base of our work there is the passion for what we do: the passion of  trained and competent staff that cares about the satisfaction of people who, like us, love travel and tourism.

PASSION AND PROFESSIONALISM: A WINNING COMBINATION

A team of professionals who grew strong over many years in business, with one purpose: making your dreams come true by planning together your perfect trip.

TRAVEL THE TOP TOURS WORLD:

B2B and B2C

Ticket office service

Events, weddings

Business travel

Group travel

Cruise services… and much more for group tours

CUSTOMIZATION

Customized for you, customer service, before, during, after: full service and support, quality and transparency, your opinion, what people say about us….

We always travel using this agency: the staff is nice and very helpful at all times. Recommended.
It has been our travel agency for about 8 years! They always found solutions to suit our needs. They are fantastic people!!!!!!!!!!
The staff supports you and advises you on everything. They are very patient and try to find a thousand solutions to make the trip perfect and exactly the way you like it. We enjoy working with them.

FOR AGENCIES

Business travel, specific services for business trips.

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Top Tours in fiera: benvenuti al TTG Rimini 2018!

By admin | 2018-10-10T13:41:05+00:00 October 9th, 2018 |

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Iscriviti alla TOP NEWSLETTER per rimanere sempre aggiornato! Subscribe to the TOP NEWSLETTER to stay up to date!

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Mark Harada

How many travel agency & tour operator businesses are there in Australia now?

It’s a good time to be involved in the travel industry and travel agency sector. tourism has more or less fully rebounded from the pandemic, air travel is just about back to 2019 levels and airfares are moving in the right direction , while australia’s busiest hub reports that more aussies are travelling abroad than ever before..

How many travel agency & tour operator businesses are there in Australia now?

Most viewed

The world's best airports, ranked by security, bag handling, dining, shopping, cleanliness, staff & more, fctg’s corporate travel division reveals the non-negotiable hotel amenities for business travellers, unwto expects full rebound of international tourism in 2024; apac currently at 65% recovery.

But how is all of this great news actually reflected in the number of travel agency and tour operator businesses that are out there right now?

According to Tourism Research Australia’s ( TRA ) ‘ Tourism Businesses in Australia ‘ snapshot of the growth of tourism-related businesses over the five years between June 2018 and June 2023, the number of travel agencies and tour operators in Australia grew by 7.2 per cent (+572), from 7,952 to 8,524 . 

Considering this came during a pandemic, that’s a healthy rise. Slightly concerning, however, is that during the last of those five years, there was a decline, albeit a small one (-1.5 per cent, 130 businesses) in the number of travel agency and tour operator enterprises across the country.

Perhaps surprisingly, travel agencies and tour operators account for just two per cent of all tourism-related businesses in Australia.

Travel agency challenges

ATIA travel agents

While the increase in the total number of agencies is a positive development for the travel industry, fully staffing those businesses remains a challenge. 

According to a recent survey by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), only one-third of agencies were able to fill all their vacancies for travel agent roles in 2023. That leaves a lot of companies understaffed – and a lot of potential business left on the table. 

Compounding the problem, there’s also a skills shortage in certain areas, as highlighted by the Council of Australian Tour Operators’ recent launch of the CATO Touring Academy .

The big picture

Travel agency tour operator

In June 2023, Australia had an overall total of 355,570 tourism-related businesses, making up 14 per cent of all Australian enterprises.

These businesses operate across nine different sectors, with the largest four sectors accounting for over 90 per cent of all tourism businesses. 

These were retail trade (155,755 businesses, 44 per cent), cafes, restaurants and takeaways (95,958 businesses, 27 per cent), cultural, sports and recreation services (36,422 businesses, 10 per cent), and taxi transport (34,704 businesses, 10 per cent).

Over the five years leading up to June 2023, the number of tourism-related businesses grew by 41,179 (+13 per cent), mainly between 2018 and 2022. However, there was a decline of 5,262 businesses (-1.5 per cent) in the year ending June 2023. 

Smaller businesses, employing fewer than five people, grew faster than larger businesses between 2018 and 2022 but experienced a decline in the following year.

Growth in tourism businesses in Australia between June 2018 and June 2023

Growth in tourism businesses including travel agency enterprises in Australia between June 2018 and June 2023

The fastest-growing sectors over the five years were car rentals (+53 per cent), retail trade (+16 per cent), and cafes, restaurants, and takeaways (+14 per cent). Only two sectors – taxi transport and casino and gambling services – saw a decline over this period.

State by state, Victoria (+4.1 per cent), ACT (+3.2 per cent) and the Northern Territory (+2.8 per cent) experienced the fastest growth in tourism businesses over the past five years. But in the final year, Victoria, NT and South Australia had the largest declines. 

Additionally, tourism businesses in regional areas grew at a slower rate (+1.9 per cent annually) compared to those in capital cities (+2.7 per cent) over the five-year period, with both regions seeing a decrease in the last year.

As of June 2023, Melbourne has the most tourism businesses (79,993), followed by Sydney (78,002), Brisbane (30,100) and Perth (25,058).

The travel industry winners of the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards were recently announced, with Sonia Jones Travel of Ashgrove in Queensland named winner of the 2024 Travel Agency category .

Related stories

The world’s best airports, ranked by security, bag handling, dining, shopping, cleanliness, staff & more, fctg’s corporate travel division reveals the non-negotiable hotel amenities for business travellers, unwto expects full rebound of international tourism in 2024; apac currently at 65% recovery, airfares fall as flights rise to pre-pandemic peaks, finds fctg.

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    Holidays are evolving faster than ever and so are we. We as a travel and tour agency understand the ever changing and demanding needs of our customers. … read more. Spiritual Tours. Starting Price. ₹ 33 600/-. Gujarati Specials. Starting Price. ₹ 1 05 415/-. Buy One Get One International Packages.

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    Top Tours is a Venice-based Travel Agency and Tour Operator that has been active in the travel sector since 1983. We plan together the journey of your dreams: let us turn it into reality. Dream, Create, Travel: welcome to Top Tours! TOP TOURS. WHY CHOOSING TOP TOURS

  25. How many travel agency & tour operator businesses are there in

    The big picture. Travel agency and tour operator businesses are on the rise in Australia. In June 2023, Australia had an overall total of 355,570 tourism-related businesses, making up 14 per cent of all Australian enterprises. These businesses operate across nine different sectors, with the largest four sectors accounting for over 90 per cent ...