tours like g adventures

7 Tour Companies Like G Adventures

G Adventures is a well-known tour company that has been operating for over 30 years, offering small group tours to a variety of destinations around the world. With a strong focus on sustainable and responsible travel practices, G Adventures has gained a reputation as a leader in the adventure travel industry.

While G Adventures is a popular choice for many travellers, there are other tour companies that offer similar services and experiences. The focus of this blog is to explore those other tour companies, comparing and contrasting them with G Adventures in terms of their offerings, style, and approach to travel.

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Why look for alternatives to G Adventures?

G Adventures is great, but it might not be right for everyone. Some travellers might look for other tour companies like G Adventures for a variety of reasons such as: Different destinations: G Adventures may not offer tours to all the destinations that a traveller wants to visit. In such a case, they may need to look for other tour companies that offer tours to those specific locations. Price: G Adventures may be too expensive for some travellers. They may need to look for other tour companies that offer similar experiences but at a lower price. Tour types: G Adventures offers a wide range of tour types, including adventure tours, cultural tours, and wildlife tours. However, if a traveller is looking for a specific type of tour, they may need to look for other tour companies that specialise in that area. Personal preferences: Travellers may have specific preferences for the type of tour they want to go on, such as the size of the group, the level of physical activity, or the accommodation type. They may need to look for other tour companies that offer tours that meet their specific requirements. Availability: G Adventures tours may be fully booked for the dates a traveller wants to travel. In such a case, they may need to look for other tour companies that offer similar tours during their preferred travel dates.

Key features that distinguish G Adventures from other tour companies

G Adventures is known for its unique approach to travel, which emphasises cultural immersion, sustainability, and responsible tourism. Here are some of the key features that distinguish G Adventures from other tour companies: Small group sizes: G Adventures typically limits group sizes to 12 people, allowing for a more personalised and intimate travel experience. This is in contrast to other tour companies that may have larger group sizes. Emphasis on sustainable and responsible travel: G Adventures is committed to minimizing the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities. This includes supporting local businesses, reducing waste, and promoting responsible tourism practices. Local experiences and cultural immersion: G Adventures places a strong emphasis on connecting travellers with local cultures and customs. This may include activities like home stays, cooking classes, and visits to local markets and communities.

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Flexible itineraries: While G Adventures provides pre-planned itineraries, there is also room for flexibility and customisation based on the group’s interests and preferences. Diverse destinations: G Adventures offers trips to a wide range of destinations, including off-the-beaten-path locations that may not be as accessible to independent travellers. Expert local guides: G Adventures hires local guides with in-depth knowledge of the destinations and cultures being visited, providing travellers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the places they are visiting.

Other tour companies like G Adventures

As a leading tour company, G Adventures has made a name for itself in the travel industry with its unique travel style and focus on sustainable tourism. However, G Adventures is not the only company that offers such tours. In fact, there are several other tour companies that offer similar travel experiences, including:

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is a travel company that offers small-group tours to a wide variety of destinations around the world. The company was founded in 1989 with the goal of providing travellers with an authentic and responsible travel experience, while also supporting local communities and minimising negative impacts on the environment. Intrepid Travel offers a range of tour styles, including adventure tours and cultural tours, among others. Their tours typically have a maximum group size of 12 to 16 people, which allows for a more immersive and personalised travel experience. The company also places a strong emphasis on sustainable travel practices, such as minimising waste and supporting local businesses. In addition to its regular tours, Intrepid Travel also offers a range of themed tours , such as food tours, cycling tours, and wildlife tours, as well as custom tours for private groups.

Contiki is a tour company that caters to young adults between the ages of 18 and 35, providing them with unique travel experiences and opportunities to explore the world with like-minded individuals. Founded in 1962, Contiki has been a popular choice for young travellers for over 50 years, with a reputation for providing fun, social, and immersive travel experiences. One of the key features that sets Contiki apart from other tour companies is its focus on young adults. Contiki understands that young people have unique travel needs and desires, and has designed its tours to cater to these needs. For example, tours typically include a mix of cultural activities, adventure activities, and social activities, providing travellers with a well-rounded travel experience that is both enriching and enjoyable. In addition to offering a diverse range of activities, Contiki also places a strong emphasis on group dynamics and socialisation. Tours are designed to encourage group bonding and provide opportunities for young adults to make new friends and connections from around the world. This is especially important for young travellers who may be travelling solo or looking to meet new people.

One Life Adventures

One Life Adventures is a tour company that specialises in adventure travel experiences in Asia. Founded in 2019, One Life Adventures aims to provide travellers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences that are not typically included in traditional tour itineraries. The company prides itself on its sustainable and responsible approach to tourism, and works to minimise its environmental impact and support local communities. One of the main features that sets One Life Adventures apart from other tour companies is its focus on small group travel. The company limits group sizes to a maximum of 16 people, which allows for a more personalised and intimate travel experience. This small group size also makes it easier for the company to offer unique and exclusive experiences that may not be possible with larger groups. Another key feature of One Life Adventures is its commitment to responsible tourism. The company works with local partners to support sustainable tourism practices and reduce its environmental impact. This includes minimising the use of single-use plastics, supporting community-based tourism initiatives, and using eco-friendly accommodations whenever possible. One Life Adventures offers a variety of tours throughout Asia, with a focus on destinations in Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

TruTravels is a popular tour operator that offers exciting and affordable travel packages to 18 to 35-year-old travellers. What sets TruTravels apart from other tour operators is its focus on creating a sense of community among its travellers. The company believes that travel is not just about seeing new places, but also about connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds. To achieve this, TruTravels organises small group tours with a maximum of 14 travellers per trip. This allows for a more intimate and personalised experience, where travellers can get to know each other and the local communities they visit. TruTravels has a wide range of travel packages to choose from, including adventure tours, island hopping, cultural immersion, and party trips. Each trip is carefully designed to cater to the needs and interests of young travellers, with a focus on adventure, exploration, and fun. TruTravels’ tour leaders are all experienced travellers themselves and have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with their groups. They are also trained to provide a safe and supportive environment for travellers, ensuring that everyone has a great time while on the road. One of the reasons TruTravels is so popular with 18 to 35-year-old travellers is its commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism. The company works closely with local communities to promote sustainable tourism practices and minimise the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local cultures. TruTravels also supports local charities and social enterprises, and encourages its travellers to give back to the communities they visit.

Bamba Travel

Bamba is a tour company that specialises in flexible and customisable travel experiences. Founded in 2006, Bamba has grown to offer a wide range of tours and activities in destinations all over the world, with a focus on adventure, cultural immersion, and responsible tourism practices. One of the key features that distinguishes Bamba from other tour companies is its emphasis on flexibility. Bamba offers “hop-on, hop-off” passes that allow travellers to design their own itineraries and travel at their own pace. This means that travellers can stay longer in destinations they love or change their plans if something unexpected comes up, providing a level of freedom and flexibility that is rare in the tour industry. Bamba also offers a range of pre-planned tours and activities, from day trips to multi-day adventures. These tours are designed to provide immersive cultural experiences and opportunities for adventure, such as trekking, surfing, or wildlife viewing. Bamba also places a strong emphasis on responsible and sustainable travel, with a focus on supporting local communities and minimizing negative impacts on the environment.

On The Go Tours

On The Go Tours is a UK-based tour company that offers a wide range of guided group tours and tailor-made travel packages to destinations all over the world. The company was established in 1998 and has since grown to become one of the leading tour operators in the UK. The company’s tours cover a variety of themes, including cultural, adventure, wildlife, and historical tours, as well as family and solo traveller trips. They offer small group tours with an average of 16 travellers, allowing for a more personalised experience and greater access to local culture and experiences. On The Go Tours also offers tailor-made travel packages, which allow travellers to create their own itinerary and select their preferred activities, accommodation, and destinations. The company’s team of travel experts provides assistance and advice to ensure that the itinerary meets the needs and preferences of each traveller. One of the company’s core values is responsible tourism, which is reflected in their choice of partners, sustainable travel practices, and ethical treatment of local communities. On The Go Tours also supports a number of local projects and charities in the destinations they visit, helping to give back to the communities they interact with.

INTRO Travel

INTRO Travel is a tour operator that specialises in providing authentic and affordable travel experiences to young adults. Their focus is on creating group tours that encourage travellers to discover new cultures, meet new people, and push themselves out of their comfort zones. One of the main reasons why INTRO Travel is so popular with young adults is because they cater specifically to this demographic. They understand that young people are often on a tight budget, but still want to travel and have fun. That’s why their tours are designed to be affordable, while still providing all the necessary amenities and experiences that travellers want. Another reason why INTRO Travel is so popular is because of their emphasis on group travel. Travelling with a group of like-minded individuals can be an incredibly rewarding experience, as it allows travellers to make new friends and share unique experiences together. INTRO Travel’s tours are designed to be social, with plenty of opportunities for group bonding and fun. In addition to their focus on group travel, INTRO Travel is also known for their focus on authentic experiences. Rather than just ticking off the typical tourist attractions, INTRO Travel’s tours are designed to give travellers a deeper understanding of the local culture and way of life. This might involve staying with local families, visiting local markets, or even taking part in traditional ceremonies and rituals. Finally, INTRO Travel is popular with young adults because of their commitment to responsible tourism. They understand that tourism can have a negative impact on the environment and local communities, and so they work hard to minimise this impact as much as possible. This might involve using eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, or taking part in volunteer projects.

It’s important to know that G Adventures is just one of the many tour companies out there that you might want to check out. Each tour company listed above has its own style and focus, so it’s worth doing your research to find the one that is right for you. And the best part? You can book tours with these companies directly on our website . You can read reviews from other travellers, compare prices and itineraries, and book your tour all in one place. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today!

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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.

Best Small Group Tour Companies Comparisons

Small group tour companies like G Adventures are a great way to see the world for solo travelers, couples, and small groups of friends!  There are so many companies out there that it might be overwhelming to know the differences between them! As a travel agent , I’m often asked the difference between G Adventures vs Contiki… G Adventures vs Intrepid… G Adventures vs Topdeck… Intrepid vs Contiki and what are other companies like Intrepid.  Well, I decided to put the main companies that I like to suggest for small group travel: G Adventures, Contiki, Intrepid, Busabout, and Top Deck.

In this article, you’ll find a quick reference chart of all the main 5 companies, more specific rundowns on each company, and then more specific comparisons.  Please note that all of these companies are mixed gender, but there are some women travel groups too!

G Adventures

G Adventures is my top company to recommend because it’s so EXPANSIVE.  There are different tour styles to fit anyone’s needs, and they go EVERYWHERE.  

What makes G Adventures Special?

I think what really makes G stand out from the rest is its commitment to sustainable travel by giving back to the community.  Travel can certainly be a privilege, and when I see the world, I’d like my money to be put to the best use possible. G Adventures also takes this to heart. They hire locals, work with local partners and small businesses, and work with the most at risk.

Children and animals are often exploited in tourism trades, and G makes sure that all attractions visited are not negatively impacting those vulnerable sects.

What Tour Styles Does G Adventures offer?

This is the most budget option for tours.  There’s no real cut off for age, but they do note that these are the typical ages that come on this tour.  These tours usually stay in hostels and cost the cheapest of all the tour varieties.

This is a standard tour that stays in hotels and has slightly more upgraded experiences.  There is no age range for this.

National Geographic

These tours are specially tailored to get a deeper cultural understanding with more hands-on explorations and interactions with local experts.

This is a great option for people with kids! Can be a single parent or a couple! This tour has age-appropriate activities for little ones and hotels with lots of good things for kids!  This is a great option for someone who wants to try to travel with kids but is concerned about the logistics. Let G take care of everything!

Local Living

Local Living tours get you access to what life is REALLY like in a locale.  Being a tourist is awesome, and there’s nothing wrong with seeing the touristy places; however, some places might call to your heart, and you want to know more!  Italy comes to mind for me! All the food, wine, and culture there! Local living gets you out of a hotel and into a more intimate home or farm stay!

Straight from the horse’s mouth: Wellness travel was created to recharge the body and nourish the mind. Our new Wellness tours offer the perfect balance of awe-inspiring destinations, rejuvenating activities, and healthy food experiences, helping you return home feeling even better than when you left.

I think the name says it all, but most have biking, hiking, cycling, and other adrenaline-pumping activities! I can’t give my own experience, because this is not my vibe lol.

This tour style basically means that rather than taking a bus, you have a train journey! Trains can be more comfortable than buses sometimes because you’re able to get up and walk around!  I took a long train journey from Beijing to Moscow and can confirm trains are fun!

These trips are by boat, so if you get seasick, they might not be for you!  It’s nice because you only have to unpack one time, but you still get to see so much!  This is a great tour style for places like the Galapagos or Island hopping!

If you like some aspects of group travel but just not interested in other people, you can get a private tour! You can select from already made tours, or go rogue and get a custom one!

What Kind of Traveler Do I Recommend for This Company?

Because of the wide variety of tour offerings, there’s really something for everyone!  But as a whole, I recommend someone who doesn’t like to travel too fast, isn’t into partying and hooking up but interested in grabbing a few drinks with friends, and someone who cares about giving back to the community they’re visiting!

What makes Contiki Special?

I think Contiki has the cutest founding story actually.  A guy from NZ basically bought a van in Europe, advertised he was going and asked people to pitch in, they roamed Europe together as a bunch of strangers who became friends, and then he sold the van.  That trip inspired him to found Contiki: Con from “Continent” and Tiki which is Maori for “Good luck charm.” Beyond that, I think Contiki is a really great way to see a lot when you’re in a pinch for time. It was one of the first ways I first discovered Europe!

What Tour Styles Does Contiki offer?

This is the classic type that is usually in a hotel that’s centrally located.  

In-Depth Explorer

Similar to the discoverer in that it’s also usually hotels, but it is also more culture and food-focused.

Iconic Essentials

These are going to be the most budget-friendly of the tours and offer a mix of accommodation styles like the Contiki special and hostels.

Sailing and Cruise

These are going to be boat-based trips, so you’d better like your bathing suit and the water!  

Short Trips and Festivals

This is a special category because they won’t be offered all the time, but only for select occasions.

Ski and Snowboard

The Ski and Snowboard trips are obviously going to be seasonally based.

Camping doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to pitch your own tent.  When I went on mine, we went to “campsites” that had what amounted to permanent tents set up in rows. They were actually pretty large

Small Group

Not all of the tours are as large as the maximum amount (you can see by the chart they have the largest possible group sizes).  Contiki also offers a smaller group option for some tours which is great if you’re interested in them but weren’t into the larger size!

For tours like Contiki, I honestly usually recommend a younger crowd.  Contiki also has the youngest “oldest” cut off at 35, but I can think of many 34-year-olds that would be very unhappy with this company.  I think of all the companies mentioned in this article, this company, in particular, speaks to a certain type of person (no judgment!). There’s something called the “Contiki Cough” which is the joke that everyone gets sick because everyone is making out with everyone else lol.  While I can’t say the tours I’ve been with them were THAT extreme, I can say that every night was a party, and there was a lot more drinking than on the other companies. So if that’s not your scene, you might want to choose another. If that is, you’ll have a BLAST!

What Makes Intrepid Special?

Intrepid has a loyalty program, but it seems to really only be a benefit if you travel *a lot* with them as you get an $1800 voucher after 9 trips with them.   Update : Looks like Intrepid’s loyalty program ends July 1, 2019. Intrepid is also committed to sustainable travel and works to manage their carbon footprint.  I’d say the only other companies like Intrepid Travel in that regard would be G Adventures.

Intrepid also has a foundation called, you guessed it, The Intrepid Foundation!  It’s an organization that seeks to provide skills training in the communities they’re involved with.  The tour costs do not go towards this foundation, but if you do decide to donate, they do match your donation.  

What Tour Styles Does Intrepid offer?

This is the cheapest route and usually doesn’t include many meals, more likely to be in hostels/camping/guesthouses, and uses public transportation a lot.  Not many optional excursions are pre-booked, which means you have plenty of free time to do whatever you and your budget want!

This is the normal go-to style with some inclusions and some optional extras.  They usually stay at hotels or homestays with some meals included.

As the name suggests, you’ll be getting an upgraded experience with more inclusions (food and activities).

These will be special to a specific holiday of a country! Obviously not available year-round.

Urban Adventures

This is relatively new to the brand.  It’s based on day trips in cities led by locals.  You can book a pre-arranged itinerary or plan your own!

Intrepid is a great company for travelers that don’t like too big of a group and aren’t huge in the party scene.  

What Makes Busabout Special?

I think what definitely sets Busabout apart from the other tours is what it is most known for is the Busabout Hop On-Off Pass !  I actually did the pass myself one summer, and it was super fun and just as the name implies… it allows you to jump on and off the bus! Unlike those tour buses that set up stops around a city, this one does it across countries!

What Tour Styles Does Busabout offer?

Flexible travel.

This is the Hop On/Off pass I was telling you about. Please read my more in-depth review . They also have something similar in the USA (West Coast) and now Asia!  

I used their small group tour to go to Cambodia , and I had an amazing time!  They don’t have the country variety as some of the other companies, but they still do have a lot of offerings, and I feel the prices are fine.

Sailing and Island Hopping

They have lots of boats that cruise through the waters with fixed or flexible itineraries!

These will be special groups for specific festivals and dates. They’re really great if you want to go to a festival, but maybe you don’t have anyone to go with, and you don’t want to go alone for safety.  Safety is important!

Winter Trips

These are going to be where the people who love the cold will want to check!  Skiing, Christmas Markets, and Hot Chocolate basically!

The flexible passes are great for people who just want to go with the flow and don’t have a set idea of what to do, just a general plan of where they’d like to be.  Busabout is hands down the best option for that.

For the small group tours option, it’s a good balance between relaxed and party.  Busabout has really good options for Europe and Asia, as well. I feel like those are the zones that they shine.

What Makes Topdeck Special?

Top Deck has a highest 30-something age bracket range all the way up to 39 (although they do not have anything for anyone over 40).  As a 33-year-old who doesn’t feel “that old,” that is something that makes me feel good! Top Deck also has slightly larger groups than some other counterparts but not the largest.  It has also managed to find a good balance between chill and party, although I would say that it does lean more towards party on certain tour styles.

What Tour Styles Does Topdeck offer?

Hostel plus.

This will be the most cost-effective option as the tours will stay in centrally located hostels with multiple people per room! Great way to meet new friends as well as be kind to your bank account.

Hotel tours will also have centrally located hotels, and you will only share with one other person!  Just a bit more privacy.

The explorer travel style will move a little slower and more deliberately.  It will also visit more than just the main capital cities to give you a better understanding of a country.

I think you can guess on this one! Obviously a fun party boat with the ability to jump into the water all the time! Wear sunscreen (omg, I’m turning into my mother).

Camping trips can be super fun because you get to stay out with nature and have campfires!  The tents are also two-person tents, so you get a nice price like on the hostel tour but without as many people around you.

Topdeck has ski trips the world over!  It will take all the hassle of the planning out of the way, so you can just do the fun bit–skiing!

Limited Edition, Festivals, and Events

These are the kind of events that only happen during seasons or on specific days! Great if you’re out in an area and want the safety of company at something like a music festival, but you don’t know anyone! Now you do!

Top Deck is a great company for people under 40 who like to have a good time but don’t want their entire trip to be about drinking.

G Adventures Vs Topdeck

When comparing G Adventures vs Topdeck, G will have a smaller group than Top Deck as well as more flexible age ranges.  Top Deck includes tipping in the price whereas G Adventures doesn’t. The overall prices are about equitable. The biggest difference between the two would be group size and that G Adventures has trips going to all 7 continents whereas Top Deck doesn’t.

G Adventures vs Contiki (And Intrepid vs Contiki)

If you look at the differences between G Adventures vs Contiki, G Adventures has the smallest tour group size at a maximum of 15 vs Contiki’s 52 in a normal tour or 30 in a “small group.”  Contiki is definitely more of a party tour company whereas G is less about drinking (although people still go out!). They both utilize lifetime trip deposits which is great for flexibility as long as the trips are changed outside of the “pre-departure window.”  G Adventures also has all guaranteed departures for all their tours, while Contiki only offers guaranteed for some (they’ll alert you before you pay if it is guaranteed or not). The last big difference is G Adventures utilizes local tour guides while Contiki doesn’t.

I didn’t include a separate section for Intrepid vs Contiki since G Adventures and Intrepid are very similar in their differences to Contiki.

G Adventures vs Intrepid

The comparison for G Adventures vs Intrepid is the easiest as these two companies are the most alike.  They both use local tour guides, operate on all 7 continents, have a more relaxed vibe, offer Family tours, and have local guides.  Where they differ is Intrepid doesn’t have 100% guaranteed departures like G Adventures but also has a range for tour deposits (some lower than G and some higher depending on trip cost).

For these two, I would check both sites and just find an itinerary that fits your dates, preferences, and costs and choose from that. If everything is equal, I’d choose the cheaper one which is often G.  But sometimes they go to similar areas, but slightly different itineraries, so it’s worth looking at both.

Top Deck vs Contiki

These companies are also very similar.  They both have groups on the larger end (Top Deck is a few people smaller), and both are good if you’re interested in drinking and partying. They’re both great if you want a more casual tour, and don’t care if the guides are local or not.  If I had to pick some other companies like Topdeck, I’d say Contiki is the most similar.

My Overall Favorite Small Group Tour

I have to pick G Adventures as my overall top pick. I’ve traveled with them the most (hey, 5% discount for returning customers!) and I’m going with them to Antarctica .  I really like their philosophy of giving back, so it makes me feel like my travel money is being used the wisest.  I would say that the prices are also either on par or cheaper than other companies, and I really like the value.

The Best Tour for Flexibility

Busabout is the best if you want the best between both worlds.  If you want the structure of a company who handles the technicalities of the logistics, but you also want the freedom to move at your own pace and make your own decisions.

All in all, if you’re looking for small tour group companies like G Adventures or companies like Intrepid travel, all 5 are great options.  They all serve a different purpose based on your own personal preferences and budget considerations. I am a G Adventures Travel Agent , but I’m also a booking agent for all 5 of these companies.   When my clients are trying to figure out which company is the best for them, I always ask them:

• What level of partying are you into?
• What level of accommodations do you prefer?
• What area of the world do you want to go?

And now I’ll ask you:

• Which one seems to suit your vibe?
• Have you traveled with any of these before? Anything to add?
• Do you want to book with me? 🙂

For someone else’s experiences using different adventure group tours, check this out!

Pin for later if you found helpful!

Carly "Wayward" Heyward

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G Adventures Review – Adventure Travel Tours [Tour Styles, Destinations, Reviews]

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Who Are G Adventures Tours Good For?

Destinations, g adventures antarctica, g adventures cuba, g adventures costa rica, g adventures galápagos, g adventures india, g adventures japan, g adventures morocco, g adventures peru, g adventures thailand, g adventures reviews, g adventures vs. contiki, g adventures vs. intrepid, final thoughts.

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Most of us have a travel bucket list, but there are some destinations that you may feel more confident exploring with a guided tour. Maybe you’re concerned about language barriers , or you’d rather not have to worry about navigating public transport yourself. It’s natural to feel both excited and apprehensive when visiting somewhere new, and booking an escorted tour can alleviate any concerns you may have, especially if you’re traveling solo.

G Adventures has been providing small group tours for over 20 years and consistently listens to customer feedback to provide authentic and life-changing experiences. The G stands for “Good,” which doesn’t just refer to the good time that you’ll have on a tour — it also applies to the impact G Adventures strives to have on the local communities that it encounters along the way.

All G Adventure tours have 100% guaranteed departures , which some operators can’t provide. This avoids the disappointment of having to move to another date or destination just because the number of participants is not viable to run the tour.

Solo Travelers

Group tours are perfect for those that are itching to get away but can’t find a travel buddy. As tour prices are based on a solo rate , you needn’t factor-in expensive single supplements, as you’ll often have the option to upgrade to a private room if you choose. You’ll find that adventure tours attract like-minded individuals, and many G Adventurers have made life-long friends on their trips.

Although socializing is not compulsory on a tour, it does help if you enjoy the company of others. You could be spending weeks with the same people on your tour bus, group trips, and activities, so if you hate being around strangers, then this type of tour probably isn’t for you.

Hot Tip:  If you’re thinking about the iconic sights you might want to explore on a tour, check out these virtual tours of popular tourist attractions around the world , including Angkor Wat and the Great Wall of China. 

Friends or Groups

Friends often book onto tours as no 1 person needs to be responsible for arranging or coordinating the itinerary or managing payments. 1-on-1 travel can be an intense experience, especially if you’re not used to spending that much time together, so joining a tour can alleviate the pressure.

Just because you start a family, doesn’t mean that you can’t explore new and exotic destinations. If your children are 12 years or older, they are welcome on most standard tours when accompanied by an adult, and dedicated family tours are suitable for families with children aged 7-17. A family tour can broaden horizons for many children and educate them in different cultures and languages.

Touring Skeptics

You may have embarked on many solo trips and love the thrill of independent travel, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that a small group tour isn’t for you. There are a few destinations, such as some southern African countries, where public transport isn’t the most reliable. The prospect of being driven the vast distances while getting some shut-eye along the way can be quite appealing.

With a small group tour, you’ll have a permanent tour guide that will be an expert in the destination and will be able to answer any questions you have along the way. With tried and tested itineraries , you can rest assured that you’re exploring the highlights of that destination and can often immerse yourself more in the local culture and communities due to the connections the tour company has established.

G Adventures Tour Types and Destinations

G Adventures recognizes that not everyone likes the same kind of travel, so it offers various styles of tours that cater to most.

18-to-Thirtysomethings Tours

These tours are a little larger in capacity (up to 22) to allow you to meet more people , and let’s face it, if you’re on an 18-to-Thirtysomethings Tour, you’re likely open to the opportunity of meeting some new pals. Tours have a good balance of culture and free time, so you can be exploring temples by day and the local bars and restaurants by night.

Active Tours

Active Tours allow you to explore new destinations through hiking, biking, and other activity sports, such as kayaking and rafting. Each tour has an activity rating to let you know how physically demanding a tour is, and they have a maximum of 16 people (but an average of 10).

Hot Tip:  G Adventures recommends bringing a backpack on your tour rather than a suitcase, as it’s easier to transport than a suitcase. Check out the best hiking and backpacking backpacks for your trip and don’t forget your other adventure travel essentials .

Classic Tours

Classic Tours offer the perfect blend of cultural experiences, must-see highlights, and free time . If you discover something amazing and unscheduled along the way, the G Adventures Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) can adjust the itinerary accordingly to ensure you don’t miss out on those spontaneous, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Family Tours

Organizing a family holiday can be stressful, but with a G Adventures Family Tour, you have the comfort and security of your knowledgeable guide, family-friendly accommodations, and specially-designed itineraries. Family tours usually include 3 or 4 families from all over the world with children around the same age. To ensure everyone has a great time, all family tours have a recommended age ranking indicating how suitable the activities are for children.

Hot Tip:  Traveling with the kids can be a little overwhelming at times, especially to an unknown destination. Read these tips for amazing family travel with your kids .

Local Living Tours

If you’re not a fan of moving from hotel to hotel on a busy tour, but you’re keen to experience a local’s way of life, then a Local Living Tour could be just the ticket. Most tours involve unpacking only once at your home-from-home , including a Tuscan farmhouse or remote village in the Amazon. Live like the locals and do as little or as much as you like with flexible itineraries.

Marine Tours

From river cruises to ocean expeditions, traveling by water can provide a unique way of exploring some of the world’s most magnificent aquatic destinations. Traveling onboard smaller ships than cruise liners allows you to get closer to extraordinary marine wildlife and enjoy more meaningful encounters with local people and communities.

National Geographic Journeys

National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures offers a range of unique tours that delve deeper into the communities and habitats than on a Classic Tour. Your CEO will have specialized National Geographic training for more in-depth, local knowledge on your destination, and tours feature more inclusions and hands-on exploration than standard tours.

It’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination with a Rail Tour. Cruise through some of the world’s most remote areas while enjoying a window view and a glass of wine. Not only is rail travel an authentic and exciting mode of transport, but it also leaves a smaller carbon footprint compared to coaches and airplanes , if responsible travel is important to you.

Hot Tip:  There are many ways that you can become a greener traveler, from taking reusable water bottles to being selective with your toiletries. To do your bit for the environment, take a look at our green travel tips . 

With a G Adventures Wellness Tour, you’ve got the perfect combination of rejuvenating practices such as yoga or mediation and an incredible location. Experience ancient restorative practices and ceremonies and explore cultural sights and awe-inspiring scenery. Most tours include wellness moments such as a daily yoga session or spa treatment, and tours focus on healthy food experiences to nourish the mind and body.

G Adventures operates tours to over 100 destinations across the following continents, countries, and areas:

• Australia and New Zealand
• Central America and the Caribbean
• North Africa and the Middle East
• North America
• Polar regions
• South America

G Adventures Top Tours

The Antarctic is a destination that many adventurers dream of visiting. Colossal icebergs, gigantic glaciers, and jagged mountains make up the beautiful but barren landscape, and it’s a wonder how the brutally cold conditions create a home for such a variety of wildlife.

You’ll be on board the G Expedition that can sleep up to 134 passengers and has many communal areas such as the Penguin Library and Polar Bear Pub. All rooms are  en suite with either a porthole or a window view so that you can spot humpback and minke whales breaching in the surrounding waters.

• Includes accommodation, most meals, Zodiac excursions, educational programs, waterproof boots, and parka

Hot Tip:  There are a couple of optional extras available on the G Expedition that are worth considering. Sleep out under the stars with a camping experience or upgrade from the Zodiac excursions to kayaking to get the closest you can be to your surroundings.

Go beyond the beach with a G Adventures tour to Cuba. This vibrant Caribbean island has only recently opened up to non-traditional travel, so you can explore more than just the beautiful beaches. Stay in a local homestay for an immersive Cuban experience , tour a tobacco plantation, or see the sights of bustling Havana from the comfort of a classic car.

G Adventures offers Classic, Active, Marine, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Cuba.

• Includes transfers, excursions, accommodation, and breakfast

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise with one of the highest densities of biodiversity of any country. Magnificent volcanoes emerge from the lush landscapes, and mysterious cloud forests are home to exotic flora and fauna, including the red-eyed tree frog and the white-faced Capuchin monkey . You’ll need your camera on hand at every moment exploring Costa Rica’s incredible scenery.

G Adventures offers Classic, Active, National Geographic Journeys, Family, Wellness, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Costa Rica.

• Includes transportation and accommodation

Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are accessible by flying in to either 2 of the larger islands of Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal . You’ll then spend your trip sailing through the archipelago, spotting whales and dolphins, and snorkeling amongst sea lions. It’s nature’s paradise! You can choose between a small ship adventure where you’ll sleep on board, or if you prefer to spend your nights on dry land, you can opt for a tour with land-based accommodation.

G Adventures offers Classic, Marine, Active, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Galápagos.

• Includes basic accommodation, some meals, transportation, and some excursions

Hot Tip:  If you combine a Peru tour with a Galápagos tour, G Adventures will pay for your flight between Peru and Ecuador. 

India can be chaotic, mesmerizing, and an intense sensory experience with so many colorful sights, sounds, and smells to absorb. Taking a tour with G Adventures can offer a more organized travel experience. You can spend more time savoring the sights without worrying about the sometimes confusing logistics of navigating this vibrant country. Marvel at the majestic Taj Mahal, cruise along the Kerala backwaters, or relax on the wild beaches of Goa.

G Adventures offers Classic, Wellness, Rail, National Geographic Journeys, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to India.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, excursions, and some meals

Japan is a captivating city with a charming blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. One minute you’ll be wandering around a sacred Buddhist temple, and the next, whizzing between cities on the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train. Visit in spring to see the famous cherry blossom trees , relax in a traditional onsen, or learn about samurai culture. Nothing about Japan disappoints.

G Adventures offers Classic, Active, Rail, National Geographic Journeys, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Japan.

Hot Tip:  For a limited stay trip, Americans do not currently need a visa to enter Japan, so that’s 1 thing less to worry about. 

From stunning beaches to bustling cities and rolling sand dunes to mountainous Berber villages, if you’re looking for a diverse destination, Morocco ticks all the boxes. If you’re a little unsure about exploring the bustling medinas and labyrinthine alleyways independently, a G Adventures tour can give you confidence and security, while still allowing an authentic experience .

G Adventures offers Classic, Active, National Geographic Journeys, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Morocco.

Peru is an active adventurer’s paradise , with the wild and rugged landscapes providing endless hiking opportunities and enormous sand dunes begging to be boarded down. Many hike the famous Inca Trail to Machu  Picchu , while others opt for a less strenuous journey to marvel at the magnificent ancient ruins. Kayak on Lake Titicaca or visit the floating island communities of Uros.

G Adventures offers Classic, Active, National Geographic Journeys, Marine, Wellness, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Peru.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, excursions, and most meals

Foodies will love sampling the culinary delights of the charming market stalls and seafood beach shacks, while others will enjoy tasty home-cooked meals while spending the night with a hill tribe family. With scenery so spectacular, it’s no wonder Thailand has featured in many blockbuster movies, with limestone rocks protruding from crystal-clear waters. Gleaming temples, a vibrant capital, and spectacular beaches make Thailand a well-rounded destination that offers something for everyone .

G Adventures offers Classic, Active, National Geographic Journeys, Marine, Family, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Thailand.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, excursions, and breakfast

G Adventures is a highly reviewed tour company with the following overall ratings:

• Trustpilot : 4.4 out of 5
• Facebook : 4.5 out of 5
• TourRadar : 4.6 out of 5

To give you a flavor of the feedback G Adventures receives, these are some testimonials from some of its most popular trips.

Antarctica Classic Tour “This was the MOST amazing trip of my life (and I have traveled a lot). The experience of seeing this vastly untouched continent is something I won’t ever forget. The penguins were adorable, and the staff was excellent in giving the passengers a full and knowledgeable trip. Highly recommended!” — Stacie C, United States

Cuba Libre Tour “I had a fabulous time. I visited towns and sites that I would not have found on my own. I also enjoyed meeting other tour participants from various European countries who appreciate traveling just as much as I do.” — Sondra W, Canada

Costa Rica Quest Tour “Our guide was exceptional. Her knowledge of each area and unwavering commitment to ensure that we all had the most positive experience did not go unnoticed. This was the best trip I have ever taken, and I would not hesitate to travel with her again. There were plenty of activities to choose from, so we could take advantage of as little or as much as we liked. The drivers were friendly and accommodating.” — P. Victoria Anne W, Canada

Comfort Galápagos 10 Day Tour “I had an amazing experience like no other. Never have I been so much in contact with wildlife. The trip was very memorable and gave me a very good impression of the place and its people. I have to admire the people at G Adventures in Ecuador, in which they made my travel experience as smooth as possible without any hassle. My trip there was not a luxury trip, but I felt I was treated with first-class service. I was delighted and enjoyed myself a lot. Even though I traveled alone, I felt very comfortable and had one of the best times in travel adventures.” —  Lemuel D, United States

Rajasthan Adventure “This was an impressive tour. We saw a lot of sights and experienced a vast range of Indian cultures. Our tour guide, Narendra Pal Singh, was excellent. A great character to be around. Thank you. The accommodations were incredible; the most impressive for me was the hotel in Ranakpur, that was surrounded by lush vegetation.” — Jamahl M, United Kingdom

Discover Japan Tour “Where else in the world, except Japan, can you go to experience the traditional mixed with the modern, and while not speaking the language and still feel completely at home. Mix in a group of people with different backgrounds, traveling together to places they have never seen and who realize at the end they could not have imagined or understood these places without being there, and you receive 15 perceptions of a place which absorbs you. The tour brought you the opportunities to explore on your own and as a group and the confidence to step out of what you thought was your comfort zone. A great experience which went by way too fast, as they say, time flies when you’re having fun.” — Janelle A, Australia

Highlights of Morocco Tour “This is my 2nd G Adventures tour, so I knew that everything would be well organized and planned. It really showed the diversity of Morocco from cities, mountains, and desert. The local guides were really informative. The level of accommodation was very good.” — Janet C, Australia

Inca Empire Tour “The G Adventures tour far exceeded my expectations, and I would recommend G Adventures to anyone when considering a tour group option. Everything was taken care of, and a special mention to our tour leader Caroline who did a tremendous job from chasing down lost luggage, to taking us to the best restaurants every night! The high point of the trip was when our group made it first to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu and watched an awesome sunrise over the Inca City. A big mention also to G Adventures for outsourcing their treks to tremendous companies.” — David T, Australia

Northern Thailand: Hilltribes & Villages “The tour was excellent! I was a little apprehensive about embarking on a tour, but this type of tour enabled lots of freedom to do what I wanted, but with the convenience of a guide to helpfully offer advice and make arrangements.” — Sandra F, Canada

Contiki is a tour company that caters to travelers that are 18 to 35 years old only  and quite often has larger group sizes than G Adventures . Some destinations can have up to 50 people — quite a lot compared to G Adventures’ more intimate tour groups of up to 16. If you’re looking to meet lots of people, then you might like the idea of a larger tour group. G Adventures offer young person tours with a permitted age bracket of 18 to 39 but also caters to families and travelers of any age.

Contiki’s range of tour types offers volunteering trips, ski and snowboarding, and festivals , whereas G Adventures has a slightly more mature offering of local living, wellness, and rail tours. G Adventures offers a wider choice of destinations , while Contiki focuses on those typically popular with younger travelers. When it comes to cost, Contiki can be slightly cheaper than G Adventures, but this can depend on the accommodation included and the quality of excursions included in the tour.

G Adventures and Intrepid both offer the same levels of trip styles for their tours, including basic, standard, and comfort (upgraded), so you have the choice depending on your budget and requirements . The group sizes are also very similar for both companies, including 12-16 people on most tours. You won’t be charged a single supplement with either company as you’ll be paired up with a traveler of the same gender to room-share.

All G Adventures tours offer guaranteed departures, as do the majority of Intrepid tours, although these are marked with a “guaranteed departure” flag on the tour page so you can be sure. G Adventures offers around 700 itineraries, whereas Intrepid has over 1,000 , so if you’re looking for the company with the most variety, Intrepid could be your answer.

G Adventures provides responsible, sustainable tours and supports local communities, so you can take comfort knowing that you’re giving back as much as you’re taking away from the experience. Overall, its booking process and customer service are very good, but it’s the ground CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) that are the shining stars. These passionate and knowledgeable guides are with you every step of the way and are there to introduce you to the amazing destination.

G Adventures has completely revolutionized group touring. Instead of following a standard itinerary, you can now choose how you want to discover a new destination, whether that’s exploring by bicycle on an active tour or in the company of like-minded families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are g adventures any good.

G Adventures is a well-review tour company that scores well-above average for TourRadar and Trustpilot. Many reviewers are repeat customers, which shows that the quality of service is consistent across various destinations.

What does the G stand for in G Adventures?

The G stands for “Good,” which doesn’t just refer to the good time that you’ll have on a tour — it also applies to the impact G Adventures strives to have on the local communities that form part of its tours.

Which is better, Intrepid or G Adventures?

G Adventures and Intrepid both offer the same levels of trip styles for their tours, including basic, standard, and comfort (upgraded). Group sizes are also very similar for both (12-16 people on most tours) and you won’t be charged a single supplement with either.

All of G Adventures tours offer guaranteed departures, as do the majority of Intrepid tours. G Adventures offers around 700 itineraries, whereas Intrepid has over 1,000 .

Is G Adventures a Canadian company?

G Adventures was founded in Toronto, Canada and has 28 offices worldwide.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Best Adventure Tour Companies: Responsible, Solo & Budget Travel in 2024

Is your 2024 resolution to travel more? Adventure travel companies offering small group tours are the perfect way to travel on a budget or solo! Find out the best adventure tour companies and explore trip styles, top destination options, and current travel deals.

Over ten years ago, on my first international trip for work, I fell in love with traveling.  I really wanted to see more of the world, but lacked the experience and confidence to strike out on my own.   I also needed options for singles travel, since didn’t have a traveling companion. A few other international work trips followed, but I always had “handlers” in my destinations who arranged everything. I never traveled on my own until I discovered small group tours!

When you think of “ESCORTED TOURS,” you might envision big buses unloading masses of people at buffet restaurants and tourist sites.  But small group trips with adventure tour operators are different.

If you want to travel but don’t know where to start, small group tours are a great option for adventurous budget vacations and meaningful travel experiences.  In my case, they gave me the skills I needed to travel solo later.  And I’ve kept taking tours with these companies because of the great experiences.

In this guide, I’ll share tons of tips for what to look for in adventure travel companies, the best tour operators, and what to expect. I’ll also keep it updated with the best deals for 2024 travel.

This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I might earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support in this way! Learn more in my Disclosure Policy .

Best Current Deals from Adventure Tour Companies:

• G Adventures Current Deals
• Intrepid Travel Current Deals

Pin these tips on adventure tour companies!

In this guide to adventure travel tours:.

Adventure Travel Company Basics | Choosing a Tour Company | Best Adventure Travel Companies | Intrepid Travel Review | G Adventures Review | Peregrine Travel | Tips for Booking | Pros & Cons of Group Tours

Adventure Travel Tour Basics

Want to learn more about adventure travel companies and what to expect? Start here!

Tour Group Sizes & Leaders

Usually limited to 12-18 travelers, adventure travel tours and small group trips tend to be focused on authentic travel experiences.

These trips have an experienced local tour leader who was born in the region and /or has significant travel experience there. Additionally, there are local guides who are experts on specific cities or sights. The tour, including lodgings, overland transport, and other details are arranged for you and included in the price.

A smaller group size and local leaders allow you to get a more personal, genuine experience. One of my favorite aspects of small group tours is the opportunity to meet and learn from other travelers.

Single Travelers & Solo Adventure Travel

Many adventure tour operators don’t require a “single supplement” (added fee for single travelers) if you’re OK with being matched with a same-gender roommate. But if you prefer your own room, this can be selected at the time of booking. It’s usually a reasonably-priced additional fee.

For some itineraries that include a homestay or unique lodging, single rooms might not be available for those nights. Check the detailed itinerary before you book if having a single room is important for you.

I’ve booked trips with and without requesting my own room. It’s honestly been fun to room with other solo female travelers, and you have less of a chance of oversleeping or missing breakfast! On trips where we had an odd number of female travelers, we sometimes took turns who got the single room when we reached a new hotel.

Types of Adventure Travelers

You might have heard of Contiki or Top Deck, tour operators that target young travelers. While some adventure tour companies only offer travel for a younger demographic, there are many more options for all ages. I’ll recommend the best of these below!

On my group trips, I’ve traveled with experienced adventurers and new travelers of all ages. I’ve only been on one trip with all travelers under 35. Most have included a range of ages, from early 20’s to late 60’s. Some trips included couples or friends, but all have had solo travelers in the mix.

Each tour will list a detailed day-by-day itinerary. You’ll want to check all of the activities and pay attention to the “physical rating” of each tour to be sure it’s for you.

Whether you’re looking for backpacker tours, trips with upgraded amenities or something in between, there are affordable adventure tours for everyone.

Costs of Adventure Travel Companies

Companies like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel offer a variety of destinations, styles, and price points that make travel affordable for most travelers.  All are committed to responsible tourism and authentic travel experiences – so you don’t have to choose between affordable and responsible travel!

Additionally, there are often “last-minute” deals on departures and sales throughout the year.

They also offer frequent departure dates on their most popular options, which means that it’s easier to fit it into your vacation time.

What’s Included in the Tour Cost

Be sure to read the detailed itinerary of any tour that you consider booking. Generally, once your tour begins, standard accommodation and transportation within the trip will be included. There are likely to be some activities and meals included as well, such as a simple breakfast at hotels and tours of the top sights in the itinerary.

Most companies offer both “shoestring” options as well as standard and upgraded travel styles, so just be sure you check thoroughly all inclusions before you book. The most budget options will have fewer inclusions. While “classic” or “original” trip styles will include most daily activities and just a few hours or afternoons of free time.

Generally speaking, tour costs do not include meals, tips, or round-trip transportation to your joining point and finishing point (the hotel or location where you meet up with your group, and where it ends).

Choosing the Best Adventure Tour Companies

Before we talk about specific companies, I want to give you my general tips for choosing the best adventure travel companies and affordable tour operators.

• Check out the company’s story on their website. Look for info on sustainable travel efforts and how they give back to communities where they operate.
• Make a note of the different styles or levels of organized trips they offer.  Do they offer upgraded options or more “backpacker” trip itineraries?  What’s the target age group or audience of each?  Is there a guaranteed maximum group size?
• Look for photos of other travelers — are they people you’d want to be friends with and swap travel tales with over a drink?
• Do a little research to be sure you’re getting a good value.  Is the guided itinerary full, but with a little time to explore on your own?  What’s included, and what is listed as optional?  What level of hotels will you be staying in, and is the transport public or private?
• Check out tour company reviews, both on and off their site.  Keep in mind that on-site, the comments could be curated; and off-site, they could skew more toward people that want to voice something that went wrong. Look for trends and use your good judgement.
• Remember, unexpected things can happen during travel, so you want a company that has its travelers’ safety as a priority.
• Read blogs!  Especially if you’re deciding between guided tour companies that have similar itineraries, look for posts by other travelers to see what stood out for them.
• Read the full trip itineraries and details carefully.  Are you seeing just the major highlights, or are there more unique stops too?  In off-the-beaten path destinations, you might experience hotels and services very different than what you’re used to.  For me, this is an acceptable trade-off for an amazing experience – but it might not be for everyone!

Always do research about the tour company you’re considering. Since this trip might be the only chance you have to visit the destination, you want to have the best chance at an amazing experience!

Need destination inspiration? Check out my guide to dream destinations around the globe, with links to budget small group tours to each!

Best Adventure Travel Companies

The companies below are established leaders in global adventure travel. With a wide variety of destinations, trip styles and prices, you can see most of the world’s sights with their itineraries!

Intrepid Travel Review

I’m a huge fan of Intrepid Travel .  I’ve done several trips with them including their Best of Morocco tour and an Inca Trail Trek , and I think their authentic itineraries, local tour leaders, and overall model are great.  They commit to responsible travel and support a number of non-profit programs through their Intrepid Foundation.

If you’re interested in traveling to a particular country or region, you can search for all Intrepid Travel tours that include that destination.

Intrepid Travel “Trip Styles”

Intrepid offers several “trip styles,” which pertain to the level of service and activities included. On the most affordable option, Basix tours , you’ll use public transit and less activities will be included, so you can choose to add on activities that fit your budget. Original tours are balanced, with tourist-class hotels and more included activities, including a few meals. Comfort tours are slower, with upgraded amenities, and even more meals and activities included.

Intrepid Travel “Trip Themes”

Intrepid also groups their tours by theme so that travelers with special interests can find them more easily. If you’re looking for a small-group family tour or are into sailing, cycling, local cuisine, or hiking, they’ve got tours just for you! And as a newer feature, Intrepid has started offering groups trips only for solo travelers . This can take pressure off new solo travelers, since everyone in the group is traveling on their own!

One of the most notable tour themes is the “18-29s Adventures” category. This is geared to young adult travelers who want to experience socially-conscious tours with others in their same age range.

Intrepid also offers “Urban Adventures,” day tours that promise to connect travelers with authentic local experiences.  The day tour options have additional sub-categories for different activities like cycling, sailing, foodie, etc.   

During my Intrepid trips, I’ve always experienced a good mix of ages, nationalities, and personalities – which I personally enjoy. Intrepid is based in Australia, and I’ve always had a few Aussies and Kiwis as fellow travelers on Intrepid trips.

What Sets Intrepid Travel Apart

One of the best things about Intrepid is that they typically offer a $1 deposit deal in January!  Reserve a trip departing that same calendar year for just $1. You’ll pay the balance about two months before the start of the trip. They also have a strong commitment to responsible travel .

You might have heard about their loyalty program – where every 10th Intrepid trip earned a free tour voucher – but sadly this has been ended.

Check out Intrepid Travel’s latest deals here .

G Adventures Review

My first adventure tour years ago was with G Adventures (then Gap Adventures) in Cambodia. So of course they’ve also got a special place in my heart!  G Adventures, like Intrepid, focuses on sustainable tourism and authentic travel experiences, and both offer similar tour itineraries.

G Adventures tours have four service levels : camping, basic, standard, and upgraded. These basically correspond to Intrepid’s, except that they break out camping as a separate level from basic.

G Adventures is based in Canada, and every trip I’ve done with them has included a few Canadians in the group.

G Adventures “Travel Styles”

Adventure travel company G Adventures offers an even wider variety of travel styles including wellness tours, trips by rail, marine sailing tours, active tours (biking, hiking and multisport), and family trips .

Targeted to young adult travelers, G Adventures offers “18-to-Thirtysomethings” tours. These are faster-paced, budget tours for active travelers under the age of 40 that still offer an authentic experience.

Through a partnership with National Geographic, G Adventures also has an exclusive line of National Geographic Journeys . These trips feature upgraded service levels in truly unique destinations.  

Popular G Adventures Destinations

These are some of the top tours and destinations offered by G Adventures plus one new itinerary for this year – a week on Hawaii’s beaches!

What Sets G Adventures Apart

One huge G Adventures plus is their “lifetime deposit” policy . If you pay a deposit to G Adventures but have to delay your plans, you’ll get a credit you can apply to any future booking.  G Adventures has also developed a “Travel With Confidence” policy featuring new health and safety procedures as part of their ongoing commitment to safety.

I think G Adventures also has more travel styles, more trip itineraries, and departure dates overall.

Check out G Adventures’ list of  “Current Promotions and Specials”  or find out their most popular destinations and new trips for 2024:

Peregrine Adventures

Peregrine is part of the Intrepid brand family with an upgraded experience.  Their website touts their focus on “premium adventures”:  a slower travel pace, immersion in local culture, and intimate smaller groups.

Peregrine’s tour prices are higher, but also have more inclusions: airport transfers, many meals, private transport, upgraded hotels, gratuities and all sightseeing.  With an average of just 9 travelers, Peregrine also has a very small average group size.

Like G Adventures and Intrepid, they also offer a variety of tour themes, and the option to get private tailor-made itineraries customized just for you.

Peregrine Adventures is a great option for travelers who want a unique local experience with a slower pace and more creature comforts.  

Booking Your Adventure Tour

Some tour aggregators or third-party websites (like TourRadar) offer trips by G Adventures, Intrepid, and other companies. I always recommend booking directly from the tour company, rather than a third party, so that you can be clear on what terms and conditions apply.

Also, by booking directly from the tour company, you’ll be eligible for promotions and perks they offer, like G Adventures’ lifetime deposit policy.

Deciding between tour companies

Because Intrepid and G Adventures often have similar itineraries and both are great companies, it can be difficult to decide between the two. Sometimes the dates you can travel might make the decision easy for you, with one of their departure dates matching up with your time off!

If not, I recommend checking the detailed trip notes and comparing them side-by-side. For example, one itinerary might offer a home stay night with a local family. This can be exciting for travelers who want to have a true local travel experience! For others, it might be too close for comfort to stay in a private home or share a bathroom.

Read blogs and forums to see if other travelers have specific feedback on the trip itinerary and company you’re considering. You can even check Instagram tags to see other travelers’ experiences with #intrepidtravel and #gadventures .

OK, But Really: G Adventures vs. Intrepid

In general, I think G Adventures has a better refund policy and more overall departures (meaning more times that the same tour is offered, which makes it more flexible to book). They also offer National Geographic Journeys .

G Adventures extends their pared-down itineraries for younger travelers from 18 to age 39, while Intrepid caps theirs at “18 to 29s.”

On the other hand, Intrepid has a broader range of travel styles, and in the past has averaged a smaller group size. They also have new Lonely Planet Experiences .

But all that being said, I would travel again with both in an instant! For me, it really depends on the individual itinerary. I trust both as responsible tour operators that have built sustainable tourism and community support into their business models.

Pro Tip: Many tour companies refer to groups and bookings as departures . For example, they might offer a certain Morocco itinerary every two weeks, and yours will be referred to by its departure date.

Pros and Cons of Small Group Tours

When deciding if adventure travel tours and small group trips are right for you, you should weigh the positive and negative factors of each.

“Pros” of Adventure Travel Tours

• Most things will be arranged for you after arrival in your destination. You can even request airport pick-up for an additional charge.
• If you’re a new traveler or have never traveled solo before, it’s a great way to travel with a “safety net.” Along the way, you’ll also learn from the others on your trip.
• It’s not just solo travelers on small group trips – lots of couples, friends, and families book these tours for their vacations.
• If you’re short on time, you won’t have to do a ton of research and planning to be ready to go.
• You can really focus on having an authentic travel experience. Spend your time learning about history and culture, trying local foods, and getting great photographs.
• You won’t have to worry as much about tourist traps, scams, and safety. Your tour leader will give an overview during a group meeting at the start of the trip. They’ll also brief you each day or activity with things to consider.
• On all of my small group trips, I met other travelers I genuinely liked. I’m still Facebook and Instagram friends with many of them including two tour leaders!
• As much as I love solo travel, it can get lonely! Sometimes you just want to be able to exclaim over a sunrise or an amazing meal with someone who is sharing the experience.

“Cons” of Adventure Travel Tours

• You will be traveling with a group, and there will be a lot of different ages, nationalities, and attitudes among them. This can mean interesting travel companions… or people you just don’t get along with. Luckily I’ve found that most people who choose these tours are like-minded souls!
• You’ll need to stick to the schedule. For example, you might not be able to see a site at sunrise for photos, unless it’s in the itinerary. But you can talk to your group leader to see if modifications are possible, especially if your traveling companions agree.
• The itinerary is set, so you won’t have the freedom to stay longer in a place if you want to explore more. However, you can arrive early before the group trip begins, or tack on extra days at the end of the trip.
• Many of the mornings will include an early start. If you like a more leisurely pace, consider an upgraded travel style; but these trips might just not be for you.
• Some of the tours might include physical activities beyond your ability. Be sure to check the detailed itinerary and physical difficulty rating.
• You won’t have the thrill and options of customizing your own trip. I know for some people (like me), sometimes half the fun is in the planning!

Tipping on Group Tours

Many travelers have questions about tipping on adventure travel tours. Tips add to the cost of the trip, and it can be stressful to know how much is appropriate or expected! I’m including info here so that you understand how it could affect the overall cost of your trip and how tips generally work.

Tips are never required, of course. And the companies that I’m recommending make sure that their tour leaders and operators earn a fair wage. But in tourism and service jobs, tips are a standard way to show appreciation for tour leaders and guides. It’s also money that goes directly to them, and benefits their family and (indirectly) the local community.

Most trip notes will suggest a daily tip amount for local guides (who lead tours of local sights), drivers, and tour leaders. These amounts can vary by region of the world. For example, they might suggest a lower amount in Southeast Asia than in Europe, due to the different costs of living and services in those regions.

“Tip Kitties” and Daily Tips

Some tour leaders or itineraries might suggest a “tip kitty,” which everyone pays into at the start of the trip. The leader then uses this kitty to tip local guides, private transportation drivers, etc. This doesn’t cover individual meal service at restaurants. A tip kitty is an easy way to arrange things and lessens your need to always have small change! Tip kitties are common in regions like Southeast Asia.

Tips for Local Tour Guides and Drivers

If your trip doesn’t use a tip kitty, it’s common to tip $1-3 (in equivalent local currency) per local guides and private drivers per day. It’s easiest to tip local guides at the end of the tour with a thanks and a handshake to pass the tip. For private drivers, your group leader might collect a tip to make it easier. Often, these drivers are with you for many days of an itinerary, and help with loading and unloading your luggage, as well as staying with the van at stops.

Tipping Tour Leaders

Tour leaders often go above and beyond to make sure your trip goes smoothly! They’re the ones to help you get the right medication in a pharmacy, sort out issues with a delayed bag, and so many more situations. In my experience, they have also shared invaluable insight into the culture and history of destinations.

Depending on the region of your travel, your trip notes might suggest a tip from $3-10 per day for a group leader. On the tours I’ve done, on the last day of the trip all of the travelers got together to discuss how much we wanted to tip. Then we put all of the money together into an envelope to give to the tour leader when we said our goodbyes.

If you have more questions about tipping, check the detailed trip notes or the website of the tour company as well as traveler forums. And consider tucking some small envelopes into your bag to make tips easier for your trip.

Insurance for Adventure Tours

Most group tours require that you buy insurance for your trip with certain minimum coverage limits, as well as medical evacuation – just in case. it only adds a small amount compared to the total cost of the trip, and is well worth it, especially when traveling in “off the beaten path” destinations.

Check the booking information from your selected company. If you buy your insurance at the same time you book, there might be extra inclusions.

I use World Nomads for my trips. You can buy and claim online, even after you’ve left home. Travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is available to people from over 130 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.

Ready to Go?

With thousands of tour itineraries to destinations all over the world, there are adventure travel tours for your interests, budget, and travel style.  Any of the options above would be a solid choice for your first travel experience, or a way to check places off your bucket list!

Want to read more about small group tours? Check out my tips on small group tours to top bucket list destinations . Or read my review of Intrepid’s Best of Morocco tour and my experience hiking the Inca trail with Intrepid .

Are you just getting started with traveling?  Get my best  Tips for New International Travelers !

Pin these adventure tour tips and check back for news on sales & deals!

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I was a travel hot mess, but I got better! I kept the name and now blog my best tips for culture + adventure travel from around the globe. Follow along for travel advice, destination guides, and photography from faraway lands and at home in Washington, DC.

Travel Writer | Photographer | Licensed Drone Pilot Member, Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)

Intrepid Travel vs G Adventures

April 18, 2016

Ultimate Guide: Intrepid Travel vs G Adventures

Intrepid vs G Adventures: At a Glance

Trying to decide between Intrepid Travel and G Adventures? These travel companies are often compared - sharing similar values and travel styles. To help you determine which one is best for you, our ultimate guide is here to help!  

In a hurry?

Seen intrepid travel vs g adventures at a glance  », full intrepid vs g adventures comparison  ».

Read on for our Ultimate Guide comparing Intrepid Travel & G Adventures

Intrepid Travel vs G Adventures - Ultimate Guide

Travel Styles, Tour Types, and Brands - G Adventures vs Intrepid Travel

Both G Adventures and Intrepid Travel specialize in adventure travel that doesn’t break the bank. They are top companies to consider if you enjoy a local and off-the-beaten-path feel with all the comfort of having logistics taken care of - and a good balance of free time.

Each highly values responsible travel, conservation, and sustainability - though this is not usually the core driving force behind most itineraries and activities during your tour.

When they first began operating tours, some 30 odd years ago, both G Adventures and Intrepid Travel had a more central focus on budget adventure for the 18-39 year old age group. Today however, they have both expanded beyond this, offering a larger variety of budget ranges and activity levels.

G Adventures has a partnership with National Geographic, through which they provide tours with a higher comfort level and more premium accommodations. These tours, called “National Geographic Journeys” are a great choice for older adventurous travelers or families. 

Similarly Intrepid has two other brands geared toward more specific age groups. Their brand Peregrine, specializes in more premium tours and cruises. They are perfect for multi-generational travel or older couples and groups of friends. Intrepid also has a youth brand, Geckos, with adventure trips specifically designed for 18-29 years olds.

Note: Geckos is no longer a separate brand. Intrepid has introduced a new theme of 18-29 trips available through the Intrepid Travel site.

Accommodations

Basic accommodation in the camping, 2 star, 3 star range is what you can expect on many trips. This can involve anything from a multi-bed hostels to camping, a comfortable yet no-frills hotel, or a homestay with a local family - a popular options offered by G Adventure for their “Local Living” trips.

Intrepid offers several “Overland” trips, where there is a community aspect and expectation of travelers to get involved with setting up and breaking down camps and assisting with meals and cleanup.

Intrepid and G Adventures are classified as “small group tours” which typically means a max of 20 travelers, and usually less. A small group tour allows travelers to have a more authentic and local experience. On average, Intrepid trips are have a smaller group size than G Adventures, averaging around 10 travelers, whereas G Adventures averages around 15.

Physical Level

Because a majority of G Adventures and Intrepid Travel trips are still geared toward a young adult audience, there is an expectation of basic physical fitness on most of their trips. That said, both companies have made a conscious effort to include more trips types along a wider range, expanding beyond the “hard adventure” core.

G Adventures classifies their trips by Travel Style, while Intrepid breaks it out into Themes. Each have helpful ways of identifying who the tour would be best suited for based on easily decipherable physical level ratings, and how much “culture shock” you can expect.

Of the two, Intrepid Travel has a slight edge when it comes to lower costs - but really both are neck and neck. And both offer extremely budget options (where you’ll stay in multi-bed rooms in a hostel or camp) all the way to premium hotels.

The average price per day on G Adventures tours is $213, and they are one to look carefully at when it comes to inclusions. This price may not include some meals and add-ons like excursions or day tours.

The average price per day for Intrepid Travel is $190, and their price is somewhat more inclusive than G Adventures, meaning you won’t have to pay too much extra for activities during the tour.

Important note : Both G Adventures and Intrepid Travel are known for providing generous free time during the tour. It’s for this reason they are especially popular among young adventurous travelers, and a good choice for those unsure about guided travel. However this does mean you will need to plan finances accordingly - you’ll be responsible for some of your own meals, and if there is an activity not included on the itinerary that fits into your free day, it’s on your own dime.

Which is the best for Single and Solo travelers?

Single travelers are welcome on both G Adventures and Intrepid Travel tours. You’ll probably find the most romantic singles on a G Adventures 18-39 tour or traveling with Intrepids youth adventure brand Geckos, which has an age max of 29.

Solo travelers will appreciate that G Adventures has no single supplement - a fact that propels them ahead of Intrepid for this category. Intrepid has a mostly no-single-supplement policy, though some of their trips do require it.

Intrepid Travel vs G Adventures at a glance 

Both Intrepid Travel and G Adventures Offer:

-   Ample free time during the tour

-   Cultural immersion and local guides

-   Small groups

-   Family friendly tours

-   Regular sales and last minute deals

-   A premium brand with slower paced tours and more comfortable accommodations

-   Responsible tourism and contribute to conservation efforts around the world

Covid-19 Response from Intrepid Travel & G Adventures

Intrepid Travel : Intrepid has implemented a number of safety protocols on their trips and are allowing flexible booking and generous trip cancellation terms.

G Adventures :  G Adventures has crafted a new style of trips called their "Travel With Confidence" collection, designed around social distancing protocols and other safety considerations. These trips utilize private transportation, allow for private accommodations, and the max group size has been reduced from 16 to 12.

See all Intrepid Travel and G Adventures tours to find your perfect trip  »  

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G Adventures Review: My Honest Opinion

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G Adventures Review

Are you considering a tour with G Adventures ? Here’s my honest G Adventures review!

G Adventures is a group tour company that describes themselves as having a focus on “small group, sustainable, adventure travel.” They have been running tours for more than 30 years and currently offer tours on all seven continents.

I’m going to talk about my personal experience with G Adventures this year, as well as whether I recommend them to other travelers.

I did a 16-day Costa Rica Adventure tour with G Adventures and it was the first time I had ever done a group tour, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Here’s my honest review of my experience with G Adventures and whether I recommend them!

Who Are G Adventure Tours For?

First of all, let’s talk about the target audience for G Adventures.

G Adventures tours are a good option for a variety of travelers. As a whole, I would say they are more focused on adventure travel and more standard accommodations (not super budget or super luxury.)

However, they do offer different categories of tours, with some of them being tailored toward specific age groups, interests, or travel styles. The categories for tours are:

• Classic Tours 
• National Geographic Journeys
• 18-to-Thirtysomethings Tours
• Wellness Tours
• Active Tours
• Marine Tours

And a few more! You can see all their categories here on their website .

The Classic Tours is a great option for anyone. From what I gather, the National Geographic Journeys typically attract older travelers or families and are more luxurious, while the 18-to-thirtysomethings tours are obviously for a younger crowd and more basic.

If you have a specific interest, like wellness or outdoor activities, you can choose a tour that is more heavily focused on those aspects and incorporates them into the itinerary.

My G Adventures Cost Rica Tour Experience

I did the G Adventures 16-day Costa Rica Adventure tour in February 2021.

This was obviously an interesting time to be traveling because of the pandemic, and so there ended up only being me and one other girl on their tour (along with our guide!)

More on their COVID policies and cancellation policies further down!

I really enjoyed this experience because we basically had a private tour. Obviously, this isn’t the norm, and on a typical tour, you can expect to have 10-15 other travelers.

However, you can also book a private group tour with G Adventures (for example, if you just want it to be you and your family or a group of friends and no strangers.)

On this tour, we visited the following destinations:

• San Jose, Costa Rica (1 day)
• Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica (2 days)
• Tortuguero, Costa Rica (2 days)
• Sarapiqui, Costa Rica (2 days)
• La Fortuna, Costa Rica (3 days)
• Monteverde, Costa Rica (2 days)
• Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica (2 days)

We enjoyed adventurous activities like waterfall rappelling, ziplining, surf lessons, a catamaran cruise, nature walks, hiking to a waterfall, a jungle boat safari, and so much more.

Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity, and we saw plenty of animals like monkeys, sloths, toucans, caimans, crocodiles, frogs, and more in the wild!

The Costa Rica Adventure tour is one of their Classic Tours.

Highlights of My Tour

Honestly, I enjoyed almost everything about my tour with G Adventures. The whole time I was on my tour, I was thinking of how glad I was that I did it!

Some of the main highlights for me were…

I thought the price for this tour ($1,600 when I went) was fair and worked out to about $100 per day. This included hotels, transportation, some activities, and some meals.

I did spend an extra $750 on food and activities that weren’t included in the tour.

Overall, I felt like this is the amount I would have spent even if I had traveled independently since Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America. It was well worth it not to have to worry about planning the logistics myself, which I normally have to do as a solo traveler .

Our guide (or CEO as G Adventures calls them) was great!

Having a local Costa Rican guide was really nice and helpful, and I felt like I experienced more of the country than I would have on my own. Our guide was also super fun and friendly and since we had such a small group it just felt like traveling with another friend!

Again, it was also nice to have someone who dealt with all the logistics and organization, meaning I didn’t have to worry about anything for the entire two weeks of the tour

The ease of the tour

Going off of what I said above, it was nice to be on a tour where I didn’t have to worry about planning or arranging anything myself. I had never done an organized tour like this before, but I would definitely do it again because it was such a fun, seamless experience.

If you don’t enjoy planning trips but want a vacation that’s more active and adventurous than just sitting in an all-inclusive resort somewhere, G Adventures tours are a great option.

As a solo traveler, I normally do ALL the planning for trips myself, and it can get exhausting. So one of the best parts of this tour was not having to worry about any of that.

Our itinerary

I felt like I really got to see the highlights of Costa Rica on this itinerary!

It was a mix of beaches, jungle, and mountains. We saw so much wildlife and got to do so many cool activities.

Although we only spent 2-3 days in each place, it felt like enough time and never felt rushed. I definitely would not change anything about the itinerary for this trip.

Lowlights of My Tour

Honestly, I only had one disappointment on my tour, and that was the accommodations.

When I booked my tour, I hadn’t done much research into the accommodations, but I knew I was booking the “Standard” service level (out of Basic, Standard, and Upgraded) and we would be staying in 3 star hotels described as “comfortable tourist-class accommodations” on this tour.

I’ve stayed at plenty of great 3-star hotels (and even 2-star hotels) around the world, but the quality of accommodation on my Costa Rica tour left me pretty disappointed.

Out of all seven places we stayed on this tour, I would not recommend a single one.

Some of the issues at our hotels included…

• Lack of amenities (no hand towels, washcloths, shampoo, or even soap…)
• No air conditioning in several places
• WiFi that barely worked or didn’t work at all
• Non-working appliances (lamps, etc.)
• Lizards, spiders, ant infestations, and other bugs…

I was just really unimpressed with the accommodations on this tour, and it would definitely make me hesitate to book a standard service-level tour with G Adventures again.

I would probably book an Upgraded service level tour instead or do extensive research on all of the accommodations first if I was going to do Standard.

Overall, while this was definitely the biggest drawback, I still highly enjoyed my tour. The accommodations on this particular tour might not even bother you, depending on how picky you are when it comes to where you stay. I’m definitely on the more picky side!

I also can’t speak for the hotels on any other G Adventures tour since this is the only one I’ve done.

G Adventures Cancellation Policy

G Adventures Book with Confidence policy allows you to cancel or reschedule your tour up to 45 days prior to departure. It’s a pretty flexible policy that makes it a no-brainer in terms of booking ahead.

And during the pandemic when travel plans and restrictions were constantly changing, G Adventures introduced a flexible cancellation policy that allowed you to cancel and rebook your tour up to 14 days prior to departure. This gave you maximum flexibility when booking a tour. It’s not so relevant now, but I appreciated this policy back then.

Would I Recommend G Adventures?

Yes, I would definitely recommend G Adventures.

Even though I was pretty disappointed with the accommodations on my tour, I overall still REALLY enjoyed the experience, and I’ll be reminiscing on this trip for a long time to come!

This trip was a major highlight of my months in Central America.

If you’re looking for a group tour option that’s not too expensive and is guaranteed to be an adventure, G Adventures is the perfect choice for you.

I hope you found these G Adventures review helpful!

Ready to book? Click here to explore all G Adventures tours!

Read Next:  The Perfect Two Week Costa Rica Itinerary

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About Denise Cruz

Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world… twice. A Brazilian native living in the U.S., she’s lived in 4 countries and visited 35+ others. After side-hustling her way to financial independence, she curates solo destination guides, slow travel tips, and travel blogging advice on Wander Her Way. When she’s not on the road, you can find her in Miami with her dog Finnegan.

G Adventures: Is It Worth the Money? Our Honest Review

It's never easy to pick a group tour, especially when they're all saying the same things. Are they actually as great as they're saying they are? Find out what their tours feature, whats their pros and cons are, and how they compare to other tour companies.

Traveling solo is quite difficult when compared to traveling in a group with friends or family. You have to tackle everything from planning the trip to navigating your way to conversing in a foreign language with locals. This is where Pilot comes in handy to aid you in the trip planning process and allow you to focus on making meaningful experiences. However, planning a trip alone all by themselves is not for everyone.

This is why tour companies are a good choice for solo travelers who also have less experience! They can help you optimize your travel experience better. But, as you might know already, there’s an endless list of options when it comes to tour companies. As if choosing from the endless possibilities of tour companies isn’t enough, the entire outcome of your trip depends on the tour company you choose.

Let us help you pick the right tour company for you. We’re here to review a popular adventure travel company, G Adventures.

G Adventures is a tour service that pledges to “Do the Right Thing” by offering travelers valuable experiences and supporting local communities at the same time. It is a company that supports ethical tourism, and we thought it is worth your attention.

If you're looking for more options, we've previously done reviews of similar tour companies like GetYourGuide so you might want to check that out as well!

Is G Adventures a good tour company? Read our review to find out!

What is G Adventures?

G Adventures , formerly known as Gap Adventures, was founded by Bruce Poon Tip in 1990. It is an adventure travel company that carries out guided tours in small groups of up to 16 people. They offer itineraries to destinations around the world, mostly with local tour guides to assist travelers. 

Since its inception, G Adventures tour has earned fame as a tour operator that offers unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences for travelers, with a focus on sustainability and responsible travel.

Who uses G Adventures?

G Adventures tour caters to travelers aged 18 and above. Its main client base consists of young to middle-aged travelers, and some tours are restricted to independent travelers between 18-39 years. However, there are packages for older travelers and families as well. 

G Adventure tours are mainly focused on adventure travel aspects, but they do provide other types of travel tours. They offer a standard tour service which is neither budget-friendly nor luxurious but somewhere in between. G Adventures is ideal if you need the support of a reliable tour company but with ample flexibility to do your own thing!

What does a G Adventures tour include?

Every trip has a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), otherwise known as a tour guide, to assist the group throughout the trip. They are mostly locals, although some can be expats with good knowledge about the destination.  

G Adventures will take care of accommodation, transportation (within the destination), some meals (mostly breakfast), and the costs of entrance tickets for attractions and other major experiences included in the itinerary. 

What’s not included in the pricing are visas, airfare (unless you book via them), border crossing fees, meals, additional activities, and tips. So, it's necessary to bring extra cash.

What are the types of tours offered by G Adventures?

G Adventures offers a long list of tours based on different travel styles, experiences, and age categories.

• Classic Tours : A mix of different experiences that include major attractions and activities, cultural sites, uncommon and local experiences.
• National Geographic Journeys : A high-end tour with close-up experiences of the best attractions and activities of the destination.
• 18- Thirtysomethings Tours : Fun, fast-paced, and adventurous tours ideal for the young. Expect a lot of partying and drinking.
• Wellness Tours : Tours focusing on yoga, meditation, nourishing food, and other experiencing focusing on self-improvement. Ideal if you are looking for a retreat.
• Active Tours : Action-packed activities like hiking, kayaking, biking, and other experiences that are ideal for adventure seekers.
• Rail Tours : Tours along famous rail routes in the world, experiencing different cities along the way.
• Marine Tours : Cruise tours exploring marine life and other attractions that are only accessible by boats or ships. Eg: G Adventures Arctic cruises.
• Local Living Tours : Tours that give you a good dose of local life in each destination.
• Family Tours: Tailor-made tours to cater to all family members with kid-friendly activities.

What's Great About G Adventures.

In a G Adventures tour, every major aspect of a trip is planned for you, ensuring you have a hassle-free experience. This way, you can focus on enjoying the trip without worrying about logistics, accommodation, etc. You also don’t have to worry about tackling a new language as your tour guide will help you.

• Better travel experience

Many guided-tour companies carry out tours in large, crowded groups, and it’s not a very comfortable experience. Most of the time, it feels like you are taken from place to place with less time to enjoy them. G Adventures tours allow for more interaction. They hire knowledgeable local tour guides to give you informative details! Their tours also focus on authentic and off-the-beaten-path activities, helping you derive more localized experiences.

Many G Adventures reviews praised the service for its reasonable pricing. There are tours available in varying budget ranges, offering a choice for everyone. Traveling with a tour company shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg, and G Adventures is a good example of it.

• Transparency

G Adventure’s “Ripple Score” shows the impact of your spending on local communities. This way, you know how your travel supports the livelihood of people and businesses that need support. If you feel like making an impact while you’re traveling, this is the perfect opportunity to do so!

• Female-friendly

If you are a solo female traveler, there would be a bunch of concerns, regardless of how safe a destination is. G Adventures is renowned as one of the best tour companies for female travelers. They pair you with a female traveler when sharing accommodation and will update you on tips to stay safe when touring around.

What's Not Great About G Adventures.

• Tour guides

Your tour guide can significantly elevate or hamper your experience. While most of them tend to be very knowledgeable and eager to help, there are instances where travelers have got stuck with unreliable guides who are just there for the money.

• The cancellation policy

Although G Adventures claims to have a flexible refund policy, it seems to be otherwise. Many customers had to go through a frustrating process and lousy customer service to cancel their trips and claim a refund. Some had to wait over a year.

Also, G Adventures had canceled many trips over the last year due to the pandemic and has refused to provide refunds, inconveniencing many customers. Keep reading to find out what other people have been saying about their experiences.

• Poor choice of accommodation (rarely)

There had been instances when travelers had to stay in subpar hotels throughout their tour. The complaints included lack of amenities, insect bites, and poor customer service. We think it’s important to provide comfortable accommodation so travelers can get a good rest before their next trip.

Although not really a con, we like to warn you about how extras can easily pile up your expenses. When traveling in a group, you are somewhat compelled to go with the rest – be it dinner at an expensive restaurant or a river cruise (who wants to be a party pooper?). You might overspend if you are not cautious enough, especially if you are on a tight budget.

G Adventures vs. Contiki tours - What’s the difference?

A popular question amongst travelers looking for tour companies to choose from is the difference between the G Adventures tour and the Contiki tour. Which tour company offers the better touring experience, and why?

G Adventures and Contiki are both adventure-based tours that cater to young adults. They’re both small to medium-sized tours that offer authentic and local experiences. If you’re a solo traveler, both tours will likely pair you up with one or more travelers of the same gender in shared accommodation. 

In general, if you’re interested in socializing, making new friends, and partying, Contiki might be a better choice. If you’re interested in a slower-paced tour with more free time, then G Adventures might be the better choice for you.

As always, it’s a good idea to check the individual tours that you’re interested in to see what kinds of activities or people it would attract. If you’re not interested in strenuous activities, Contiki might be a better choice but there are always different tour options in G Adventures as well.

Contiki might be slightly cheaper and budget-friendly than G Adventures but keep in mind that different itineraries may vary in cost and you might also spend more during your trip on optional activities.

What’s up with the G adventures reviews?

As with every tour company, your experiences will vary from the people and guides that you’re traveling with. However, there seem to be a few G Adventures complaints that talk about the same points. We’ll summarize some G Adventures reviews here for you so that you can make a more informed decision on picking the right tour company for you.

One of the big complaints that many users experienced is the level of knowledge the “CEOs” have during their trip. Some “CEOs” will provide an excellent guide that goes above and beyond what you’d expect on a group tour, while others might not. With group tours, it’s very difficult to know who you’re going to get, but the majority of the reviews on the quality of their guides are quite positive.

Some G adventure reviews have mentioned that their dietary restrictions were not honored during the trip. This might be due to the lack of communication between the service and their caterers. If you have dietary restrictions, make sure to check up ahead of the trip to make sure that everything’s good!

Another complaint that travelers had with G Adventures was with the amenities that come with the accommodations. Some of the travelers found that there was no air conditioning, bedding, hot water, etc during their stay despite the trip description saying that they’re provided. A good rule of thumb is to always check up with the trip operator ahead of time to reconfirm and make sure all the amenities are there!

Is G Adventures worth it?

With over 30 years of experience, we think G Adventures is a great tour company that knows what’s good for its clientele.

It takes the hassle of organizing everything by yourself and is a safer way to travel. There are downsides, of course, as with every other tour company. They also don’t offer tours for every country in the world, so make sure you check that. The choice also depends on your personal preference, and you can reach out to their support team and clarify your doubts.

If you want more options for other reliable and established tour guide companies, read our reviews on Contiki, Busabout , and EF Ultimate Break .

Our Rating: 4.6/5

• Adventure-based travel
• Local, real, and sustainable experiences
• Affordable tours
• Many positive experiences by past travelers
• Lacking amenities (sometimes)
• Varying customer service
• Frustrating cancellation policy
• Poor accommodation (sometimes)

Traveling solo? You’ll need a plan.

If you’re still indecisive about joining a group tour, why not try traveling solo? While it is daunting to go traveling alone, the experiences and friendships you’ll gain on the trip is second to none.

Whether you’re going on a trip solo or with friends and family, you’ll need a good plan. Let Pilot take care of that for you!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Award-winning small-group tours are the specialty of this adventure travel tour company..

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As its name promises, G Adventures takes travelers on memorable small-group adventure travel tours. But the tours are more than just action-packed getaways. The company was founded in 1990 by social entrepreneur Bruce Poon Tip, and its trips make lasting impressions on both the travelers who take them and the communities they visit.

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Responsible travel is the guiding force, and the company’s G for Good philosophy takes social, environmental, and ethical factors into consideration to ensure that its tours benefit the people and places they visit. That means ensuring that the company is acting responsibly in areas like animal and child welfare, climate concerns, and respect for local cultures. Creating a positive impact is also important, and tours feature Ripple Scores to show how much money stays in the local economy.

TourScoop Takeaways

• Destinations: More than 750 trips in 100 countries on all seven continents
• Tour Size Average: 10 to 12 people
• Tour Type: Small-group adventure tours

How to Book

Tours can be booked through a travel agent or through the G Adventures website .

Credibility Check

G Adventures has won a number of awards and honors over the years, including recognition as Escorted Touring Operator of the Year from the TTG Travel Awards and Best Escorted Tour Operator from the Irish Travel Industry.

Tour Destinations

G Adventures leads more than 750 trips in 100 countries on all seven continents, with Costa Rica, Peru, South Africa, and Thailand as some of the top-selling destinations.

G Adventures offers a surprisingly wide variety of tour types. The company’s Classic trips hit all the highlights of a destination while also offering opportunities for cultural exchange and spontaneous exploration. Eighteen-to-Thirtysomethings tours offer a faster pace designed for younger travelers, and there’s also an option for that age group that includes hostel stays .

Active tours add activities like hiking, biking, rafting, and camping into the mix. National Geographic Journeys take deeper dives into a destination, while Local Living tours include stays with a local host family for true immersion into daily life. Travelers can find opportunities for mindfulness, movement, and healthy eating on the company’s Wellness trips or observe wildlife around the world on a Jane Goodall Collection tour.

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G Adventures’ Family tours and its National Geographic Family Journeys offer adventure travel with a kid-friendly spin, and the new Geluxe Collection elevates adventure travel with higher-end lodging and dining options. Travelers can also explore destinations by water on sailing and expedition cruises.

Tour Guides

Each G Adventures tour is led by an expert, locally based “Chief Experience Officer” who offers insider insight and their own perspective of an area. Because they’re so familiar with the destination, they know the best times to visit popular sights, great places to eat, and exceptional ways to explore the destination. They’re supported around the clock by a local operations team.

What’s Included

Inclusions vary from trip to trip and tour style to tour style; each individual trip offers a detailed list of inclusions on the G Adventures website. Accommodations, some meals, a range of activities, and entrance fees are generally included.

What’s Not Included

Airfare to and from tour starting and ending points is not included, and most tours do not include airport transfers. Tips are also not included in the tour price.

Typical Travelers

Over its years of listening to its customers, G Adventures has found that its travelers want flexible itineraries, free time to explore on their own, smaller group sizes, locally based guides, and tours that offer safety and peace of mind.

With so many different tour types, the company sees a range of travelers, from families to young singles to active adventurers.

Communication

Travelers are assigned a Global Connection Officer (GCO) after booking a tour. The GCO sends all needed information to travelers including the detailed itinerary, info on transfers, what to pack, and emergency information. G Adventures also has a Travel Resources page and pre-departure information on its website.

Loyalty Program

G Adventures reports that it will be launching a VIP program soon.

Sustainability Efforts

G Adventures signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism in November 2021 and has goals to halve its carbon footprint by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. The company publicly reports its emissions each year and has dropped from 122,902 tons of carbon dioxide in 2019 to 49,088 tons in 2022.

In 2015, G Adventures invested in new, more efficient engines for its G Expedition ship—which is the largest single source of CO2 generated by the company—and replaced the generators in 2017. Those two moves reduced the ship’s CO2e footprint by about 15%.

The company continues to assess the size of vehicles used on its tours to ensure they best match the size of groups. Through a partnership with Planeterra, it plants a tree for every day a customer travels with the company in threatened forest areas or communities around the world in need of reforestation. G Adventures has also invested in restorative travel tech startup Reforest, which helps tourism companies and travelers reduce their carbon footprints.

Health and Safety Practices

G Adventures posts travel alerts and safety updates on its website. You can also find information about travel safety, travel health, and travel insurance on G Adventures’ Travel Resources page.

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All Tours Operated By G Adventures

Discover the best G Adventures adventures in one convenient place. TourRadar offers 542 G Adventures tours. You can find the perfect trip spanning across 3 day to 65 day itineraries with prices starting from just EUR 35 per day!

250+ G Adventures trips

• In-depth Cultural
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Southeast Asia Discovery: Seasides and Street Food

Pimm is one of the best tour guides/general people ever, she’s so calm patient and kind. Willing to help no matter what, she took me to the pharmacy to get antibiotics when she could have just pointed out where to go. She goes above and beyond and made my trip incredible! Xx

Morocco Kasbahs & Desert

Amazing , the pace was perfect for the amount of time I had and our guide Zouhair was was the best

Costa Rica Quest

The trip was excellent overall. With optional activities, Gadventures designed a well-rounded tour. The Chief Executive Officer was outstanding. The only reason I gave Gadventures a four-star rating was because they charged a hefty amount for an airport transfer in a shared van, even though I was traveling alone. A couple in my group told me, though, that they only paid $44 for two, whereas I paid $40, so that is unfair. Considering that taxis typically charge $30, I had anticipated paying this amount for a private vehicle rather than having to wait for the van to fill up with other passengers at the airport. Also, the accommodation is in Monteverde, the Cipreses is less desired. Smelly with thin walls/ceiling, it was hard to rest there. Wish Gadventures can compensate for the taxi charges. I gave feedback already but no response.

Highlights of Morocco

I had the most amazing experience. It fulfilled my curiosity for culture architecture history civilisations arts and geology. It also highlighted to me that although a country can continue in ancient habits it can also lead the world in environmental and technological advancement. I loved my G Adventure. Thank you

• Train & Rail

Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

We had a wonderful trip and LOVED the other travelers in our group! (We are just amazed and relieved that we managed to avoid the big typhoon that came through just two days after we left...). Our leader Fuji was great. We had difficulty understanding his accent--especially at first--but we grew to really appreciate his quirky sense of humor and amazing navigation skills! Aside from the language difficulty, our only critique of him was that he readily admitted he did not know very much about some of the temples and shrines that we visited, so we did not gain as deep of an understanding as we might have with a different guide. There were times when the itinerary felt a bit rushed, but we are so glad to have had so many amazing adventures along the way, and in hindsight I wouldn't have skipped anything. We were also in Hiroshima on the anniversary of the bombing, which made the visit a bit more crowded, but also more meaningful. I will highly recommend this trip to all of my friends!

Machu Picchu Adventure

Great tour and amazing guide. Awesome group of people to travel with and would highly recommend.

Discover Japan

Very interesting experience. Very good trip, well balanced between mandatory and optional activities.

Highlights of Jordan

Great jam-packed tour. We would never have manged to have as good a time without the tour. Montaser was the best guide.

Bangkok to Singapore: Jungle Hikes & Island Nights

My tour was amazing thanks to Pimm!! She made it a trip to remember and it went very smoothly thanks to get great planning. Everyone on the group loved Pimm :). Overall the tour was the best holiday I have ever been one, I will definitely recommend G adventures and this tour to all my friends.

Uncover India: High Deserts & Markets

Amazing experience. Our CEO Shivraj was the group backbone. Without him we wouldn't of enjoyed ourselves so much. From great restaurants to travel arrangements. You could kick back and really enjoy the Indian culture. As a result of the calming atmosphere; one is allowed to make great friends and memories! Thank you Shiv!

Delhi to Kathmandu Adventure

Excellent G Adventures tour, supplied everything as described and much more I would advise anybody to take this tour, an amazing experience

Costa Rica Adventure

A fantastic trip with a wonderful group of people and an inspirational, energetic trip leader in Marina. I experienced almost everything I wanted to in Costa Rica and felt like I had an authentic experience.

Highlights of Madagascar

Great trip. I loved the itinerary

Southeast Asia Encompassed

He was absolutely exceptional ! Best guide I have ever had !

Golden Triangle

Ragu was one the best guides i ever had in all my tours. He gave great information and was very helpful in sorting out any extra needs you had. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone with limited time. Just plan at least one day in Delhi if you really want to see everything in Delhi as you have limited time there.

Reviews of G Adventures Tours

This was my first time ever travelling without family and it was amazing! One of the best months of my life. Our CEO Tong was brilliant and full of knowledge about where we were going and what we would be doing. He made sure to have enough time for anyone and helped in anyway he could to make things run smoothly for everyone on tour including myself. If you go on this tour, make sure you ask for Tong or (Phanet Tep) as your CEO!

Excellent tour that was well organised. A lot of places covered, always felt safe and well informed. Our host Abdul was amazing! His knowledge and experience made the trip so personal and wonderful. I feel as though after 9 days I have seen a lot of the beautiful country that is Morocco! Highly recommended.

Overall the tour was good. The CEO Katherine was wonderful. People in our group are very friendly. What we liked most was the beaches at Manuel Antonio National Park, Also the guided walking tour at the park to explore a variety of amazing wildlife was Great. Hot Springs in La Fortuna and Horseback riding in Monteverde were enjoyable, The amenities in the hotels could be better.

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A Review Of G Adventures’ Costa Rica 16-Day Tour

Contents (click to view)

I’m rocking in a hammock in my hotel in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, on the penultimate day of my 16-day tour of Costa Rica with G Adventures . There’s a light rain pattering on the corrugated plastic roof and dripping fatly over the top of a leaky gutter, and a breeze is tickling the leaves of the plants in the courtyard garden.

I can hear chatter and the occasional laugh from one of the other rooms, where some of the girls from my group are hanging out, and just to my left the black-and-white hotel cat snoozes under a rattan garden chair. We have an hour till we meet for dinner, so what better time to start writing my G Adventures review than right now?

During my years of solo travel, I’ve done quite a few small group adventure holidays. From Tanzania to Cuba (also with G Adventures), and from Myanmar to Morocco , I’ve experienced a range of different companies, destinations, and group dynamics, so I’m pretty clued up on what works and what doesn’t, what companies should be aiming for and what makes a good (or bad) group tour.

So if you’re thinking of visiting Costa Rica with G Adventures, or doing any of their other group holidays, read on for my expert review of G Adventures in general and their Costa Rica tour in particular.   

Note: I travelled in the off-peak (rainy season) month of July and received an additional 10% discount on top of the 20% off they were already offering for last-minute bookings. I’ve never been asked to write any G Adventures reviews in exchange for discounts or freebies. All prices are given in US Dollars and are correct at the time of writing.

Why Costa Rica?

If you’re reading this review, chances are you’ve already decided you want to go to Costa Rica, and you probably already know that Costa Rica is considered one of the safest and most rewarding countries to visit in Central America. With abundant wildlife, from curious toucans and noisy macaws to mischievous monkeys and the lovable sloth, Costa Rica is a nature enthusiast’s dream.

And that’s just the start of the country’s attractions. There are also stunning landscapes to explore, volcanoes to hike, coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean with miles of palm-fringed sandy beaches, huge swathes of jungle where you can do adventure activities like zip-lining and white-water rafting, plus buzzing towns with colourful bars, restaurants and shops.

So if you’re here because you’re wondering if you should go to Costa Rica, then no need to read further. The answer is yes, you should!

Why take a group tour?

Of course, you don’t need to do a group tour. Plenty of people get around Costa Rica just fine using public buses, tourist shuttles, or by hiring a car.

However, for solo travellers, those who like the safety and community vibe of a group, or people who don’t want or have time to plan every detail of a trip, a group tour is a great option.

For me, group travel is an excellent way to pack in as many highlights as possible in a short amount of time. Tour companies like G Adventures do all the work so you don’t have to, planning the best routes and activities so you can make the most of your holiday without having to spend days researching hotels and reading travel blogs (though of course you should still read this one!).

What’s more, not only do you get a gang of like-minded travel buddies to hang out with, you also get an experienced guide, who’ll show you round, shower you with interesting information, and look after you should anything go wrong.

If you’d like to know more about why I think group tours are one of the best ways to travel, head to my separate blog post: 10 Great Reasons To Do Group Holidays .

What you get on a G Adventures Tour

The specifics of each tour will vary, but all G Adventures tours follow a similar format.

• The duration can be anything from a few days to several weeks, and you’ll be travelling with a group of up to 16 people, who could be families, couples or solo travellers.  Typically G Adventures customers are in their 20s-50s, but you might get a few older people or families travelling with kids as young as 12.
• The price of your ticket will include all your transport and accommodation for the duration of the tour, apart from airport transfers. If you’re a solo traveller, you’ll be expected to share a room with another solo traveller of the same gender, though if you want your own room, you can usually pay an additional fee to get one.
• The cost also includes the guide, or Chief Experience Officer (CEO) – he or she will be your tour guide, event planner, history and politics teacher, fixer, problem solver and friend for the next few days or weeks.
• Meals are not normally included , though a few breakfasts or dinners may be, depending on the itinerary.
• Some activities may be included, but in general G Adventures make most of their day trips and excursions optional, to give people more choice and to keep the price down. It’s important to check this as you may find that adding on activities can significantly increase the final cost of your holiday, but if you don’t participate, you may start to feel left out of the group.

I’ll talk about how much the whole G Adventures Costa Rica trip cost me at the end of this post.

Every trip also usually includes the following:

• ‘Discover’ Moment – there is always at least one included activity, usually something simple such as a walking tour or cultural experience. You may have to pay a little extra for transport to the location.
• ‘G for Good’ Moment – as part of G Adventures’ commitment to giving back to local communities, 5% of your ticket price goes to help grassroots projects in the country you’re visiting, and this is your chance to see one of them in action.
• Foodie Moment – a food tour, tasting event, or local cookery experience.

Types of G Adventures Tour

G Adventures also have different types of tour. They are:

• Classic tours – the original style of G Adventures tours, these trips include a variety of different activities but are not especially challenging. Accommodation is normally in mid-range hotels.
• National Geographic Journeys – more expensive (but with more activities included), these trips focus more on culture and wildlife and may go a little more off the beaten track.
• 18-to-thirtysomethings tours – does what it says on the tin: adventures for younger travellers. They tend to be a bit more budget, the accommodation a bit more basic, and with more time for partying.
• Wellness trips – as the name suggests, these trips are more focussed on health and wellbeing.
• Active trips – tours for the more adventurous, with a greater focus on activities like hiking, cycling and other outdoor sports.
• Marine tours – boat based, including sailing, river and polar expedition cruises .
• Rail tours – while other G Adventures trips may include a train journey, these tours put train travel front and centre of the itinerary.
• Family trips – aimed at parents who still want to travel and have adventures, but want to bring the kids.
• Roamies trips – these are more for backpackers and the accommodation is mostly in hostels.
• The Jane Goodall collection – wildlife tours

The G Adventures Costa Rica adventure is one of their Classic Tours, meaning you get a good balance of activities while still travelling in relative comfort.

You can read more about the different types of tours here .

G Adventures Review: The Costa Rica Itinerary

So what did the Costa Rica 16-day adventure actually involve?

You can see the planned itinerary here , but sometimes things can change a little due to unforeseen circumstances, so here is what we actually did.

Costa Rica Tour Day 1 – Arrive in San José

The first day of any G Adventures tour is a free day for your arrival – you just need to get yourself to the first hotel at some point on that day. I had already been in Costa Rica for a week, so I booked myself a tourist shuttle from my hostel in the beachside town of Tamarindo to the group hotel in San Jose. Most people flew in that day and got transfers from the airport, which cost about US$35 (though an Uber is much cheaper, at around $10).

At 6.30 pm there was a welcome meeting – a chance to meet the guide/CEO, get a bit of basic information about Costa Rica and the tour, and check out your new travel buddies. After the meeting, everyone went for dinner together and then had an early night, ready to leave San Jose early the next morning.

Some people had arrived a day or two earlier to explore San José. The feedback I’ve had from people who’ve spent time in the city is that there’s not that much to see, so if you want to extend your Costa Rica trip by a few days, I strongly recommend getting out of San José and heading to the beach or the highlands instead.

Where we stayed: Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquideas . This was a clean but fairly basic hotel on a main road on the edge of central San José. It was conveniently located a short walk from a supermarket, a Starbucks and some bars and restaurants, so it was ideal as a rendezvous point at the start and end of the trip, but I wouldn’t recommend it for longer stays.

G Adventures Costa Rica Tour Day 2 – San José to Quepos

Next day we left at 7 am and drove a few hours to Quepos, the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. En route, we stopped off at the Tarcoles river crossing to look for crocodiles.

Quepos is a small town on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. The town itself has a beachfront and a few shops, hotels, bars and restaurants, but the main reason to go there is to use it as a base for visiting Manuel Antonio National Park, about 20 minutes away by local bus.

After dropping our stuff at the hotel, we headed over there to get our bearings. At Manuel Antonio there’s another, prettier beach, plus more touristy restaurants, a few shops, and the entrance to the park. We had free time to swim, relax, grab a frozen daiquiri, and look for monkeys playing in the trees by the side of the road. There are also options to do a sunset catamaran cruise, take a surfing lesson, or go parasailing.

Where we stayed: Villa Romantica Quepos. Another reasonable but basic hotel, with air-conditioned rooms set around a jungle garden where we saw frogs and monkeys. The German owner was extremely welcoming after being closed due to Covid. Unfortunately, the swimming pool was still out of action.

Costa Rica Tour Day 3 – Quepos / Manuel Antonio National Park

In the official itinerary this is listed as a ‘free day to explore and relax’. In the morning some of our group opted to do a catamaran cruise along the coast to enjoy the scenery and look for dolphins. The rest of us had wanted to make an early start in the National Park but as it was a bank holiday weekend, morning tickets were sold out. Instead, we had more free time (some people went for brunch in Quepos and I found my way to a gym), and then at lunchtime we hopped back on the public bus to the Manuel Antonio.

Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica’s smallest National Park, with clearly marked trails for hiking or bird and animal watching. With the help of our guide, Tito, we got our first taste of Costa Rican wildlife – spotting two sloths, deer, iguanas, bats and lizards, before heading down to one of the pristine protected National Park beaches to dip our toes in the warm waters of the Pacific.

I would have liked to spend more time here, but the park closed at 4 pm. If you do this tour, I recommend going to in the morning if you can.

G Adventures Costa Rica Tour Day 4 – Quepos to Monteverde

After two nights by the sea, we headed into Costa Rica’s central highlands, to the mountain town of Monteverde. Monteverde is another small, quite touristy place, the gateway to Costa Rica’s cloud forests and several parks offering hiking, animal-watching, and adventure activities.

In the afternoon we visited the Monteverde cloud forest reserve and spent about two hours hiking through the damp jungle. Sadly the ‘cloud’ forest lived up to its name and we weren’t able to see any views, but we did spot this gorgeous quetzal bird waiting out the rain.

Later we did our included ‘Discover’ moment – a torchlit guided Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk. We saw frogs, a green viper, a sleeping howler monkey, a tarantula, and even a sloth, though it was very high up in a tree and hard to see.

Where we stayed: Hotel Holistico Monteverde . A quiet retreat hotel with comfortable rooms and decent breakfast. The hotel was nice but located about 25 minutes’ walk outside the town centre up a steep hill, making it a bit of a hassle if you wanted to explore by yourself.

G Adventures Review Day 5 – Monteverde

Day 5 is a full day in Monteverde, during which you have a choice of many things do including more hiking and wildlife-spotting, walking suspension bridges through the jungle, visiting a butterfly garden, horseback riding, or zip-lining.

Our entire group opted to do the canopy bridge walk followed by the ziplining. We went to 100% Aventura who have a series of ziplines through the cloud forest, including the longest zipline in Costa Rica at over 1.5 km! You can choose to do it on your front, flying superman-style, which literally took my breath away!

You can pre-book the ziplining as part of G Adventures’ Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle which saves you a bit of money. There’s more information about how much this all cost coming up later in the post.

G Adventures Costa Rica Tour Day 6 – Monteverde to La Fortuna

It was time to move on again, this time to La Fortuna, close to lake Arenal and the majestic Arenal volcano. The journey was about three hours by bus and then a very pleasant hour spent crossing Lake Arenal, with the volcano looming ever closer.

La Fortuna is another touristy town with plenty of restaurants, shops, and tour agencies, so after our fairly long travel day we had free time to relax and explore before heading for dinner.

Where we stayed: Hotel Las Colinas . Rooms here were clean and comfortable with working air-con, hot showers and views of the volcano. The hotel has a terrace bar which could get quite noisy, but calmed down after 10 pm.

G Adventures Review Day 7 – La Fortuna

The next two days were devoted to adventures around La Fortuna . There are dozens of different tours you can book, from whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling, mountain biking and ATV excursions to calmer activities like hiking, boat trips or SUP on the lake, or a visit to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.

On the morning of Day 7 most of the group opted to go canyoning and waterfall rappelling, and in the afternoon we went to see Arenal volcano. It’s active so you can’t climb it, but there are several scenic hiking trails around the base where you can learn more about it and see lava from previous eruptions.

On the way back we stopped at the Paradise Hot Springs which was one of my favourite places on the trip: a gorgeous resort with eight thermal pools in a leafy jungle setting. At night they were lit up in different colours and one of the pools has a swim up bar, making for a fabulous place to relax after another busy day.

G Adventures Costa Rica Tour Day 8 – La Fortuna

Another day in La Fortuna: we were offered the chance to book more adventure excursions through a recommended adventure tour company, but everyone decided to have a more chilled day, visiting the La Fortuna waterfall for a swim and then taking the afternoon off to enjoy the town’s many cafes, shops and bars, or getting a massage.

I had a quiet lunch in an organic restaurant, ate gelato, and browsed for souvenirs.

Costa Rica Tour Day 9 – La Fortuna to Sarapiquí Rainforest

Another travel morning – several hours by bus heading east from La Fortuna to Sarapiquí.

En route, we stopped at the Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative for our ‘G For Good’ moment, visiting one of the local organisations supported by the G Adventures and the Planeterra Foundation. We had a tour of the site, learned about how Costa Rican coffee is produced and why it’s considered some of the best in the world, and ate a delicious Costa Rican lunch of fresh fish with rice, beans and plantain.

Once we arrived at Sarapiquí we headed straight out for a short hike to another waterfall where we were able to swim in the cool water and relax after another sweaty bus journey.

Later the hotel staff took us on a short night walk to see tree frogs, and then fed us a traditional dinner.

Where we stayed: Pozo Azul. This was one of my favourite places that we stayed on the trip: very rustic safari tents with no air con or hot water, but what they lacked in luxury they more than made up for in the location, right in the heart of the rainforest so we fell asleep listening to the rain and the sounds of frogs and crickets chirruping.

G Adventures Costa Rica Tour Day 10 – Sarapiquí Rainforest

Some of us got up before dawn to do a sunrise birdwatching hike around the property, where we saw hummingbirds, toucans and a colourful trogon, before heading back for a delicious included breakfast (I especially loved the sweet fried plantains).

Then it was time for more adventure: whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquí river. The rapids here are Grades 2-4, so not too scary but still exciting enough to give you a thrill and get you pretty wet!

In the afternoon we had more free time to relax in our jungle oasis, and we also had our included ‘Foodie Moment’ – learning how to make traditional empanadas (and then eating them!).

G Adventures Tour Day 11 – Sarapiquí to Tortuguero

Time to move on again on our whistlestop tour of Costa Rica – this time to Tortuguero, on the Caribbean coast.

Tortuguero is a unique village: a small cluster of shops, simple houses and bars built on a very narrow strip of land between the Tortuguero River and the Caribbean Sea. It’s only accessible by boat and feels like the sort of place you need to visit soon before rising sea levels wash it away completely.

Getting there was another adventure – a few hours on the bus and then an hour’s boat ride downriver, looking out for wildlife as we chugged along between overhanging jungle fronds guarded by beady-eyed herons and noisy howler monkeys.

Tortuguero gets its name from the green and leatherback sea turtles (tortugas) that come here to nest on the beaches, and as we were lucky enough to visit at the start of nesting season, late in the evening we had the chance to go and see them.

The experience is closely regulated: visitor numbers and time spent on the beach are strictly limited and you can’t take phones or cameras, but it’s still a unique chance to see these rare endangered creatures up close.

Where we stayed: La Baula Lodge . Another of my favourites, a riverfront lodge featuring comfortable rooms (though without air con) arranged around a gorgeous garden filled with colourful flowers, with monkeys and toucans playing in the trees and a small pool for cooling off after the sweaty day. Breakfast and dinner were included.

G Adventures Costa Rica Tour Day 12 – Tortuguero

A full day to explore the delights of Tortuguero National Park. In the morning we did a peaceful kayak excursion downriver, paddling gently along spotting monkeys, herons, bright green basilisks and other birds.

In the afternoon we were supposed to hike up to a viewpoint to look for more wildlife and admire the landscape, but the heavens opened and it was cancelled, so we hung out in the hotel, relaxed to the sound of the rain, and enjoyed the 2-for-$10 cocktail deal!

Read more: Nature Vacations: 25 Amazing Places For An Outdoors Adventure

G Adventures Review Day 13 – Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

I would have liked to spend a bit longer wildlife-spotting in Tortuguero but it was time to move on again, back along the river by boat and then a few hours by bus down the coast to Puerto Viejo.

Puerto Viejo is one of Costa Rica’s popular Caribbean beach villages, a small, friendly, walkable place with a few streets jammed with cafes, bars and souvenir shops, a sandy, palm-fringed beach, and a relaxed Caribbean vibe.

The plan for the afternoon was to relax on the beach, but again the weather was not on our side (the perils of travelling in rainy season!) so people either relaxed in the hotel or went to find a bar to hang out in.

Where we stayed: Cabinas Jacaranda Hotel . Located just a short walk from the beach and shops, this cute hotel had comfortable rooms with air-con and hot showers arranged around a leafy courtyard with hammocks for relaxing in.

Costa Rica Tour Day 14 – Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is known for its miles of sandy beaches, some black, some white, so in the morning we were given bicycles so we could explore. Most people cycled along the main road to a quiet and pretty beach where we relaxed and enjoyed a dip in the Caribbean before heading back to the town to explore the shops and buy all those important last-minute souvenirs and gifts.

G Adventures Costa Rica Tour Day 15 – Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San José

And before we knew it, it was the last full day of the tour. We had a lazy morning, a relaxed breakfast, the chance for another quick dip in the sea, and then an 11 am start for the long drive back to San Jose.

We got back at about 5 pm, giving us enough time to grab a coffee, pack for the plane, or pick up essentials for the journey home, before heading out for a final group dinner to say goodbye.

G Adventures Costa Rica Tour Day 16 – Departure

The final day of any G Adventures tour is just departure day. Some people had early flights, others were staying on in Costa Rica for a few days, and my flight was at lunchtime so I had breakfast, said goodbye to the group and our excellent guide, and then hopped in an Uber to the airport for my journey back to London.

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G Adventures Review: The Guide (CEO)

G Adventures call their tour guides CEOs – or Chief Experience Officers. Ours was Tito, a 45-year-old Costa Rican with 20 years of guiding experience, boundless enthusiasm and energy and endless patience when it came to our many questions.

He was extremely knowledgeable too, full of information sometimes to the point of excess, like when he would continually point at things from the bus even when we were trying to sleep, or being so thorough at the evening briefings that we would start to get confused from the information overload. But he was always likeable and smiling, ready with a joke or a few words of encouragement, a man who clearly loves his job and his country and enjoys sharing it with visitors.

Of course there’s no guarantee you’ll get Tito if you do the Costa Rica G Adventures tour, but in my experience of group travel in general and G Adventures in particular, I’ve found all the guides to be of a similar level of enthusiasm and knowledge that really helps to bring the tour to life.

G Adventures Review: The Food

Costa Rican typical food usually involves rice, beans, fried plantain, and some sort of grilled or fried protein, alongside Mexican-style dishes like tacos and burritos and deliciously sweet local pineapples, mangos and bananas.

Mostly you’ll be eating in touristy restaurants which typically serve up crowd-pleasers like pizza, pasta, or burgers.  

Food and drink were not usually included in our Costa Rica tour. The exceptions were a couple of the hotels that provided breakfast, or the remote jungle lodges where there were no restaurants nearby, so dinner was also part of the service. In total only 4 breakfasts, lunches and dinners were included.

When choosing restaurants for us to visit, Tito always tried to pick a mid-range place where there were enough options to suit all tastes – though the vegetarians in our group did struggle a little.

Invariably we ended up in very average places that always offered the same food, most of which was fine and some of which was terrible, though there were a few excellent meals tucked in there too.

That, unfortunately, is one of the downsides of traveling with a group where everyone has different price points and expectations around food. Let’s just say this is not a foodie tour, and if culinary adventures are a priority for you, you might want to research your own restaurant options online and not eat with the group every night.

G Adventures Review: Accommodation

The Costa Rica Adventure is one of G Adventures Classic trips, which means travelling in a little more comfort than some of their more basic tours, while still sticking to a budget.

Hotels in general were clean and comfortable but basic. We usually had wifi, air-conditioning and hot water, but not always. Sometimes the rooms were quite small and dark, and only one of the hotels had a swimming pool.

This is not a luxury trip – the focus is much more on adventure and seeing this wonderful country on a fairly limited budget. So if room service and a pillow menu are important, this probably isn’t the trip for you.

But if like me you’re not planning to spend much time in the room anyway, and you don’t much care about the accommodation as long as you have a clean bed and a shower, then you’ve come to the right place!

G Adventures Review: Transport

Transport for our tour was in an air-conditioned private bus, with the occasional public bus, taxi or boat ride. Unlike other tours I’ve done, we didn’t always have the same bus and driver; instead we used local companies and drivers where necessary, so the buses varied in size and comfort but they were always big enough and had air-conditioning. Very occasionally we had to share with other travellers but usually we had the transport to ourselves.

We were told that pre-pandemic more of the journeys involved using public transport, but that switched to private buses due to Covid. By the time you travel, this may have changed back, so it’s worth checking if this is important to you.

None of the buses had toilets, but we made regular bathroom stops. The longest bus ride was about 5 hours and I usually passed the time by listening to music, reading a book, or watching Netflix downloads on my phone. Some of the roads are windy, so make sure you bring travel sickness pills if you’re a sufferer.

G Adventures Review: The group

G Adventures market themselves to a wide range of travellers from teenagers all the way up to pensioners. As long as you have a love of travel and a sense of adventure, then G Adventures is for you.

However, in general I have found most of my fellow travellers on these sorts of trips to be in their 20s to 50s. The maximum group size is 16, and at the moment most of their tours seem to be operating at near capacity.

We had 14 in our group, consisting of two middle-aged couples with children in their late teens; one middle-aged single man, and five solo women in their 20s and 30s. Plus me.

I found this was a good mix of ages and interests, and while people did tend to make friends and form little sub-groups, overall we got along well. Our guide told us that sometimes he’s had tours where people split off or seriously clash, but we had no problems.

Of course you can’t predict who you will get, but I think G Adventures does tend to attract the same sort of adventurous, outgoing people, so even if you don’t bond with everyone, you stand a good chance of at least finding a few people in your group that you get along with.

G Adventures Review: Sustainability and ethics

More than ever we need to be thinking about the ethics and sustainability of our travel choices. So if that’s important to you (and I hope it is), you’ll be pleased to hear that G Adventures take it seriously too.

All G Adventures trips have a focus on community tourism. That means making sure that all trips directly benefit the people and places they visit. This includes working with the Planeterra Foundation to help develop local communities, and 5% of your trip fee goes to the foundation.

All trips now also have a ‘Ripple Score’, which is a measure out of 100 of how often the trip uses local businesses and services. The Ripple Score for the Costa Rica Adventure is 100, meaning you can be confident your money is helping to support small businesses in the communities you’re visiting.

There’s loads more information about the different ways G Adventures take their ethical responsibilities seriously on their website here .

G Adventures Costa Rica Adventure: How much did it cost?

So after all that, what was the final cost of the trip?

The list price for this tour at the time of writing is £1279 in off-peak season and £1429 in peak season. However G Adventures quite often do discounts of up to 20%, so if you travel in rainy season (as I did) and book during a discount window you could pay as little as £1087.

This price does not include flights, most meals, or most of the activities.

You can make savings on some activities by pre-booking, for example:

• Catamaran tour in Manuel Antonio – in advance for $75
• Adrenaline Bundle (includes canyoning in La Fortuna and zip-lining in Monteverde): $135. If you pay separately during the tour the price would be $96 + $54 = $150.

Other optional extra costs were as follows (all prices in US$ and sometimes estimated or rounded to the nearest $10):

Add all this up and what it means is that if you do all the activities, eat every meal in the restaurants recommended by the guide, drink the tap water and only do laundry once, you’re looking at roughly an extra $1260 on top of the baseline cost of the trip.

So your total for the whole trip, not including flights, will be somewhere around $2900 or £2300 per person, assuming you travel in off-peak season and are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller (if not, you’ll pay around $680 / £570 extra to have your own room).

When is the best time to do the G Adventures Costa Rica tour?

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, November to March. However, this is also peak season and everything will be more expensive. I visited in rainy season and although it did rain a fair bit and a couple of things did get cancelled, we also had some good weather and managed to do almost everything as planned on the itinerary.

If you visit during rainy season, you will save money but you will also have to be prepared to put up with some bad weather. So if money is not an issue, I recommend paying a bit more and travelling during the UK/US winter (when you’ll also get to escape the cold back home!)

G Adventures Review: My verdict

Before I joined the tour, I spent a week in Costa Rica by myself. During that week, I spent about $630 on private rooms in mid-range hotels, and $100 on transport. So $730 just for transport and accommodation in a single week, travelling by myself.

On that basis, the G Adventures Costa Rica tour is very good value. For less money than I would have spent travelling by myself, I got my whole trip organised for me, all my accommodation, an expert guide, some meals and activities, and a group of like-minded people to hang out with.

It did cost a lot more to do all the activities, but Costa Rica is not a cheap destination, and the activities we did do were varied, exciting, well-managed, and worth paying for.

Cost aside, I thought this was an excellent tour. It was well planned, with a good balance between activities and free time. There was an excellent choice of activities and a good balance between wildlife spotting and hiking and other adventure sports.

Bus journeys were no longer than about four hours each and we always spent at least two nights in each destination, so while the itinerary did feel packed, we weren’t overwhelmed and rushed.

While group travel may not be for everyone , I do think that if you want to explore Costa Rica with the comfort and safety of a group and the convenience of having your trip planned for you, then the G Adventures Costa Rica Adventure Tour could be just the thing you’re looking for.

But don’t just take my word for it! Click here and then scroll down to read hundreds more reviews from previous customers.

Convinced? You won’t regret it!

Where to next?

If you enjoyed this post, why not try some of my other group holidays posts?

• A Neilson Activity Holidays Review – Messini Beach Club in Greece
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• The Beautiful Leg-Rowing Inle Lake Fishermen, Myanmar
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Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.

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You can skip the planning for these 7 affordable bucket list family travel adventures

A s enriching as family vacations can be, there's no question they're stressful to plan. And if you want to show your kids the world, planning family travel adventures to bucket-list destinations like Ireland, Alaska, or America's national parks can also be a bit daunting. The good news is there may be a better alternative to consider—letting someone else do all the planning on a guided tour.

I've participated in numerous guided group tours with my family, and they've been among the most hassle-tree times together we've ever had. Letting trip planners and seasoned guides take care of tedious details and time-consuming logistics removes many of the difficulties that come with traveling, especially with kids. 

While a trip to the destination of your dreams is never going to be a cheap family vacation , group travel tours can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. The end result? Family travel adventures that run smoothly and don't come with any costly surprises. Here are 15 value-packed guided tours for your family’s 2024 adventures. 

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

HASSLE-FREE VACATIONS: 11 best guided tour companies for family tours

1. Iceland with National Geographic Family Journeys

G Adventures

Renowned small group travel tour company G Adventures has teamed up with National Geographic to create escorted family travel itineraries that take full advantage of NatGeo’s expertise in wildlife, storytelling, and photography. The company’s eight-day Iceland Family Journey delves into the subarctic island nation’s unique geological features in an experiential way, including hiking on the edge of a volcanic crater and riding Icelandic horses near a waterfall. 

CLOSER TO HOME: 25 best family vacation spots in the USA

The tour company's trip leaders are trained to engage young guests ages seven to 17, and the participant limit is capped at 20. These guided family travel adventures start at $4,999 per adult (there’s a $200 discount for kids ages seven to 12) for 2024 and they include transportation within Iceland, accommodations, daily breakfast, three lunches, and one dinner. 

2. Highlights of Ireland

Brendan Vacations

The wild Atlantic Ocean, misty cliffs, and impossibly green countryside are a few of the reasons why the Emerald Island's mystical beauty has inspired poets for centuries. From Dublin's cosmopolitan charm to hanging by your heels to kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, Brendan Vacations are experts when it comes to Celtic travel, and its Shamrocks and Leprechauns tour is a favorite with families.

NO PASSPORT NEEDED: 21 best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. for families

Highlights include going behind the scenes where Game of Thrones was filmed and marveling at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Interactive experiences, such as tea with a family on their sheep farm and dressing up like medieval archers as you learn to aim a bow and arrow, make a lasting impression. 

There’s a maximum of 45 participants aged five and older on this 10-day trip in 2024. Prices start at $3,083 and children ages five to 17 receive a 10 percent discount. Transportation within Ireland, accommodations, and 15 meals are included. A travel director accompanies you throughout, with local specialists enriching the journey. 

3. Canadian Rockies from Banff to Jasper 

Backroads’ guided family travel adventures are a hit with active travelers who crave communion with nature. On Backroads’ Banff to Jasper Multi-Adventure Family Tour , you’ll join a small group of families as you bike, hike, and paddle your way across the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Float down the Athabasca River, soak in sweeping vistas at Icefields Parkway, and walk on a glacier. 

ACTIVE SENIORS: 9 best tour companies for travelers over 50: Road Scholar, Globus, more

This trip has a maximum of 26 guests and is recommended for ages nine and older. Trip leaders receive specialized training to ensure that they’re well-equipped to engage youngsters. The six-day trip costs $3,999 per person in 2024. Kids 17 and under receive a 10 percent discount when staying in a single or double occupancy room; the child discount is increased to 20 percent if there are three or more people staying in the same room. Lodging, activities, daily breakfast, six lunches, four dinners, and snacks are included. 

4. Grand Alaskan Adventure

If your family loves the Great Outdoors, Alaska is the vacation of a lifetime. Cosmos offers guided group tours to "America’s Last Frontier" that present value without skimping on quality. The Grand Alaskan Adventure is an appealing choice with a balanced blend of group activities and free time.

SEE THE WORLD: 11 guided tour companies that offer trips around the world  

Starting and finishing in Anchorage, you'll cross Prince William Sound and glimpse otters, seals, and whales. A ride on the Alaska Railroad will delight fans of train travel, while two days spent in Denali National Park’s wilderness is an immersion in majestic beauty. Keep your eyes open for bears, moose, and caribou as you travel the Denali Highway across Alaska’s lightly treaded interior.

In 2024, this seven-day guided family travel adventure starts at $2,139 and includes some meals, accommodations, and activities. Children as young as five are welcome, and those ages five to 17 receive a 10 percent discount. The average number of participants is 36.

5. Taste of Portugal

Globus 

With alluring beaches, ancient villages, and sophisticated cities, it’s no wonder Portugal is trending in 2024. The Taste of Portugal with Madeira guided group itinerary from Globus visits cosmopolitan Lisbon, Porto’s cobbled streets, and the semi-tropical island of Madeira, with its natural rock-pools and unique wicker basket toboggan ride. 

FAMILY TRAVEL ADVENTURES: 28 best places to go with kids this year

This 11-day escorted trip starts at $3,309 including hotels, nine breakfast, and three dinners. Kids as young as five may participate and those between ages five and 17 receive a 10 percent discount. The average group size is 36 guests. 

6. New Zealand Family Travel Adventure

Austin Adventures

Headquartered in New Zealand, guided tour company Austin Adventures is an expert when it comes to showcasing this country’s natural assets. Energetic families who want an intimate group experience will be pleased with the New Zealand Family Vacation itinerary. Starting and finishing in Christchurch, you'll visit a wildlife preserve with resident koalas, wallabies, kiwi, and ancient tuatara (a rare reptile); hike to glacial lakes; and kayak and float down a rose-lined gorge. 

FAR-FLUNG ADVENTURES: Bora Bora with kids? These French Polynesia family resorts belong on your vacation bucket list  

Children six and older are welcome on this 13-day trip, which costs $5,499 per adult and $4,999 per child 12 years and under. Lodging, activities, and almost all meals are part of the deal. The maximum group size is 14 people plus two guides. 

7. The Greek Islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete

EF Go Ahead Tours 

Get acquainted with a trifecta of Greek islands on The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete from EF Go Ahead Tours . Absorb ancient Hellenic heritage in Athens before arriving in lively Mykonos for a dip in its crystal-clear water. Cruise to Santorini, where volcanic black sand beaches are juxtaposed with bright white and sea blue houses. Then it's on to Crete with its trail of historic treasures, from palaces to archaeological ruins. 

TROPICAL BLISS: 7 best tropical vacation spots for families  

This 14-day family travel adventure has a maximum of 30 participants and starts at $4,019 in 2024. It includes hotels, daily breakfast, five dinners, a dedicated tour director, and local guides along the way. Children age six and older are welcome, though they don't receive a discount.

Affordable bucket list family travel adventures where someone else does all the planning originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 6 best Hawaii all-inclusive resorts for families
• 8 best Bahamas all-inclusive resorts for families
• 6 best-value all-inclusive resorts for families

FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations . The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: You can skip the planning for these 7 affordable bucket list family travel adventures

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