Costsaver vs Trafalgar

Compare Costsaver's and Trafalgar's tours, including their travel styles, inclusions, destinations, pricing, accommodation and popularity with past travellers, to see which operator is the better fit for your next journey.
Costsaver

Costsaver

250 Reviews

Why should we travel with Costsaver?

We asked Costsaver why you should travel with them, here's what they said...

At Costsaver, we believe lasting travel memories don’t have to cost the earth. We combine great value with the ease of guided travel and the freedom to make your holiday your own. We take care of the essentials, including quality accommodation, comfortable transport, must-see sightseeing, many meals and our expert Travel Directors and Drivers, giving you more time to enjoy the journey.

We give you the building blocks to tailor your dream holiday around your interests and budget. With our optional Choice Experiences, you can discover local flavours, read more try something new or explore more of each destination. We also leave you free to head out independently or simply relax, with the flexibility to book and pay for additional experiences as you travel.

As part of The Travel Corporation’s family of brands, we’re committed to making a positive difference to the people, places and wildlife we encounter. We believe in travelling far and treading lightly, bringing together memorable experiences, thoughtful planning and great value. We handle the essentials so you can see the world your way.

What types of trips do Costsaver offer?

Coach Tours

Where can you travel to?

Africa Asia Australia & NZ Canada & Alaska Europe South America UK Ireland USA More...

Costsaver snapshot

Total No. ToursTotal No. Tours
94
DeparturesDepartures
1,817
Average tour lengthAverage tour length
11 days
Average price per dayAverage price per day
$359

Our thoughts...

The low down on Costsaver from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

CostSaver is Trafalgar's affordable range of coach tours. Comparable to Cosmos in price and quality, their focus has always been on Europe and the UK, but have more recently launched a range of new itineraries in the US, Canada and South America. If you are looking for an affordable touring option, then CostSaver is a great option, and if you've travelled with any of its sister brands like AAT Kings, Trafalgar or Insight Vacations further savings are available.

The price for that affordability - while all the must-see sights are included, there are lot of optional excursions which can add up quickly if you choose to do them all. If that's likely, read more perhaps a more inclusive Operator like Trafalgar or Insight is best. However if you like the freedom to explore on your own, and are after a relaxing and hassle-free holiday, then Costsaver is a great option.

Who travels with Costsaver?

We welcome value-conscious travellers from around the world, including couples, friends, families and solo adventurers. Our guests share a desire to discover new places and enjoy local experiences, combining the reassurance of a guided tour with the freedom to personalise their holiday around their interests and budget.

What's the age range on a Costsaver tour?

Generally 50+

How many people will we be travelling with?

Our standard tours accommodate up to 53 travellers. On selected regional itineraries, we may use smaller vehicles and travel in smaller groups.

I'm a solo-traveller, will your tours suit me?

Yes. Solo travellers are encouraged to join Costsaver tours.

Do you offer single rooms?

Yes. A single supplement applies and single-room pricing and availability is shown for each departure.

Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?

Yes. A same-sex room-matching service is available on selected tours with no additional room supplement.

How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?

We include hotel accommodation every night of your tour, with everything you need for a comfortable stay. We focus on comfort, practicality and great value, giving you a welcoming place to relax and recharge after a day of exploring. You can find the planned hotels for your trip on the relevant itinerary page.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

We include the essentials in our advertised tour price. You’ll need to budget for meals and drinks outside the itinerary inclusions. Any optional Choice Experiences you choose are also an additional cost. Tips for your Travel Director and Driver are generally extra and given at your discretion, with arrangements varying by destination.

Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?

On most of our tours, you’ll travel with the same Travel Director throughout your trip, providing support, sharing destination knowledge and helping organise your optional Choice Experiences. Local Specialists join us for selected sightseeing experiences along the way. Arrangements can vary by itinerary.

Do you use local guides?

Yes, we use Local Specialists for selected sightseeing experiences, bringing destinations to life through their local knowledge and insights. They complement our Travel Directors, who support you throughout your trip. You’ll find the included locally guided experiences listed in each itinerary.

How much free time will we have on a Costsaver trip?

Considerable free time is built into most itineraries. Costsaver includes the travel essentials and allows travellers to choose how much additional sightseeing they want through more than 1,000 optional Choice Experiences.

How fit do we need to be?

Our trips involve varying levels of walking, including steps, cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces, so you should feel comfortable with the activities outlined in your chosen itinerary and getting on and off the coach. Some trips are more physically demanding than others. If you have mobility concerns or require assistance, please let us know when booking so we can discuss your needs and help you assess the trip’s suitability.

Recent Costsaver reviews

Spanish Experience 0
, NSW, Australia, Oct 2026
We had a fabulous trip, very well organised, participating in all options easy to do, tour director and bus driver very experienced and knowledgeable. Our travel consultant Grace has been excellent organising and answering our queries in a very timely manner we have many more trips on the go!
Balkin Bliss 0
, NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
Amazing tour from Dubrovnik to Split! Beautiful scenery, charming towns, rich history, and unforgettable experiences. Everything was well organised, and the journey was incredible from start to finish. Highly recommend!
Rhythms of the South 0
, WA, Australia, Sep 2026
This was our 1st trip to the U.S. as we have loved Elvis Presley since our childhood obviously Gracelands was always going to be part of it. The tour you guys arranged for us was amazing, guided as well as plenty of free time to explore more. Nashville to New Orleans and in between was unbelievable for us both and fulfilled all our dreams. Our coach, read more driver and guide were amazing and fellow guests all had a ball and became like a family. It was the trip of a lifetime for us and you guys didn’t disappoint. We could go on forever about our journey but can only thank global journeys for organising this for us . We will be forever grateful, god bless you all and warm wishes.
Britain and Ireland Experience 0
, New Zealand, Aug 2026
Overall sights of tour were great as was our tour guide Aileen, who was also very good. Only issue we had some accommodation which was older and pretty tired - needs to be looked at. Thanks.
Costsaver Splendours of Italy Tour 0
, QLD, Australia, Aug 2026
The Costsaver tour was well priced and led by a humourous local Tour Guide who was full of knowledge. The coach was safely and expertly driven. Satisfactory hotel accommodation and food with well chosen cities and sights. No sales pressure to do the optional excursions which left plenty of free time to do your own thing. The whole tour was well organised. read more We would definitely use Global Journeys again as everything was handled with ease and payment timelines easy to meet.

Costsaver's most popular trips this month...

14 Day European Experience (Costsaver)
European Experience

14 Days London to Amsterdam

From
3,837pp
18 Day European Cavalcade (Costsaver)
European Cavalcade

18 Days Amsterdam to Paris

From
4,932pp
16 Day Britain and Ireland Explorer (Costsaver)
Britain and Ireland Explorer

16 Days London to London

From
4,704pp
8 Day Britain and Ireland Delight (Costsaver)
Britain and Ireland Delight

8 Days London to London

From
2,105pp
10 Day Italian Scene (Costsaver)
Italian Scene

10 Days Rome to Rome

From
2,663pp
Trafalgar

Trafalgar

1,677 Reviews

Why should we travel with Trafalgar?

We asked Trafalgar why you should travel with them, here's what they said...

We are one of the world’ smost-loved and trusted travel companies and the world's leading and most awarded travel brand, spanning all seven continents. Our brand spans four travel categories - tours, small groups, river cruises and rail journeys, organised across three value tiers - Saver, Classic and Premium. With more than 600 itineraries across 75 countries, we make it easy for travellers to find the right experience at the right price.

From the iconic to the unexpected, our guests connect to the real depth of the places we go. You'll break read more bread with locals at our exclusive Be My Guest experiences and unlock local secrets with our Travel Directors and Local Specialists. Whether by land, river or rail, we create memorable journeys filled with authentic local experiences and expert guidance. We handle the details, so your are free to discover the heart of every destination and enjoy those unexpected travel moments.

We consider how we can positively impact the communities we engage with. Through our JoinTrafalgar initiatives powered by TreadRight, our guests don't just leave footprints on the ground but leave a lasting legacy for the betterment of locals and the future of their communities. Backed by nearly 80 years of trusted experience, feedback from over 5 million happy guests and more than 150,000 five-star reviews, we continue to innovate and deliver memorable holidays with responsible travel practices at their heart.

What types of trips do Trafalgar offer?

Coach Tours River Cruises Small Group Tours Rail Journeys

Where can you travel to?

Africa Asia Australia & NZ Canada & Alaska Egypt & Jordan Europe South America UK & Ireland More...

Trafalgar snapshot

Total No. ToursTotal No. Tours
491
DeparturesDepartures
11,231
Average tour lengthAverage tour length
11 days
Average price per dayAverage price per day
$542

Our thoughts...

The low down on Trafalgar from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Over 250 coach tours around the world, and one of our clients most popular touring companies, Trafalgar is part of the Travel Corporation, which includes under its umbrella the sister brands of Insight Vacations, AAT Kings, Uniworld, Luxury Gold, Contiki & Costsaver. With a worldwide presence, Trafalgar welcomes guests from around the world so you'll enjoy the company of many nationalities aboard your coach. Sitting between Insight and Costsaver, Trafalgar pride themselves in touring innovation, introducing 'Insider Experiences' (where you get to know and dine with the locals) and travel styles to suit those that prefer smaller groups or those read more that prefer a more leisurely itineraries. Look out for Trafalgar's 'Early Payment Savings' where you can enjoy significant savings on your trip if you book and pay early, as well as further savings if you're a past passenger on any of their aforementioned sister brands.

Who travels with Trafalgar?

A broad international mix of couples, friends, families and solo travellers. Trafalgar welcomes guests from around the world

What's the age range on a Trafalgar tour?

Trafalgar attracts a broad mix of ages, with tours particularly well suited to mature and senior travellers.

How many people will we be travelling with?

Group sizes vary considerably by destination. Europe averages around 40 to 45 guests with a maximum of 53; North America has up to 52, Australia and New Zealand up to 50, Asia generally up to 32, Africa up to 36 and Latin America around 40 to 45.

I'm a solo-traveller, will your tours suit me?

Yes. Trafalgar is well suited to solo travellers, with guided sightseeing, shared experiences and options to either share a room or book single accommodation.

Do you offer single rooms?

Yes. A single supplement applies and single-room pricing and availability is shown for each departure.

Do you offer room-sharing with other solo travellers?

Yes. On many itineraries solo travellers can pay the twin-share rate and be matched with another solo traveller of the same gender.

How would you describe the accommodation on your trips?

Quality 3 and 4-star hotels together with distinctive Stays with Stories and other destination-specific accommodation.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Optional experiences, some meals and drinks, additional transfers and gratuities.

Do you have the same guide throughout the trip?

Yes. A dedicated Trafalgar Travel Director accompanies the group throughout the tour and manages sightseeing, logistics and day-to-day arrangements.

Do you use local guides?

Yes. Local Specialists are used in many destinations to provide more detailed expert sightseeing alongside the Travel Director.

How much free time will we have on a Trafalgar trip?

Tours combine organised sightseeing with independent time. Some itineraries include several hours or full days to relax and explore independently, with optional experiences available during some free periods.

How fit do we need to be?

Travellers should be medically and physically fit enough to participate independently. Requirements vary by itinerary and can include significant walking, steps and uneven surfaces; Trafalgar's Travel Directors and Drivers cannot provide individual physical assistance.

Recent Trafalgar reviews

Disappointed with Travel Director 0
, VIC, Australia, Oct 2026
The Best of Portugal tour with Trafalgar had 52 people on it, way too many for my liking. It was a nice tour but had too many optional extras and were very expensive for what they were, especially the dinners. The tour director Tiago was not accommodating, I witnessed him being dismissive of travellers requests and concerns. He did the bare minimum read more and talked about himself too much and how if we didn’t rate him a high score he won’t get much work. Of all my trips with Trafalgar this is my least favourite.
Trafalgar Splendours of Japan 0
, WA , Australia, Oct 2026
A fantastic tour with so many interesting and new experiences, including Hiroshima. It was very busy every day from early morning to evening. Our tour leader was excellent with so much knowledge to share and interesting facts to tell us. Japan is a very clean country and the people very friendly. Every day had something special to experience. The read more accommodation was excellent. Highly recommend this tour.
Awesome adventure 0
, CA, United States, Oct 2026
I booked this trip last year with the hope of seeing the Northern Lights, and it turned out to be an amazing adventure! One thing I think people should understand before booking is that while you can see the Northern Lights with the naked eye, they are not always visible or as vibrant as the photos you see online. We were fortunate enough to see faint read more green colors, and our smartphones captured much more than our eyes could see. Even without a spectacular display, experiencing the Northern Lights was still special.

There were plenty of optional excursions, and we chose to do all of them. They were 100% worth it! The reindeer farm was a great experience, and the husky sledding adventure was so much fun, even though there was no snow. We also visited the Icehotel, and what an amazing and fun experience that was! Seeing the incredible ice sculptures and the creativity that goes into creating the hotel was fascinating. We learned that the outdoor ice hotel is being built later and later in the year. I can only wonder if climate change and warming temperatures are contributing to that. The permanent Icehotel was awesome and well worth seeing!

We also toured the Vasa Museum and the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm. The Vasa Museum literally took my breath away! Seeing the Vasa ship in person was incredible and definitely a highlight of the trip. I highly recommend allowing extra time in Stockholm to explore these attractions and enjoy the city.

A little advice for future travelers: Consider arriving a day or two early to adjust to the time difference. The 10-hour time change (from California) was much harder to adjust to than I expected! I would also recommend staying an extra day or two after the tour to give yourself enough time to truly explore Stockholm.

Another important tip: Pack for the Arctic weather! We traveled in October, and it was COLD. If you're traveling to Finnish and Swedish Lapland, make sure you bring proper cold-weather clothing, including a warm winter jacket, insulated pants, gloves, a hat, and appropriate footwear. Some people in our group had to purchase additional clothing because they weren't adequately prepared. You don't want to spend your time being cold when you should be enjoying the experience!

Our tour guide, Mike, was awesome! He was personable, funny, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel comfortable throughout the trip. He also did a great job managing a group of 27 people, which is no easy task. Our driver, Kristoff, got us everywhere safely, and our two local experts, Lucas (Northern lights hunting) and Adi Nobel and Vasa Museum** (I hope I spelled their names correctly!), were great as well. I really enjoyed Adi's tours he was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. You could just tell how passionate he was.

Our group of 27 people was the perfect size. Everyone got along really well and, best of all, everyone was ready on time, which helped keep everything running smoothly. The first couple of days involve quite a bit of travel, but once you settle into the pace, the trip is fantastic.

If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure with great guides, beautiful scenery, fun excursions, and a wonderful group experience, I highly recommend this trip! The Northern Lights are a bonus, but there is so much more to see and experience along the way. I would absolutely consider traveling with Trafalgar again!
Spanish Experience 0
, NSW, Australia, Oct 2026
We had a fabulous trip, very well organised, participating in all options easy to do, tour director and bus driver very experienced and knowledgeable. Our travel consultant Grace has been excellent organising and answering our queries in a very timely manner we have many more trips on the go!
Canadian Maritimes 0
, NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
Excellent time to travel for changing leaf colours- beautiful kaleidoscope everywhere. Insight coaches very comfortable & spacious, but seat rotation somewhat inconsistent!! Accommodation hotels very comfortable with large rooms though Digby Pines Resort had smaller rooms & needs upgrading. Itinerary good & local guides very knowledgeable & entertaining read more even in very adverse weather conditions at times. Found some “lessons” on local products too detailed. Included meals good.

Trafalgar's most popular trips this month...

12 Day European Whirl (Trafalgar)
European Whirl

12 Days London to Paris

From
5,194pp
14 Day East Coast USA and Canada (Trafalgar)
East Coast USA and Canada

14 Days New York to New York

From
8,027pp
20 Day Grand Scandinavia (Trafalgar)
Grand Scandinavia

20 Days Copenhagen to Oslo

From
10,411pp
8 Day Britain and Ireland Highlights (Trafalgar)
Britain and Ireland Highlights

8 Days London to London

From
3,731pp
15 Day Best of Spain & Portugal (Trafalgar)
Best of Spain & Portugal

15 Days Madrid to Barcelona

From
6,823pp