Home > Compare Tour & Adventure Operators > Explore vs G Adventures
Explore vs G Adventures
Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of Explore and G Adventures.The Low Down
Explore Worldwide is a UK adventure travel company that has been around since 1981. They run over 500 small group tours in more than 100 countries around the world with an average of 12 guests. Accommodation is often family run lodgings and guides are passionate locals. Itineraries are a mix of must-sees and who-knews, and guests can choose from different trip styles to suit their interests.Explore recognises that adventure is different for everyone, and their trips range from classic discovery group tours to active adventures such as hiking and cycling. They also have dedicated family trips, themed journeys such as those that focus on wildlife or their limited edition Explore Beyond collection which showcases rare one-off events. Explore have an impressive track record with 96% of past travellers saying they would travel with them again.
G Adventures have impressed us with their ethos, their range of unique itineraries and proven track record with over 100,000 past travellers. Their main competitor in the adventure touring space is Intrepid, with both Operators focused on authentic, affordable small group tours. With over 600 trips around the world and 50,000 departures, G have a stunning range of interesting unique itineraries to choose from, with a focus on South and Central America, Asia and Polar expedition cruising. G Adventures operate dynamic pricing so prices can change daily - upwards if the trip is filling up, and down if they need to fill some spaces. G have also recently incorporated Wellness trips and 18-to-Thirty Somethings adventuresinto their portfolio of trip styles.
Stats
No. of Trips
542
No. of Departures
5,728
Avg. Trip Length
11 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$372
Accommodation
Mixed
Budget
Affordable & Premium
No. of Trips
726
No. of Departures
63,310
Avg. Trip Length
12 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$331
Accommodation
Mixed
Budget
Affordable
In Their Own Words We asked the travel companies themselves why you should travel with them
Explore has been taking small groups on adventure holidays all over the world for almost 40 years. The expert team, at home and overseas, works together to create itineraries that leave you feeling that you’ve really explored a destination rather than just visited. You’ll see the highlights, the must-sees, of course. But you’ll also get away from the beaten track, and get a different perspective on your destination. You’ll get closer to a place, its people and cultures.
Our small groups are typically 12 people – small enough to get right into the heart of your destination, but big enough to find like-minded people to share your experiences with. And the glue that holds these groups together is our local tour leaders, who are uniquely placed to add individual and spontaneous moments to each trips – moments that stay with you long after you return home. All sorts of people travel with Explore – our groups are usually a mix of solos, couples and friends. What unites them is their adventurous spirit and thirst for real travel experiences.
We provide authentic small-group travel, designed by experts and led by experts, with sustainability at its heart and a common desire for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re on a cultural tour of Lebanon, cycling in Vietnam, walking in Italy or exploring Costa Rica with your family, when you’re travelling with Explore you know that you’re in good hands.
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years.
Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Recent Reviews
4.7
The trip lasted 7 days. For the first 4 days which included 3 days on Gozo and the 1st day in Malta was an absolute shambles. We were not met from the ferry in Gozo, the guide was too busy talking in the bus with the driver and didn’t notice this very big ferry had docked. One of our group decided to do a car park search after waiting for 3/4 an hour ...read more and found them ! The guide was not interested and did it because she had to. A very unpleasant experience. Arriving Malta and checked in to our hotel. A guide took us out to dinner but never saw her again. The next day was a public holiday which saw the group waiting in the lobby with no idea who, what or when we were being met. Phone call made to the local office to enquire what were the plans and that person was spoken to in such a condescending manner and the attitude was unbelievable which prompted another of the group to phone and email the head office in UK and made a complaint.
A guide was produced at 10 am who also did not want to be there, our entire ‘tour’ of Valletta took 2 hours only and then we were told to take the local bus home as the tour bus was leaving at 1pm!! After the complaint was made to the UK office, the next 3 days we had marvellous guides and the best driver ever who virtually saved the trip from total disaster. The accommodation was 3 star at best, however, was clean and breakfast provided. The group was made up of people from USA, UK and AUS. We all rubbed along quite well. From this experience, I have also emailed the UK head office with a more detailed description of the total lack of communication and attitude from the local Maltese office. Would I go on another Explore trip…. I would really have to think about it but at the moment, no.
A guide was produced at 10 am who also did not want to be there, our entire ‘tour’ of Valletta took 2 hours only and then we were told to take the local bus home as the tour bus was leaving at 1pm!! After the complaint was made to the UK office, the next 3 days we had marvellous guides and the best driver ever who virtually saved the trip from total disaster. The accommodation was 3 star at best, however, was clean and breakfast provided. The group was made up of people from USA, UK and AUS. We all rubbed along quite well. From this experience, I have also emailed the UK head office with a more detailed description of the total lack of communication and attitude from the local Maltese office. Would I go on another Explore trip…. I would really have to think about it but at the moment, no.
An excellent tour. Witt our tour guide was absolutely fabulous. He was very knowledgeable, extremely informed on history, architecture, religion, culture and customs. Nothing was too much trouble. He kept us well informed of activities and time schedules on a daily basis. The transport was spacious and comfortable with an esky full of cold water and ...read more refreshments towels. The accommodation was as stated in the itinerary and actually surpassed my expectations. Truly a very memorable holiday. I can recommend Witt as the best tour guide I have ever had. Thank you Witt for an unforgettable experience.
Houn (Tour Guide) and his team were very professional, friendly and attentive to all our needs. All went to plan. Would swap the boat trip experience for an additional 2 days cycling. Most of the group stated that would also be their preference.
This was a busy tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. We had many different experiences. My favorite was the Ben Tre home stay in the Mekong Delta, a long day to get there: 5.30am departure from Hoi An hotel, bus to Danang airport, flight to HCMC, bus to Ben Tre then finally a boat to the home stay with a great seafood lunch onboard. Our overnight train ...read more from Hanoi to Hue was impacted by floodwaters and we ended up travelling the last 3 hours by bus - we arrived safely.
Weather wasn't great, we had a lot of rain and barely saw the sun but it didn't impact on the planned itinerary. Most hotels were equipped with large golf umbrellas which was very handy. Accommodation was very nice. The tour was full: 16 people, all British except 2 of us from Australia and 1 American. 5 couples, 3 solo females and 3 solo men. I enjoyed the tour and I'm looking at travelling with Explore again. Some fellow travellers had done numerous tours with Explore. Booking with Georgie at Global Journeys is always straightforward.
Weather wasn't great, we had a lot of rain and barely saw the sun but it didn't impact on the planned itinerary. Most hotels were equipped with large golf umbrellas which was very handy. Accommodation was very nice. The tour was full: 16 people, all British except 2 of us from Australia and 1 American. 5 couples, 3 solo females and 3 solo men. I enjoyed the tour and I'm looking at travelling with Explore again. Some fellow travellers had done numerous tours with Explore. Booking with Georgie at Global Journeys is always straightforward.
The trip was exactly what was presented in the marketing. The guide was excellent, 25 yrs living in Turkey and therefore knowledge of culture and landscape was a lived, full of real experience. The accommodation was good as was the backup van service. Would recommend.
Unfortunately this trip was a bit of a let down. I couldn’t believe for the price that only breakfast was included not even a welcoming or farewell dinner. After just completing a tour of longer duration for not much more we had breakfast and a main meal, plus drinks included every day, sometimes three meals. The accommodation was very ordinary at times ...read more especially when we were so far out of town that we were dropped in to find somewhere to eat and told to find our own way back by Uber or taxi. Most of us had no phone connection or Uber account. This led to the guide having to use hers. Very disappointing. The walking activities were lovely but a lot of the other outdoor activities were set for the afternoon in free time but we were often too late back to do them. Danielle the guide was very kind and went out of her way to be warm, helpful and informative. The driver Stephan was very competent as well, they did their best on a very poorly put together trip.
4.7
The trip with G Adventures was excellent - the team really looked after us. The trek itself was beautiful, but too short! I recommend if you have more time, to take a few extra days to fully enjoy the park. The food and accommodation provided fully met our expectations. The team leading the hike were professional, fun and solved any problem we had. ...read more As for Global Journeys, our coordinator Hannah was outstanding. She was always available to answer any questions we had when organising the trip.
Animals and Birds in the natural settings in Borneo 1 Kevin and Pamela, Hamilton, New Zealand, Jan 2024
This tour provided a lot of variation from seeing how the locals live, learn about their food, taste great dishes prepared by the locals, live from hotel, homestay, lodges to glamping. Travel the river searching for birds, elephants, monkeys and orangutangs. Visit an island where turtles come to lay their eggs and if weather , tides and visibility are ...read more fine then a little snorkeling as well.
I had a fantastic trip to Vietnam, Laos and Thailand with G Adventures. I almost didn't go on the tour as I didn't realize I needed a visa to travel to Vietnam and Laos. I had to get a Visa last minute to travel to Vietnam and pay $300. I had not traveled to a country before where I needed a visa. I discovered at the airport that there were 15 other ...read more people on my flight to Vietnam that had to get last minute visas. Some people on the tour also realized at the last minute that they needed a visa. My travel agent could have been more helpful by checking that I had the visas prior to my leaving to go on my holiday.
My wife and I have just returned from an absolutely fantastic adventure to Jordan. I must admit that Jordan was a last minute choice after hostilities broke out in Israel and travelling there became impossible. So less than a week before the start of the tour a phone call to Hannah became necessary. Hannah is super professional and had the tour and ...read more extra accommodation confirmed in next to no time.
As far as the trip is concerned this was the first G Adventures tour we have booked. As a National Geographic tour it is premium in inclusions but most importantly their best tour guides are included. Our guide Montaser could not be faulted. It might sound strange but it is the little things which really make a successful trip. Special local venues and restaurants that only a local knows about really add to the overall experience. As far as visiting Jordan what a pleasant surprise. The locals were always friendly, the food and of course the scenery and history. Every day was just spectacular! Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, the Roman ruins and so much more. The best comment I think I can make is , “Do yourself a favour and visit Jordan.”
As far as the trip is concerned this was the first G Adventures tour we have booked. As a National Geographic tour it is premium in inclusions but most importantly their best tour guides are included. Our guide Montaser could not be faulted. It might sound strange but it is the little things which really make a successful trip. Special local venues and restaurants that only a local knows about really add to the overall experience. As far as visiting Jordan what a pleasant surprise. The locals were always friendly, the food and of course the scenery and history. Every day was just spectacular! Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, the Roman ruins and so much more. The best comment I think I can make is , “Do yourself a favour and visit Jordan.”
Our CEO was very personable and friendly and it was an interesting mixed group. Most were quite experienced travelers. There was a wide age range from a range of mostly English speaking countries. Everyone was very pleasant and showed up on time for activities. Lipari and Stromboli were highlights and good activities were arranged for these days. The ...read more visit to Taormina was too brief. The time spent in Catania with two free days was too long particularly if you did not do the Mt Etna excursion which was not suitable for all members. Syracuse was another highlight as was the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina and the provision of a guide was appreciated. Most of the group found the visit to the Marsala salt marshes uninspiring. Our main concerns were that we were given very little guidance as to what was available in the town for the days that were free and the introductory walks and information was rushed and fairly minimal. The times available at each stop and departure times could have been communicated more efficiently. I suggest handouts or provision of links for each of the towns in which we stayed so that we had the key addresses for self guided walks and visits and suggestions for places to eat.
We had lots of fun on this well paced trip. A great tour leader and group ranging from 20 to 70! Lots of laughs over meals and activities, based around some of the main cities in Portugal. Optional and extra activities were a good choice too, including trips into the countryside. We would recommend this as a first trip to Portugal. Booking was easy ...read more with Global Journeys.
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