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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, 18-to-Thirty Somethings adventures and National Georgraphic Signature luxury trips into their portfolio of trip styles.
Stats
No. of Trips
405
No. of Departures
4,643
Avg. Trip Length
12 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$273
Accommodation
Mixed
Budget
Affordable & Premium
No. of Trips
1,069
No. of Departures
93,315
Avg. Trip Length
13 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$255
Accommodation
Mixed
Budget
Affordable & Premium & Luxury
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
4.8
We had a wonderful time exploring the picturesque country of Belize, and enjoyed seeing amazing Mayan sites, beautiful beaches and a wide variety of birds and wildlife. In our experience, a tour is only as good as the guide. Tarique was amazing with his knowledge, good humor, organization and people skills. He and our fellow travelers made this tour read more a real pleasure and an unforgettable experience! Our only suggestion would be to allow travelers to pre-book and pre-pay for excursions to reduce the need to bring or access currency for these bookings during the trip.
Overall a good tour. Good guides. Everyone got along. The hotel selected for us in Phnom Penh was the Frangipani Hotel which was not a good hotel. Very low end. Broken bathroom fixtures, terrible service, basic breakfast. Good location. The second hotel in Siem Reap, Hari Suites and Residences, was very good and a nice upgrade from first hotel. I give read more the tour overall a 3 due to the very sub par hotel in PP. Otherwise it would be a 4.
Was a great trip. Some accommodation very simple but lots of great experiences including sleeping on deck of a river boat. Most of my party of ten were keen bird watchers who were very happy. First time I had taken an Encounter trip but would certainly do another. Appreciate the wonderful assistance of Tracey through the entire booking process.
The experience was amazing - our guide was very knowledgeable and kind and the accommodations were all very comfortable! My favorite part was riding camels through the Sahara!
We enjoyed our cycle trip from Porto to Lisboa in October. This was our first bike tour and although challenging at times, we did it. THe group was easy to get along with and the Guide, Mike (from Montaraz Outdoors) was exceptional. He was very encouraging and always assisting. I had a flat tire one day and he had it fixed in less than 5 minutes (okay, read more 6).The communication with Explore was good; the cost was reasonable and the tour itself exceeded our expectations. It was a great way to travel and see the countryside of Portugal. We look forward to our next journey.
Kaitlyn was a great help booking and answering questions. She always answered email in a timely manner. I am planning another trip with Kaitlyn.
4.6
Fantastic tour! Be prepared for some pretty intense climbing/hiking at altitude. Machu Picchu was surreal. I learned so much more about the history of the Inca and the other cultures that were present throughout out the area. Fascinating and well worth the effort!
We would definitely book with Global Journeys again. The response time was amazing and issues were dealt with competently. Early February was a good time to be in Morocco. We could definitely feel the increase in the number of tourists between our two stays in Marrakech - a span of eight days. We enjoyed the cooking and calligraphy classes. We loved read more hearing about the history of Morocco, its culture, and about Islam and Ramadan. People need to be prepared for some long travel days over sometime scary roads in vans that could be more comfortable. Our fellow travellers were a good mix, and there were no issues, even agreeing to allow my tall husband to occupy the middle seat in the back row, the whole trip! Our guide was excellent and our driver very skilled and safe over varying road conditions.
Global Journeys and Isabella were fantastic! Everything was taken care of from arrival and departure snd everything in between. Isabella had things ready for me well in advance as I was traveling prior. She contacted me with all necessary information prior to, and during, my travel. I will most definitely book with Global Journeys again. High quality read more planning, booking, tours, ans guides.
Alaskan Adventure in the Winter 0
Alaska in Winter: Northern Lights & Dog Sledding Adventure
Sabrina, CA, United States, Feb 2026
Incredible trip! I booked 1 week in Alaska and experienced nature hikes along the Alaskan range, guided walk on a glacier, Northern Lights, and dog sledding.
Morocco from North to South 0
Morocco North and South: Mountain Villages and Ancient Kasbahs
Julie and Edward, TX, United States, Jan 2026
Touring Morocco itself was a wonderful experience and the two guides, Sofia and Rachid were both extraordinary. There were disappointments with some of GAdventures administrative and tour processes. Ours was a "Geluxe" tour yet you had to buy your own water at the included meals is one example. I've been on many tours with various companies and never read more not had water provide during the meals, especially in a country where they tell you not to drink the tap water.
Spectacular views and insightful experiences 0
Journeys: Discover Patagonia
Joanne, VIC, Australia, Dec 2025
Being a National Geographic Tour, the destinations lived up to expectations with magnificent views and we had a couple of educational lectures combined. Patagonia is a huge space and we covered a lot of distances quickly, thanks to the internal flights. Bus rides could be more spacious and comfortable, but great CEO from G Adventures and mostly very read more good to excellent hotels. Georgie as usual was highly efficient in organising this trip. Global Journeys' online system is an optimum mix of online self-service and available help from real humans for questions when needed. I would use this again.
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