We asked Explore Worldwide why you should travel with them, here's what they said...
Explore has been taking small groups on adventure holidays all over the world for over 45 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 11 people – small enough to get right into read more 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 Sri Lanka, cycling in Croatia, walking in Italy or exploring Costa Rica with your family, when you’re travelling with Explore you know that you’re in good hands.
Total No. Tours
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Average price per dayThe low down on Explore from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Explore Worldwide is a UK adventure travel company that has been around since 1981. They run over 300 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 read more or their Upgraded Tours collection which adds premium accommodation for extra comfort. Explore have an impressive track record with 96% of past travellers saying they would travel with them again.
A broad mix of travellers, with around half typically travelling solo and the remainder made up of couples, friends and families. Guests span a wide age range and come from markets including the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
Most travellers are around 40 to 60, although groups commonly include adults from their 20s through to their 70s.
Explore's small groups average around 11 travellers, with most trips carrying a maximum of 16. Some specialist or family itineraries can have different limits.
Yes. Solo travellers are a major part of Explore's small groups, so travelling alone is common and you will usually be joined by other solo guests.
50%
Yes. Single rooms can be requested on most trips for a supplement, although availability and the nights offered vary by itinerary.
Yes. Solo travellers can normally share a twin room with another traveller of the same sex.
Accommodation varies by itinerary, ranging from simple local stays, homestays, lodges and camping to comfortable hotels. Upgraded trips feature more premium accommodation.
Optional activities and excursions and meals not included in the itinerary.
Generally yes. An Explore Tour Leader usually accompanies the group throughout the trip, although local representatives or specialist guides may join for particular sections or visits.
Yes. Local guides, specialists and representatives are used where appropriate, alongside the Explore Tour Leader.
Trips combine organised activities with free time and optional experiences. The amount varies by itinerary, with flexibility built in so travellers can sometimes explore or dine independently.
Fitness requirements depend on the itinerary. Explore grades trip pace and activity levels, with some cultural trips requiring only general mobility while walking, trekking and cycling trips can require a good level of fitness.
We asked G Adventures why you should travel with them, here's what they said...
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 read more 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.
Total No. ToursDeparturesAverage tour lengthAverage price per dayThe low down on G Adventures from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
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 read more recently incorporated Wellness trips, 18-to-Thirty Somethings adventures and National Georgraphic Signature luxury trips into their portfolio of trip styles.
Adventure-minded travellers from around the world, including couples, friends and a high proportion of solo travellers.
A broad age mix, from travellers in their early 20s through to 60+, depending on the travel style. 18-to-Thirtysomethings trips are restricted to ages 18–39.
Most small group trips have up to 15 travellers and average around 10, although some trip collections use different group limits up to 18 travellers.
Yes. Solo travellers make up a significant share of guests, with shared same-sex rooming available and no single supplement on most group trips.
40%
Yes. A 'My Own Room' option is available on most tours for an additional cost, although a private room may not be available at every overnight stop.
Yes. Solo travellers are generally paired with another traveller of the same sex when using shared accommodation.
Varies widely by travel style, from hostels, guesthouses and homestays to hotels, lodges, camps and premium character properties.
Arrival and departure transfers, meals not listed as included, optional activities and 'My Own Room' upgrades.
Trips are led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), with additional specialistw or local guides used for some activities and destinations.
Yes. Chief Experience Officers are locally based, and additional local experts and specialists are used on many itineraries.
Trips combine organised experiences with plenty of free time to explore independently, with the amount varying by itinerary and travel style.
Fitness requirements vary considerably by itinerary. Each trip has a physical grading so travellers can select an adventure suited to their abilities.
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