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.
The low down on Explore Worldwide 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 Intrepid Travel why you should travel with them, here's what they said...
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 30 years. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Led by a local leader, our small group tours offer a sustainable way to travel off the beaten track, while giving back to the places and people that travellers visit.
The low down on Intrepid from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Intrepid specialise in small group adventure tours, and feature trips around the globe. With over 700 tours and 50,000 departures, Intrepid's itineraries are designed for the budget conscious adventurer, families and even adventures for those that prefer a bit of comfort at the end of each day. Like G Adventures, Intrepid also have a myriad of trips through South and Central America & Asia and operate dynamic pricing so prices can change daily - upwards if the trip is filling up, and down if they need to fill some spaces.
Recommending the best Operator for small group adventures is a tough one. It's very subjective and we think a lot depends read more on the region, the itinerary and the trip leader you get. This will have a huge sway on whether your trip is good, great or average. Our advice is to choose the Operator which has the itinerary and departures dates that suit you best. Look at things like inclusions, group size and other details to help make your decision.
A diverse international mix of friendly, open-minded and curious travellers, including couples, friends and a high proportion of solo travellers.
A broad age mix, with travellers commonly ranging from 18 to 70.
Most trips have a maximum of 16 travellers and average around 10. Some overland trips operate with larger groups of up to 24.
Over 50% of Intrepid travellers travel solo, and the small-group format is designed to make it easy to meet like-minded travellers.
50%
Yes. Most trips offer an individual room for an additional single supplement, although some shared accommodation such as homestays, overnight trains or camps may be excluded.
Yes. Solo travellers are normally paired with another solo traveller of the same gender, based on the gender marker on their passport, on a twin-share basis.
Accommodation varies by trip style and can include budget and standard hotels, locally owned guesthouses, homestays, campsites, comfortable hotels and handpicked Premium Feature Stays.
Meals and optional activities not specified as included, some airport transfers and tips.
A locally based Intrepid leader normally accompanies the group, although longer or multi-country journeys may change leaders during the journey.
Yes. Intrepid works exclusively with locally based leaders, and additional specialist local guides may also be used for particular sightseeing and activities.
There is a deliberate mix of organised activities and independent time. Basic trips generally offer the most free time, while Comfort and Premium trips include more organised experiences.
Most trips suit travellers with an average level of fitness, but requirements vary considerably. Every trip has a physical rating, and more active trekking or adventure itineraries may require additional preparation.
Compare Tour Companies
Global Journeys | Terms & Conditions
Global Journeys Pty Ltd. Accredited Member of The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). No. A11351.