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G Adventures: Is It Worth the Money? Our Honest Review

It's never easy to pick a group tour, especially when they're all saying the same things. Are they actually as great as they're saying they are? Find out what their tours feature, whats their pros and cons are, and how they compare to other tour companies.

Traveling solo is quite difficult when compared to traveling in a group with friends or family. You have to tackle everything from planning the trip to navigating your way to conversing in a foreign language with locals. This is where Pilot comes in handy to aid you in the trip planning process and allow you to focus on making meaningful experiences. However, planning a trip alone all by themselves is not for everyone.

This is why tour companies are a good choice for solo travelers who also have less experience! They can help you optimize your travel experience better. But, as you might know already, there’s an endless list of options when it comes to tour companies. As if choosing from the endless possibilities of tour companies isn’t enough, the entire outcome of your trip depends on the tour company you choose.

Let us help you pick the right tour company for you. We’re here to review a popular adventure travel company, G Adventures.

G Adventures is a tour service that pledges to “Do the Right Thing” by offering travelers valuable experiences and supporting local communities at the same time. It is a company that supports ethical tourism, and we thought it is worth your attention.

If you're looking for more options, we've previously done reviews of similar tour companies like GetYourGuide so you might want to check that out as well!

Is G Adventures a good tour company? Read our review to find out!

What is G Adventures?

G Adventures , formerly known as Gap Adventures, was founded by Bruce Poon Tip in 1990. It is an adventure travel company that carries out guided tours in small groups of up to 16 people. They offer itineraries to destinations around the world, mostly with local tour guides to assist travelers. 

Since its inception, G Adventures tour has earned fame as a tour operator that offers unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences for travelers, with a focus on sustainability and responsible travel.

Who uses G Adventures?

G Adventures tour caters to travelers aged 18 and above. Its main client base consists of young to middle-aged travelers, and some tours are restricted to independent travelers between 18-39 years. However, there are packages for older travelers and families as well. 

G Adventure tours are mainly focused on adventure travel aspects, but they do provide other types of travel tours. They offer a standard tour service which is neither budget-friendly nor luxurious but somewhere in between. G Adventures is ideal if you need the support of a reliable tour company but with ample flexibility to do your own thing!

What does a G Adventures tour include?

Every trip has a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), otherwise known as a tour guide, to assist the group throughout the trip. They are mostly locals, although some can be expats with good knowledge about the destination.  

G Adventures will take care of accommodation, transportation (within the destination), some meals (mostly breakfast), and the costs of entrance tickets for attractions and other major experiences included in the itinerary. 

What’s not included in the pricing are visas, airfare (unless you book via them), border crossing fees, meals, additional activities, and tips. So, it's necessary to bring extra cash.

What are the types of tours offered by G Adventures?

G Adventures offers a long list of tours based on different travel styles, experiences, and age categories.

• Classic Tours : A mix of different experiences that include major attractions and activities, cultural sites, uncommon and local experiences.
• National Geographic Journeys : A high-end tour with close-up experiences of the best attractions and activities of the destination.
• 18- Thirtysomethings Tours : Fun, fast-paced, and adventurous tours ideal for the young. Expect a lot of partying and drinking.
• Wellness Tours : Tours focusing on yoga, meditation, nourishing food, and other experiencing focusing on self-improvement. Ideal if you are looking for a retreat.
• Active Tours : Action-packed activities like hiking, kayaking, biking, and other experiences that are ideal for adventure seekers.
• Rail Tours : Tours along famous rail routes in the world, experiencing different cities along the way.
• Marine Tours : Cruise tours exploring marine life and other attractions that are only accessible by boats or ships. Eg: G Adventures Arctic cruises.
• Local Living Tours : Tours that give you a good dose of local life in each destination.
• Family Tours: Tailor-made tours to cater to all family members with kid-friendly activities.

What's Great About G Adventures.

In a G Adventures tour, every major aspect of a trip is planned for you, ensuring you have a hassle-free experience. This way, you can focus on enjoying the trip without worrying about logistics, accommodation, etc. You also don’t have to worry about tackling a new language as your tour guide will help you.

• Better travel experience

Many guided-tour companies carry out tours in large, crowded groups, and it’s not a very comfortable experience. Most of the time, it feels like you are taken from place to place with less time to enjoy them. G Adventures tours allow for more interaction. They hire knowledgeable local tour guides to give you informative details! Their tours also focus on authentic and off-the-beaten-path activities, helping you derive more localized experiences.

Many G Adventures reviews praised the service for its reasonable pricing. There are tours available in varying budget ranges, offering a choice for everyone. Traveling with a tour company shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg, and G Adventures is a good example of it.

• Transparency

G Adventure’s “Ripple Score” shows the impact of your spending on local communities. This way, you know how your travel supports the livelihood of people and businesses that need support. If you feel like making an impact while you’re traveling, this is the perfect opportunity to do so!

• Female-friendly

If you are a solo female traveler, there would be a bunch of concerns, regardless of how safe a destination is. G Adventures is renowned as one of the best tour companies for female travelers. They pair you with a female traveler when sharing accommodation and will update you on tips to stay safe when touring around.

What's Not Great About G Adventures.

• Tour guides

Your tour guide can significantly elevate or hamper your experience. While most of them tend to be very knowledgeable and eager to help, there are instances where travelers have got stuck with unreliable guides who are just there for the money.

• The cancellation policy

Although G Adventures claims to have a flexible refund policy, it seems to be otherwise. Many customers had to go through a frustrating process and lousy customer service to cancel their trips and claim a refund. Some had to wait over a year.

Also, G Adventures had canceled many trips over the last year due to the pandemic and has refused to provide refunds, inconveniencing many customers. Keep reading to find out what other people have been saying about their experiences.

• Poor choice of accommodation (rarely)

There had been instances when travelers had to stay in subpar hotels throughout their tour. The complaints included lack of amenities, insect bites, and poor customer service. We think it’s important to provide comfortable accommodation so travelers can get a good rest before their next trip.

Although not really a con, we like to warn you about how extras can easily pile up your expenses. When traveling in a group, you are somewhat compelled to go with the rest – be it dinner at an expensive restaurant or a river cruise (who wants to be a party pooper?). You might overspend if you are not cautious enough, especially if you are on a tight budget.

G Adventures vs. Contiki tours - What’s the difference?

A popular question amongst travelers looking for tour companies to choose from is the difference between the G Adventures tour and the Contiki tour. Which tour company offers the better touring experience, and why?

G Adventures and Contiki are both adventure-based tours that cater to young adults. They’re both small to medium-sized tours that offer authentic and local experiences. If you’re a solo traveler, both tours will likely pair you up with one or more travelers of the same gender in shared accommodation. 

In general, if you’re interested in socializing, making new friends, and partying, Contiki might be a better choice. If you’re interested in a slower-paced tour with more free time, then G Adventures might be the better choice for you.

As always, it’s a good idea to check the individual tours that you’re interested in to see what kinds of activities or people it would attract. If you’re not interested in strenuous activities, Contiki might be a better choice but there are always different tour options in G Adventures as well.

Contiki might be slightly cheaper and budget-friendly than G Adventures but keep in mind that different itineraries may vary in cost and you might also spend more during your trip on optional activities.

What’s up with the G adventures reviews?

As with every tour company, your experiences will vary from the people and guides that you’re traveling with. However, there seem to be a few G Adventures complaints that talk about the same points. We’ll summarize some G Adventures reviews here for you so that you can make a more informed decision on picking the right tour company for you.

One of the big complaints that many users experienced is the level of knowledge the “CEOs” have during their trip. Some “CEOs” will provide an excellent guide that goes above and beyond what you’d expect on a group tour, while others might not. With group tours, it’s very difficult to know who you’re going to get, but the majority of the reviews on the quality of their guides are quite positive.

Some G adventure reviews have mentioned that their dietary restrictions were not honored during the trip. This might be due to the lack of communication between the service and their caterers. If you have dietary restrictions, make sure to check up ahead of the trip to make sure that everything’s good!

Another complaint that travelers had with G Adventures was with the amenities that come with the accommodations. Some of the travelers found that there was no air conditioning, bedding, hot water, etc during their stay despite the trip description saying that they’re provided. A good rule of thumb is to always check up with the trip operator ahead of time to reconfirm and make sure all the amenities are there!

Is G Adventures worth it?

With over 30 years of experience, we think G Adventures is a great tour company that knows what’s good for its clientele.

It takes the hassle of organizing everything by yourself and is a safer way to travel. There are downsides, of course, as with every other tour company. They also don’t offer tours for every country in the world, so make sure you check that. The choice also depends on your personal preference, and you can reach out to their support team and clarify your doubts.

If you want more options for other reliable and established tour guide companies, read our reviews on Contiki, Busabout , and EF Ultimate Break .

Our Rating: 4.6/5

• Adventure-based travel
• Local, real, and sustainable experiences
• Affordable tours
• Many positive experiences by past travelers
• Lacking amenities (sometimes)
• Varying customer service
• Frustrating cancellation policy
• Poor accommodation (sometimes)

Traveling solo? You’ll need a plan.

If you’re still indecisive about joining a group tour, why not try traveling solo? While it is daunting to go traveling alone, the experiences and friendships you’ll gain on the trip is second to none.

Whether you’re going on a trip solo or with friends and family, you’ll need a good plan. Let Pilot take care of that for you!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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G Adventures Review – Adventure Travel Tours [Tour Styles, Destinations, Reviews]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

779 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Stella Shon

News Managing Editor

87 Published Articles 630 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 25 U.S. States Visited: 22

Who Are G Adventures Tours Good For?

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We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Most of us have a travel bucket list, but there are some destinations that you may feel more confident exploring with a guided tour. Maybe you’re concerned about language barriers , or you’d rather not have to worry about navigating public transport yourself. It’s natural to feel both excited and apprehensive when visiting somewhere new, and booking an escorted tour can alleviate any concerns you may have, especially if you’re traveling solo.

G Adventures has been providing small group tours for over 20 years and consistently listens to customer feedback to provide authentic and life-changing experiences. The G stands for “Good,” which doesn’t just refer to the good time that you’ll have on a tour — it also applies to the impact G Adventures strives to have on the local communities that it encounters along the way.

All G Adventure tours have 100% guaranteed departures , which some operators can’t provide. This avoids the disappointment of having to move to another date or destination just because the number of participants is not viable to run the tour.

Solo Travelers

Group tours are perfect for those that are itching to get away but can’t find a travel buddy. As tour prices are based on a solo rate , you needn’t factor-in expensive single supplements, as you’ll often have the option to upgrade to a private room if you choose. You’ll find that adventure tours attract like-minded individuals, and many G Adventurers have made life-long friends on their trips.

Although socializing is not compulsory on a tour, it does help if you enjoy the company of others. You could be spending weeks with the same people on your tour bus, group trips, and activities, so if you hate being around strangers, then this type of tour probably isn’t for you.

Hot Tip:  If you’re thinking about the iconic sights you might want to explore on a tour, check out these virtual tours of popular tourist attractions around the world , including Angkor Wat and the Great Wall of China. 

Friends or Groups

Friends often book onto tours as no 1 person needs to be responsible for arranging or coordinating the itinerary or managing payments. 1-on-1 travel can be an intense experience, especially if you’re not used to spending that much time together, so joining a tour can alleviate the pressure.

Just because you start a family, doesn’t mean that you can’t explore new and exotic destinations. If your children are 12 years or older, they are welcome on most standard tours when accompanied by an adult, and dedicated family tours are suitable for families with children aged 7-17. A family tour can broaden horizons for many children and educate them in different cultures and languages.

Touring Skeptics

You may have embarked on many solo trips and love the thrill of independent travel, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that a small group tour isn’t for you. There are a few destinations, such as some southern African countries, where public transport isn’t the most reliable. The prospect of being driven the vast distances while getting some shut-eye along the way can be quite appealing.

With a small group tour, you’ll have a permanent tour guide that will be an expert in the destination and will be able to answer any questions you have along the way. With tried and tested itineraries , you can rest assured that you’re exploring the highlights of that destination and can often immerse yourself more in the local culture and communities due to the connections the tour company has established.

G Adventures Tour Types and Destinations

G Adventures recognizes that not everyone likes the same kind of travel, so it offers various styles of tours that cater to most.

18-to-Thirtysomethings Tours

These tours are a little larger in capacity (up to 22) to allow you to meet more people , and let’s face it, if you’re on an 18-to-Thirtysomethings Tour, you’re likely open to the opportunity of meeting some new pals. Tours have a good balance of culture and free time, so you can be exploring temples by day and the local bars and restaurants by night.

Active Tours

Active Tours allow you to explore new destinations through hiking, biking, and other activity sports, such as kayaking and rafting. Each tour has an activity rating to let you know how physically demanding a tour is, and they have a maximum of 16 people (but an average of 10).

Hot Tip:  G Adventures recommends bringing a backpack on your tour rather than a suitcase, as it’s easier to transport than a suitcase. Check out the best hiking and backpacking backpacks for your trip and don’t forget your other adventure travel essentials .

Classic Tours

Classic Tours offer the perfect blend of cultural experiences, must-see highlights, and free time . If you discover something amazing and unscheduled along the way, the G Adventures Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) can adjust the itinerary accordingly to ensure you don’t miss out on those spontaneous, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Family Tours

Organizing a family holiday can be stressful, but with a G Adventures Family Tour, you have the comfort and security of your knowledgeable guide, family-friendly accommodations, and specially-designed itineraries. Family tours usually include 3 or 4 families from all over the world with children around the same age. To ensure everyone has a great time, all family tours have a recommended age ranking indicating how suitable the activities are for children.

Hot Tip:  Traveling with the kids can be a little overwhelming at times, especially to an unknown destination. Read these tips for amazing family travel with your kids .

Local Living Tours

If you’re not a fan of moving from hotel to hotel on a busy tour, but you’re keen to experience a local’s way of life, then a Local Living Tour could be just the ticket. Most tours involve unpacking only once at your home-from-home , including a Tuscan farmhouse or remote village in the Amazon. Live like the locals and do as little or as much as you like with flexible itineraries.

Marine Tours

From river cruises to ocean expeditions, traveling by water can provide a unique way of exploring some of the world’s most magnificent aquatic destinations. Traveling onboard smaller ships than cruise liners allows you to get closer to extraordinary marine wildlife and enjoy more meaningful encounters with local people and communities.

National Geographic Journeys

National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures offers a range of unique tours that delve deeper into the communities and habitats than on a Classic Tour. Your CEO will have specialized National Geographic training for more in-depth, local knowledge on your destination, and tours feature more inclusions and hands-on exploration than standard tours.

It’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination with a Rail Tour. Cruise through some of the world’s most remote areas while enjoying a window view and a glass of wine. Not only is rail travel an authentic and exciting mode of transport, but it also leaves a smaller carbon footprint compared to coaches and airplanes , if responsible travel is important to you.

Hot Tip:  There are many ways that you can become a greener traveler, from taking reusable water bottles to being selective with your toiletries. To do your bit for the environment, take a look at our green travel tips . 

With a G Adventures Wellness Tour, you’ve got the perfect combination of rejuvenating practices such as yoga or mediation and an incredible location. Experience ancient restorative practices and ceremonies and explore cultural sights and awe-inspiring scenery. Most tours include wellness moments such as a daily yoga session or spa treatment, and tours focus on healthy food experiences to nourish the mind and body.

G Adventures operates tours to over 100 destinations across the following continents, countries, and areas:

• Australia and New Zealand
• Central America and the Caribbean
• North Africa and the Middle East
• North America
• Polar regions
• South America

G Adventures Top Tours

The Antarctic is a destination that many adventurers dream of visiting. Colossal icebergs, gigantic glaciers, and jagged mountains make up the beautiful but barren landscape, and it’s a wonder how the brutally cold conditions create a home for such a variety of wildlife.

You’ll be on board the G Expedition that can sleep up to 134 passengers and has many communal areas such as the Penguin Library and Polar Bear Pub. All rooms are  en suite with either a porthole or a window view so that you can spot humpback and minke whales breaching in the surrounding waters.

• Includes accommodation, most meals, Zodiac excursions, educational programs, waterproof boots, and parka

Hot Tip:  There are a couple of optional extras available on the G Expedition that are worth considering. Sleep out under the stars with a camping experience or upgrade from the Zodiac excursions to kayaking to get the closest you can be to your surroundings.

Go beyond the beach with a G Adventures tour to Cuba. This vibrant Caribbean island has only recently opened up to non-traditional travel, so you can explore more than just the beautiful beaches. Stay in a local homestay for an immersive Cuban experience , tour a tobacco plantation, or see the sights of bustling Havana from the comfort of a classic car.

G Adventures offers Classic, Active, Marine, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Cuba.

• Includes transfers, excursions, accommodation, and breakfast

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise with one of the highest densities of biodiversity of any country. Magnificent volcanoes emerge from the lush landscapes, and mysterious cloud forests are home to exotic flora and fauna, including the red-eyed tree frog and the white-faced Capuchin monkey . You’ll need your camera on hand at every moment exploring Costa Rica’s incredible scenery.

G Adventures offers Classic, Active, National Geographic Journeys, Family, Wellness, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Costa Rica.

• Includes transportation and accommodation

Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are accessible by flying in to either 2 of the larger islands of Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal . You’ll then spend your trip sailing through the archipelago, spotting whales and dolphins, and snorkeling amongst sea lions. It’s nature’s paradise! You can choose between a small ship adventure where you’ll sleep on board, or if you prefer to spend your nights on dry land, you can opt for a tour with land-based accommodation.

G Adventures offers Classic, Marine, Active, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Galápagos.

• Includes basic accommodation, some meals, transportation, and some excursions

Hot Tip:  If you combine a Peru tour with a Galápagos tour, G Adventures will pay for your flight between Peru and Ecuador. 

India can be chaotic, mesmerizing, and an intense sensory experience with so many colorful sights, sounds, and smells to absorb. Taking a tour with G Adventures can offer a more organized travel experience. You can spend more time savoring the sights without worrying about the sometimes confusing logistics of navigating this vibrant country. Marvel at the majestic Taj Mahal, cruise along the Kerala backwaters, or relax on the wild beaches of Goa.

G Adventures offers Classic, Wellness, Rail, National Geographic Journeys, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to India.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, excursions, and some meals

Japan is a captivating city with a charming blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. One minute you’ll be wandering around a sacred Buddhist temple, and the next, whizzing between cities on the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train. Visit in spring to see the famous cherry blossom trees , relax in a traditional onsen, or learn about samurai culture. Nothing about Japan disappoints.

G Adventures offers Classic, Active, Rail, National Geographic Journeys, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Japan.

Hot Tip:  For a limited stay trip, Americans do not currently need a visa to enter Japan, so that’s 1 thing less to worry about. 

From stunning beaches to bustling cities and rolling sand dunes to mountainous Berber villages, if you’re looking for a diverse destination, Morocco ticks all the boxes. If you’re a little unsure about exploring the bustling medinas and labyrinthine alleyways independently, a G Adventures tour can give you confidence and security, while still allowing an authentic experience .

G Adventures offers Classic, Active, National Geographic Journeys, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Morocco.

Peru is an active adventurer’s paradise , with the wild and rugged landscapes providing endless hiking opportunities and enormous sand dunes begging to be boarded down. Many hike the famous Inca Trail to Machu  Picchu , while others opt for a less strenuous journey to marvel at the magnificent ancient ruins. Kayak on Lake Titicaca or visit the floating island communities of Uros.

G Adventures offers Classic, Active, National Geographic Journeys, Marine, Wellness, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Peru.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, excursions, and most meals

Foodies will love sampling the culinary delights of the charming market stalls and seafood beach shacks, while others will enjoy tasty home-cooked meals while spending the night with a hill tribe family. With scenery so spectacular, it’s no wonder Thailand has featured in many blockbuster movies, with limestone rocks protruding from crystal-clear waters. Gleaming temples, a vibrant capital, and spectacular beaches make Thailand a well-rounded destination that offers something for everyone .

G Adventures offers Classic, Active, National Geographic Journeys, Marine, Family, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours to Thailand.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, excursions, and breakfast

G Adventures is a highly reviewed tour company with the following overall ratings:

• Trustpilot : 4.4 out of 5
• Facebook : 4.5 out of 5
• TourRadar : 4.6 out of 5

To give you a flavor of the feedback G Adventures receives, these are some testimonials from some of its most popular trips.

Antarctica Classic Tour “This was the MOST amazing trip of my life (and I have traveled a lot). The experience of seeing this vastly untouched continent is something I won’t ever forget. The penguins were adorable, and the staff was excellent in giving the passengers a full and knowledgeable trip. Highly recommended!” — Stacie C, United States

Cuba Libre Tour “I had a fabulous time. I visited towns and sites that I would not have found on my own. I also enjoyed meeting other tour participants from various European countries who appreciate traveling just as much as I do.” — Sondra W, Canada

Costa Rica Quest Tour “Our guide was exceptional. Her knowledge of each area and unwavering commitment to ensure that we all had the most positive experience did not go unnoticed. This was the best trip I have ever taken, and I would not hesitate to travel with her again. There were plenty of activities to choose from, so we could take advantage of as little or as much as we liked. The drivers were friendly and accommodating.” — P. Victoria Anne W, Canada

Comfort Galápagos 10 Day Tour “I had an amazing experience like no other. Never have I been so much in contact with wildlife. The trip was very memorable and gave me a very good impression of the place and its people. I have to admire the people at G Adventures in Ecuador, in which they made my travel experience as smooth as possible without any hassle. My trip there was not a luxury trip, but I felt I was treated with first-class service. I was delighted and enjoyed myself a lot. Even though I traveled alone, I felt very comfortable and had one of the best times in travel adventures.” —  Lemuel D, United States

Rajasthan Adventure “This was an impressive tour. We saw a lot of sights and experienced a vast range of Indian cultures. Our tour guide, Narendra Pal Singh, was excellent. A great character to be around. Thank you. The accommodations were incredible; the most impressive for me was the hotel in Ranakpur, that was surrounded by lush vegetation.” — Jamahl M, United Kingdom

Discover Japan Tour “Where else in the world, except Japan, can you go to experience the traditional mixed with the modern, and while not speaking the language and still feel completely at home. Mix in a group of people with different backgrounds, traveling together to places they have never seen and who realize at the end they could not have imagined or understood these places without being there, and you receive 15 perceptions of a place which absorbs you. The tour brought you the opportunities to explore on your own and as a group and the confidence to step out of what you thought was your comfort zone. A great experience which went by way too fast, as they say, time flies when you’re having fun.” — Janelle A, Australia

Highlights of Morocco Tour “This is my 2nd G Adventures tour, so I knew that everything would be well organized and planned. It really showed the diversity of Morocco from cities, mountains, and desert. The local guides were really informative. The level of accommodation was very good.” — Janet C, Australia

Inca Empire Tour “The G Adventures tour far exceeded my expectations, and I would recommend G Adventures to anyone when considering a tour group option. Everything was taken care of, and a special mention to our tour leader Caroline who did a tremendous job from chasing down lost luggage, to taking us to the best restaurants every night! The high point of the trip was when our group made it first to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu and watched an awesome sunrise over the Inca City. A big mention also to G Adventures for outsourcing their treks to tremendous companies.” — David T, Australia

Northern Thailand: Hilltribes & Villages “The tour was excellent! I was a little apprehensive about embarking on a tour, but this type of tour enabled lots of freedom to do what I wanted, but with the convenience of a guide to helpfully offer advice and make arrangements.” — Sandra F, Canada

Contiki is a tour company that caters to travelers that are 18 to 35 years old only  and quite often has larger group sizes than G Adventures . Some destinations can have up to 50 people — quite a lot compared to G Adventures’ more intimate tour groups of up to 16. If you’re looking to meet lots of people, then you might like the idea of a larger tour group. G Adventures offer young person tours with a permitted age bracket of 18 to 39 but also caters to families and travelers of any age.

Contiki’s range of tour types offers volunteering trips, ski and snowboarding, and festivals , whereas G Adventures has a slightly more mature offering of local living, wellness, and rail tours. G Adventures offers a wider choice of destinations , while Contiki focuses on those typically popular with younger travelers. When it comes to cost, Contiki can be slightly cheaper than G Adventures, but this can depend on the accommodation included and the quality of excursions included in the tour.

G Adventures and Intrepid both offer the same levels of trip styles for their tours, including basic, standard, and comfort (upgraded), so you have the choice depending on your budget and requirements . The group sizes are also very similar for both companies, including 12-16 people on most tours. You won’t be charged a single supplement with either company as you’ll be paired up with a traveler of the same gender to room-share.

All G Adventures tours offer guaranteed departures, as do the majority of Intrepid tours, although these are marked with a “guaranteed departure” flag on the tour page so you can be sure. G Adventures offers around 700 itineraries, whereas Intrepid has over 1,000 , so if you’re looking for the company with the most variety, Intrepid could be your answer.

G Adventures provides responsible, sustainable tours and supports local communities, so you can take comfort knowing that you’re giving back as much as you’re taking away from the experience. Overall, its booking process and customer service are very good, but it’s the ground CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) that are the shining stars. These passionate and knowledgeable guides are with you every step of the way and are there to introduce you to the amazing destination.

G Adventures has completely revolutionized group touring. Instead of following a standard itinerary, you can now choose how you want to discover a new destination, whether that’s exploring by bicycle on an active tour or in the company of like-minded families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are g adventures any good.

G Adventures is a well-review tour company that scores well-above average for TourRadar and Trustpilot. Many reviewers are repeat customers, which shows that the quality of service is consistent across various destinations.

What does the G stand for in G Adventures?

The G stands for “Good,” which doesn’t just refer to the good time that you’ll have on a tour — it also applies to the impact G Adventures strives to have on the local communities that form part of its tours.

Which is better, Intrepid or G Adventures?

G Adventures and Intrepid both offer the same levels of trip styles for their tours, including basic, standard, and comfort (upgraded). Group sizes are also very similar for both (12-16 people on most tours) and you won’t be charged a single supplement with either.

All of G Adventures tours offer guaranteed departures, as do the majority of Intrepid tours. G Adventures offers around 700 itineraries, whereas Intrepid has over 1,000 .

Is G Adventures a Canadian company?

G Adventures was founded in Toronto, Canada and has 28 offices worldwide.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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G Adventures Review: My Honest Opinion

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G Adventures Review

Are you considering a tour with G Adventures ? Here’s my honest G Adventures review!

G Adventures is a group tour company that describes themselves as having a focus on “small group, sustainable, adventure travel.” They have been running tours for more than 30 years and currently offer tours on all seven continents.

I’m going to talk about my personal experience with G Adventures this year, as well as whether I recommend them to other travelers.

I did a 16-day Costa Rica Adventure tour with G Adventures and it was the first time I had ever done a group tour, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Here’s my honest review of my experience with G Adventures and whether I recommend them!

Who Are G Adventure Tours For?

First of all, let’s talk about the target audience for G Adventures.

G Adventures tours are a good option for a variety of travelers. As a whole, I would say they are more focused on adventure travel and more standard accommodations (not super budget or super luxury.)

However, they do offer different categories of tours, with some of them being tailored toward specific age groups, interests, or travel styles. The categories for tours are:

• Classic Tours 
• National Geographic Journeys
• 18-to-Thirtysomethings Tours
• Wellness Tours
• Active Tours
• Marine Tours

And a few more! You can see all their categories here on their website .

The Classic Tours is a great option for anyone. From what I gather, the National Geographic Journeys typically attract older travelers or families and are more luxurious, while the 18-to-thirtysomethings tours are obviously for a younger crowd and more basic.

If you have a specific interest, like wellness or outdoor activities, you can choose a tour that is more heavily focused on those aspects and incorporates them into the itinerary.

My G Adventures Cost Rica Tour Experience

I did the G Adventures 16-day Costa Rica Adventure tour in February 2021.

This was obviously an interesting time to be traveling because of the pandemic, and so there ended up only being me and one other girl on their tour (along with our guide!)

More on their COVID policies and cancellation policies further down!

I really enjoyed this experience because we basically had a private tour. Obviously, this isn’t the norm, and on a typical tour, you can expect to have 10-15 other travelers.

However, you can also book a private group tour with G Adventures (for example, if you just want it to be you and your family or a group of friends and no strangers.)

On this tour, we visited the following destinations:

• San Jose, Costa Rica (1 day)
• Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica (2 days)
• Tortuguero, Costa Rica (2 days)
• Sarapiqui, Costa Rica (2 days)
• La Fortuna, Costa Rica (3 days)
• Monteverde, Costa Rica (2 days)
• Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica (2 days)

We enjoyed adventurous activities like waterfall rappelling, ziplining, surf lessons, a catamaran cruise, nature walks, hiking to a waterfall, a jungle boat safari, and so much more.

Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity, and we saw plenty of animals like monkeys, sloths, toucans, caimans, crocodiles, frogs, and more in the wild!

The Costa Rica Adventure tour is one of their Classic Tours.

Highlights of My Tour

Honestly, I enjoyed almost everything about my tour with G Adventures. The whole time I was on my tour, I was thinking of how glad I was that I did it!

Some of the main highlights for me were…

I thought the price for this tour ($1,600 when I went) was fair and worked out to about $100 per day. This included hotels, transportation, some activities, and some meals.

I did spend an extra $750 on food and activities that weren’t included in the tour.

Overall, I felt like this is the amount I would have spent even if I had traveled independently since Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America. It was well worth it not to have to worry about planning the logistics myself, which I normally have to do as a solo traveler .

Our guide (or CEO as G Adventures calls them) was great!

Having a local Costa Rican guide was really nice and helpful, and I felt like I experienced more of the country than I would have on my own. Our guide was also super fun and friendly and since we had such a small group it just felt like traveling with another friend!

Again, it was also nice to have someone who dealt with all the logistics and organization, meaning I didn’t have to worry about anything for the entire two weeks of the tour

The ease of the tour

Going off of what I said above, it was nice to be on a tour where I didn’t have to worry about planning or arranging anything myself. I had never done an organized tour like this before, but I would definitely do it again because it was such a fun, seamless experience.

If you don’t enjoy planning trips but want a vacation that’s more active and adventurous than just sitting in an all-inclusive resort somewhere, G Adventures tours are a great option.

As a solo traveler, I normally do ALL the planning for trips myself, and it can get exhausting. So one of the best parts of this tour was not having to worry about any of that.

Our itinerary

I felt like I really got to see the highlights of Costa Rica on this itinerary!

It was a mix of beaches, jungle, and mountains. We saw so much wildlife and got to do so many cool activities.

Although we only spent 2-3 days in each place, it felt like enough time and never felt rushed. I definitely would not change anything about the itinerary for this trip.

Lowlights of My Tour

Honestly, I only had one disappointment on my tour, and that was the accommodations.

When I booked my tour, I hadn’t done much research into the accommodations, but I knew I was booking the “Standard” service level (out of Basic, Standard, and Upgraded) and we would be staying in 3 star hotels described as “comfortable tourist-class accommodations” on this tour.

I’ve stayed at plenty of great 3-star hotels (and even 2-star hotels) around the world, but the quality of accommodation on my Costa Rica tour left me pretty disappointed.

Out of all seven places we stayed on this tour, I would not recommend a single one.

Some of the issues at our hotels included…

• Lack of amenities (no hand towels, washcloths, shampoo, or even soap…)
• No air conditioning in several places
• WiFi that barely worked or didn’t work at all
• Non-working appliances (lamps, etc.)
• Lizards, spiders, ant infestations, and other bugs…

I was just really unimpressed with the accommodations on this tour, and it would definitely make me hesitate to book a standard service-level tour with G Adventures again.

I would probably book an Upgraded service level tour instead or do extensive research on all of the accommodations first if I was going to do Standard.

Overall, while this was definitely the biggest drawback, I still highly enjoyed my tour. The accommodations on this particular tour might not even bother you, depending on how picky you are when it comes to where you stay. I’m definitely on the more picky side!

I also can’t speak for the hotels on any other G Adventures tour since this is the only one I’ve done.

G Adventures Cancellation Policy

G Adventures Book with Confidence policy allows you to cancel or reschedule your tour up to 45 days prior to departure. It’s a pretty flexible policy that makes it a no-brainer in terms of booking ahead.

And during the pandemic when travel plans and restrictions were constantly changing, G Adventures introduced a flexible cancellation policy that allowed you to cancel and rebook your tour up to 14 days prior to departure. This gave you maximum flexibility when booking a tour. It’s not so relevant now, but I appreciated this policy back then.

Would I Recommend G Adventures?

Yes, I would definitely recommend G Adventures.

Even though I was pretty disappointed with the accommodations on my tour, I overall still REALLY enjoyed the experience, and I’ll be reminiscing on this trip for a long time to come!

This trip was a major highlight of my months in Central America.

If you’re looking for a group tour option that’s not too expensive and is guaranteed to be an adventure, G Adventures is the perfect choice for you.

I hope you found these G Adventures review helpful!

Ready to book? Click here to explore all G Adventures tours!

Read Next:  The Perfect Two Week Costa Rica Itinerary

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About Denise Cruz

Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world… twice. A Brazilian native living in the U.S., she’s lived in 4 countries and visited 35+ others. After side-hustling her way to financial independence, she curates solo destination guides, slow travel tips, and travel blogging advice on Wander Her Way. When she’s not on the road, you can find her in Miami with her dog Finnegan.

G Adventures Connects Travelers to Local Communities on a Deeper Level

Our tour operators that give back series looks at a company that ensures travelers’ dollars benefit the communities they visit..

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G Adventures offers trips in dozens of countries, including Vietnam.

Courtesy of G Adventures

It’s often the people we meet on our travels who create the memories and experiences that change our lives. G Adventures is committed to making travel a force for good—with all of the social, environmental, and ethical good it creates, fueling tourism that has a positive impact not only for the communities in which it operates but also for everyone along the way. And the company hopes that influences the way we all think about travel.

Founded in 1990, G Adventures hosts 200,000 travelers per year on tours that average 10–12 people. It offers more than 750 small-group excursions across all seven continents—covering wellness, hiking, and cycling, rail, sail and river tours, family adventures, and trips for 18-to-30somethings.

What’s so exceptional about trips with G Adventures? Its tours, built through meaningful relationships with local communities, directly benefit the people and places on the itinerary. But the communities they impact extend far beyond the tour destinations, to G Adventures’ employees, supplier and agent partners, small business owners, customers, social followers, and travelers. It’s a ripple effect that keeps the company notable for the community tourism it pioneered 31 years ago.

During the pause in travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, G Adventures worked to maintain a responsible travel commitment, supporting local people impacted by the halt in tourism. Among other projects, the company launched funds to donate more than $122,000 for essential needs in local communities.

A positive ripple effect

After a transformational backpacking trip to Asia, founder and CEO Bruce Poon Tip was inspired to change the face of travel. He wanted to find a better way to see the world, expanding beyond either backpacking or large tour groups, and create an authentic and sustainable travel experience. In 1990, he founded G Adventures, long before the term “sustainable” was used widely in the travel industry.

“We operated at a grassroots level and became more aware of how we needed to work with local communities to allow our customers to have more authentic experiences,” he says. “We were suddenly making decisions based on issues of culture: cultural interaction, cultural immersion, and cultural heritage.”

The very first trips were to Ecuador and Belize because Poon Tip wanted to “bring people to places where others weren’t going.” On one of his first trips in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Poon Tip met a man named Delfin who couldn’t understand why people would want to visit his community. Poon Tip convinced him to share his way of life with travelers and open his home for homestays, and Delfin–who became the company’s first community tourism partner–is still affiliated with the organization today.

“A few years later, we started our first foundation work in 1995 by partnering with Conservation International to look at how extreme poverty intersected with tourism and how we could be a catalyst for change by developing community projects,” says Poon Tip. It was through this partnership that G Adventures became the first international tour company to run trips to Chalalán Lodge in Bolivia’s Madidi National Park.

On those early excursions, G Adventures travelers and tour leaders played a pivotal role in helping community members learn through on-the-job experience how to run a successful ecolodge. Today, it’s an example of successful ecotourism in the country.

That was only the beginning for G Adventures. Poon Tip believed that travel could be a force for social good and wealth distribution, and in 2003, he founded the company’s nonprofit partner, the Planeterra Foundation. In 2018, he was honored by AFAR as a Travel Vanguard, the first tour operator to be distinguished in this manner.

To measure the real-world impact of travel on the local communities in their itineraries, G Adventures began applying a Ripple Score to its tours—an evaluation that lets people see the money spent by the company on all the services it takes to run each tour, measuring the power of the tourism supply chain to channel travelers’ dollars into underserved communities around the world. The higher the score, the more money that’s staying in the local community. In 2021, the company’s average Ripple Score across all trips is 93, meaning that 93 percent of the money spent in the destination goes to local businesses and services.

“Developing the Ripple Score with Planeterra and Sustainable Travel International [an organization focused on protecting and conserving the most vulnerable destinations by transforming tourism’s impact] was a five-year labor of love,” says Poon Tip. “We needed to see how we could engage all our suppliers and change the behavior of the company by finding a way to measure the local impact of how our dollars are spent. It’s expanded the spectrum of how people purchase travel—not just based on price point or dates, but real, community impact.”

G Adventures trips have a “ripple score,” allowing guests to see how much money stays with the host communities.

How G Adventures gives back

Since its earliest days, the company’s vision for traveling responsibly has meant giving back as much as possible. The company always aims to employ local staff to guide tours and local businesses to host, transport, and provide activities for travelers.

Planeterra turns travel into impact by providing community tourism enterprises (from women-owned handicraft cooperatives to nonprofits that train women in tourism) with access to online training tools to break down barriers to engage underserved communities in meaningful ways. The organization has created an online community that provides a place for community tourism all around the world to connect and share stories and experiences.

The G Values Fund also provides low-interest loans for G Adventures tour leaders called CEOs: chief experience officers. This allows them to kick-start their own businesses that will not only help the community where they live but also add an experience into one or more G Adventures tours. For example, Hanoi Food Culture is a restaurant that hires and trains underprivileged youth from the area who then run the restaurant that serves traditional Vietnamese food. G Adventures travelers visit the restaurant on several tours and learn about the origin of the restaurant, which in turn helps support the business and the cause.

G Adventures is also committed to improving the sustainability of its own operations. It launched the Plastics Partnership Project in 2018 to eliminate as much single-use plastic on its tours as possible, encouraging travelers to bring refillable bottles, working with accommodation partners to provide safe drinking water for those bottles, and developing other tools and resources to help reduce plastic throughout its operations.

In 2016, G Adventures partnered with nonprofit Friends-International to develop the Global Good Practice Guidelines on child welfare in the travel industry, outlining how businesses can operate in ways that protect children. That same year, another partnership with the International Institute of Tourism Studies at George Washington University resulted in a set of guidelines on responsible travel with Indigenous communities to ensure tourism supports and respects the rights, history, and culture of Indigenous people.

Among the groups that worked to contribute to the guidelines was the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (WINTA). “WINTA and its network seek to influence the tourism industry to act with simple human decency and ecological conscience in all its dealings around the globe,” says Ben Sherman, chairman, World Indigenous Tourism Alliance. “Indigenous people seek to create tourism businesses in partnerships with members of the tourism industry that honor humankind’s obligation and sacred duty to the Earth.” The desire to model responsible action has also resulted in an animal welfare policy that puts the needs of animals first and ensures that all animals featured on G Adventures’ tours are treated humanely.

“Part of our model is about making it possible to bring as many people along into the story,” says Poon Tip. “One of the wonderful things that people take away from travel is the appreciation for how other people live, and our collective place in the universe. How can we change how people think about travel, realize the privilege they have to travel, and how travel can be a force for good?

“The real change happens when consumers are changed, themselves, and see that they have the tools to be better travelers.”

>> Next: OneSeed Expeditions Empowers Locals While Offering Some Seriously Epic Trips

7 Tour Companies Like G Adventures

G Adventures is a well-known tour company that has been operating for over 30 years, offering small group tours to a variety of destinations around the world. With a strong focus on sustainable and responsible travel practices, G Adventures has gained a reputation as a leader in the adventure travel industry.

While G Adventures is a popular choice for many travellers, there are other tour companies that offer similar services and experiences. The focus of this blog is to explore those other tour companies, comparing and contrasting them with G Adventures in terms of their offerings, style, and approach to travel.

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Why look for alternatives to G Adventures?

G Adventures is great, but it might not be right for everyone. Some travellers might look for other tour companies like G Adventures for a variety of reasons such as: Different destinations: G Adventures may not offer tours to all the destinations that a traveller wants to visit. In such a case, they may need to look for other tour companies that offer tours to those specific locations. Price: G Adventures may be too expensive for some travellers. They may need to look for other tour companies that offer similar experiences but at a lower price. Tour types: G Adventures offers a wide range of tour types, including adventure tours, cultural tours, and wildlife tours. However, if a traveller is looking for a specific type of tour, they may need to look for other tour companies that specialise in that area. Personal preferences: Travellers may have specific preferences for the type of tour they want to go on, such as the size of the group, the level of physical activity, or the accommodation type. They may need to look for other tour companies that offer tours that meet their specific requirements. Availability: G Adventures tours may be fully booked for the dates a traveller wants to travel. In such a case, they may need to look for other tour companies that offer similar tours during their preferred travel dates.

Key features that distinguish G Adventures from other tour companies

G Adventures is known for its unique approach to travel, which emphasises cultural immersion, sustainability, and responsible tourism. Here are some of the key features that distinguish G Adventures from other tour companies: Small group sizes: G Adventures typically limits group sizes to 12 people, allowing for a more personalised and intimate travel experience. This is in contrast to other tour companies that may have larger group sizes. Emphasis on sustainable and responsible travel: G Adventures is committed to minimizing the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities. This includes supporting local businesses, reducing waste, and promoting responsible tourism practices. Local experiences and cultural immersion: G Adventures places a strong emphasis on connecting travellers with local cultures and customs. This may include activities like home stays, cooking classes, and visits to local markets and communities.

One Life Adventures Review

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Flexible itineraries: While G Adventures provides pre-planned itineraries, there is also room for flexibility and customisation based on the group’s interests and preferences. Diverse destinations: G Adventures offers trips to a wide range of destinations, including off-the-beaten-path locations that may not be as accessible to independent travellers. Expert local guides: G Adventures hires local guides with in-depth knowledge of the destinations and cultures being visited, providing travellers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the places they are visiting.

Other tour companies like G Adventures

As a leading tour company, G Adventures has made a name for itself in the travel industry with its unique travel style and focus on sustainable tourism. However, G Adventures is not the only company that offers such tours. In fact, there are several other tour companies that offer similar travel experiences, including:

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is a travel company that offers small-group tours to a wide variety of destinations around the world. The company was founded in 1989 with the goal of providing travellers with an authentic and responsible travel experience, while also supporting local communities and minimising negative impacts on the environment. Intrepid Travel offers a range of tour styles, including adventure tours and cultural tours, among others. Their tours typically have a maximum group size of 12 to 16 people, which allows for a more immersive and personalised travel experience. The company also places a strong emphasis on sustainable travel practices, such as minimising waste and supporting local businesses. In addition to its regular tours, Intrepid Travel also offers a range of themed tours , such as food tours, cycling tours, and wildlife tours, as well as custom tours for private groups.

Contiki is a tour company that caters to young adults between the ages of 18 and 35, providing them with unique travel experiences and opportunities to explore the world with like-minded individuals. Founded in 1962, Contiki has been a popular choice for young travellers for over 50 years, with a reputation for providing fun, social, and immersive travel experiences. One of the key features that sets Contiki apart from other tour companies is its focus on young adults. Contiki understands that young people have unique travel needs and desires, and has designed its tours to cater to these needs. For example, tours typically include a mix of cultural activities, adventure activities, and social activities, providing travellers with a well-rounded travel experience that is both enriching and enjoyable. In addition to offering a diverse range of activities, Contiki also places a strong emphasis on group dynamics and socialisation. Tours are designed to encourage group bonding and provide opportunities for young adults to make new friends and connections from around the world. This is especially important for young travellers who may be travelling solo or looking to meet new people.

One Life Adventures

One Life Adventures is a tour company that specialises in adventure travel experiences in Asia. Founded in 2019, One Life Adventures aims to provide travellers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences that are not typically included in traditional tour itineraries. The company prides itself on its sustainable and responsible approach to tourism, and works to minimise its environmental impact and support local communities. One of the main features that sets One Life Adventures apart from other tour companies is its focus on small group travel. The company limits group sizes to a maximum of 16 people, which allows for a more personalised and intimate travel experience. This small group size also makes it easier for the company to offer unique and exclusive experiences that may not be possible with larger groups. Another key feature of One Life Adventures is its commitment to responsible tourism. The company works with local partners to support sustainable tourism practices and reduce its environmental impact. This includes minimising the use of single-use plastics, supporting community-based tourism initiatives, and using eco-friendly accommodations whenever possible. One Life Adventures offers a variety of tours throughout Asia, with a focus on destinations in Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

TruTravels is a popular tour operator that offers exciting and affordable travel packages to 18 to 35-year-old travellers. What sets TruTravels apart from other tour operators is its focus on creating a sense of community among its travellers. The company believes that travel is not just about seeing new places, but also about connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds. To achieve this, TruTravels organises small group tours with a maximum of 14 travellers per trip. This allows for a more intimate and personalised experience, where travellers can get to know each other and the local communities they visit. TruTravels has a wide range of travel packages to choose from, including adventure tours, island hopping, cultural immersion, and party trips. Each trip is carefully designed to cater to the needs and interests of young travellers, with a focus on adventure, exploration, and fun. TruTravels’ tour leaders are all experienced travellers themselves and have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with their groups. They are also trained to provide a safe and supportive environment for travellers, ensuring that everyone has a great time while on the road. One of the reasons TruTravels is so popular with 18 to 35-year-old travellers is its commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism. The company works closely with local communities to promote sustainable tourism practices and minimise the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local cultures. TruTravels also supports local charities and social enterprises, and encourages its travellers to give back to the communities they visit.

Bamba Travel

Bamba is a tour company that specialises in flexible and customisable travel experiences. Founded in 2006, Bamba has grown to offer a wide range of tours and activities in destinations all over the world, with a focus on adventure, cultural immersion, and responsible tourism practices. One of the key features that distinguishes Bamba from other tour companies is its emphasis on flexibility. Bamba offers “hop-on, hop-off” passes that allow travellers to design their own itineraries and travel at their own pace. This means that travellers can stay longer in destinations they love or change their plans if something unexpected comes up, providing a level of freedom and flexibility that is rare in the tour industry. Bamba also offers a range of pre-planned tours and activities, from day trips to multi-day adventures. These tours are designed to provide immersive cultural experiences and opportunities for adventure, such as trekking, surfing, or wildlife viewing. Bamba also places a strong emphasis on responsible and sustainable travel, with a focus on supporting local communities and minimizing negative impacts on the environment.

On The Go Tours

On The Go Tours is a UK-based tour company that offers a wide range of guided group tours and tailor-made travel packages to destinations all over the world. The company was established in 1998 and has since grown to become one of the leading tour operators in the UK. The company’s tours cover a variety of themes, including cultural, adventure, wildlife, and historical tours, as well as family and solo traveller trips. They offer small group tours with an average of 16 travellers, allowing for a more personalised experience and greater access to local culture and experiences. On The Go Tours also offers tailor-made travel packages, which allow travellers to create their own itinerary and select their preferred activities, accommodation, and destinations. The company’s team of travel experts provides assistance and advice to ensure that the itinerary meets the needs and preferences of each traveller. One of the company’s core values is responsible tourism, which is reflected in their choice of partners, sustainable travel practices, and ethical treatment of local communities. On The Go Tours also supports a number of local projects and charities in the destinations they visit, helping to give back to the communities they interact with.

INTRO Travel

INTRO Travel is a tour operator that specialises in providing authentic and affordable travel experiences to young adults. Their focus is on creating group tours that encourage travellers to discover new cultures, meet new people, and push themselves out of their comfort zones. One of the main reasons why INTRO Travel is so popular with young adults is because they cater specifically to this demographic. They understand that young people are often on a tight budget, but still want to travel and have fun. That’s why their tours are designed to be affordable, while still providing all the necessary amenities and experiences that travellers want. Another reason why INTRO Travel is so popular is because of their emphasis on group travel. Travelling with a group of like-minded individuals can be an incredibly rewarding experience, as it allows travellers to make new friends and share unique experiences together. INTRO Travel’s tours are designed to be social, with plenty of opportunities for group bonding and fun. In addition to their focus on group travel, INTRO Travel is also known for their focus on authentic experiences. Rather than just ticking off the typical tourist attractions, INTRO Travel’s tours are designed to give travellers a deeper understanding of the local culture and way of life. This might involve staying with local families, visiting local markets, or even taking part in traditional ceremonies and rituals. Finally, INTRO Travel is popular with young adults because of their commitment to responsible tourism. They understand that tourism can have a negative impact on the environment and local communities, and so they work hard to minimise this impact as much as possible. This might involve using eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, or taking part in volunteer projects.

It’s important to know that G Adventures is just one of the many tour companies out there that you might want to check out. Each tour company listed above has its own style and focus, so it’s worth doing your research to find the one that is right for you. And the best part? You can book tours with these companies directly on our website . You can read reviews from other travellers, compare prices and itineraries, and book your tour all in one place. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today!

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G adventures Review | Honest Review of G Adventure (NEW 2023)

Welcome to this G Adventures Review . Many travelers love adding a tour to their trip.

Tours are a great way for solo travelers to find a lifelong friend with a fellow traveler. But more than just meeting like-minded travelers. A G Adventures tour engulfs travelers in the history of a country while letting them have a relaxed holiday.

G Adventures (Or Gap Adventures if you prefer) is one of the biggest travel tour companies in the market! Of course, there are still cool and cheap  ways to travel  to Europe, even if you don’t feel like taking a tour.

And while I enjoy exploring the world and having my adventures. By using options like  Eurail and Busabout.  Or just taking an insanely cheap flight, sometimes I need to take a tour.

A tour is just what I need sometimes to recharge my batteries while taking a trip around the world.

But are Gap Adventures worth your money, and your time? Let’s find out Review of G Adventures .

Who Are G Adventure Travel Company

G Adventures is a travel company that focuses on small group tours. Their trips create a fun and authentic experience for travelers. And on they choose only the best local tour guides and travel experts who can show you the most interesting parts of their destinations.

They have hundreds of tours all over the world, so there’s bound to be one in your next vacation destination!

G Adventures has Hundreds of tours All Over the World

G Adventures has hundreds of tours. So you can pick a trip from almost anywhere in the world. They designed their tours for a range of different people. Of all ages, interests, and backgrounds.

These small group tours go everywhere from Central America to Southeast Asia .

And their tours are the gold standard for international adventure tourism.

Who Are G Adventures Tour For

A G Adventures trip is a great option for a solo traveler looking to make friends.

Or a small group of friends who don’t want to deal with the logistics of planning a trip.

The company is best known for its small group trips, which ensure you will always have a local tour guide with you.

The average age range of travelers on G Adventures tours is 18-39 years old . If you fall into this category, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t apply!

And they offer also tours for families, and older travelers.

So whether you are on a solo travel adventure or just a traveler looking to get the most out of a country, there is a G Adventure Tour for you.

Why Choose G Adventures

G Adventures offers a huge variety of tours and itineraries that suit any traveler. Those who want to see the world’s most beautiful places while they relax on cruises and sailboats.

To those who want to be immersed in local culture and immerse themselves in new ways of life.

G Adventures is especially appealing for travelers seeking an active vacation. Or adventure travel. They offer tours that range from hiking through rainforests.

To trekking across deserts and mountains with their expert guides. Or sea kayaking along coasts, or up into fjords (fjords are long narrow waterways).

You can even explore Rio de Janeiro or Machu Picchu, 7 Wonders of the World Modern Day, by bike! This company has access to some incredible locations around the globe. And if you want an unforgettable experience, then this is your top choice!

G Adventure Review: What Type of Accommodation.

G Adventures is a company that specializes in small group adventure travel. They offer a wide variety of trips to destinations all over the world, and their accommodations are just as varied. From basic hostels to luxurious hotels, G Adventures has something to offer everyone.

One of the things that makes G Adventures trips so special is the opportunity to experience authentic local culture. This is reflected in the authentic accommodation they offer. On many trips, you’ll stay in locally owned and operated guesthouses, hostels, or homestays. This gives you a chance to interact with locals and learn about their way of life.

Of course, G Adventures also offers more luxurious accommodations for those who prefer them. On some trips, you’ll stay in four-star hotels or even private villas. This gives you the chance to relax and pamper yourself after a long day of exploring.

No matter what your budget or preferences, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation on a G Adventures trip. Their team of experts works hard to find the best places to stay in each destination, so you can focus on enjoying your vacation.

Here are some examples of the different types of accommodation options you might experience on a G Adventures trip:

• Basic accommodation and hostels: These are typically the most affordable option, and they offer a shared dormitory room with bunk beds. They may also have a common area with a kitchen and a TV.
• Authentic guesthouses: These are locally owned and operated businesses that offer private rooms with shared bathrooms. They may also have a common area with a kitchen and a TV.
• Luxurious hotels: These offer the highest level of comfort and amenities, such as private bathrooms, air conditioning, and room service.
• Private villas: These are typically located in remote areas and offer complete privacy and luxury. They may have their own swimming pool, garden, and staff.

No matter what type of accommodation you choose, you can be sure that you’ll have a comfortable and memorable stay on a G Adventures trip.

Pros of Choosing G Adventures

G Adventures is a renowned tour operator that offers fantastic trips for travelers of all styles and preferences. One of the biggest pros of choosing G Adventures is the comfortable luxury trips that they offer. Whether you are looking for a luxurious experience or a budget-friendly trip, G Adventures has something for everyone. They offer a wide range of styles of trips, including family tours, trekking trips, living tours, and responsible travel options. This means that you can choose the type of trip that best suits your needs and preferences, and rest assured that you’ll have a great time.

Another pro of choosing G Adventures is their guaranteed departures. You don’t have to worry about your trip being cancelled due to a lack of participants, as G Adventures ensures that all their trips will depart, no matter how many people are signed up. This gives you peace of mind and allows you to plan your trip with confidence. In addition, G Adventures is committed to responsible travel, which means that they work closely with local communities and use sustainable tourism practices to minimize their impact on the environment. Overall, if you’re looking for a tour operator that offers fantastic trips, comfortable luxury trips, and responsible travel options, then G Adventures is the perfect choice for you.

Review of G Adventures: What Type of Group Tour Do They Offer

You can choose from many different tour types with G Adventures:

Active Tours

These g tours are for travelers who want to experience the world actively. These tours include hiking, cycling, and other activities such as cooking or surfing, like on the Hawaii’s Northshore , that will keep you on your toes.

They are perfect for those who prefer physical activity over sitting around all day.

Some examples include trekking through the Amazon Rainforest on a guided tour. Or cycle through the hills of Tuscany and enjoy local living.

Classic Tour

Most g adventure reviews you will read are talking about a classic tour.

A classic g tour is great for those who don’t like to be pushed out of their comfort zone too much on a trip. But still want to see unknown places.

And try local foods without having to worry about organizing everything yourself. (though you will have independence during these trips). And lets you explore places like Costa Rica or Mt Sobek while having a local tour guide at your side, and the best explorer quotes in hand.

These tours usually take place in big cities like Paris or London. Or on epic adventures from the Middle East to Latin America.

These tours include activities like going on a food tour, visiting museums, or taking a walking tour. They’re ideal if your trip is more about enjoying yourself than anything else!

There’s no need to worry about booking tickets since they’ll be included with your tour package; just sit back and let someone else do all the work (working as a guide is a great job to travel) !

National Geographic Journey

G Adventures has teamed up with National Geographic Journeys to offer a new series of adventure travel itineraries.

The partnership created a range of itineraries. That combines G Adventures‘ award-winning itineraries with National Geographic Journeys’ expertise. Bringing even deeper cultural experiences and wildlife viewing on their trips.

The partnership between G Adventures and National Geographic Journeys is epic. As it gives you the freedom to tailor your journey and more choices of trips. You can choose from over 300 trips around the world. Including 75 cruises, 150 land tours, and 150 departures by air. These tours, though geographic expeditions inc , are often off the beaten path. And perfect for an adventure travel addict, like myself.

They also have National Geographic Family Journeys . Which, as it sounds, is geared more toward a traveler with his family, or family travel on a budget .

Roamies by Hostelworld + G Adventures

They gear tours more towards backpackers. You stay in hostels, shared with your fellow traveler and friends.

G Adventure Review

If you’re an adventurous person, then G Adventures tours are for you. This company offers a wide variety of tours in many countries around the world.

They have several other choices, including but not limited to wildlife viewing, diving, trekking, and more!

Quality of G Adventures

The first and the foremost benefit I will talk about in this G Adventures Review is the quality.

Okay, time to dive deeper into this G Adventure review . One thing I love about G Adventure trips is that the tour company ensures the finest quality. Without making a bit of compromise on the affordability either.

G Adventures makes sure that you can get the best prices on the services that you’d be able to find in the market.

Another thing I like about Gap Adventures is that the company has 24/7 customer support to offer as well that deals with all of your questions. Have a question? Someone is always there to answer. G Adventures have some fantastic customer support.

G Adventures has also won multiple different awards. Such as a tour of the year. But also, guide of the year, most amazing tour, etc.

This supports the claim of G Adventure being one of your best bets.

I couldn’t write a proper G Adventures Review. Without saying that, they have some of the highest quality tours on the market.

Variety of G Adventures Tours

As per the G Adventure reviews. It is hard to take in the enormous variety that G Adventure offers.

No matter if you are taking a tour of Africa, Asia, Europe, or North America. They have multiple tours on each continent.

Traveling to multiple destinations?

Get a G adventure tour in every location. That way, you will always know the quality of what you are getting.

Styles And Deals G Adventure Offers

Last but not least, let’s talk about deals. G Adventures offers a lot of variety for picking tours. G Adventures has tours all over the world. They also offer different comfort levels and adventures that will suit your travel style.

You can find tours based around nature, culture, independence, cruising, and sailing. They provide tours that fit your every need.

G Adventures Vs Intrepid Travel Tours

One problem many travelers have is choosing the company to book their tour. Should you choose G Adventures or Intrepid Travel?

When talking about tour companies for people between the ages of 18-39. The two biggest names are G Adventures and  Intrepid Travel Reviews . However, intrepid focuses a little more on the younger crowd.

But what are the pros and cons of each?

What Both G Adventures and Intrepid Travel Offer.

Both companies are good tour operators. And both offer last-minute deals .

Intrepid and G Tours both operate with a small group tour. These are great because you get a lot of time with your local guide and tour leader. Plus, it makes it easier to make friends.

G Adventures Have a Partnership with National Geographic Journey

G Adventures has a partnership with National Geographic Journeys. But Intrepid Tours has better qualified local tour operators.

G Adventures Have Exceptional Quality For The Price

G Adventures also has outstanding quality for a great price. They have small groups that don’t exceed 20 people which helps them get closer to the places they visit, and they go everywhere, like the  best place to visit in Thailand .

Intrepid Has More and Better Itineraries

Their itineraries are well-planned with lots of time for you to explore on your own. For example, if you’re looking for an adventure that involves trekking. Or biking through mountainside villages. Then Intrepid may be more suitable for you. As they will take additional care when choosing their guides from a local community.

Intrepid Offsets Carbon Emissions

Intrepid offsets their carbon emissions. Which helps support or environment. As well as local communities.

What is g adventures plus?

G Adventures Plus is a program that offers exclusive benefits and advantages to travelers.

G Adventures Plus is a new touring category that gives you more space, and more luxury while on a group tour.

The concept behind G Adventures Plus was developed by the founder. Who had the idea of offering our customers a more comfortable, deluxe experience?

G Adventures Plus tours feature larger cabins and suites with private bathrooms, as well as an increased number of meals per day. These tours also include benefits like priority check-in at hotels. And extra luggage allowance, and complimentary airport transfers.

What are the Advantages and disadvantages of traveling with g adventures?

The advantages of traveling with G Adventures include:

Great selection of tour styles. We went over this above. But G Adventures is great at adapting their trips, as the geographic landscape of tours shifts. And so they offer a wide variety of tours, from short city breaks to multi-week expeditions.

Great selection of durations. If you’re looking for a quick getaway or an extended adventure, there’s a tour that fits the bill at G Adventures!

Review of The Best G Adventure Tours

G Adventures is one of the oldest and most trusted adventure tour companies in the world. With over 30 years of experience, they have covered nearly every corner of the globe. And have built a reputation for delivering quality trips with wonderful guides and even better experiences.

G Adventures operates tours around the world. But you’ll find their most popular tours are their South American adventures. As well as South East Asian journeys, and the Antarctica expedition cruise.

They also run European adventures like Croatia and trips to Africa and Australia/New Zealand. (where you can see where Hobbit was filmed)

For a tour company, the reviews of G Adventures are among the highest. So let’s look at some of their most popular tours.

Review of G Adventures Antarctica Tour

TripAdvisor has rated the G Adventure tour to Antarctica as one of the best tours in the world . And it also makes it into the top ten most adventurous trips in the world. This is because it offers a wide variety of activities that will give you a unique experience when visiting this beautiful place.

The G Adventures Tour to Antarctica offers a wide range of activities. Such as kayaking and hiking in some areas that are not normally accessible by other tours.

The tour also allows its participants to be part of an expedition team. That explores rarely visited areas like Ross Island. You will also get to see the wildlife found in this area.

Such as penguins, whales, seals, and many more species living together peacefully. As if they were one enormous family.

G Adventure Review of South America

I have never done this tour. But the South America G Adventure Tour has many positive reviews online. With travelers saying they had a great time on their tour and would recommend it to others looking for a wonderful adventure!

Popular G Adventure Tours

• Adventures Galapagos – This G Adventures tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, exploring the unique wildlife and stunning landscapes of the Galapagos Islands. This 10-day trip includes snorkeling with sea lions, visiting giant tortoise breeding centers, and hiking to volcanic craters.
• Galapagos G Adventure – Another Galapagos-focused tour offered by G Adventures, this 7-day trip offers a more affordable option for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the islands. Highlights include visiting sea turtle nesting sites, snorkeling with penguins, and observing blue-footed boobies.
• Inka Trail – This iconic G Adventures tour takes travelers on a 7-day trek through the Andes Mountains to the legendary Machu Picchu. Along the way, hikers will see stunning views of the mountain range, explore ancient Inca ruins, and learn about local culture.
• Sri Lanka G Adventures – This 14-day tour takes travelers to explore the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka, including visits to ancient temples, tea plantations, and wildlife reserves. Highlights include a safari in Yala National Park and a scenic train ride through the lush countryside.
• Classic Peru G Adventures – This 9-day tour offers travelers the chance to see the highlights of Peru, including the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, the colorful markets of Cusco, and the fascinating history of Lima. The tour also includes a visit to the Sacred Valley and a boat ride on Lake Titicaca.

More of the Best G Adventure Tours

• South Africa: Cape Town to Victoria Falls
• South America: The Inca Trail
• Latin America: Absolute Peru and Lake Titicaca
• Southeast Asia: Cambodia and Vietnam. This tour goes to Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Ho Chi Minh City, and even Halong Bay Vietnam . What more could you ask for?
• China Express: Including the Great Wall
• Ultimate Africa: Safari through many of the National Park, or visit the national parks in France .
• Costa Rica Quest (The Costa Rica trip is one of best selling tours).

Review of G Adventures | The Verdict

G Adventures is the leader in the global adventure tourism market. Their tours are safe, fun, and affordable, with many options to choose from.

Their tour packages offer a taste of everything so you can experience the world at your own pace. Whether you want an active adventure or simply enjoy cultural immersion, G Adventures has something for everyone!

G Adventures is a fantastic option when choosing a tour company. They care about their customers, and offer high-quality tours, at good prices.

And are one of the top names in the adventure tourism market. And while Intrepid trips are similar, these tours give you more than most other tour companies. Like Trafalgar Tours pty ltd, Robinson inc, Kent USA LLC, or Austin Adventures.

You won’t be disappointed in choosing G Adventure.

So what are you waiting for! Get your passport (If you don’t have one yet, here is how long it takes to get a passport. Spoiler Alert, it takes longer than you think). Hop on a plane, and embark on your next trip with G Adventures.

What did you think of our review of G Adventures? With such benefits at your disposal, what else could you possibly ask for? Either way, arm yourself with some  adventure quotes  and try something new.

Related Posts

Planning a trip to guatemala: 6 essential tips and must-see places, peruvian foods: ultimate guide to 20 culinary wonders of peru, the best aquatic adventures around the world in 2023, the seven wonders of the world natural edition, 1 thought on “g adventures review | honest review of g adventure (new 2023)”.

I took a tour with G Adventure (back then Gap Adventures) in South America. I can’t speak highly enough about my first guide. My bags were lost in transit and having someone who could liaise with the airline in Spanish and who was willing to go shopping with me was invaluable. Gonzo also knew all the good restaurants and we mostly ate out as a group although it wasn’t compulsory. It really set me up for future travels and seeing how things are done. What I really liked about the South America trip was that we traveled in public transport which gave a more authentic experience.

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• Contract Pricing Including CAS & Allowable Costs

G&A on Travel (Again)

By Corduroy Frog October 26, 2021 in Contract Pricing Including CAS & Allowable Costs

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Corduroy frog.

Some time ago, I began a discussion regarding an epidemic-like position streaming across the country:   Contracting officers not wanting to pay G&A on travel.  If you remember the discussion and are wore out with it, please don't read further.

The strategies in that conversation for available remedies have been largely ineffective.  One strategy is to use the FAR Clause to insert a fixed-dollar amount instead of a G&A rate, and CO's hoping the contractor will not ignore a response, meaning zero is available.  But even when a fixed-dollar amount is discussed, the CO's and COR's are like a deer-in-the-headlights.  They didn't want a fixed dollar amount, they wanted absolutely zero, regardless of provisions in the FAR.

Another strategy is to increase the G&A rate on everything else to compensate for the loss of G&A on travel.  A few problems with this strategy, firstly very few things create administrative expense as does Travel, so this strategy does not reflect cause-and-effect.  Secondly, solicitations ask for ceilings on G&A, hence the G&A rate cannot by raised.  Thirdly, there are often single line-item CLINS dedicated to travel, so raising the G&A rate on the other CLINs makes the contractor non-competitive.

I have not seen any relenting in the insistence on the part of COs (with or without the FAR clause).  Formerly, I was advised to simply negotiate with the COs, but the sad fact is that small contractors (i.e. MOST contractors) do not have the negotiating power to deal with these avaricious COs.

Comments?  Tell me to quit whining, if you wish, but this is still an issue.

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Avaricious COs?  I'm not sure that adjective fits.

But I think you are correct that many contracting officers do not fully understand Alt. I to the clause at FAR 52.212-4, used for T&M contracts for commercial items.  Many contractors don't, either.  

Maybe if you were to write an article to help educate the community of practice?

But still, if your competitors are willing to accept zero as the fill-in, maybe you simply have no negotiation leverage.  That's not necessarily unfair; rather, it may be a simple fact of life in your segment of the marketplace.

7 hours ago, ji20874 said: But still, if your competitors are willing to accept zero as the fill-in, maybe you simply have no negotiation leverage.  That's not necessarily unfair; rather, it may be a simple fact of life in your segment of the marketplace.

10 hours ago, Corduroy Frog said: Comments?  Tell me to quit whining, if you wish, but this is still an issue.

Maybe discussed in previous discussions on this matter but maybe not but renewed discussion in the infancy of two posts to the thread raise a thought for me.  No doubt the thread will role on otherwise but........   In the context of best value, maybe fair dealings, maybe FAR 1.102(b)(3) and of course the cost principles of FAR part 31 the real question is if it reasonable, allowable, allocable is G&A on travel really the cost to hang ones hat on ( on either side) for saying yes or no?  After all is it not things like profit where the risks of doing business are acknowledged or not?

FAR 15.405 ".... A fair and reasonable price does not require that agreement be reached on every element of cost..."

All said understanding the dilemma but I am not sure that the habit of the Federal government to out right deny the G&A on travel that is rightfully calculated based on cost principles will ever be overcome.

1 hour ago, C Culham said: ...but I am not sure that the habit of the Federal government to out right deny the G&A on travel that is rightfully calculated based on cost principles...

Rightfully calculated?  But do the cost principles of FAR part 31 apply to the original poster's situation?  I think not* -- and if the cost principles don't apply, then it seems to be error to insist that they be "rightfully" calculated and applied.

* See FAR 31.103(a).  Based on this original posting and earlier threads, I think we're talking about T&M contracts for commercial items using Alt. 1 to FAR 52.212-4.  If this is true, then the original poster errs in asserting a right to a percentage rate for G&A on travel.

joel hoffman

9 minutes ago, ji20874 said: Rightfully calculated?  But do the cost principles of FAR part 31 apply to the original poster's situation?  I think not* -- and if the cost principles don't apply, then it seems to be error to insist that they be "rightfully" calculated and applied. * See FAR 31.103(a).  Based on this original posting and earlier threads, I think we're talking about T&M contracts for commercial items using Alt. 1 to FAR 52.212-4.  If this is true, then the original poster errs in asserting a right to a percentage rate for G&A on travel.

I believe the basic problem of charging a percentage rate on travel costs is that it has held to be a form of the cost plus percentage of costs method, prohibited by law.

11 minutes ago, ji20874 said: I think not*

????  Is not the poster talking about contracting with commercial organizations rather than educational or non-profits?   Commercial item acquisition is different than FAR 31 reference to contracting with "commercial organizations".  I am not in alignment with your thinking.

14 minutes ago, ji20874 said: I think we're talking about T&M contracts

Well I did not see T&M anywhere in the OP so I did not go that direction.   But if I had I am still confused as 52.212-4 Alt 1 clearly allows for travel as a Material Other Direct cost.  Now I could be crazy but based on the cost principles one could reasonably draw the conclusion that the "actual cost" for  Material Other Direct cost for travel not only must be actual but be in accord with the guiding cost principles of FAR part 31. 

The original poster referenced an earlier discussion, and I recall that it was T&M contracts for commercial items.  For this sort of contract, indirect costs (such as G&A) on ODCs (such as travel) are paid only as specified in the fill-in for para. (i)(1)(ii)(D) (2) .  That fill-in calls for a fixed amount (not a percentage rate) for indirect costs.  The principles of FAR Part 31 do not apply.

Let's let the original poster enlighten us.

Frog, Are you talking about T&M contracts for commercial items?  Or are you talking something else?  Please be specific.

Vern Edwards

14 hours ago, Corduroy Frog said: Tell me to quit whining, if you wish, but this is still an issue.

Quit whining.

https://cavuadvisors.com/no-ga-on-odcs-really/

http://info.redstonegci.com/blog/why-cant-i-charge-ga-on-direct-travel

3 hours ago, Vern Edwards said: Quit whining.

Vern, this is exactly what I expected from you - it was just a matter of time.  Be that as it may, your links were good reading material.

It would be different if contractors were cashing in big time by charging G&A.  The sad truth, however, is the G&A doesn't even cover the additional time required to account for travel, with advances, repayments, IRS-approved expense reports, and per diem administration.

Perhaps to insult contracting officers (some of who may be posting on this forum), I believe many of them don't understand the Alt I in the FAR clause.  If contractors wise up and start proposing fixed dollar amounts as allowed, I believe some of them will just say "We're not going to pay it, period, and we don't care what's in Alt I".  It seems to be a consensus opinion that the negotiating power of the contractor is a big factor.

I have been asked whether my experience is with T&M, FFP, or CT contracts.  My experience is that this abuse is going on everywhere, although personally the CT contracts seem to have dried up for small contractors that I have dealt with as an accounting consultant.

40 minutes ago, Corduroy Frog said: Perhaps to insult contracting officers (some of who may be posting on this forum), I believe many of them don't understand the Alt I in the FAR clause. 

What is it that you think they don't understand?

1 hour ago, Corduroy Frog said: Perhaps to insult contracting officers (some of who may be posting on this forum), I believe many of them don't understand the Alt I in the FAR clause. 

I would rephrase this to state that some contracting officers do not understand G&A.  I know of some who do not believe it is a real cost, but is a hidden form of profit.  Others do not realize that G&A is a period cost.  I once had to negotiate with a contracting officer who thought he should pay G&A on only the first year of a multi-year contract not realizing the contractor incurred G&A expenses every year.  For others, it simply is a matter of cost.  They use G&A on travel as a way to squeeze a contractor on cost.

Vern and Retread and others, thanks for your discussion.

For virtually the entire Federal contracting environment, if indirects such as Overhead and G&A were not available to the contractors, they would go broke.

In the commercial world (non-govt), contractors bid high enough to hopefully have some profit left over, and this is usually their expected cost plus 18-20%.  Contrast to the govt world, Fee as high as 8-10% is considered exorbitant.  And the administrative costs of running a govt contractor are almost always more than in the commercial world.  So without indirect costs being added, a contractor would go broke.  Adding G&A and Overhead or M/H simply raises the margin to the same level as that encountered in the commercial bidding.

Corduroy Frog,

Overhead and G&A are available to contractors on all federal contracts.  For fixed-price contracts, the contractor needs to account for indirect costs in its price proposal.  In T&M contracts not for commercial items and for cost-reimbursement contracts, the clause at FAR 52.216-7 governs.  For T&M contracts for commercial items, Alt. I of the clause at FAR 52.212-4 governs.  And, or course, the realities of competition and negotiation leverage govern.  

7 hours ago, ji20874 said: The principles of FAR Part 31 do not apply.

Let me explore.

T&M Contract - FAR 16.601 

Material means other direct costs such as travel and applicable indirect costs.  FAR 16.601(a) definitions.

Material Handling costs may be included as part of material costs.   FAR 16.601(c)(3). 

And if the solicitation/contract provides that material handling costs can be included then this applies  -  " Material handling costs may include all appropriate indirect costs allocated to direct materials in accordance with the contractor's usual accounting procedures consistent with   part  31 ."   Again FAR 16.601(c)(3).

Now I may be completely off base but it would seem in a full read that reference to FAR "part 31" invokes that its principles may apply and I read no exclusion with regard to a commercial item acquisition.

You need to read Alt. 1 to FAR 52.212-4 for T&M commercial item contracts -- everything else one reads about G&A in FAR 16.601 or Part 31 or the clause at 52.216-7 is irrelevant to T&M contracts for commercial items -- the only relevant text is in Alt. I to FAR 52.212-4.  It requires a fixed amount for any and all indirect costs -- that is the amount the contractor will receive for indirect costs.  The contractor does not mark up actual direct costs with a percentage rate -- rather, the contractor bids a fixed amount.

The original poster can have all the G&A on travel that he wants, if he bids it (as a fixed amount) and/or bargains for it.  It sounds like he does neither, and yet he expects the G&A as a free gift.  But if he doesn't bid it up front, or if he bids it but lets it go away during negotiations, then he has no entitlement for payment after award.

3 hours ago, C Culham said: Now I may be completely off base but it would seem in a full read that reference to FAR "part 31" invokes that its principles may apply and I read no exclusion with regard to a commercial item acquisition.

2 hours ago, ji20874 said: You need to read Alt. 1 to FAR 52.212-4 for T&M commercial item contracts -- everything else one reads about G&A in FAR 16.601 or Part 31 or the clause at 52.216-7 is irrelevant to T&M contracts for commercial items -- the only relevant text is in Alt. I to FAR 52.212-4.  It requires a fixed amount for any and all indirect costs -- that is the amount the contractor will receive for indirect costs.  The contractor does not mark up actual direct costs with a percentage rate -- rather, the contractor bids a fixed amount.

In order to verify that ji20874 is right—in addition to reading the plain language of FAR 52.212-4, Alt. I—read FAC 2005-15, 71 FR 74667, Dec. 12, 2006, which authorized the use of T&M contracts for commercial items.

From the responses to public comments:

Quote Comment: Exclude indirect costs from the definition of material costs to eliminate the two contradictory methods for reimbursing indirect costs. The proposed rule permits reimbursement at a fixed amount but also defines indirect costs as an element of material costs that can only be reimbursed at actual costs unless the material meets the definition of commercial item. Response: The Councils revised the rule to eliminate the contradictory methods. Instead of excluding indirect costs from the definition of materials, the Councils revised the provisions in the alternate clause at FAR 52.212-4, Alternate I (i)(1)(ii)(D)(2) to exclude indirect costs from being reimbursed at actual cost.  [Emphasis added.]

Quote Comment: Agree with the provisions that permit reimbursement of indirect costs at a fixed price on a pro-rata basis over the period of contract performance but recommend clarifying that the fixed price could be adjusted as new work is added and also allowing contractors to be reimbursed at the Government approved percentage mark-up for non-commercial contracts. Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) covered contractors are required to allocate material handling in accordance with their approved accounting practices. Material handling rates are well-recognized in Federal and commercial markets. The Councils are proposing to reimburse indirect costs at a fixed price because of concerns over violating the cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost prohibition. Material handling rates do not add fee or any other price component to cost and therefore could not be considered a cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost violation. Recommend revising the coverage to permit contractors to recover material handling provided it is excluded from the hourly rates. Response: If new work is added, a fixed amount may be added for indirect expenses if appropriate. Nothing in the rule prevents contract changes. The approved percentage mark-up for non-commercial contracts is subject to the allowability provisions of FAR Part 31. The Councils believe it is more appropriate to reimburse indirect costs without imposing the requirements of FAR Part 31 to be consistent with commercial practices. While the commenter disagrees, the Councils believe use of a fixed rate violates the cost plus percentage of cost contract prohibition. CAS covered contractors already allocate material handling and other indirect costs to commercial and non-commercial FFP contracts in accordance with their disclosed accounting practices. While the costs are allocated to those FFP contracts, the allocation may be different from the amounts recovered under the contracts for those elements of cost.  [Emphasis added.]

FAR Part 31 does not apply to the determination of indirect costs like G&A under T&M contracts for commercial items.

What I believe that is being missed in this conversation is that Material is defined as travel and as such travel as material can include a material handling cost or in other words travel handling costs that are Indirect Costs not included in the labor hours costs.   As such when computing the the Indirect Costs fixed price material (travel) handling costs would not be used in determining the Indirect Cost fixed price.  Further if the CO felt that rates for labor and materials (inclusive of travel) adequately accounted for all indirects the CO would then enter "$0" in the Indirect Cost   paragraph of the Alt 1. 

This is akin to the fact that fixed hourly rates of a TM include indirects and as such the indirect included in the labor hour fixed hourly rates would not be a basis for computing the Indirect Costs fixed price of a commercial item contract.

The choices are - 

Indirects in labor and material therefore no Indirect Cost or a Indirect Cost that picks up any of the indirects that are reasonable, allocable and allowable and that were not included in labor or material rates such as material handling (travel indirect) if not included in the material (travel) rate already.

To clear up and define what my involvement is:

I am an Accounting Consultant for small contractors.  My involvement in contracts administration is limited to exposure only, and that's why I bring questions to this forum.

My customers, whether knowledgeable or not, are having no luck when COs insist (rightly or wrongly) that they are not going to pay G&A on travel.

10 hours ago, C Culham said: What I believe that is being missed in this conversation is that Material is defined as travel and as such travel as material can include a material handling cost or in other words travel handling costs that are Indirect Costs not included in the labor hours costs. 

What I believe is missed is that the application of G&A to travel under a T&M contract is a matter of negotiation.

If a company cannot get a deal it can live with it should walk away. And don't tell me how hard that is on small businesses. Business is hard. Period.

On 10/25/2021 at 7:59 PM, ji20874 said: But still, if your competitors are willing to accept zero as the fill-in, maybe you simply have no negotiation leverage.

1 hour ago, Vern Edwards said: What I believe is missed is that the application of G&A to travel under a T&M contract is a matter of negotiation.

My belief is aligned with the negotiation aspect buffered by the sad fact  a fill-in derived by the Government that fails to recognize travel G&A, or the Government otherwise does not accept that travel is a "material" and therefore can have "material handling costs' attributed to the material price in a TM commercial item contract does not understand the reality of business.  

And with this opportunity of continued discussion I want to address this - 

12 hours ago, Vern Edwards said: FAR Part 31 does not apply to the determination of indirect costs like G&A under T&M contracts for commercial items.

By example -

TM commercial item contract for reforestation services.

Contractor proposes labor rate.

Government questions rate and contractor provides breakdown and notes in the break down that there is factor in the rate for employee recognition that is a beer party after completing all projects government or otherwise.   An expense captured in the   contractor's usual accounting procedures.  If FAR Part 31  does not apply what would be the governments negotiation position regarding the beer?  Sorry no beer cost in the rate?  If so the contractor just simply removes the word "beer" and the government is happy?   

I am honestly on Frog's side and the stereotypical CO statement that negatively addresses a true cost of a contractor to a contract as it is this way or the highway has their head in the clouds and in part is at odds with conducting the governments business with integrity and fairness.  But then that is just me!

I am a little sympathetic to Frog as well, but still, the reality is the reality.  And pointing to FAR 31 for indirects on commercial T&M is inapt.  The pointing should be to Alt. I of FAR 52.212-4, para. (i)(1)(ii)(D) (2) .  There, Material Handling is treated as an indirect cost.  If an offeror wants compensation for indirect costs on travel, it needs to bid it in its proposal in the fill-in to para. (i)(1)(ii)(D) (2) for Alt. I of FAR 52.212-4.  If the offeror becomes the successful contractor and accepts the contract with $0 as the fill-in, then $0 is the payment.  Period.  The contractor got what the contractor bargained for.  That's fair.

I get that some contractors and some contracting officers may not fully understand Alt. I of FAR 52.212-4.  I hope this discussion can be helpful.  But the original poster's desire of getting G&A on travel as a percentage rate simply doesn't fit within the construct of T&M contracts for commercial items.

Regarding the T&M reforestation services example:  A labor rate is not an indirect cost on materials, so the example is not germane to the discussion in this thread.

1 hour ago, C Culham said: If FAR Part 31  does not apply what would be the governments negotiation position regarding the beer?  Sorry no beer cost in the rate?  If so the contractor just simply removes the word "beer" and the government is happy?   

@C Culham If you are buying a commercial service, why are you asking questions about what is included in the rates? Why aren't you doing a price analysis of the rates, instead of a cost analysis? Why should you care whether beer is included if the rate is fair and reasonable based on market pricing?

See, this is why reforms don't work. People who learned old techniques cannot let them go.

6 minutes ago, ji20874 said: Material Handling is treated as an indirect cost.

It is exemplified as a possible indirect if it is not allowed to be in the material cost.  If the wording is definitive then under your premise only "material handling costs" and "subcontract administration" are the only indirects allowed.

7 minutes ago, ji20874 said: it needs to bid it in its proposal in the fill-in to para. (i)(1)(ii)(D) (2) for Alt. I of FAR 52.212-4.

The fill in is by its very nature and wording a fill in that the CO is to complete.   Note especially the word "provided" along with the other emphasized wording.   " Insert a fixed amount for the indirect costs and payment schedule. Insert "$0" if no fixed price reimbursement for indirect costs will be provided . (If this is an indefinite delivery contract, the Contracting Officer may insert "Each order must list separately the fixed amount for the indirect costs and payment schedule or, if no reimbursement for indirect costs, insert ‘None’)."  I will give you that it can be negotiated once offers are received

14 minutes ago, ji20874 said: Regarding the T&M reforestation services example:  A labor rate is not an indirect cost on materials, so the example is not germane to the discussion in this thread.

Yes it is because you and others have stated FAR part 31 is not applicable.  And as to your insistence that material and material handling is not applicable in the context of travel and commercial item acquisition I refer you specifically to the Alt 1 which includes this -

"Definitions.   (1) The clause at FAR   52.202-1 , Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference. As used in this clause-"

8 minutes ago, Vern Edwards said: Culham If you are buying a commercial service, why are you asking questions about what is included in the rates? Why aren't you doing a price analysis of the rates, instead of a cost analysis? Why should you care what is included in the rates? See, this is why reforms don't work. People who learned old techniques cannot let them go.

Poor word choice.   But I will say " Analysis of data other than certified cost or pricing data (as defined at   2.101 ) provided by the offeror."

I think I have learned new techniques and your " Why should you care what is included in the rates?" seems to point back at you and ji.   I mean after all why should you care ( critically argue)  if a contractor has G&A on travel in their Material  payment item of the contract especially when adequate price competition has occurred.

The mixed metaphors of this thread are over the top by us all in my view as to Commercial Item TM contract.    If a CO is questioning  G&A on travel in a Commercial Item TM contract as ji implies, and Frog seems to agree, the CO should excommunicated.  And maybe ji, you and me too for extending this thread!

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Why Can’t I Charge G&A on Direct Travel?

Why can’t i charge g&a on direct travel.

In today’s budgets constrained environment U.S. Government contracting officers are seeking every opportunity to obtain discounted or reduced prices for services and materials, and as a tax payer that should make us all happy. However, for those of us who work in the government contracting industry the sight of LPTA solicitations, and enhanced scrutiny of proposals does make work life more challenging. One of the areas that we see challenged by contracting officers either during the proposal process or after award is the application of G&A on direct travel associated with the contract. This might be a solicitation provision, a Government expectation for contractor concessions during negotiations or a Government interpretation after contract award .

As a contractor balancing cost recovery with appeasing the customer, your options vary with pushing back to the contracting officer. Five points to consider in this process are as follows:

• Obviously the most important consideration is your negotiating position. How critical is the contract and the customer relationship. I am a firm believer that the worst a customer can say is no, so in almost all cases it’s worth having a phone call or sending a well written letter explaining your position (more on that below). However, depending on the situation and the impact to contract profitability the best course of action may be simply to agree to disagree (i.e. do not make the concession).
• Use your small business status as leverage if applicable. The simple fact of the matter is that in almost all cases direct travel is a component of the G&A base, which means that G&A is will be allocated to direct travel, it just might not be billable. In the case where it is allowable, but not billable there is a direct reduction of profit on the contract. Explaining this fact and the impact of lost profitability, cash flow and other factors in a small-business environment tends to receive some consideration from reasonable contracting officers.
• Cost-type – dollar for dollar loss of revenue and direct reduction in profitability assuming G&A on direct travel is not recoverable. Assuming a hypothetical 10% G&A rate and $100K in direct travel we would be looking at a 10 cent loss for every dollar of direct travel billed. If the contract is heavily labor driven and you have the profitability on that aspect to withstand this loss on travel you may be OK, but be cognizant of smaller contracts where the ratio of travel to other expenses is higher. Your ability to make up the difference through efficiencies (other cost reductions) does not exist, since those efficiencies are passed on directly to the customer.
• Time-and-Material – As a hybrid contract type with fixed labor rates and cost reimbursable material the actual loss as a result of not being able to bill G&A on travel is much the same as a cost-type contract. A key difference is that the loss of 10 cents per dollar of direct travel would be the same as the cost-type example, but the loss could be mitigated through the fixed labor rates as well as profit. If a contractor can underrun costs on its fixed “T” labor rates, there is at least the potential to offset unbillable G&A against higher profits on the fixed component of the T&M contract.
• FFP – under a FFP contract pricing is fixed at the outset of the contract, so really we are primarily concerned with the ability to propose G&A on direct travel to make sure it is included in the fixed price. Fixing travel costs, particularly airfare is always a challenge due to the volatility in airline and travel prices in general. The key here is that if you know G&A cannot be proposed, then ensure your travel estimates are realistic and err on the high-side of any proposed travel costs to insulate yourself not only from fluctuations, but also from the known loss on the G&A applied to direct travel under the FFP contract.
• Know your regulatory position. For CAS-covered contractors there are three acceptable G&A structures, with Total Cost Input (TCI) and Value-Added Cost Input (VACI) being by far the most common. Under each of these scenarios, assuming you do not have a travel administration overhead (service center), direct travel is a component of the G&A base. By inclusion of direct travel cost in the G&A base, the resulting allocation is a component of the total cost of procuring travel for a contract. Many contracting officers mistakenly assume that G&A on travel is additional fee or profit, which is false. The cost to procure, administer, manage and seek approval, as well as the all too often changes in travel requirements are all housed within the G&A pool and performed (typically) by G&A staff members. The cost of travel is not simply the cost of the airfare and per diems. FAR 31.202 and 203 require consistency in the classification of direct and indirect cost, and for contractors where direct travel is consistently a component of the G&A base removing direct travel from the G&A base is not an option, unless the circumstances or purpose surrounding the incurrence of travel is different from other direct travel incurred for similar purposes or in like circumstances (highly unlikely). Finally, absolutely nothing within the FAR or CAS prohibits the recovery of the administrative (G&A) expenses associated with the incurrence of direct travel a fact which was reinforced when FAR 52.232-7 (T&M Contract) was changed in 2007. If a contracting officer is seeking to disallow G&A on travel and the contract does not explicitly state that this cost is unallowable, the regulations (included in the contract) clearly support allocating and billing G&A on direct travel.
• Understand what the contracting officer is asking for by not allowing G&A on travel. As noted above there is nothing within regulation which prohibits the recovery of G&A on travel, so what is the contracting officer really getting at? Well, quite simply, a reduction in cost. If the CO is after a reduction why not seek to meet them in the middle with a reduced G&A recovery on travel or perhaps a slightly lower fixed fee or profit.   Leave your cost accounting intact, and reduce the overall price to the Government through other means.

In summary, G&A on travel is an allowable , ordinary and necessary cost associated with travel in support of contracts and seeking to recover this cost is perfectly acceptable. Knowing your contracting officer’s true motivation is key to unraveling this point of negotiation, along with understanding your negotiating position and using any other leverage you may have (small-business) to seek an amicable resolution to these issues. For contractors who are seeing very frequent push back on this topic, development of an alternate rate strategy to exclude direct travel from the G&A base may be a consideration as well, which is something we have assisted several contractors with doing over the past few years. In addition, there have been several recent cases which are beyond the scope of this article that may be of interest in debating this topic with your customer. We’d be interested in your feedback on this topic and any insights you may have for dealing with this all too frequent issue, and as always don’t hesitate to reach out to us if we can assist with this topic or any of your other government compliance challenges.

Written by Redstone Team

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Our focus and knowledge of audit and compliance functions administered by DCAA and DCMA will always be at the heart of what we do. However, for the past decade, we’ve strategically grown to support other areas of the government contractor back-office with that same level of focus and expertise. We’ve added expertise in contracts management, subcontract administration, proposal pricing, various software systems, HR and employment law, property administration, manufacturing, data analytics/reporting, Grant specialists, M&A, and many other areas. When we see a trend in the needs of contractors, we act to ensure we can provide the best expertise in the market to fulfill those needs.

One thing our clients can be certain of is that with the Redstone GCI Team in your corner, there is no problem too big and no issue too technical for our team to tackle.

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G Adventures Announces 2024 GX Community Tourism Summit to Take Place in India

G Adventures , the world's largest privately owned small-group adventure travel company, has just announced the imminent return of last year’s GX Community Tourism Summit in 2024, to be hosted in conjunction with its non-profit partner, Planeterra, in the vibrant destination of India .

After seeing how incredibly successful its inaugural event was in Cusco, Peru in 2023, G Adventures and Planeterra will once again invite an assortment of agents, suppliers, media members and travelers to assemble in-destination to experience firsthand the profound impact that community tourism can have on local people in a destination, as well as on travelers themselves.   

Scheduled to run from September 24 to 29, 2024, the second GX Summit will also reprise the incorporation of the Change Makers agent event, which brings together “agents of change” from all around the globe. The summit itself will wrap up with full-day World Community Tourism celebration on September 27, 2024, coinciding with World Tourism Day.

The Change Makers campaign signup is already live and submissions will be accepted through May 31, 2024. The initiative incentivizes advisors to work toward altering people’s lives through travel by booking trips with G Adventures. Advisors who succeed in securing a place at the Change Makers conference will witness firsthand how their efforts directly benefit the communities their clients visit during a six-day exploration of India. 

In concert with the non-profit Planeterra, G Adventures selected India as the host country for its 2024 GX Community Tourism Summit because of its colorful culture, wealth of tourism offerings, warm hospitality and the limitless opportunities to launch more community tourism projects intended to spread wealth within the country.

Bruce Poon Tip, founder of both G Adventures and Planeterra, called India an obvious choice of venue for the event, given the type of experience that the GX Summit provides to participants. 

“Last year we hosted our first GX Summit in Peru, and I was mind blown by the feedback we received following the event,” he said. “There was no question we had to repeat this experience. The feedback from attendees was so encouraging, people came back energized about the power of community tourism to make a real difference to people in the places we visit.” 

He continued, “India is an electrifying location, and one that really needs tourism’s support. It’s not fully bounced back since the pandemic, so I’m excited to host our guests and to be able to encourage more people to travel to India the right way at the same time. There’s no better feeling for me than seeing all our communities come together over one shared experience. We learn a lot, but we also have a lot of fun.”

The GX Summit itinerary will guide attendees on an immersive six-day journey across such destinations as Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, highlighting aspects of community tourism in each location. The culminant World Community Tourism Day Summit on September 27 will convene advisors, suppliers, media and travelers together to listen to inspiring speakers discuss the transformative potential of community tourism.

Agents interested in attending can find more information on the Change Makers campaign on the G Adventures website or contact their regional global purpose specialist. Further details on GX and the World Community Tourism Day program will be unveiled in the coming months.

‘Go To Travel’ explained

Part of a larger "Go To" campaign intended to restart the Japanese economy following the damage caused by the coronavirus , Go To Travel is a campaign by the national government that offers big discounts on travel inside Japan. Only residents of Japan (including foreign residents) are eligible to take advantage of the campaign.

What is Go To Travel?

• A 35 percent discount on the total cost and
• Coupons worth 15 percent of the total cost to be spent on other travel expenses during the trip

Is there an upper limit?

Yes, there is. The maximum discount that can be received for overnight trips is 13,000 yen per person and night, while the maximum amount of coupons that can be received is 7,000 yen per person and night. In other words, the upper limit applies to travel plans that cost more than 40,000 yen per person and night.

In case of daytrips , the travelers can receive a discount of up to 7,000 yen and coupons of up to 3,000 yen per trip.

Note that children are counted the same as adults. For example, a family of four with two kids can receive a discount of up to 52,000 yen (4 x 13,000 yen) and coupons of up to 28,000 yen (4 x 7,000 yen) on an overnight trip, even if the kids stay for free.

Furthermore, note that only up to seven nights per trip are covered by the campaign. On trips that are longer than eight days, travelers will not be able to profit from the campaign from the 8th night. Note that there is no limit on how many trips can be made during the campaign.

Who is eligible?

All residents of Japan, including foreign residents.

Can temporary visitors to Japan use the campaign?

No, only residents of Japan are eligible.

How long does the campaign last?

The campaign started in late July 2020, but was suspended in December 2020 due to rising coronavirus infection numbers. It is expected to resume once the infection numbers have decreased and continue until at least summer 2021.

Are there any other conditions for participating?

Yes, all participating travelers are requested to follow the "new travel etiquette" with regards to preventing the spread of the coronavirus on their trips. Please visit our page about coronavirus manners for more details.

What is covered?

• Overnight stays at registered lodgings
• Travel plans purchased through registered travel agents

A large majority of hotels and travel agents across the country are registered. Lists of registered businesses are available on the campaign's official website .

Are all regions of Japan covered?

All regions of Japan are covered by the campaign. There is a possibility for some areas to be temporarily excluded from the campaign depending on the spread of the virus.

Does the campaign also apply to transportation, activities, meals and shopping?

The discount applies only if they are part of a travel plan. For example, the discount cannot be applied to regular purchases of flights or rental cars ; however, it does apply if a flight or rental car is part of a travel package sold through a registered travel agent. Likewise, if an activity or meal is part of the travel package, the campaign applies.

What type of daytrips are eligible?

The campaign applies only to daytrip travel packages sold by registered travel agents. The packages have to include 1) transport starting and ending at the same place on the same day and 2) at least some form of travel service besides transport in the destination area, e.g. meals or activities. For example, it does not cover 1-day bus tours that do not include any activities at the destination.

There is no limit on how many trips you can make during the campaign period. However, there is a limit of seven nights per trip that can be covered, meaning that those traveling for more than eight days are not able to profit from the campaign from the 8th night.

How can I use it?

There are mainly two ways to profit from the campaign:

• Book a stay at a registered hotel through the hotel, a travel agent or a reservation website that participates in the campaign.
• Purchase a travel package through a registered travel agent.

At the time of your booking, you pay 65% of the total cost for the accommodation or package, while the 15% in coupons will be issued to you by the travel agent or hotel.

A list of registered hotels and travel agents can be found in Japanese on the campaign's official website . Many hotel reservation websites are also participating in the Go To Travel campaign, including Booking.com and Agoda .

How do I use the coupons?

Coupons can be used to make payments at registered stores and restaurants and for transportation and other travel services in the prefecture visited and surrounding prefectures during the day(s) of your trip. They cannot be refunded. A map showing registered businesses can be found on the campaign's official website .

Links and Resources

Go to travel.

Google unveils new updates to make trip planning easier for travelers

Google Maps is launching new updates that are intended to make finding travel inspiration and local recommendations in your destination easier. Users will start seeing these lists of suggestions popping up in Google Maps in more than 40 cities across the U.S. and Canada this week. These updates will also be rolled out globally on Android and iOS mobile platforms later this month.

With this trio of updates, users can discover curated lists of local recommendations from other users and esteemed websites, customize their own lists and access key insights, making vacation planning a breeze and ensuring a seamless on-the-go experience. To access the new features, simply search for a city in Google Maps and and swipe up to see curated lists of places from people who know the city inside and out. You’ll also see lists from such reputable sources as Lonely Planet, the New York Times and OpenTable.

And, when away from home, the question of where to eat is always top of mind. Now, whether you’re a traveler or just want to find a trendy spot in town, you can use new restaurant lists created by Google Maps. These lists will spotlight the eateries people are showing interest in or rating highly on Maps at the time. Google has sorted restaurants into three separate lists based on various criteria, creating indices for trending, top-rated, and hidden gem locations.

The Trending list is updated weekly to spotlight places that experienced a recent spike in popularity on Maps, making it ideal for discovering the latest hot spots.

The Top list showcases the places that the Maps community has consistently shown love for. Use this list to find a neighborhood’s longstanding favorites.

The Gems list is for places that are considered an area's best-kept secrets, highlighting great restaurants that still fly under the radar.

Creating Maps lists allows you to organize places you’d like to visit and places you’ve already been that you might wish to revisit. With the new lists format, users will also be able to more easily arrange their selections for easy reference, as they can now choose the order in which places appear. Simply move them up or down in whatever order you prefer to have them displayed. Users can also link in content from their social media streams, such as their own reviews of a certain venue.

Similarly, to give users a good sense of each place at a glance, Google’s AI pulls key insights to display from the Maps community. When you search a spot, you’ll see select photos and reviews that encapsulate what patrons love about it. The AI function can even help you identify the name of a particular dish and display helpful information based on a restaurant’s menu.

New design updates are also set to give Google Maps a fresh look, including a simplified home screen and new pin colors that make places on the map easier to find.

Trip-planning AI

Google has also just announced an update that’s coming to its Search Generative Experience (SGE), which will enable users to create travel itineraries and compile trip ideas using AI. This means that Google will be taking on other companies that are already applying the generative AI’s capabilities to help travelers plan their trips, such as Mindtrip and Layla.

To come up with its travel recommendations, Google’s AI engine relies upon information from sites across the internet, as well as photos, reviews and other specifics users have submitted about any given place. Conversationally, users can ask the AI something like “plan me a five-day trip to New York City that focuses on entertainment” and receive a sample itinerary that includes local restaurants, attractions and points of interest. Once you’ve constructed your ideal itinerary, you can export it to Gmail, or Google Docs or Maps.

This new capability is currently available only in the U.S. (in English) to those who are signed up for Google’s Search Labs program, which invites users to experiment with early-phase Google Search functions. The company has not stated if or when this function will become more widely available. According to TechCrunch, Google is not only testing out new realms for using generative AI, it’s also gathering data about consumers’ travel purchasing intent, which would support its wider ad business.

Setting New Goals

• About G Travel

G Travel is one of the largest Norwegian-owned travel agency chains withextensive experience in providing all types of travel-related services. We have agencies  all over  Norway from Farsund in the south to Hammerfest in the north, in addition to our own agencies in Europe, Asia, and the USA.

Our robust partnership with Travel Leaders ensures that G Travel has the global strength to operateinternationally. Travel Leaders has more than 52,000 employees spread across 7,000 offices in 90 countries.

At G Travel we are inspired to strive for new goals and make every effort to meet our customers’ various needs by delivering innovative products and services of the highest quality.

Our employees are our greatest and most important resource, whether it’s Business Travel, Marine • Offshore • Energy, Humanitarian Aid Travel, Group Travel • Conferences • Events or Leisure Travel – our skilled employees will assist in finding the best solutions for our travellers.

G Travel is environmentally certified in accordance with ISO 14001 and aims to be the «greenest» travel agency chain in the industry. We are a compelling contributor to good solutions regarding environmental work within our industry by prioritizing low-carbon alternatives, environmental statistics and CO2 reporting.

In G Travel we  value corporate social responsibility and have been a strong supporter of the «Young Life Foundation» in Cebu for many years, which is a home for underprivileged children, and «A Million Voices» in Manila, which is an organization that helps children from poor families with education, health care, food, and clothing.

• Business Travel

Companies that choose G Travel to be their travel agency partner will experience fast, targeted, and personalized support for their business travel needs.

G Travel offers flexible service solutions with a combination of self-booking through G Travel Online, or personal assistance from one of our experienced travel consultants.

Our 24-hour service hotline is available if the need arises to reach us outside of regular business hours.

You can confidently book all trips through our own online solution «GTO» or speak directly with our consultants in the agencies that handle all travel-related challenges. Our own visa department is always ready to help where there is a need for special documents for entry and exit. With us it is easy to find good solutions – and receive personalized support when needed.

• Marine • Offshore • Energy

G Travel’s Department for Marine • Offshore • Energy are preferred partners with several acknowledged shipping companies and energy producers. We have offices located  around the world staffed by employees with special expertise.

G Travel is the only travel agency in Norway with our own visa department.

• Group Travel • Conferences • Events

G Travel’s department for Group Travel • Conferences • Events, Get Together, facilitates and creates experiences for small and large groups travelling together. Management gatherings, events, kick-offs, conferences, and everything related to production and content.

We are a full-scale event company, providing content and delivering registration and payment solutions, project management, planningas well as the execution of events and conferences.

• Humanitarian Aid Travel

G Travel has a dedicated department of specialists in humanitarian and missionary travel. We have agreements with major organizations across religious borders and political affiliations.

Access to special prices ensures travellers great flexibility, with options to change tickets and the opportunity to bring extra luggage.

• Leisure Travel

Are you dreaming of a special vacation that is out of the ordinary, where you may want a particular focus on food and wine experiences, exciting activities, exotic places, or hidden gems at home or abroad? Or maybe you are looking for a specific football match or sports event, cultural experience or similar? Then our consultants working with G Travel Ferie are the ones to contact. We tailor-make trips that meet and fulfil the desires and dreams you have.

Wine and football trips Here you can find more information about our wine and football trips.

Vinreiser Fotballreiser

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G Travel has its own 24/7/365 service available to customers who wish to include this facility. It is staffed with senior consultants who all have extensive experience and a vast capability to solve various issues.

Our skilled consultants handle urgent bookings and changes, contact travellers in case of delays, find alternatives if a flight is cancelled, check waiting lists and notify travellers when their seat is confirmed. They also guide if they need assistance related to online bookings.

Our 24-hour service naturally plays a very important role in emergency situations such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or other incidents.

G Travel’s visa specialists facilitate all services related to visas and ensure the fastest processing time available in each country and region.

We have excellent relationships with various embassies, and our many years of experience with visa-related work ensure that there is no unnecessary time wasted in the application process.

We gather all the necessary information and complete the application process for you.

Become a Customer!

G Travel is the obvious choice for business travellers. We find solutions that enhance the trip and ensure optimal value for the customer’s travel budget. As a customer of G Travel, the company gets safety, best price offers and full cost control.

Our own online booking system, «G Travel Online,» is specialized for the business traveller and the individual company’s travel policy, where one can easily and flexibly book flights, rental cars, hotels etc.

G Travel always deliver the best technological solutions and formidable personal service

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Våre erfarne konsulenter er tilgjengelig 24/7 og gir deg tryggheten og sikkerheten du til enhver tid trenger.

Vi er bemannet fra kl 16.00 – 08.00 mandag til fredag. Helger og helligdager er vi bemannet hele døgnet. 

Kontakt oss på  [email protected]  eller ring ditt reisebyrå for så å bli viderekoblet direkte til oss.

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Rates are available between 10/1/2021 and 09/30/2024.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

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12 Travel Pants for an Effortlessly Comfortable Long Flight

Travel with first-class comfort, even if you’re sitting in basic economy

After a 12-hour red-eye, you don’t want your outfit to be the reason you arrive exhausted. A high-quality, well-fitting pair of travel pants can make the difference between a smooth flight or a bumpy ride. As someone who flies often for work, I can tell you: Wearing pants that didn’t stretch or that were too tight at the waist has been my downfall too many times, leaving me fidgety and uncomfortable in my teeny seat. Now, I’ve got the routine down—the best travel pants must be soft, forgiving, and able to keep me warm.

You might be in a coordinated knit ensemble or sweats you can style with a stylish travel jacket up top, but the pants you wear in transit should take at least a bit of the pain out of the experience. For upcoming trips, whether you’re jetting somewhere tropical or simply flying home, here are 12 pairs of pants for travel that deliver first-class comfort, even if you’re sitting in economy.

High Sport Kick Pants

These buzzy pants are a favorite among editors and fashion insiders because they look dressy but are surprisingly comfortable when you have them on. That’s a win-win in my book.

Sizes: XS–XL

Materials: 68% cotton, 32% Lycra

Colors: Blue, navy

Everlane Linen Pants

When arriving at a tropical destination, the worst feeling is the humidity and heat hitting you while you’re still dressed for the chilly plane. These linen pants bridge the gap nicely.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Materials: 100% European flax linen

Colors: Bone, sage, black

What reviewers say: “The drape of the fabric is fabulous - not to light, not to thick. The cut and tailoring fit perfectly for my curves. The color is a great basic. Well done Everlane!”

Sporty & Rich Syracuse Sweatpants

These days, I’d guess that 50 percent of passengers on my flights are wearing some form of cotton sweats. Sporty & Rich’s take are my favorite, since they’re relaxed, but not schlubby.

Materials: 100% cotton

Colors: Brown

Amo Sandra Baggy Jeans

I have friends who hate soft pants and will fly only in jeans. If that’s the case for you, at least opt for a style that’s roomy and relaxed.

Sizes: 23–32

Colors: Blue

Lululemon Align Super-High-Rise Tights

For long-haul flights, I often choose a pair of super-soft leggings. The waistband doesn’t cut in, and seams don’t rub when I’m stuck sitting for hours on end.

Sizes: 0–20

Materials: 81% nylon, 19% Lycra

Colors: Black, navy, coal, olive, espresso

What reviewers say: “I absolutely love how comfortable these are. They are so high waisted that they touch my ribcage, but I love it! I am only 5'5" so it makes sense.”

Tory Sport Cashmere Joggers

Planes can run chilly, and as someone who is constantly freezing, I try to prepare by wearing warm knits from head to toe. These cashmere pants would protect me from the pumping AC.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Materials: 100% cashmere

Colors: Gray, blue, natural

What reviewers say: “Fair to good quality cashmere (thickness). True to size. Very warm & soft.”

Asceno Aurelia Pants

When a red-eye is the only option, why not wear pants that basically feel like you’re wearing pajamas? You’ll be as comfy as you can be—eye mask on, plane blanket tucked in.

Materials: 100% silk

Argent Jones Trousers

If you travel frequently for work, you might need to head straight to a meeting from the airport. These pants are comfy, but will help you pull off a professional vibe when you land.

Sizes: 0–14

Materials: 98% wool, 2% elastane

Colors: Blue, fuchsia, black

What reviewers say: “A direct quote from my husband, ‘Makes you look like you're all legs.’ I love, love, love this suit and am having a hard time not buying it in all the colors.”

Bode Quincy Stripe Joggers

Bode’s soft, swingy pants are a fashionable way to feel comfy on a flight. There’s also a matching polo top if you want to complete the look.

Materials: 65% linen, 35% viscose

Colors: Red, white

Nike ACG Smith Summit Cargo Pants

For the traveler who prefers to fly light, these cargo pants will hold your phone, Kindle, passport, and gaggle of headphones, no bag necessary.

Sizes: XS–XXL

Materials: 96% nylon, 4% spandex

Colors: Black, navy

The Frankie Shop Bonnie Croc-Effect Faux-Leather Straight-Leg Pants

L.A. to Vegas is only an hour-long flight. If you’re planning a quick trip for a friend’s birthday, these pants are a pair you can wear straight from the plane to a fancy dinner.

Materials: 50% polyurethane, 25% polyester, 25% cotton

Vince High-Rise Satin Pants

Stretchy, loose, and lightweight, these pants will keep you comfy even if you’re squeezed into an economy middle seat.

Materials: 73% recycled polyester, 27% polyester

Colors: Beige

.css-p3fpzg{font-family:NewParisTextBook,NewParisTextBook-roboto,NewParisTextBook-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:-0.015rem;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-p3fpzg b,.css-p3fpzg strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-p3fpzg em,.css-p3fpzg i{font-style:normal;font-family:NewParisTextItalic,NewParisTextItalic-roboto,NewParisTextItalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;} Why trust Harper’s Bazaar ?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

The Edit: Fashion

15 Best Summer Sneakers You Can Wear All Day

Shop Gisele Bündchen–Approved Walking Sneakers

9 Best Hoka Shoes for Walking

27 Excellent T-Shirts You Won’t Want to Take Off

The 12 Best Garment Bags to Travel In Style

24 Spring Sneakers to Shop for 2024

15 Lightweight Pants for Effortless Summer Outfits

Sandals That Feel as Breezy as Linen Pants

The 10 Best New Balance Shoes

21 Matching Workout Sets for Every Type of Workout

16 Comfortable Sneakers to Wear All Day, Every Day

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North America

Central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.

Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

G Adventures Land

G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

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Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.

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Back home from a G Adventures tour? Submit a quick trip evaluation to save 5% on your next tour with us.

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New ways to save pop up all the time. Here’s where you’ll find every hot deal in one easy place.

About our community

Changing the world through travel: that’s been our goal since 1990. Sure, call us dreamers (wouldn’t be the first time), but that idea has been at the heart of everything we’ve ever done and has helped us grow into one of the biggest adventure travel companies on the planet. *woot woot* But, to us, being big is meaningless if it comes at the expense of making someone else feel small. You know what… let’s drop the metaphors and get straight to the point: G Adventures is a social enterprise as much as we are a small group travel company. We’ve been pioneers of community tourism since the day we first headed out into the world 30 years ago. What does that mean? That our tours, created by building meaningful relationships with local communities, directly benefit the people and places we visit. We’ve always believed travel can help local communities, Indigenous peoples, women, youth — anyone who has traditionally been marginalized or undervalued. Because there's incredible power in being part of something bigger than yourself. Today, our definition of community tourism means that the communities we impact ripples far beyond our destinations. To us, it includes our employees, supplier and agent partners, small business owners, customers, social followers, and travellers just like you. Because when we all come together, we have the power to realize the full potential of our global community. When you travel with us, you aren’t traveller #251,468. We think of you as our friend, a part of and contributor to our community, enjoying enriching experiences that give back and help make the world better. After all, you’re not only helping communities abroad, the renewed perspective you bring home can help change your own community as well. So the question is: do you want to change people’s lives through travel, while having the time of your life? If the answer is yes, well... Our world deserves more you.

About Bruce Poon Tip

How did it all start? With a very inspired and driven young man named Bruce Poon Tip. (He didn’t tell us to write that, we swear.) Back in 1990, there were only two ways to see the world: on a big tour or with a single backpack. As a traveller himself, Bruce realized there had to be a better way. So with nothing more than two maxed out credit cards and a burning desire to create an authentic and sustainable travel experience, he founded G Adventures. What started out as one man’s vision has grown into a social enterprise with more than 2,200 employees in 28 offices worldwide, all working to continue growing the benefits of community tourism.

We have always believed travel can be a force for good. G for Good represents our company-wide commitment to that belief all over the world. When you travel with us, you see this commitment is more than just words on our website — it’s in everything we do. This includes projects developed by our non-profit partner the Planeterra Foundation, industry firsts like our Ripple Score and welfare guidelines, the initiation of our Plastics Partnership Project, and so much more. G for Good is our effort to preserve and conserve our world as the beautiful, lively, strange, and surprising place we all want to see.

Why Choose G Adventures?

Our founder Bruce Poon Tip emptied his bank account to start our company. So we never take your choice to spend your hard-earned money with us for granted. Our award-winning trips embrace our broader definition of community tourism to put travellers like you on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife. Here are just a few of the things we offer:

• 100% Guaranteed Departures
• Our CEOs (Chief Experience Officers)
• Lifetime Deposits
• Countless awards and industry honours

Our core values

Core values? Yup, we’ve got ‘em. And we live by them every single day. If you’ve ever interacted with someone who works at G Adventures, you’ve met with someone who strives to embody our values and welcome you into our community.

Our diversity & inclusion commitments

Racism and discrimination have no place in our global community. We are committed to improving diversity within all of our operations.

The 18 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Easy, Breezy Packing

From basic rucksacks to nifty new features, these backpacks are a traveler's dream come true.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Team T&C are experts in the field of traveling light and packing efficiently . And because we know every traveler has different preferences and needs, our editors took it upon ourselves to research, test, and share our favorite and most reliable styles on the market. Ahead, find the best carry-on travel backpacks designed to go the distance.

Samsonite Silhouette 17 Backpack

A backpack that packs like a suitcase? Why didn't someone think of this sooner? This Samsonite bag is perfect for the traveler who wants to travel light without sacrificing that packing method they've perfected.

One reviewer writes: "Durable yet lightweight. Streamline design and not bulky at all. Perfect carryon size with backpack straps for convenience."

Dimensions: 20" x 12.5" x 7"

Weight: 3.6 lbs

Material: Recyclex

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

This bag has compartments, on compartments, on compartments—including an exterior laptop pocket, making it extra easy to slip your computer in and out for TSA.

One reviewer says: "I initially purchased because I needed more storage to function as my work bag. It just so happen I was traveling abroad in that same month as well. I did not realize that it had a strap on the back to make it super convenient to connect to my carry on luggage. The storage in this bag is phenomenal. 10/10 recommend!"

Dimensions: 17.5” H x 12” L x 7.25” D

Packing Capacity: 27L

Material: 100% recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish

Fjallraven Kanken Water Resistant Backpack

These Scandinavian bags have been tested, tried and true since the 1970s. According to T&C 's Associate Shopping Editor Sophie Dweck, who owns several Fjallraven Kankens, they don't offer a lot of frills or features, but they are as practical and reliable as they come. Cute enough to be your day bag but spacious enough to fit all your carry-on essentials, this bag is two-for-one. Plus, there's no shortage of color options!

One shopper says: "This is my second backpack and I just love to use this during my travels. It’s stylish, lightweight and can surprisingly fit my essentials."

Dimensions: 14" H x 10" W x 4 ½" D

Weight: .7 lbs

Material: Vinylon

Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack

Calpak is known for creating travel bags and accessories with smart engineering in mind, and this backpack is an incredibly popular pick for obvious reasons. Thanks to its many compartments, it can hold a ton—shoes, notebooks, bottles, you name it—and is designed to protect a 15-inch laptop in one of the inner sleeves. Even better, it comes in a variety of pretty colors, such as this rose gold hue.

One shopper says: "I love this backpack. My laptop fits perfectly and it’s very roomy to carry a travel umbrella, glasses, electrical cord, notebooks, and more. I love the puffy exterior and have the matching Luca mini. Together, creates a great weekend getaway."

Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 7"

Weight: 1.8 lbs

Material: Polyester

Monos Metro Backpack

The unique feature on this pack from Monos is the detachable, interchangeable pouch that fixes to the front of the bag. This smaller bag is the perfect spot to keep the items you need quick and easy access to, like your passport, headphones, keys, and charging cables.

One shopper says: "I love this backpack! The trolley sleeve is a huge plus, but my favorite feature is being able to remove the Metro Kit. I like that I can conveniently place the backpack under the seat and the Metro kit can hang off the pouch in the seat in front of me, making it easy to grab the essentials mid-flight."

Exterior Dimensions: 11.5" × 16.5" × 6"

Exterior Weight: 2.4 lb (nylon) / 3 lb (vegan leather)

Metro Dimensions: 8.75" × 6.75" × 2"

Metro Weight: .6 lbs

Material: Nylon or vegan leather

Cuyana Leather Backpack 16-inch

For a travel bag that sacrifices neither function and fashion, you turn to Cuyana. The brand's minimalist backpack is crafted with premium Italian leather and tricked out with convenient features, like a spacious main compartment with pockets and a laptop sleeve, two additional exterior pockets, a magnetic snap closure for easy access, comfortable straps that don't dig into your shoulders, and a top handle that allows you to tote the bag around by hand.

One shopper says: "This is the perfect work and travel backpack. I got it in navy and looks amazing. My laptop, notebook, and computer accessories all fit in very neatly with plenty of room for other items. I was a little worried about my water bottle fitting in the front pocket, but it is just fine there and the magnets even help it stay in place. It is simply PERFECT!!!"

Dimensions: 15.1" x 11" x 7"

Weight: 2.6 lbs

Material: Leather

MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe

MZ Wallace's bags are absurdly lightweight, insanely roomy, and the signature quilting adds interest to an otherwise understated bag. This backpack is no exception. T&C 's Senior News Editor Emily Burack is a massive fan of the brand .

One shopper says: "Bought the Dawn metro backpack deluxe for a recent trip. I squeezed in so many items such as electronics, iPad, cosmetics, a jacket and small crossbody purse. Love the back sleeve that you can attach to your suitcase, and then can convert it to a pocket by zippering the bottom. And finally side pockets that can fit a water bottle."

Dimensions: 2.20" × 6.90" × 16.50"

Weight: 1.3 lbs

Material: REC Oxford

Carl Friedrik 72-Hour Backpack

For the packer who's serious about one-bag travel, Carl Friedrik's aptly-titled pack is a great option. The 25-liter carrier is designed fit up to three-days worth of outfits and is perfectly sized to fit under the seat in front of you. Also worth noting: The front panel fully unzips, there's a laptop sleeve, and various pockets so you can make the most of every nook and cranny.

And if that's not enough to convince you? Succession 's The Roy family is fan of Carl Friedrik , as is T&C 's very own Leena Kim .

Dimensions: 11.8" x 18.1" x 7.1"

Packing Capacity: 25L

Material: Nylon

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Those who are often guilty of overpacking will get a kick out of this pick. No matter how much you stuff inside of it, the bag is lightweight to carry day in and day out. It's made of a blend of tough, TPU-coated polyester and durable nylon paneling, and has padded shoulder straps which add to the comfort. Also notable is its harness feature that distributes weight and prevents you from suffering from any back or shoulder pain later on.

One shopper says: "The Cotopaxi was my real working bag for carrying 3-4 days' clothing & toiletries. I am impressed with the quality build, the cool appearance of the bag, the organized storage, the way the compartments hold their shape without using heavyweight material. The interior feels well enough secure for my purposes but also has easy access smaller compartment for a light jacket."

Dimensions : 20" x 12" x 10"

Weight: 3 lbs 8 oz

Material: Polyester and nylon

Lo & Sons The Rowledge

At last, your very own Mary Poppins bag. Well, not quite, but it might as well be. Don't be fooled by this bag's streamlined look—it can fit a lot. Yet, its dimensions qualify as a personal item, meaning it fits perfectly under the seat in front of you.

One shopper says: "I love traveling with this backpack. It is compact enough to wear I am not hitting people with it every time I turn around on the plane. It has a compartment for everything and is great quality. Excellent customer service from Lo & Sons, too!!!"

Dimensions: 11.5" x 6.75" x 16.5" (large); 10.75" x 6" x 16" (small)

Weight: 3.2 lbs (large); 2.9 lbs (small)

Material: Nylon and leather

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

First of all, this bag is made with 23 recycled water bottles! So it's already a winner. Water-resistant and roomy, it comes with a zippered pouch that can be used as a shoe bag, or for any other essentials you want easy access to. We also love its sleek look—how could you not?

One shopper raves: "I wanted a small backpack that could still carry all my stuff, but also look stylish and sleek. This was it. The Dakota and small is the perfect backpack. Big enough to carry all my stuff as a mom of three while traveling but small enough to not feel too heavy. The material is soft but durable. I’m definitely a forever fan now!"

Dimensions: 11.5” L x 5” W x 17” H

Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz

Material: Premium neoprene and performance air mesh

Aer Travel Pack 3 Black

A true traveler's bag, the main compartment of this backpack lays open flat, so you can pack it like a regular suitcase. It has designated laptop and organizational compartments, plus multiple additional pockets for all your other must-haves. The zippers are also lockable, and there's a pocket just for your AirTag !

One shopper says: "This backpack does everything I need. Keeps things really organized, looks great, comfortable to carry heavy stuff... I really like how it collapses to a smaller profile once it’s empty for both easy storage, and a slimmer profile for a day to day pack."

Dimensions : 13" x 21.5" x 9"

Weight: 4.12 lbs

Tumi Celina Backpack

Tumi is one of the most trusted names in luggage, so you can be sure this bag is of high quality. It has lots of pockets and compartments, but the best feature has to be the Tumi Tracer, which will allow you to track and locate your bag should you misplace it.

One shopper raves : "So light empty and so roomy. Lots of pockets and fantastic construction. A quality backpack that will last for years and years, worth every penny!"

Dimensions : 16.0" x 10.6" x 6.5"

Shinola Detroit The Runwell Backpack

If you're looking to invest in a bag that can really go the distance, it's gotta be high-quality leather. You can trust that this will hold up, and best of all, it'll only look better as it wears in during all your trips to come.

One shopper says: "I purchased this Runwell backpack in the summer of ‘19 to use as my work bag and waited a few years of daily use to review. I can truly say it’s almost perfect; it looks small on me but that’s my fault for not reading measurements. It easily fits my laptop, plenty of cables, paperwork, gym clothes, a shower bag, and many more random things. The pockets in the interior are great; it’s very functional. Although I do clean/condition it every few months, it’s developed a wonderful patina."

Dimensions: 17" H x 10.38" W x 6" D

Weight: 3.9 lbs

Beis Travel The Expandable Backpack

With pockets and compartments galore, the Beis backpack has endless room for all your essentials. And once it's all filled up? You can unzip the expandable zipper for even more space! Never thought you'd be so excited about a backpack? We get it.

One reviewer writes: "The expandable feature makes it great for travel but un-expanded, it’s great for work. The pockets are so functional and the extra padded laptop sleeve is great. Also got caught in a rainstorm this week and the inside of the bag stayed perfectly dry!"

Dimensions: 13" x 15" x 5-7"

Weight: 1.67 lbs

Material: 100% recycled poly

Troubadour Aero Backpack

This top-loading backpack not only features a main inner section with a ton of clever pockets, but there's also a 3D top pocket for easy access to your toiletries, a dedicated space for shoes, and a separate padded compartment for a laptop. Even better: It doubles as a duffle carrier for days when you'd prefer carrying your things as a crossbody.

One shopper says: "Just perfect. Enough pockets in the right place without being annoying or irritating and it looks sooooo good."

Dimensions: 13.4" x 20" x 7.9"

Weight: 2.75 lbs

Material: Recycled polyester fabric, recycled polyester lining, vegan leather trim

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack

Known for the suitcases everybody can't get enough of, Away also offers a range of backpacks that feature the same intelligent designs and user-friendly features. The aptly-named Everywhere knapsack is made with water-resistant nylon and features a wrap-around zipper for extra access in the main compartment.

One shopper writes : "It may be a little much to say this backpack changed my life, but it changed my life.. It's comfortable. It's SO well designed, with a logical place for everything. It holds a LOT. It's stylish and stays upright when you put it down. Most importantly (and the reason I bought it in the first place), I'm no longer sore after walking around and carrying my stuff all day. I may never go back to wearing a shoulder bag again. Worth every penny."

Dimensions : 12" x 5.9" x 17.7"

Weight : 2.45 lbs

Material : Nylon and leather

Paravel Fold-Up Backpack

The genius of this backpack? Its compact size can fit a ton without weighing a ton, and when it's not in use, it folds up flat and zips into a space-saving pouch. Bonus: Get yours customized with your initials for a personalized touch.

One shopper says: "I couldn’t believe that a roomy backpack could zip up very easily into a pouch! It is very roomy with several zip up compartments for extra storage. It looks very nice. I am going to Europe and was searching for a lightweight backpack. This is perfect!"

Dimensions: 13" x 16" x 9"

Weight: .63 lbs

Material: Nylon from recycled water bottles

.css-1q42gf4{color:#030929;font-family:NewParis,NewParis-fallback,NewParis-roboto,NewParis-local,Georgia,Times,serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:1.875rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1q42gf4{font-size:1.875rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-1q42gf4{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1q42gf4{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1q42gf4{font-size:3.125rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-1q42gf4 b,.css-1q42gf4 strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1q42gf4 em,.css-1q42gf4 i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} What to look for when buying a carry-on travel backpack

A carry-on travel backpack is a great in-flight companion because it's conveniently designed to be super spacious and a hands-free way to carry your belongings.

When shopping for the best option, it's important to choose a bag that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. While sizes vary depending on the airplane, most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be somewhere around 17 inches tall, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches long.

Equally as important: Look for a backpack with functional features, such as organization pockets, full zip openings, a laptop sleeve, and adjustable straps for a comfortable fit.

Why trust Town & Country?

For more than 170 years, Town & Country has been the trusted source for influence, taste, elegant living, and the finest things in life. We cover everything from the latest and greatest in beauty to luxury travel to the buzziest fashion trends of the season. All of our stories are thoroughly researched, tested, and vetted by T&C editors and industry experts.

Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different . Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country . Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more. 

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Acer Swift Go 14 review: It just keeps going and going

Expert's Rating

• Ample connectivity
• Fantastic battery life
• Wonderful typing experience
• Strong performance
• Reasonably priced
• Uninspiring design
• No OLED display

Our Verdict

The Acer Swift Go 14 is a reliable travel workhorse through and through.

What if you took an already good yet affordable laptop, added more features and newer specs, and lowered the price? That’d be pretty great, right? Now take that same laptop and add an extra six hours of battery life over its predecessor. That’s exactly what the Swift Go 14 (SFG14-73T-75FA) delivers. The only “problems” are that confusing name and availability. You’ll only find this model in Costco.

If you follow PCWorld laptop reviews, you might think we already reviewed the Swift Go 14 a few months ago . And in a way, you wouldn’t be wrong. But this is a new “line” of Swift Go 14 (referred to as the SFG14-73/T line) with some distinct differences from the model we reviewed last. And those differences add up so much, it might be worth springing for a Costco membership just to buy this version. Starting with the fact that you get extra features for a cheaper price: at $799.99 this model undercuts the last Swift Go 14 we looked at by $200.

Looking for more options? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops available right now.

Acer Swift Go 14: Specs

For $800, it’s impressive what you’re getting in the box. This new Acer Swift Go 14 comes with nearly the same spec list as the last model we looked at, with a few improvements like WiFI 7. That’s so future proof that technically Windows doesn’t support it fully yet. And you probably don’t own a single WiFi 7 device either. And thankfully you still get Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 155H processor, along with a decent amount of RAM, plenty of storage, and more ports than you can shake a stick at. One spec not listed below that we’ll get into later is the trackpad, because it has a few tricks up its sleeve.

Specs as tested:

• CPU : Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
• Memory : 16GB LPDDR5X
• Graphics/GPU : Intel Arc integrated graphics
• Display : 1920×1200 IPS multi-touch display
• Storage : 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe solid state drive
• Webcam : 1440p QHD webcam
• Connectivity : 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card reader. 3.5mm audio jack
• Networking : WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
• Biometrics : Fingerprint reader
• Battery capacity : 65 watt-hours
• Dimensions : 14.5 x 8.5 x .58
• Weight : 3.05 pounds
• MSRP : $799.99

Acer Swift Go 14: Build quality and looks

IDG / Josh Hendrickson

I have so much praise to offer what Acer accomplished inside the Swift Go 14. But when it comes to the exterior, I don’t have any true compliments. Or complaints. If you asked a Wikipedia artist to draw a generic laptop image that didn’t scream of any particular brand, they’d probably end up drawing something just like the Swift Go 14. It’s so generic that my wife saw me looking at pictures of it and asked if it was a Framework laptop.

Now, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Generic means you won’t be embarrassed to bring this to work or school or just about anywhere else. It’s not loud, obnoxious, or screaming of “Shutterstock Hacker example” vibes. The aluminum exterior feels nice against the hands, but the laptop itself has a little more flex and give than I’d expect of the materials. I do appreciate that you can open the lid with just one hand, and the odd feet on the underside actually lifts the keyboard slightly when it’s open. That might, in theory, give the vents a better opportunity to work, but it’s technically less ergonomic.

It’s a decently thin and light laptop at just over three pounds, but thanks to the Swift Go 14’s overall boxy feel, it doesn’t feel as sleek as it is. If this were a premium high-end expensive laptop, all of that might be disappointing. But this is an $800 laptop, so all of that is perfectly acceptable.

Acer Swift Go 14: Keyboard and trackpad

The keyboard and trackpad, however, I have plenty of compliments to give. I suffer from varying hand issues that make me favor ergonomic keyboards, and when I move to a laptop keyboard it’s usually an uncomfortable experience. But typing on this Acer keyboard wasn’t bad. The travel is decent, you get some adequate click noise, and I never felt myself getting ahead of the computer or hitting the wrong keys.

That’s not to say every decision is perfect, of course. The arrow keys are cramped, and at this size you won’t get a numpad. But the biggest annoyance of all is out of Acer’s hand: the new Copilot button. I don’t think I’ve ever hit it on purpose. What’s the Copilot button you ask? It’s Microsoft’s push at building AI into Windows. It’ll call up the new Copilot AI and you can ask questions, find a recipe, or just about anything else ChatGPT does.

But do you remember the Office button? Yeah that was a thing for a hot minute, and I bet you never used it either. And that replaced the right side CTRL key, something that’s arguably more useful. Thankfully you still have a left side CTRL key, and a left side Windows  key, but if you’re used to using either of those on the right side of your keyboard, you’ll have to form new habits. Acer also includes an AcerSense Key up by the fingerprint sensor, and it’s exactly as useful as the CoPilot Key. I’d rather have something else, anything else, there instead. It fires up custom Acer software that you can just call up through the Start Menu anyway. That software is mildly important, as that’s where you customize the trackpad lighting (or turn it off).

Speaking of the trackpad, it’s a good size and very responsive. I particularly enjoy the extra features this model adds that wasn’t found on the previous Swift Go 14 we reviewed: media controls. Start up a video, whether it be a YouTube video in a browser or switch to a media playing app, and the media controls automatically light up on the trackpad. I expected them to be terrible and fidgety, but shockingly these are useful and responsive. For once a feature you didn’t ask for that actually adds something good to the package. Good job Acer! I did, however, have a couple of occasions where my palms brushed the trackpad just enough to cause my caret to jump up several paragraphs while writing this review. It didn’t happen frequently, but more than once, so it’s worth noting.

Acer Swift Go 14: Speakers and display

You can’t expect a lot out of $800 laptop speakers, and that proves to be the case here. You’ll get no thumping bass, no room filling sounds, or anything you’d want to host a concert on. But what you do get is a competent set of speakers that gets the job done. Dialog is clear, music is recognizable, and shockingly you get a bit of left and right surround. No seriously, I watched a movie with surround and I could get a sense of audio direction, which is more than I expected. But if you really want good sound, grab a set of headphones and plug them into the (thankfully included) headphone jack.

Adequate describes the display as well, at least the model I’m testing. This Swift Go 14 variant comes in two display flavors: 1900×1200 IPS and 2880×1800 OLED. My review unit is the IPS flavor, and it shows. Compared to OLED displays black colors are washed out, contrast is just so-so, and colors aren’t all that vibrant. The touchscreen is a welcome addition though, especially since it somehow doesn’t hold back the Swift Go’s epic battery life (more on that later).

All in all, none of this is “best in class” but you have to keep the price in mind. For the amount you are spending, I’m pretty happy with what you get. It’s a good enough display and good enough speakers without emptying your wallet.

Acer Swift Go 14: Webcam, microphone, biometric options

Check out the top bezel and you’ll find the Acer Swift Go 14’s 1440p webcam. I hate to repeat the refrain of “it gets the job done,” but it indeed gets the job done. At 1440p, you get a crisp image, with decent color and exposure. Naturally things start to struggle in dim lighting, and you will of course suffer from the classic laptop “up the nose” angle. But it supports Windows Studio effects, including background blurring, framing, and eye contact. That all works well enough, although the blur could do better edge work. The webcam also has a physical privacy shutter, which is a must have in this day and age.

The microphone does a pretty good job too, providing decent volume and crips vocals. You get a bit of noise cancellation, but it’s not overly aggressive so you’ll want to keep that in mind if you have a very noisy background. Like most laptops, you’d be better off with dedicated cameras and microphones, but if you don’t need the highest quality video calls than what Acer provides is more than good enough.

As for biometrics, you can’t log in with your face unfortunately. All you have is a fingerprint sensor that doubles as a power button. At the upper right corner of the keyboard, the placement is a little awkward but not the worst I’ve seen. The sensor works quickly and consistently, unless you have dirty or damp fingers, of course. It’s not as convenient as face unlock, but it’s a close second.

Acer Swift Go 14: Ports and connectivity

Do you know what always pleases me with a laptop? Plenty of ports. And here, the Swift Go 14 delivers. Look to the left side of the laptop and you’ll find two USB-C ports (one of which you’ll need for charging), and HDMI port, and a USB-A port. But Acer isn’t done. Head over to the right side and you’ll get another USB-A port, a headphone hack, a Kensington lock, and a microSD card. That’s so many ports.

And it’s not just any old ports either. The USB-C ports are the almighty Thunderbolt types, which is fantastic if you want to plug in a couple of portable monitors. The HDMI port? You get 2.1 for speedy connection if you prefer something that route. Even the USB-A ports are fast 3.2 Gen 1ports, great for transferring data. But it’s not all perfect: I really wish the USB-C ports weren’t on the same side. It’s more convenient when they’re on opposite sides, both for charging options and if you want to hook up two portable monitors.

Acer killed it in terms of connectivity too. The Swift Go 14 arrives with WiFi 7 out of the box. That’s so sparkly new that you probably don’t own anything else with WiFi 7, let alone the routers to support it. It’s backwards compatible of course, so you’ll get the maximum speeds your surrounds provide and future-proofing. Likewise, Bluetooth 5.3 is as new as you can get, and in my testing that means you can walk quite a bit away from the laptop and maintain a strong connection for your wireless headphones or earbuds. It’s fantastic.

Acer Swift Go 14: Performance

The Acer Swift Go 14 arrives with Intel’s new 14th-Gen Core processor, in this case the Core Ultra 7 155H. We’ve had a chance to test a few of these laptops now, and there’s more performance variation than you might think thanks to other choices like RAM, storage speeds, cooling, and so on. The Core Ultra 7 155H has six “performance” cores, eight “efficient” cores, and two “low-power cores” for a total of 16 cores and 22 threads. Acer paired this with 16GB of LPPDR5 RAM, and a 1 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD. Other than gaming, this Acer has no excuse to run slow.

That good mix of hardware shows in our first test, PCMark. This Acer Swift Go scored 7,141, leading the pack even among other laptops running the same processor. To be fair, it’s within a hundred points of the ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2, so a few more tests could potentially have them trade places. But that ThinkPad costs $1,000 more, so that’s a very good start for Acer.

The Acer Swift Go 14 continues to shine in the Cinebench R20 test. This test is a multithreaded short-duration test, and the Acer jumps to the top of our list with a score of 5,656. Again it outperforms other laptops running the same processor, which suggests Acer is doing some good work in handling temperature and throttling. Admittedly, the difference in the top three laptops is pretty small, so in theory with enough tests these three could trade places. But considering the price difference, it’s still a pretty big win for the affordable Swift Go.

Next we run a Handbrake encoding test, and the Acer scores admirably here too. If we were to switch out the list to include much more powerful (and therefore much more expensive) laptops, you’d see the Acer fall further down the list. But stick with relatively similar and recent machines, and the Swift Go holds it own and barely squeaks out another win by margin of error. That it can hold its own against similarly spec’d laptops priced at hundreds (or even a thousand) dollars more, goes to show that paying more doesn’t always get you more power, sometimes it’s about other things like a larger 4K display in the case of the MSI Prestige 16 in our chart.

Next up is 3Dmark’s Time Spy benchmark, which focuses on Graphics Capability. On this test, I changed up the comparisons just slightly. Here, we substitute in the Dell XPS 16 9640, which uses the same Core Ultra 7 155H processor, but also throws in more RAM and a dedicated GPU. You’ll notice that among the laptops without a dedicated GPU, it fares very well. It takes second to the MSI Prestige 16 by just a few points, and noticeably ahead of the laptops the two ThinkPads, which rely on an i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 CPUs.

But once we add in a laptop with a dedicated processor, you’ll see the limits of integrated graphics, even with these new Ultra Core offerings. Despite running the same processor, the Dell blows the Acer (and everything else) out of the water, and that’s down to the GPU naturally. So, the takeaway is this: integrated graphics will still get you by for regular productivity and even very light gaming, but if you want to run the latest and greatest AAA games at max settings, you need a GPU. The same goes for video editing. You can do it in a pinch, but you wouldn’t want this Acer to be your main editing machine.

Acer Swift Go: Battery life

Holy cow, this new Acer Swift Go has staying power. To test battery life, we put the laptop in airplane mode and loop a 4K copy of Tears of Steel until the it dies. We actually tested another model of the Swift Go 14 late last year, and it put up merely respectable results of just over nine hours. So, imagine my shock when this less expensive more featured model lasted nearly 15 hours in the same test. That’s somehow despite having a lit-up trackpad with media controls.

In fact, only one laptop in our chart manages to go longer, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus. But that’s $100 more, heavier, and has a lower resolution display. And the Dell misses out on some other features, like a second USB-C Thunderbolt port, a faster HDMI port, and future proofing with WiFi 7. So that becomes a question of, how much do you want to give up just to get even longer battery life?

Looping video tests don’t always translate well to real world use of course, but I’m happy to say that the Acer does indeed having plenty of staying power. I easily make it through an entire workday with plenty of juice to spare, and I can usually make it through a second day too without sweating. In fact, as I write this, I’m through day two since I charged last and I’m sitting at 75 percent battery life. This is a laptop that, so long as I started on a full charge, I wouldn’t be too stressed if I accidentally left behind my charger. That’s peace of mind I’d pay extra for, and you don’t even have to this time.

Acer Swift Go 14: Conclusion

Acer might not be the very first brand you think of when buying a laptop, but maybe it should be. Or at least it should be in your consideration list. It’s true that the Swift Go 14 isn’t the most high-end luxurious model you can buy, but it’s not trying to be either. It’s a travel workhorse. Strong enough to get you through everyday tasks, whether that’s Office productivity apps or checking email, and light enough not weigh you down.

It’s also hard not to appreciate the generous port selection, as that means you can ditch the dongles and just worry about bringing the charger. But that might be my favorite bit about the Swift Go 14. For $800 you get a laptop that goes and goes for days, so honestly you may not even have to worry about bringing that charger after all. And thanks to USB-C charging, there’s a decent chance you could replace it if you absolutely had to anyway.

This isn’t a perfect laptop. You don’t get OLED, and I still wish Acer had placed one of those USB-C ports on the other side for maximum convenience. And you can’t expect to do anything that requires real power, like AAA gaming with Ray Tracing. But I go back to the price: it’s $800. I’ve spent more for laptops that didn’t offer everything the Swift Go 14 does and didn’t last half as long on a charge. For this price range, it’s very hard to complain when there’s so much to praise.

The only real catch is where you buy it: it’s a Costco exclusive. But the Acer Swift Go 14 might literally be worth the price of admission.

Author: Josh Hendrickson

Josh Hendrickson is a freelance journalist with years of experience in the tech field. He's the former Editor-in-Chief of Review Geek, and in addition to PCWorld, his work can be found at How-To Geek, PCMag, and more. He's covered computers, smart homes, and phones and has a YouTube channel dedicated to gadget reviews.

Recent stories by Josh Hendrickson:

• Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 review: A few ports short of greatness
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Hi everyone

9 replies to this topic

Have you considered traveling via Brightline the high speed passenger train? OW tix can cost as little a

http://Www.gobrightline.com for more info.

Correction to my above post: 2nd line should read:

"OW tix can cost as little as $39"

I can’t imagine an Uber being willing to make that drive. It’s 3 1/2-4 hours one way.

While a agree that Brightline would be the simple solution (cost is relatively cheap and less stress/hassle), I am curious where you came up with rental prices of $300?

I just did a quick Expedia/Kayak search to get a ballpark number and I see many options for <$100.

Looking forward to your ‘follow up’ post. 🤤

There are some early trains, but I don’t think I’d be willing to risk traveling that far on departure day and would endeavor to get there the night before

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