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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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The best tour operators in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

By Condé Nast Traveller

It’s been a challenging few years for tour operators but the names below are in it for the long haul (as well as the short and medium), honing itineraries and managing expectations. So who prepared your travel documents this year? Red Savannah and Black Tomato scored highest for first-hand knowledge, and Exodus Adventure Travels and Abercrombie & Kent for on-the-ground support. But when it came to all-round endeavour, Scott Dunn and The Turquoise Holiday Company were leaders of the pack. Both report a surge of interest in Asia, as well as multi-generational travel, solo adventures to Namibia, Bhutan and Mexico, and authentic experiences such as outback stations in Australia and bear lodges in Canada.

These are the best tour operators in the world, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards . The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.

The best general tour operators in the world 2023

15. Cox & Kings. Score 88.00

14. Hayes & Jarvis. Score 89.44

13. Carrier. Score 90.73

12. Simpson Travel. Score 91.48

11. Kuoni. Score 92.82

10. Mr & Mrs Smith. Score 93.29

9. Kensington Tours. Score 94.14

8. Audley Travel. Score 94.77

7. Original Travel. Score 95.44

6. Cazenove + Loyd. Score 95.92

5. The Ultimate Travel Company. Score 96.75

4. Abercrombie & Kent. Score 97.12

3. Elegant Resorts. Score 97.39

2. Red Savannah. Score 97.96

• The Turquoise Holiday Company. Score 98.42

The best travel specialists in the world 2023

15. Wild Frontiers. Score 94.81

14. Martin Randall Travel. Score 95.17

13. Intrepid Travel. Score 95.40

12. Wilderness. Score 96.54.

11. Inntravel. Score 96.88

10. Oxford Ski Company. Score 97.15

9. Kirker Holidays. Score 97.47

8. andBeyond. Score 97.61

7. Ampersand Travel. Score 97.65.

6. InsideJapan Tours. Score 97.79

5. Steppes Travel. Score 97.88

4. Black Tomato. Score 98.03

3. Exodus Adventure Travels. Score 98.15

2. Healing Holidays. Score 98.35

• Scott Dunn. Score 98.70

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• World's Best

Travel + Leisure Readers' 15 Favorite Tour Operators of 2023

The right tour operators can make or break a trip. These specialists came out on top in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2023 thanks to insider knowledge and personalized service.

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

Courtesy of Butterfield & Robinson

While we travel to see the sights, what we really take home with us are the experiences. And finding the right tour operator — one that’s able to meld insider knowledge about a destination with the best ways to take it in — can make or break a trip. But when the right combination does come along, it can be pure magic, so it’s no wonder that the last year has seen group travel on the rise .

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Tour operators and safari outfitters were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Staff/guides
• Itineraries/destinations
• Accommodations

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

With nine of the companies returning from last year’s list , one major trend that stands out is the focus on a region, like with this year’s No. 1 pick, ATJ, which focuses on luxury travel, ranging from bespoke private to small group itineraries, in Austrasia. Also destination experts are Inside Japan Tours (No. 10), who offer themed trips, from honeymoons to diving, around the island nation, and Vagabond Tours of Ireland (No. 12), which makes its debut on the list, standing out for its B Corporation status, as it guides travelers around the Emerald Isle in their choice of style, either relaxed and culture-focused or active and adventurous. 

Also notable are the operators who go a step beyond, like two returning favorites: Artisans of Leisure (returning as No. 3) has been called “top notch”; one reader said that “no other tour operator comes close in terms of knowing the destinations [and] understanding what we want and executing our trip flawlessly.” Black Tomato (dropping from last year’s No. 4 to a still respectable No. 6) manages to both fulfill curiosity and allay FOMO on its adventures globally.

But more than anything, it’s loyalty that shows what a strong tour operator is made of, and readers often raved about return visits with a particular company. One, for instance, shared that after 25 journeys, Du Vine Cycling + Adventure Co. (No. 2) stands out among them all. “The best cycling trips I’ve been on,” they said. “Great staff, accommodations, and first class all the way.” And that’s the winning combo for a tour company — leaving travelers with that passion for exploring the world through their eyes. See the complete list of top 15 tour operators, according to T+L readers, below.

Courtesy of ATJ

Formerly known as Asia Transpacific Journeys, ATJ made the list in 2011, 2017, and 2018, and it now leapfrogs back in triumphantly, notching the No. 1 spot. Offering tours in countries like Australia, Bhutan, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Vietnam, and Taiwan, the company specializes in custom itineraries and private group trips. But what travelers rave about is its band of extremely helpful customer service reps who are “responsive and personable.” They added, “I can call and speak with a live person immediately.” Customers tend to be loyal, but so are the agents: “I have used the same agent and she always remembers what we like and any special needs we have.”

I have used the same agent and she always remembers what we like and any special needs we have.

Reader Score: 99.07

2 . DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.  

Reader Score: 99.05

3 . Artisans of Leisure  

Reader Score: 98.89

4. TCS World Travel

ReaderScore: 98.84

5. Trek Travel 

Reader Score: 98.62

6. Black Tomato  

Reader Score: 98.29

7. Classic Journeys  

WBA Hall of Fame honoree.

Reader Score: 98.27

8. Adventure Unbound  

Reader Score: 98.15

9. Scott Dunn  

10. Inside JapanTours  

Reader Score: 98.13

11. Butterfield & Robinson  

Reader Score: 98.00

12. Vagabond Tours of Ireland

Reader Score: 97.78

13. Quasar Expeditions

Reader Score: 97.53

Reader Score: 97.33

15. Jacada Travel

Reader Score: 96.20

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Here at Go Ahead, we make it easy to plan a tour. All you have to do is decide which of our travel packages excites you most, and when you’d like to travel. (A springtime escape to  Europe , anyone?) If you can’t decide, we’ll help you narrow down our vacation packages and find the perfect trip.

From there, we’ll take care of the rest. For travelers who book flights with us, our in-house team of travel experts will get to work finding flights with our trusted airline partners. And as you count down to tour, we’ll be busy booking clean, stylish, comfy hotels, planning meals at locally loved restaurants, and securing tickets to top museums, cultural sites, and, if it applies to your tour, special events.

Having our team of travel experts take care of every last logistical detail is one of  10 benefits of a guided tour versus independent travel .

When browsing our 175-plus vacation packages, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you find the just-right tours for travel to the places you’ve been dreaming of visiting.

• Your travel style.  Are you into wildlife, adventure, or food and wine? Do you want to take a deep dive into a particular destination or religion?  Want to experience a special event, or explore with a small group? We offer escorted tours designed around these  travel styles  and others so that travelers can have the experience that suits them best.
• Where you want to go.  Whether you’ve long dreamed of exploring America’s national parks, Scotland’s pristine landscapes, or Thailand’s golden temples, you can do it on our guided tours. Some of our itineraries are designed to offer travelers a deeper dive into a single country. Others take travelers to multiple countries in a single trip (think Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, or Portugal, Spain, and Morocco).
• When you want to go.  Sure, there’s nothing like Paris in the springtime. But maybe seeing the City of Light against a backdrop of fiery fall foliage is more what you have in mind. We’ll make that happen. We offer dozens of departures per tour, and in the case of some trips, we offer departures all year round. And, we make tours available for booking up to two years in advance. Having more time to pay, and more departure dates to choose from, are among the  eight benefits of booking a trip years in advance .
• Special or seasonal events.  Have you always wanted to see cherry blossoms blooming in Japan? Or sip hot, mulled wine while wandering around a European Christmas market ? Perhaps witnessing the Great Migration is at the top of your travel wish list. Events like these, and others, only happen during certain times of year, so be sure to check out tour packages for travel that occur at the same time.
• Duration.  Our tours range from six days to 22 days. Want to enjoy a quick break? Consider our shorter tours, which we offer in destinations such as Iceland, Spain, and Amsterdam. Have more time to spare? A 10-day trip to Scandinavia , or a 22-day tour of Australia and New Zealand , could be just the ticket.
• Who you want to travel with.  Many of our group trips are designed for groups of 15 to 38 travelers. (Think: more opportunities to make new friends.) If you prefer a more intimate experience, consider one of our Small Group Tours, which are designed for groups of 10 to 22 travelers. Want to explore solely with your friends or family? We happily craft Private Tours and Customized Tours for groups of seven travelers or more.

For help narrowing our trips down to the perfect tour, try our  Tour Match Quiz  →

Our trips are bookable directly through our website. (Putting $99 down with AutoPay , our interest-free payment plan, is all it takes to secure your spot on tour.) If you have questions or can’t decide which tour is right for you, you can call us at 1-800-590-1161 . We’re here to help.

We offer more than 175 tour packages. They include:

• Guided group tours.  These trips are designed for groups of 15 to 38 travelers and include Multi-Country Tours , single-country tours, and City Stay Tours , which give travelers an opportunity to explore a particular city in depth.
• Small Group Tours.  A more intimate tour experience with a group size of just 10 to 22 travelers. Small group travel styles include Food & Wine Tours, Adventure Tours, and Safari & Wildlife Tours.  
• Special Event Tours.  Typically capped at 35 or 38 travelers, these trips are designed to capture the magic of special and/or seasonal events, such as Oktoberfest, Oberammergau, New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, Sakura (cherry blossom) season, fall foliage, Christmas markets of Europe, Halloween, and more. Find the perfect tour for you by browsing our Special Event tours .
• Private and Customized Tours.  Have a particular interest you want to explore? We happily plan Private and Customized Tours for groups of seven or more travelers. 

The price of our trip packages includes:

• A specially trained Tour Director, who will accompany your group on tour, from the moment you touch down in your destination to the time you take off again for home
• Sightseeing tours with expert local guides
• Skip-the-line admission to all museums, cultural sites, and special events that are included in your itinerary
• Overnight stays in clean, stylish, well-located hotels that our own staffers have stayed in and vetted 
• Transportation in your destination via private, luxury coach (depending on which tour you book, you may also travel by train, ferry, or airplane on tour )
• Daily breakfast at your hotel (a relaxed, convenient way to fuel up for a full day of exploring)
•  Some lunches and dinners at local restaurants or hotels 
• Free time to explore local restaurants, historical sites—anything that piques your interest—at your own pace 
• Airport transfers for travelers who book flights with us

See the latest from our travelers @goaheadtours

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Expertly Designed

We get it. You’re not the homebody type. We aren’t either. Your passion, needs, and desires have shaped our business. Destination experts hand-craft transformative experiences designed specifically with you – our fellow traveler – at heart. We wouldn't trust your experience with anyone else.

Guided Touring Reimagined

We know you want to explore and also dive in. We’re curious travelers, just like you, so rest assured, you’ll experience must-sees and connect with the people and culture that define the destination. You’ll eat in locals’ homes, take cooking classes, travel by trains and tuk tuks, explore cities with food tours, and stay in igloos, castles, and chateaus.

Value Beyond Price

Your time is one of your most precious commodities, so you should spend more of it in the destination, not driving between places. We design tours that spend the fewest hours on the coach. One-night stays are a rarity. This is your trip, and you shouldn’t feel rushed. With choice, flexibility, and free time, take it all in – this is your tour.

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Travel with trust. Because this is your trip - something you've planned for and dreamed about. You should feel confident in your journey every step of the way.

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Cancel for any reason (bad hair day applies) up to 24 hours before your tour leaves and get a full money-back refund. Collette issued a record-breaking $185 million cash back to travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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We've been doing this for a long time. Since 1918, in fact. Collette is the most experienced and longest-running tour operator in North America. You choose...

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Our team is on the pulse of world events and protocols, so you are kept fully aware and feel well-prepared for your trip.

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Why Guided Travel

You're a traveler with places to go. We'll take care of the details. You embrace the journey.

Social Connections

Meet a group of people who share your love of travel. Learn from locals. Forge friendships in the coolest places.

Independence

There's plenty of time built into our itineraries, plus optional tours, Choice on Tour excursions, and more. It's your trip, your way.

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You know what you want to see and do - let a team of experts handle all the details from the must-sees to centrally-located accommodations and local lessons.

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Don’t rush – this is your time to see the world. Get more time in the destination, and enjoy an ideal balance of included excursions and free time.

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When you go, capture all those incredible moments, and use the hashtag #GoCollette so that we can share your joy!

Featured Tours

Collette travelers choose from 160 tours across all 7 continents, as well as 5 travel styles including small group touring and destination spotlights. Check out some trending tours for inspiration on your next adventure.

Explorations

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A Taste of the Balkans featuring Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina & Slovenia

$3,144 pp* $3,699 pp.

Majestic Cities of Central & Eastern Europe featuring Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest & Krakow

$3,149 pp* $3,499 pp.

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We are a tour company, founded in 2009 by experts with decades of experience in film, television, and travel, we infuse an entertaining, story-driven approach into every tour.

We pioneered NYC’s original cupcake tour and continue with exceptional city explorations from Royal Family walking tours of London to Harry Potter tours of Edinburgh, and food tours of NYC, just to name a few. 

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Discover mother nature's bounty, viva las vegas at the flamingo, excitement & adventure at the flamingo hotel & casino, leisure in laughlin, featuring the beautiful aquarius casino resort, j. paul getty center, paintings | sculptures | photographs | gardens & terraces.

Best Tours & Travel has over 45 years of experience providing Central Valley residents with reliable group transportation. Our friendly and experienced tour & charter staff has built strong relationships with area hotels, casinos, theme parks, museums, state, and national parks, and many other venues to provide you with a superior travel experience . No matter your destination, Best Tours & Travel will bring your group’s itinerary to life.

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“Best Tours is a community-minded company with their clients’ best interest at heart. RMHCCV is so fortunate to partner with Best Tours in offering first-class transportation at our events and for our donors. We are so grateful to work with Jasmine and the entire Best Tours team in fulfilling our mission of providing a ‘home away from home’ and resources for families of children that are hospitalized.”

“I have been working with Jasmine and Best Tours in Central California for nearly 10 years. As a professional sports organization, it is extremely important that our fans, staff, and players receive a first-class traveling experience. Jasmine and her team have always lived up to that experience! From the drivers to the office staff I have always been treated with care and honesty. One of the most important aspects of a positive traveling experience is open communication and I feel that Jasmine is always accessible and extremely responsive. Best Tours has given professional sports in Central California a first-class feel and an enjoyable traveling experience. Secondly, flexibility is also extremely important as there are continuous last-minute changes in terms of travel and Best Tours has always been so flexible and easy to work with. I give them a 10/10 in terms of customer experience!”

“We have been using Best Tours for our Youth Group trips for over 8 years and well over 25 different trips with them. These trips have been up to the mountains, down to Southern California, or to the Coast, and we have had excellent service every single one. We have never had a single issue with any of our trips. The busses are always spotless, drivers are punctual and friendly, and most importantly, our drivers are always incredibly safe. It is an absolute joy to work with Best Tours every time we need a trip planned out. I have recommended them to other churches and they have had a similar experience. If you are in need of a reliable, friendly, and safe bus company, Best Tours should be your first and only choice.”

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“I have used Best Tours in the past for a few different events. I have always been extremely happy with the service, transportation, and staff. I have always dealt with Jasmine. She is a pleasure to deal with no matter the timing of the event or short notice. One trip I have used Best Tours for was a golf tournament in Stockton, CA. I would rent a bus and a group of my friends would take the bus from my house to the tournament. The driver was always on time and the bus was always clean. The bus ride ended up being a part of the trip. I still have numerous people come up to me and ask when we are going on the bus again. They usually don’t even bring up the golf tournament. I tried them the first year, but I ended up using them multiple years in a row. I have also rented buses to take groups of teenagers to events. As you can imagine, teenagers are a rowdy group and the drivers were always accommodating and tolerant, which I greatly appreciate. I would recommend Best Tours for any travel plans you might have. They are the Best!”

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The 15 Best Boston Tours

Get to know one of America's most historic cities with these tours.

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Hoping to experience Boston through the eyes of a local? A guided tour may be just the thing. Factoring in traveler sentiment and expert opinion, U.S. News selected some of Boston's best tours. Whether you're eating your way through the North End or zipping around Boston Common on a Segway, you'll see this New England city in a new light and learn some of its history along the way during these top Boston tours.

The Revolutionary Story Tour

Price: Adults from $76; kids from $38 Duration: 4 hours

Many reviewers call this tour enjoyable and one of the best walking tours they'd ever been on thanks to the engaging guide. Led by a local resident with degrees in history, political science and public policy, the tour takes visitors through the streets of Boston to chronologically retell the story of the American Revolution. Along the 3.5-mile jaunt, you'll pass by a dozen of the sites featured on the Freedom Trail, and you'll also hear about the key players in 18th-century Boston, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Paul Revere.

Tours are offered daily at 9:30 a.m. There is also a 1:30 p.m. tour Thursday through Sunday during the winter months and daily during the summer months through the beginning of November. There is a maximum of 16 people per tour. The company partners with another local guide to provide private tours.

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City Experiences by Hornblower – New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $45 Duration: 3.5 hours

Hop on one of City Experience's high-speed catamarans for a whale watching excursion to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. This area is a magnet for whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine creatures who head there to feed. New England Aquarium naturalists on board offer their insights on whales, answer questions and explain whale behaviors, a big plus for travelers. During your trip, you may see several different species of whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, sei whales and endangered right whales.

Tours leave from mid-May through early-November from Long Wharf, which is located near the aquarium. Tour frequency depends on the month, but there is at least one per day. Cruisers say the tour is fun and report seeing plenty of wildlife. Combo tickets that include admission to the aquarium are also available. The company also offers sightseeing and sunset cruises.

CityView Trolley Tours

Price: Adults from $42; kids from $20 Duration: 1 hour

The family-friendly hop-on, hop-off CityView Trolley Tours offer a convenient and comfortable way to explore the city and visit its top attractions , something visitors (especially those in Boston for the first time) appreciate. Stops at the New England Aquarium, Quincy Market and Old North Church, among others, make it easy to access sites along the Freedom Trail and other neighborhoods. What's more, guides share fun and informational tidbits along the way.

Trolleys run daily from mid-April to November from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Note: While you can hop on and hop off the trolley as you please, tickets are only valid for one full tour loop. Two-day passes are also available.

Old Town Trolley Tours – Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

Price: Adults from $50; kids from $29 Duration: 1.5 hours

Explore the top sights in Boston on this hop-on, hop-off trolley tour that makes 18 stops. Along the route, you can hop off and explore attractions like Faneuil Hall, the "Cheers" bar, the USS Constitution and the Old State House, and then hop back on at your leisure. Without getting off, you'll tour for about 90 minutes. Trolleys frequently stop approximately every 15 minutes. Participants praise the convenience this tour offers and rave about the entertaining, informative guides. Reviewers also say the tour is a great way to see the city without having to do a lot of walking.

Trolleys run daily from 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the time of year. For one-day tours, tickets allow for unlimited re-boarding. Tickets also get you discounted rates for a Boston Harbor cruise as well as discounted entry to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Two-day tickets, as well as the Ghosts & Gravestones evening tour are also available.

Boston Pizza Tours – North End Pizza Tour

Price: From $49 Duration: 2.5 hours

Sink your teeth into some of Boston's best pizza on this walking tour. You'll start your stroll in North End, which is considered Boston's Little Italy. Along the way, you'll pass by five sites on the Freedom Trail, including the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. The tour cost includes three full-size pizza slices, water and a cannoli. Tourgoers applaud guides for their positive attitudes and entertaining, educational delivery of Boston history. Reviewers are also complimentary of the food.

Tours are generally offered two times daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., but a 5 p.m. tour is offered during certain months of the year. Tours are capped at 12 participants. The tour can accommodate vegetarian diets; those with other dietary restrictions (such as vegan diets or food allergies) will need to take a private tour.

Fenway Park Tours

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $17 Duration: 1 hour

Baseball fans and history buffs relish the chance to take a behind-the-scenes peek at America's oldest ballpark. Even non-baseball fans find the tour worthwhile, according to reviewers. The tour takes visitors to important sites within the ballpark, including the world-famous 37-foot-high Green Monster. The excellent guides, full of Red Sox and Fenway Park trivia, offer an entertaining tour and are a hit with participants.

Tours run year-round from 9.m. to 5 p.m. (at 10 a.m. November through March) and start on the hour. On game days, the last tour is scheduled three hours before game time. Fenway Park also offers a variety of other stadium tours, including Day Game Premium Tours and Fenway in Fifteen, a condensed 15-minute tour.

Courtesy of Rose Kennedy Fitzgerald Greenway

Boston Segway Tours

Price: From $69 Duration: 1 or 2 hours

Boston Segway Tours takes visitors on an adventure through the city. Since it's faster to glide than walk, you can cover much more ground on Segway than by foot. As you travel from Boston Common to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, your guide takes you by some of Boston's most famous landmarks while always keeping an eye out for riders' safety, according to tour-takers. Pick a two-hour tour to visit Cambridge.

Participants must be 14 or older and weigh at least 100 pounds to ride; additional restrictions may apply.

Urban AdvenTours – City View Bike Tour

Price: From $60 Duration: 3 hours

Exploring Boston by bike is a great way to cover a lot of ground in an exciting, active way. Urban AdvenTours' flagship City View Bike Tour takes participants on a 10- to 12-mile trek through six different neighborhoods. You'll bike through major Boston sites, such as North End, the Boston University campus and Kenmore Square, Fenway Park, the South End, Boston Common and Long Wharf. Along with the comprehensive overview of the city, riders commend the care guides take in making them feel safe.

This tour rides daily at 10 a.m., with additional 2 p.m. departures on Saturday and Sunday during the summer months. The tour is best for those comfortable riding on city streets. Children must be age 10 or older. Adults can upgrade to an electric bike for an additional fee. Urban AdvenTours also offers cycling trips through Cambridge and the Emerald Necklace park system, as well as a family-friendly tour for kids 10 and younger.

Off the Eaten Path Tours

Price: Adults from $95; kids from $40 Duration: 3 hours

On this food tour of the North End – Boston's famous Italian neighborhood – owner Paula Noukos promises more than just samples of tasty food. Besides stopping at popular spots, such as Bricco Panetteria and Galleria Umberto, you'll hear tips on how to shop for the best extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You'll also learn about the history and architecture of this unique neighborhood, a highlight for reviewers. Travelers are also fond of the guide and appreciate her vast knowledge of the neighborhood.

Tours are generally offered Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and are limited to 12 people.

Courtesy of Boston Duck Tours

Boston Duck Tours

Price: Adults from $53; kids from $38 Duration: 80 minutes

Quack and splash your way around Beantown with the entertaining Boston Duck Tours, which takes passengers around Boston and into the Charles River on World War II-style amphibious landing vehicles. On the tour, entertaining "conDUCKtors" keep up a lively patter, describing neighborhoods, Boston history, architecture and trivia along the way. A highlight for many visitors is when the vehicle heads into the river offering a different perspective of the city.

Ticket discounts are available for seniors and children 2 and younger. Tours depart from the Museum of Science, the Prudential Center and the New England Aquarium several times a day from mid-March through early-December.

Boston Crawling – Independence Pub Crawl

Price: From $75 Duration: 2 hours

Sip your way through the city at four historic watering holes on Boston Crawling's Independence Pub Crawl. On this tour, you'll visit pubs that have historic significance, drink local brews and hear Boston's "secret" history as you barhop along the Freedom Trail. Reviewers say the tour is informative and fun and applaud the beer recommendations provided by the guides.

Participants can take tours daily at 3 and 7 p.m. There is also an additional noon tour on the weekends. Tourgoers must be at least 21 years old, regardless of whether they're drinking. Tickets include four draft beers of your choice. If you prefer to purchase drinks as you go, you can purchase tickets for a lesser price.

PhotoWalks Tours of Boston – Freedom Trail

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $20 Duration: 1.5 hours

Explore the historic sites of the city and refine your photography skills at the same time on this tour. In addition to visiting Freedom Trail landmarks, such as Boston Common, Park Street Church, the Granary Burying Ground and the Boston Massacre Site, you'll also learn expert tips on how to use your camera or smartphone to take the best pictures – a highlight for many participants. Reviewers are also complimentary of the insightful guides.

Tours run Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday year-round at 1 p.m. The tour is capped at 10 participants, but maybe more during peak times of the year. If you're interested in exploring other neighborhoods or topics, you can sign up for one of PhotoWalks' other tours, including Beacon Hill and the North End, among others.

Courtesy of the Freedom Trail Tour

Freedom Trail Tours – Walk Into History

Price: Adults from $17; kids from $8 Duration: 1.5 hours

The nonprofit Freedom Trail Foundation leads the way on this tour of the Freedom Trail – a milelong path that weaves past some of the city's most historic sites. A costumed guide, in character, leads you to 11 sites, including Boston Common, King's Chapel, the Old South Meeting House, the Boston Massacre site and Faneuil Hall. Reviewers rave about the guides and the characters they inhabit, and highly recommend this excursion over a self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail.

Tours are given daily at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Other themed tours, including tours that focus on the women of the Revolutionary War and African American patriots, are also available.

Boston Foodie Tours – Boston Public Market & North End Tour

Price: From $90 Duration: 3 hours

Boston Foodie Tours explores two of Boston's famous mainstays: The North End and the Boston Public Market. After enjoying pizza, cannoli and bread in the North End, you'll wind your way to the market to sample doughnuts and ice cream, among other treats. Your tour concludes with a tasting of clam chowder and cornbread. Past tourgoers say this is a must-do experience while visiting Boston.

Tours run Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. Tours are not given on major holidays. The company also offers a comprehensive tour of the North End, plus a private foodie outing to Beacon Hill, among other options.

City Brew Tours – Boston Signature Brew Tour

Price: From $89 Duration: 3.5 hours

For an in-depth Boston beer education, City Brew Tours' Signature Brew Tour is a great place to start. During the tour, you'll be chauffeured around the city in a comfortable van, visit three craft breweries, get behind-the-scenes tours and enjoy up to 12 different local craft beers and a snack along the way. Tourgoers laud the knowledgeable guides and love that driving isn't an issue.

City Brew offers this tour Wednesday through Sunday. Outings depart at 4:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday through Sunday, tours begin at noon. All participants must be 21 or older to tour. Tours are capped at 14 participants. A Boston Brew Mystery Crawl is also offered, as are private tours.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Boston
• The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod
• The Best Weekend Getaways in New England
• The Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA

Tags: Tours , Boston , Travel , Vacations , food and drink , New England Vacations , US Vacations

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The Best Crossbody Bags For Travel, Built With Storage And Style

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Roomy enough to carry everyday essentials, the best crossbody bags for travel give you the freedom to explore without having to lug your suitcase around. We researched the best crossbody bags for travel that offer both storage and style and selected the MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe as our top pick. We also found other great options for different travel styles, like a spacious crescent bag for beach trips and a sleek sling bag for organization.

The best crossbody bags for travel give you the freedom to explore without having to lug your ... [+] suitcase around.

A solid crossbody bag is versatile and provides convenient hands-free storage for every situation. This 4-in-1 leather bag from Lo & Sons stylishly transitions from day to night, while Lululemon’s popular Everywhere Belt Bag can be worn on the hip or across the body. Meanwhile, active travelers will get great use out of the Nomatic Navigator Sling , which features a water bottle holder and a stabilizer strap. Below, the best crossbody bags for travel in a variety of price points, styles and materials.

• Best Crossbody Bag For Travel Overall: MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe
• Best Affordable Crossbody Bag For Travel: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag
• Best Crossbody Bag For Organization: Aer Day Sling 3
• Best Crossbody Bag For Parents: Hobo Sheila Large Satchel
• Best Crossbody Bag For Beach Trips: Baggu Large Nylon Crescent Bag
• Best Crossbody Bag For Active Trips: Nomatic Navigator Sling 6L
• Most Versatile Crossbody Bag For Travel: Lo & Sons Waverley 2 in Nappa Leather
• Best Belt Bag For Travel: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1 L
• Best Crossbody Bag For Men: Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack
• Best Leather Crossbody Bag For Travel: Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Crossbody

Best Crossbody Bag For Travel Overall

Lightweight, stylish storage, mz wallace small sutton deluxe.

Dimensions: 9.8 × 5.5 × 10.20 inches | Weight: 1.08 pounds | Materials: Recycled oxford (polyester, nylon), leather

With a handy key ring strap and five interior pockets, this versatile bag is perfect for staying organized during travel. It can be worn as a crossbody or top handle tote and its water-resistant oxford fabric won’t weigh you down on your journey. There’s an easy-to-adjust nylon strap for a customized fit and the detachable interior pouch is big enough to hold a pair of shoes, plus the ample pockets provide plenty of space for your phone, keys, tickets and more. It weighs only a pound but can fit a surprising amount of items, plus its plush fabric folds down for packing.

Best Affordable Crossbody Bag For Travel

Security features plus many pockets, travelon anti-theft classic mini shoulder bag.

Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 0.7 pounds | Materials: Polyester, nylon

Travelon’s Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag packs an impressive punch for being so small. Its six pockets keep everything where you need it—including an RFID-blocking passport and card interior organizer—while a tethered key caddy with an LED light eliminates that dreaded “can’t-find-it-in-my-bag” feeling. The 5-Point Anti-Theft security system protects against theft threats with slash-resistant fabric, lockable straps and secure zipper pulls. Not only will you feel safe wearing this bag, but thanks to its 13 colors and prints, you’ll also look stylish anywhere your trip may take you.

Best Crossbody Bag For Organization

A compact sling bag with room to spare, aer day sling 3.

Dimensions: 11.5 x 6 x 3 inches | Weight: 0.8 pounds | Materials: Cordura nylon

With a ballistic nylon exterior and a unique design that zips open for easy access, Aer’s Day Sling 3 is one of the more durable crossbody options out there. It has a 3L capacity that fits a surprising amount of items and its 8 pockets ensure everything stays in its place. There are multiple loops for strapping onto your luggage or storage and a handy front pocket with a key leash and cool security features like a secret back pocket. There’s also a sneaky Fidlock clasp that makes it harder for a pickpocket to snatch your bag.

Best Crossbody Bag For Parents

Extra space and storage for the whole family, hobo sheila large satchel.

Dimensions: 13.5 x 14 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Materials: Raffia, leather

For parents or travelers who need to tote a lot of stuff on the go, a larger bag might be in order. Hobo’s Sheila Large Satchel offers nice organizational features and high style points. It’s made of a lightweight woven raffia with leather trim for added durability, plus its six interior pockets, key lanyard and accessible side exterior pocket are perfect for storing smaller items you may need throughout the day. Its main compartment is quite roomy, easily fitting a laptop, kid’s tablet, diaper wipes, snacks, toys, a backup outfit and more. The flexibility of its 3-in-1 styling really stands out—the adjustable strap can be worn as a crossbody, shortened for a shoulder bag or simply removed to transform into a classy top handle bag for a night out after the kiddos go to sleep.

Best Crossbody Bag For Beach Trips

Large and easy to wear for sandy days in the sun.

Urban Outfitters

Baggu Large Nylon Crescent Bag

Dimensions: 10.5 × 19.5 × 5.25 inches | Weight: N/A (not listed) | Materials: 100% recycled nylon

A beach bag calls for some pretty specific features: it needs to be durable and water-resistant, it should be big enough to hold bulky towels and ideally, it has a simple shape so sand won’t get lodged in the nooks and crannies. After much research, the Baggu Crescent Bag fits the bill. Its adjustable strap can be worn across the chest or as a tighter-fitting shoulder bag, the large size is roomy enough for a couple towels and a change of clothes and the zippered interior pocket keeps your wallet and keys secure. The quick-drying ripstop nylon is not only recycled, it’s also durable enough to withstand the windiest—and wettest—of beach days. Consider adding a few of Baggu’s fun printed flat pouches for additional organization.

Best Crossbody Bag For Active Trips

A durable sling with no detail spared, nomatic navigator sling 6l.

Dimensions: 13.5 x 9 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Materials: 80% nylon, 20% polyester

Whether you’re hiking, biking or riding the metro, the Navigator Sling from Nomatic offers durability, storage and some impressive features. There’s a water bottle holder that zips away when not in use, a molded EVA back panel for wearable comfort and breathability, a tamper-resistant zipper and tech features like built-in tablet storage, an RFID-blocking pocket for your cards and a cord-pass through for charging your devices in different pockets. If you’re running or moving around a lot, there’s also a stabilizer strap that clips on to keep the sling even more secure to your body. Unlike some sling styles, this bag has multiple zippered storage compartments, the main one opening extra wide for easier access.

Most Versatile Crossbody Bag For Travel

Four ways to wear it.

Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons Waverley 2 in Nappa Leather

Dimensions: 5.6 x 8 x 2 inches | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Materials: Nappa, Saffiano or cactus leather

When you’re on the go, sometimes the last thing you want is to ruin the flow of the day by making a pit stop at the hotel to change out a bag before dinner. We like the Lo & Sons Waverley for its inventive versatility that adapts to your needs. The minimal leather design has an adjustable strap that can be worn 4 ways: as a hands-free belt bag, a longer crossbody, a casual shoulder bag or an elevated clutch with (or without) a wristlet. The main compartment is large enough for the essentials and the zippered inner pocket keeps smaller items secure no matter where your day—or night—takes you.

Best Belt Bag For Travel

Hands-free storage in a slim profile, lululemon everywhere belt bag 1 l.

Dimensions: 7.5 x 2 x 5 inches | Weight: N/A (not listed) | Materials: Nylon, recycled polyester

Over 22,500 reviewers agree: the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is sleek, lightweight and versatile enough to be worn just about anywhere your travels take you. It has a water-repellant nylon exterior and one main compartment, three mesh interior pockets for added organization and a back zipper for your phone or cards. Its adjustable strap can tighten for comfortable wearing around your waist or it can be extended as a crossbody sling. With a 1L capacity, this bag is definitely on the smaller side, so you might want to consider their larger 2L size if you need more space.

Best Crossbody Bag For Men

Rugged looks for when you're on the go, cotopaxi coso 2l hip pack.

Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 inches | Weight: 10 ounces | Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester

This easy-wearing hip pack from Cotopaxi combines an urban rugged look with smart storage solutions. The recycled nylon exterior is durable with a matte TPU coating, making it water-resistant and easy to clean, while a fleece interior pocket stores your phone or other small devices without any scratch risk. There’s multiple grab handles for easy carrying, secure pockets for smaller items and in addition to the main zippered compartment, the exterior front flap pocket can store a rolled-up lightweight jacket when you get warm on the go. G-hooks on both sides can be adjusted for customized storage and it can be comfortably worn as a crossbody on the front or back, or around the waist as a belt bag.

Best Leather Crossbody Bag For Travel

Three storage sections in a minimal package, quince italian leather triple compartment crossbody.

Dimensions: 7.8 x 9.5 x 3 inches | Weight: 1.54 pounds | Materials: Leather

Quince’s smooth Italian leather crossbody might look simple from the outside, but there’s actually a lot of unexpected storage inside. The bag has three main compartments—two zippered sections flanking one open area that closes with snaps—plus three internal zippered pockets to take your organization a step further. It also comes with two detachable straps that allow for crossbody or wristlet wear. Quince is known for its fair prices and ethical manufacturing process, and if that’s not impressive enough, the brand also offers a generous 365-day return policy.

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Our team at Forbes Vetted is comprised of seasoned editors, writers and researchers who not only love travel, but love to shop. We approach all of our travel product roundups with a discerning eye, focusing on quality, value and more, taking the time to assess products so you don’t have to. From the best luggage locks to the best carry-on backpacks , we spend countless hours researching, vetting and testing travel products to bring you the best of what’s on the market so you can make smart and informed shopping decisions for that next big trip or cruise . This story was written by contributor Becky Eaton , who regularly writes fashion, accessory and travel product guides for Forbes Vetted.

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USA Tours & Trips

From the remote wilderness of Alaska to the vibrant New York , an American vacation is what you make it. Discover the volcanic wonders of Hawaii , take a trip your inner child will thank you for in Florida , be lost for words with the iconic views of the Grand Canyon or the Golden Gate Bridge , or enjoy a laid back cruise along the Mississippi River . Fun for the whole family and ideal all year round, a tour through the United States is full of adventure whether you're hopping from city to city on the West Coast , or embarking on your very own road trip along Route 66 . Read our guide to the best USA vacations and the best times to visit .

250+ USA tour packages with 19,167 reviews

Alaska Kenai & Denali Adventure

Everything was great organized, our CEO Megan was so kind and well prepared.

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7 Day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Camping Tour

The trip has been a fantastic experience. Very well organized and with a perfect itinerary to visit the most important national parks. Our guide, Haley, exuded enthusiasm, was always very close and friendly and was very attentive and solicitous, at all times, to the needs of the group. Luckily, the four of us were able to do the tour alone (we were with our family) and everything was very easy. We believe, however, that it is not very appropriate to charge a supplement for meals (some sandwiches that, necessarily, were repeated day after day). We also miss some more precise cultural information about the history and characteristics of the places visited. Likewise, we believe that the price is very high and that, therefore, the breakfasts of two of the hotels should also be included, strangely excluded unlike the others. That being said, the Tour is wonderful and well worth it.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

7 day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Tour

All We Could Have Asked For and More! We recently returned from the ""7 day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Tour"". Our tour was led by Kaitlyn Usher. The tour was wonderful, everything was near perfect and Kaitlyn is one of the kindest, hardest working and knowledgeable guides we've ever had! I had mentioned that my husband was turning 70 on the 1st day of the tour to someone at Bindlestiff 2 weeks before the tour and Kaitlyn had a small birthday cake and candles on that first lunch stop! What a nice surprise for my husband. Most anything we asked of her was taken care of and questions answered. We just can't say enough good things about her! The itinerary of the tour was great, we saw and did everything we wanted to do. The van was comfortable and kept clean by Kaitlyn every night. Plenty of items for the picnic lunches (a super idea). She always had options to match physical abilities. The 50 minute ride over the Grand Canyon (optional) was spectacular, the heliport is a distance from the rim, so be sure to do the longer ride to have enough canyon viewing time. The optional Hummer tour was very exciting and scary (in a good way). Thank you for a wonderful birthday trip and great memories!

Hiking Utah's Mighty 5

Fantastic experience. The hikes were all different but the landscapes equally stunning. Our CEO was excellent in his knowledge and his guidance of the group. There was alot of driving but it was the only way to see all 5 Parks, and was definitely worth it. It was a full on tour, but then that is what we wanted and paid for. Worth every penny!

• In-depth Cultural
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Wild West – 5 days

I love my tour guide Pasquale. He is the most sweetest, friendliest, kind, generous, and genuine tour guide I know. He really knows everything during my trip. He’s very easy going and I had the best experience ever in the 5 days I was traveling. Amazing experience and I would highly recommend Pasquale if you wanna travel with him and experience so much travelling for Wild West tour. Thank you so much an amazing and unforgettable experience.

• Cultural Photography

Magnificent West - 7 Days

Excellent tour stops and well worth the views. Plentiful bathroom and snack breaks, but the bus ride is long. However you cover 4 wonderful states, a drive I'd never do on my own. Edwardo was excellent tour guide and Roberto was nice but not as informative. Each hotel was clean and comfortable. Most offered a free hot breakfast. I recommend the tour and think it's a good value.

Mighty 5 From Las Vegas

Our tour guide,Vicky took care of us & exceeded my expectations for this tour!She was very punctual & showed us all that was described in the tour agenda plus a few other side trips!She shared interesting information on all the areas we visited & had some pretty humorous stories too!I would highly recommend this tour!

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Western USA National Parks Loop

This was a great tour, I highly recommend

Vegas to San Fran

Mighty 5 From Salt Lake City

Wynn is an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable. The food and accommodations were very good. It was an awesome trip!!! Planning on doing another!!

Majestic Alaska (10 Days)

In general things went very well. However, At the Denali location there was a shortage of staff which prevented full service at the Park, Ie. not all dinning venues were normal and our room service such as daily service was missing. We were told, staff shortage due to Canadian employees may have left due to concern of border being closed into Canada. Hotel dysfunction on a limited basis due to that concern. On our last day at the Anchorage Hilton room service was missing also. Not sure why. Most other activities were well supplied/performed. We were pleased.with our Tour Director Tyler, Bus Driver Les and Health coordinator Carol., Some other venues were a bit restricted due to COVID-19 concerns which appear to be out of control of Tourradar. We loved Valdez,, Fairbanks, Anchorage and Kanai Fjords National Park, as well as the Athabascan Village and flat boat ride and other amenities such as the Husky Dog Farm. Overall pleased, except as noted above. The weather cooperated 100%.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Photography
• Walking Adventure

Yellowstone / Grand Teton 4 Day / 3 Night Wildlife Adventure

The tour is very good. We saw a lot of animals and went to a lot of places in the park that people don’t go to and should. But we had a lot of problems communicating with the tour operators to get information about our tour. I would suggest that you check out the other tour companies to see what they offer.

Hawaiian Explorer (8 Days, Intra Tour Air Hilo To Kahului)

• Coach / Bus

American Parks Trail (Classic, End Denver, 9 Days)

The Tour Director and driver were first class, keeping us both very amused, and very safe. Some of the downsides were due to the weather, at times, which nothing could be done about, so we got on with it. Some of the main downs were due to my naivety, in thinking some facilities (like cash paying taxis from SLC airport; I persuaded a friendly Uber driver to accept cash!) were what I was used to, and that I wouldn't have to re-enter security when changing planes from LHR to SLC, at PHX, even though I was on a connecting, booked, flight, and my baggage had already been labelled for both airports appropriately, at LHR. Altogether, a very good, and memorable holiday, where I visited some parts of the Parks that I visited before, but saw many more, and different sights in them.

Alaska Journey National Geographic Journeys

Good time with lots of riding in the van going to interesting places

What people love about USA Tours

We thoroughly enjoyed the 7-day tour of the US southwest . We love the destinations included in the tour, every place we visited is on our bucket list. I wanted to pinch myself every day that I visited those iconic and beautiful places as shown in my photos below. We enjoyed all the extra, optional experiences that were suggested by the tour guide. They added more fun to the tour. The Hummer tour in Moab, Utah was one of the optional experiences and it was a blast! Not only it’s fun, you get to see the amazing scenery during the sunset. One previous review mentioned he or she was forced to participate in the Navajo taco dinner in Monument Valley. That comment is not true. You have a choice not to do that and the guide can make a different arrangement for you. The optional Navajo taco dinner is one of the highlights of the tour that we will remember for a long time. It would be a shame not to have this cultural experience when you get to meet Navajo people when you are in the Navajo Nation! Our tour guide, John did a fantastic job. He was full of enthusiasm and energy. He kept the tour well organized and always provided information we needed. We highly recommend the tour.

What a lifetime experience everyone needs Jun 2023 • Solo Within 7 days, we drove in 3 states, visited 5 national parks / 2 state parks, hiked 60 miles, made friends from 7 different states/nations, and eventually traveled through the iconic Route 66 back to Las Vegas. What a lifetime experience everyone needs Day 1 - Zion National Park Day 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park Day 3 - Canyonlands National Park Day 4 - Arches National Park Day 5 - Monument Valley Navajo Nation Day 6 - Grand Canyon National Park / Antelope State Day 7- Grand Canyon back to Las Vegas via Historic Route 66 AMAZING!

USA Destinations

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• English: USA Tours & Trips
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'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Cheers broke out on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam ship when the total solar eclipse began on Monday.

Off the coast of Mazatlan, Mexico, passengers were perched on loungers, reclining on beach towels and lining the railings of Deck 14 with cameras on tripods at the ready. When the sliver of fiery orange that remained of the sun disappeared, a black circle ringed by white light took its place. Passengers applauded the moment they'd been awaiting since the ship departed from San Diego on Friday.

The sunny, 72-degree weather – quintessential cruise weather – gave way to chilly wind and late morning’s best impression of sunset. The horizon line glowed orange in the dusky sky.

Cruise ships can help take guests to the path of totality for eclipses, allowing passengers to get a prime viewing spot and make a vacation of it.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun as it moves between the sun and Earth.

While the sun is about 400 times bigger than the moon, the moon is roughly 400 times closer to Earth. “In the past, the moon was much closer, and in the future, the moon will be much further away,” said Adam Burgasser, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California, San Diego, and director of the Cool Star Lab, who served as an onboard expert during the cruise. “And so we're in a special time, which, of course, lasts for billions of years, where it's set up just right to block out the sun.”

Total solar eclipses take place about every 18 months on average, but the last one visible from the U.S. was in 2017 .

The phenomenon creates a multi-sensory experience, with a cold front moving in ahead of the eclipse. “You block the sun, and it gets cold,” said Burgasser. “It’s actually just that simple. And it's slow enough that the atmosphere can react.”

Plants and animals respond, too: Birds often begin to chirp, plants may close up, and nocturnal will come out. “It’s kind of an all-around-you experience where it's not just the fact that the sun has been blocked that’s so fascinating, but just the effect it has on the entire environment.” Those effects weren’t easily discernible on Koningsdam, though, which was about 150 miles from shore.

Nicole Chaput, a 57-year-old passenger from Calgary in Canada, said partial and total eclipses are “totally different.”

“I heard someone describe it as being partly pregnant,” she said. “You can’t do it. There’s no comparison.”

What makes a cruise a good place to see an eclipse?

Bad weather can wreck even the best-laid viewing plans. If a city in the path of totality has overcast skies, it can be tough to quickly move to an alternate site.

“If you're on a cruise ship and a little bit farther to the east or a little bit farther to the west along the path, there's clear sky, the ship can move,” said Dan Jarrell, who was on the cruise with his wife, Kay, and friends. The Washington, D.C.-area resident has seen solar eclipses with friends during two other sailings, including on Holland America’s Veendam in 1998.

“If you're on land and there's not a road there, you’d better have a tank,” Jarrell said.

That’s where a cruise ship comes in handy. “Having the ability to map out based on what the current weather is where you can catch the eclipse, and having a range over the course of the ocean where you could chase that a little bit is certainly helpful,” Burgasser added.

Capt. Ane Smit, Master aboard Holland America’s Zaandam for the viewing, said the ship can move at a maximum of 20 knots, so the crew needs to scout out the conditions with enough time to move as needed.

“If it's not good enough, we really need to start finding another spot because we are not the quickest vehicle, of course, to be driving around, but we have the luxury of being able to go in any direction without any restriction,” he said. “It’s a pretty wide highway that we have.”

The view of the horizon also allows passengers to “see that shadow coming in and leaving more so than you can in a topographical area,” said Burgasser. Being in the ocean away from city lights is also helpful for seeing stars and other parts of the sky usually only visible at night.

The cruise line also made the practicalities of watching an eclipse easier: eclipse glasses were distributed to guests’ staterooms and Burgasser guided guests through the event via the ship’s speaker system, before and after totality.

More eclipse cruises on the horizon

If you missed your chance to see it this time or want another go, Holland America has more eclipse-viewing opportunities on the books.

“Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's Vice President of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, said in an email. Details have not yet been released.

Other cruise lines offer similar opportunities as well. Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess was near Koningsdam on Monday.

Chaput, the Canadian passenger, said she’s been “chasing” total solar eclipses since seeing her first one in 1991. Monday’s eclipse marked her seventh viewing and second on a cruise ship.

“I think it’s just such an amazing natural phenomenon,” she said. “It’s seeing science in action.”

Contributing: Josh Rivera, USA TODAY

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Holland America Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected]

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The best seat and row for sleeping on an airplane revealed by experts.

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Don’t leave your sleep up in the air. 

Here’s a window into where to get the best rest on a plane, according to travel experts who spoke to the Huffington Post.

They agree that the window seat is the place to be. One major reason the window seat is a great place to get shuteye is that you won’t be woken up by passengers who need to climb over you to go to the bathroom.

Another perk of sitting by the window is you’re able to use the wall as a place to lean your head or body. 

“No one likes the middle seat for obvious reasons, and the window allows me to entertain myself and a better opportunity to sleep,” Gabby Beckford, founder of the travel site Packs Light said.

The best window seat on the plane is the one by the wings, according to another expert.

“As someone with a fear of flying, I always prefer the window seat above the wings,” travel blogger Sean Lau explained.

“I recently learned that this spot is usually the smoothest due to its proximity to the plane’s center of gravity. Being able to manage the window shade and having the opportunity to glance outside for reassurance comforts me.”

Sitting at the front of the plane will also give flyers a less bumpy ride, which could help people sleep more uninterrupted.

If you want to snooze, avoid the airplane’s caboose.

In addition to experiencing more turbulence, the back of the plane is also where the bathroom is and people using the toilet throughout the flight could impact your slumber.

“I avoid the last couple of rows on the plane, as it offers the roughest ride,” Lau said. “You’ll also have to deal with noise from the passengers using the lavatory. The last row on the plane may not always recline.”

If you like legroom when you sleep, the exit row will give that to you, although you may not be able to recline your seat. 

And of course, first-class seating on flights allows travelers the most room and therefore an easier time to stretch out and sleep — although if people can’t afford to sit in first-class or business, following the aforementioned tips could be beneficial.

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