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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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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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Why travel with G Adventures?

We’re the leader in small group adventure travel for more than 30 years. How’d we get here? By redefining the way travellers see the world. Check out how we’re creating the future of travel.

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Join a small group of like-minded travellers that, like you, are eager to safely and confidently experience all the things that make our world worth exploring.

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Pack those bags and don't break a sweat because we guarantee every single one of our departures. As long as it's safe, you're going!

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At G Adventures, we don’t have tour guides — we have Chief Experience Officers. And they are all locally based, meaning they know the area you’re exploring like the back of their well-travelled hand.

Built to support local communities

We have always created our tours by building meaningful relationships with local communities, directly benefiting the people and places we visit.

Flexibility, freedom, fun

No matter the Travel Style, our tours balance well-planned itineraries with the flexibility to do your own thing and make the experience your own.

When you travel with us, you experience first-hand our commitment to making travel a force for good is in everything we do.

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Making the most of corporate travel agency services

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Best Tour Companies for Singles

Book your next adventure with one of these options.

Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

A recent study showed that the solo travel industry is projected to experience a significant influx in the upcoming years. Whether you want to experience a solo adventure, see the world at your own convenience, or hope to meet new people along the way, there’s always something worthwhile about traveling by yourself. 

Luckily, there are plenty of travel companies that cater to solo travelers to make planning stress-free. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best companies for every budget and travel preference to support your wanderlust—including our top picks for women-only and solo parent travel.

8 Best Tour Companies for Singles of 2024

• Best Experience: Exodus Travels
• Best for Ages 35-50: El Camino Travel
• Best Sustainable: G Adventures
• Best for True Solo Travel: Black Tomato
• Best for Ages 25-39: For The Love of Travel
• Best for 50+: Overseas Adventure Travel Rates
• Best Female: Wild Women Expeditions
• Best for Solo Parent Travel: Intrepid Travel

Best Experience : Exodus Travels

Courtesy of Exodus Travels

Traveling solo on an Exodus Travels group trip means access to self-guided and guided excursions around the world for every type of traveler. Choose a walking wine holiday in Portugal or explore Egypt via cruise boat and sleeper train, for example. Additionally, its Exodus Edits collection offers shorter itineraries of up to five days and is geared towards travelers in their 30s and 40s—though they’re ideal for anyone looking for more vigorous activity such as ziplining and surfing in Costa Rica or sampling street eats and beach hopping in Sicily. 

There is no single supplement fee when you room with a fellow traveler, and chances are you may end up with your own room anyway. Booking a travel itinerary with UK-based Exodus Travels includes a full refund should the company need to cancel your trip and a complimentary trip transfer to another tour or different person up to 21 days before the scheduled trip. Plus, travelers who book their third or more trips with Exodus receive a 5 percent discount on their next booking.

What’s more, the company works to curate trips that align with a number of United Nations sustainable development goals including goals for responsible consumption and production, empowering local communities, and climate action considerations. Exodus Travels (founded in 1974) was awarded Best Operator in National Geographic Traveller’s sixth annual Reader Awards in 2021.

Best for Ages 35-50 : El Camino Travel

Courtesy of Encounter Travel

According to El Camino Travel ’s founder, Katalina Mayorga, elder millennials are their strongest customer base. That means if you were born between 1980 and 1985 approximately, you’ll find yourself among curious, like-minded solo travelers looking to immerse themselves in destinations like Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, and the Eastern European nation of Georgia. Some trips even add a professional photographer to capture shareable shots so you can remain in the moment.

All of El Camino’s guided, small group trips max out at 12 participants. They’re also curated with an ethos of preserving and protecting local culture, the environment, and communities. For example, some of their partners include the Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville in Tobago and La Sierra Artist Residency in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Best Sustainable : G Adventures

Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

G Adventures is particularly known for its sustainable, responsible ethos. The company works with small, locally-owned hotels and operators to ensure your travel dollars benefit the community you’re visiting; outlines policies around child and animal welfare practices; aims to reduce single-use plastics, and works to ensure experiences taking place in Indigenous communities align with community goals.

Founded in 1990, G Adventures specializes in small group adventure tours to a host of destinations from Asia to South America and Africa to the Arctic. Nearly half of the travelers on every trip are flying solo, and there’s no single supplement if you choose to bunk with a same-sex roommate. Or, select your own room for a fee. 

A Chief Experience Officer leads each group tour and itineraries are searchable by travel style. For example, find wellness-centric trips like nine days of daily yoga, visits to Hindu temples, and partake in traditional healing ceremonies in Bali. Or travel with their partner, National Geographic, for an exclusive guided tour of South Africa’s Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and a visit to Soweto township in Johannesburg, the home of Nelson Mandela. 

G Adventures partnered with hostel booking service Hostelworld in 2021 to launch its Roamies itineraries. Its combination of backpacking and organized travel itineraries includes countries like Albania, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Vietnam. The trips are marketed to 18- to 35-year-olds, though like-minded individuals keen on budget travel and communal environments may enjoy these trips, too.

Best for True Solo Travel : Black Tomato

Courtesy of G Adventures

Black Tomato specializes in bespoke luxury travel experiences. For those interested in traversing around the world solo and willing to pay a premium for tailored itineraries, its adventurous or culturally immersive experiences may just be your ticket.

Your travels might look like hiking and biking in Patagonia, embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage through Bhutan and India, chasing glaciers and geysers in Iceland, or learning to cook Georgia and Armenia’s local dishes or Japan’s regional cuisine.

In 2017, Black Tomato launched its Get Lost adventure travel experience. With the support of a dedicated team, and without prior knowledge of where they're headed, Get Lost participants will find their way home from an undisclosed location. The location is selected based on a pre-travel questionnaire about which environment clients would like to immerse themselves in. Then, they show up at the airport and the adventure begins.

Best for Ages 25-39 : For The Love of Travel

Courtesy of Contiki

With 80 percent of individuals traveling with For The Love of Travel jet -setting solo, each trip is packed with opportunities to meet fellow Millennial and Gen Z travel enthusiasts. For example, within your small “crew” of up to 14 people, make new friends doing snow sports and unwinding in saunas in Lapland or devouring tacos and sipping mezcal in Mexico City. Trips range from four to nine days, including weekends in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain wilderness or an extended weekend in Costa Rica where you’ll hike through rainforests, relax in hammocks, and hike, bike, or surf.

According to company feedback, the average FTLOT traveler is 30 years old and interested in meeting new people while traveling . The company bills itself as a mid-range travel company, where “​​we might stay in a more basic hotel for a couple of nights so we can include a Michelin-worthy meal and a private catamaran ride.” 

In 2022, FTLOT plans to offer at least 10 new itineraries including to Belize, Turkey, and Spain’s Basque Country. And for those with the flexibility, the company launched Sojrn in 2021 featuring month-long, themed stays in destinations like Cape Town—focused on biodiversity—and a fashion-oriented stay in Paris.

FTLOT requires an initial deposit and allows installment payments if not paid in full.

Best for 50+ : Overseas Adventure Travel Rates

Courtesy Flash Pack

Overseas Adventure Travel is primarily aimed at American travelers aged 50 and over. It offers guided itineraries to worldwide destinations, including Africa, Antarctica, Asia, and the South Pacific, with trips ranked by activity level and accompanied by a list of physical requirements to help select an itinerary that is best suited for you. For example, their Japan and South Korea itinerary advise that participants be able to carry their own luggage as the selected hotels do not have porter service.

Some of Overseas Adventure Travel’s most popular trips include 17 days of wending the Adriatic from Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina (think a walking tour in Dubrovnik, sampling traditional Bosnian food in Sarajevo, and exploring the countryside near Zagreb). On another popular trip, you spend 15 days traveling through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, ending in Helsinki, Finland. All trips offer pre-and post-itinerary extensions, and either waive the single supplement entirely or offer a discount on a private room.

The company offers a free Roommate Matching Program which helps you find a like-minded, same-sex roommate. If they can’t find a match, your single supplement is deducted. Small group sizes typically average 13 travelers.

Overseas Adventure Travel won the Solo Travel Award for Best Tour in 2017 and 2018, thanks in large part to its policy of offering a limited number of single spaces for each itinerary.

Best Female : Wild Women Expeditions

Courtesy of Overseas Adventure Travel

It began as an all-women, Canada-based canoe tripping company in 1991, and Wild Women Expeditions is perfect for boundary-pushing women who want to travel independently and enjoy the safety and support of an organized tour. The company also prioritizes hiring female tour leaders and on-the-ground guides. It offers outdoor adventures for women of all ages and identities and with a range of physical abilities (“whether your greatest skill is tracking a storm or talking up a storm, summiting mountains or summoning courage, keeping your kayak in line or coloring outside the lines,” as the company describes).

The company travels to 31 destinations around the world like Egypt, Tanzania, and the Azores islands. Itineraries are typically adventure-based and are filtered on their website by activity, with options ranging from sailing to cycling and horse riding. Imagine yourself sea kayaking and snorkeling in the Galapagos or scaling glaciers in Alaska. 

Most guests are solo travelers and there’s no single supplement to worry about as accommodation is typically in a shared room or cabin. Though if privacy is a priority, you can usually snag your own room for a nominal extra fee. Group sizes are kept small and social with between six and 14 women, depending on the itinerary you choose. The average group size is eight. 

Wild Women Expeditions also takes care to curate trips that avoid or minimize the disturbance of wildlife; supports environmental education and advocacy projects; and partners with social justice and women’s rights organizations.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best women-only adventure travel companies .

Best for Solo Parent Travel : Intrepid Travel

Courtesy of Wild Women Expeditions

Intrepid ’s family-themed holidays welcome adults traveling with children, including solo parents looking to travel with their kids without the stress of planning and coordinating a trip. Since each family’s travel needs and preferences are different, every itinerary includes an “essential trip information” section where Intrepid outlines whether the trip would be a good fit for you and your kids, as well as a physical rating from least to more strenuous activities. 

For example, an itinerary through part of the Amazon Jungle in Peru advises the jungle can be very hot and humid, and that the weather can be unpredictable in the Andes. On the other hand, an 11-day trip to Borneo island in Southeast Asia lists a minimum age of 5 and outlines a range of accommodations from hotels to guesthouses and jungle camps; on a few occasions, travel times between destinations range between four to five hours. Trips to Costa Rica, Tanzania, China, and Morocco are also listed.

Individuals under 17 years typically receive a 10 percent discount, and the company requires that adults have at least one child under 18 years traveling with them. As part of Intrepid’s commitment to responsible travel, itineraries support initiatives surrounding sustainability and conservation, climate education, and preservation of Indigenous culture.  

Mathieu Young / Getty Images

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Europe Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Europe tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Europe and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 255530 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Europe travel companies & tour operators with 255530 reviews

Expat Explore Travel

• Excellent - 4,260 reviews for Europe tours

Communication is way below standard. Not enough time at most of the stops, way to much time on bus, accommodations were ok, food excellent I disliked that additional tour had to be paid in cash in that country’s currency. Not being properly informed before of that additional cost. I would have preferred to have pick extra tours and had them charged to my account before I ever began the trip. Bus driver was excellent. Your guide was ok. But the most important issue was the lack of communication from Expat Explorer Will not travel with them again

The tour was exceptional

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,097 reviews for Europe tours

We had a great group. Itinerary was just what I was looking for. Everyone could choose what they wanted to do during the day.

Was an amazing tour!

Europamundo

• Good - 3,001 reviews for Europe tours

Comfortable buses, mostly nice hotels with good Breakfast. Staff and other passengers are great and helpfyl because of my mobility issues. Felt rushed through but covered a lot with good descriptions.

The tour destinations were very good, accommodation was good, the food was good, the final bus needed bottle holders/pouches that were missing, the tour guide (Spanish/Portuguese) seemed to speak for up to 30 minutes and the English guide for only a few minutes to a max of 10 min so I think we missed out of a lot of detail. The tour of Lascaux caves had a Spanish guide with earphones whereas we had a prerecorded English commentary. This method was not good as we were told off for talking, we had no idea of where to go as the guide was speaking Spanish which again went on for a long time compared with the English version so that tour was a bit strange. The rest seemed fine until the end when the tour finished in Paris with 12 of us, 8 Spanish and 4 English speaking, the pickup from the station was difficult as the guide was 30 minutes late and I had to contact the emergency number ( I was the only one that could do that as I had the internet and the Spanish people had no idea of what to do). Without guidance the Spanish people kept disappearing, so it was difficult. Generally I would say we had a positive experience as I have only done two tours and we saw and experienced many places.

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,704 reviews for Europe tours

Overall, it was 6 days of diving into the rich culture and history of Turkey, scenic views and fun under the sun. Ata our guide, was very accomodating and flexible to our group's needs. A couple of non-attendees have hindered our prompt start and delayed our itinerary for the 1st day. The Istanbul part could have been planned more I believe, although most people stay a day or two after the group tour.

The area covered was perfect. The guide was fantastic. Her knowledge thorough and well delivered with great personality. She had the patience of a saint!

• Excellent - 5,444 reviews for Europe tours

Amazing trip, visited some great places, went to several new European cities I havent been to before, great group of friendly people to travel and experience each location with, best trip manager and coach driver duo, trip was well organised and led by a helpful, friendly and approachable trip manager (Rianna) and the trip offered many experiences to take part in and create lasting memories.

This trip was amazing! The itinerary was well mapped out and gave you a taste tester of Europe which I loved. The friendships I formed over the course of the trip too are for a life time. Our trip manager, Ri, was absolutely unreal! She ensured everything went smoothly and never failed to make even the least exciting parts of the trip lots of fun.

Travel Talk

• Excellent - 6,395 reviews for Europe tours

Intense as expected. The hotels were good and centrally located for the most part. Tour guides Dusan in Northern balkan countries and then Vasso for the last Greece part were young, knowledgeable, energetic, friendly, easy going and took care of every detail for us

It was overall a wonderful experience. Our Tour Guide, Dusan was amazing!

• Excellent - 872 reviews for Europe tours

We had a fantastic experience with our Glimpse of Europe tour. Thanks to our tour director Steve and our driver who made our trip fun and recharge our memory with history. For a short tour, we were able to explore a good amount of places and fulfilled some of our dreams. We had a wonderful group as well who we were really nice even though we came from different countries and backgrounds and gaining friendships is a blessing. Overall we had a fantastic experience.

The driver, Billy, and tour director, Speedy, made the trip very interesting and informative. They were both very helpful. We were disappointed that some of the hotel didn’t really cater for the older tourist with rooms a fair distance from reception, climbing stairs and dragging our luggage.

Avalon Waterways

• Excellent - 225 reviews for Europe tours

Festive Season on the Blue Danube by Avalon Waterways was an amazing. The intinerary, the service and the food was excellent. I highly recommend it.

When compared to other river cruises on which I have travelled, service on Avalon is less caring. Food is ok but not super. Worst of all, notwithstanding the prevalence of seasonal flu, they did nothing about guests talking avidly without mask while at the buffet table selecting food. Nor were coughing and sneezing customers asked to wear mask while in the bus, boat trips or at briefings. As a result, a number of passengers including my husband and I developed very bad flu towards the end of the trip.

• Excellent - 74,885 reviews for Europe tours

Full immersion into the culture and sights of Portugal! Great hotels with superb in town locations. Great restaurants and/or food recommendations. Driver and guide were highly accomplished and informative in a fun, story format. Guide did a great job of mixing us together and ease into making new friends. Good mix of lots of group activities and individual time.

The only thing that will keep me from considering or recomending Tour Radar with Hlobus is the lack or inability to talk to a real person I had to text TourRadar to ask globus for information only to be told many time one or the other is not answering. In the end it all worked out and the staff at the site was good but the early communication may cause me to shop around

Choose Balkans

• Excellent - 290 reviews for Europe tours

The tour was a perfect blend of the historical, the wilderness and the gastronomic! Being able to learn so much knowledge about regional and urban Albania was a complete delight. Throw in having your own personal time to enjoy each day, by yourself, as well was great for me as well. The tour was extremely well structured with my guide, Daniel, being flexible and accommodating is what interested me the most. His encyclopedic knowledge of all subjects was amazing and made the journey so much more interesting. Special call out to all the accommodations along the trip which were so welcoming and first rate. I would certainly recommend this tour to others I meet wanting to travel to Albania. Cheers,

Juli was our tour guide and was fantastic! He knew the local history, architecture, culture, food, and current environment. We could not have found a more knowledgeable guide and competent driver on our own! And the Choose Balkans team that organizes and manages all the logistics are world class! I've traveled to more than 40 countries, and I'd match this tour group with any in the world I've used before. I'm grateful for a memorable experience and for making our time in Tirana worthwhile. It was a trip that we will not forget!

• Excellent - 1,893 reviews for Europe tours

well organized, and very well led by Mikael Martinho Mendes ,our tour dicector. Most local tour experts were good, however, others were weak.

Fine tour with a lot of nice people from almost all over the world. To us it was a disappointment that the optional tour in Edinburgh with Johnnie Walker experts, advertised in the program, wasn’t available.

• Excellent - 4,618 reviews for Europe tours

Roxy (tour guide) and Adam (driver) are legends! They are so knowledgeable and professional. Definitely made the trip amazing for all of us. Thank you so much Roxy and Adam!

It was an incredible, well-organized, and fun trip!

Insight Vacations

• Excellent - 632 reviews for Europe tours

My first Insight Tour and it was amazing. Scenic tour of the beautiful countryside, towns, and historic sites of England, Scotland, Wales, and Republic of Ireland. Our Travel Director, Greg, was very professional, knowledgeable of the history, culture, food, music, and local 'celebrities'. Greg and our driver (Arthur - the best) worked together as a team, making our trip enjoyable, memorable, and fun. Always courteous, respectful, and conscientious of our time, safety, and well-being. Good job!

What a wonderful way to experience my first tour. This 13 day highlight of the best that Britain an Ireland have to offer was full of amazing opportunities to taste the culture and meet locals that lovel and adore their country and the history that holds. Greg our tour guide was exceptionally in his organisation, knowledge and commitment to ensuring that we enjoyed our trip. His attention to details and the extras to make the group feel welcomed and special. My personal experience on my special day was made even more heart warming by Greg's kindness and effort in make sure that I felt loved and acknowledge with an celebration at the evening meal. Arthur our driver was amazing and his experience in driving showed in the professionalism he demonstrated in through the entire 13 days. Overall i would throughly recommend this trip to anyone especially if they are blessed with Greg and Arthur.

Overland Ireland - Small Gr…

• Excellent - 469 reviews for Europe tours

fiendly , excellent and knowledgeable guide who drove us to see beautiful scenery.

Really good guide, accommodations, and planning. We saw and learned a lot, but did not feel rushed. Everything a holiday should be

Travel Addicts Club

• Excellent - 44 reviews for Europe tours

The hotels were modern and nice, but not necessarily in the old town center. The 3 local tour guides were informative. We also had free time. The new year’s eve gala had 2 buffets and hilarious entertainment! Fun trip with people from different countries!

I had lovely holiday in the Baltics. The trip was well organised with knowledgeable guides. Highly recommend this company.

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• Baltic (41)
• Nordic / Scandinavia (87)
• UK and Great Britain (88)
• Eastern Europe (91)
• Central Europe (169)
• Balkans (207)
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10 best business travel management companies in the USA

Top corporate travel management companies in the usa, 1. travelperk.

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Reasons why SAP Concur customers have moved to TravelPerk in the past year

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• Accessible web and mobile app with over 2.5 million downloads
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• G2 rating : 3.1 / 5 stars, based on 7 reviews

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• Strong global presence with business hubs in major international cities
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• G2 rating : 3.8 / 5 stars, based on 6 reviews

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• G2 rating : 1.8 / 5 stars, based on 2 reviews

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• G2 rating: 4.7, based on 7,571 reviews
• Capterra rating: 4.6, based on 174 reviews

Reasons why Navan customers have moved to TravelPerk in the past year:

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9 Best Travel Companies for Walking Tours and Hiking Tours in 2024

Enjoy some of the world's most beautiful landscapes at the speed of your own two feet..

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There’s something extra special about seeing someplace on foot the way you do on a walking tour, hiking tour, or guided trek. Maybe it’s the slower pace and the ability to actually admire sights you might just zip by in a car, bus, or train. Maybe it’s the easy opportunity for connections and conversations with local people. Or maybe it’s being out in the fresh air, enjoying and appreciating the natural setting of the location you’re visiting.

It’s probably some combination of all three that make walking tours, trekking tours, and hiking tours a popular way to travel. Whether you prefer an easygoing amble, a moderate hike, or a challenging summit, there are some great foot-fueled tours from hiking tour companies that explore famous locales and off-the-beaten-path spots all over the world. Here are my picks for the nine best travel companies offering walking tours and guided hiking trips.

WORLD’S BEST:  15 Best Group Travel Companies for Guided Tours in 2024

1. G Adventures

Small group tour specialist G Adventures  places a special focus on creating guided trips that benefit the destinations visited. The company offers a big range of hiking and trekking tours that let you experience iconic destinations in an active way . Many of these trips are physically challenging excursions, like the  Trans Bhutan Trail and trekking tours in places like  Nepal , Patagonia , and the  Alps . Hiking tours with G Adventures take you all over the world, too, from  Southern Iceland  and  Northern Greece  to  Alaska  and U.S. national parks.

PICK YOUR TRIP: 10 Best G Adventures Tours to Take in 2024

Tour descriptions feature a handy “Is this tour for me?” section that includes the physical rating, service level of accommodations, and visa requirements. Hiking and trekking tours can be filtered by budget, destination, and service and physical levels. And if this kind of travel is new to you, the G Adventures website has answers to commonly asked questions about its hiking and trekking tours, like the effects of altitude and where and how you’ll sleep. 

Quick Facts about Hiking Tours and Trekking Tours with G Adventures

• Average guided tour group size: 10 to 12 people.
• Price range: Pricing varies, with most tours in the $1,000 to $5,000 range.
• What’s included:  Accommodations, some meals, staff and guides.
• What’s not included: Pre- and post-trip airfare, some meals.
• Primary audience: Standard tours are open to adults and children ages 12 years or older when accompanied by a parent. Family Adventures are open to families with children between six and 17 years of age. The company also offers tours just for  18-to-30-somethings .
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand, North America, and South America.

2. Explore Worldwide

Adventure travel company Explore Worldwide  has four decades of experience leading immersive, once-in-a-lifetime trips featuring well-crafted itineraries, top local guides, small group sizes, and a commitment to responsible travel. More than 400 tour options take you to 120 countries on all seven continents. Explore offers a range of small-group guided walking tours and trekking tours in locations around the world . Expert guides lead the walks along the planned-out routes, and Explore takes care of elements like accommodations and luggage transfers.

ADVENTUROUS WOMEN: 9 Best Women-Only Travel Groups and Tour Operators for 2024

Walking tours are available at different activity levels so you can choose one that best matches your interests and physical abilities. Easy to moderate options in 2024 include a walking and wine tasting tour of Spain and Portugal , a walking holiday on the Amalfi Coast , and a walking tour of Jordan’s Spice Trails . More challenging treks and bucket-list-types of trips include  Kilimanjaro  and  Mont Blanc  trips. 

In addition to detailed information included in the description for each tour (activity level, information on accommodations and meals, daily itineraries, etc.), the active travel company also offers lots of insight about walking, trekking, and hiking tours in general on its website. You can find answers to  seven common questions about walking vacations and other advice and guidance. 

Quick Facts about Walking Tours and Trekking Tours with Explore Worldwide

• Average guided tour group size: 12 guests.
• Price range: Explore’s walking tours and trekking tours start at $530 per person and go up to $7,650, with most in the $2,000 to $5,000 range.
• What’s included: Accommodations, meals (number of meals vary by tour), tour excursions, leaders and guides.
• What’s not included: Flights to and from tour start/end points (there is an option to purchase them through Explore), some meals, gratuities, and optional excursions
• Primary audience: Solo travelers, couples, and friends who like small group travel and active vacations. Explore guests tend to range from 40 to 70 years of age; about 65% of attendees are female and about 65% are solo travelers.
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand, North America, and South America.

3. Intrepid Travel

In its more than 30 years in business,  Intrepid Travel  has taken guests on thousands of trips to all seven continents with a commitment to responsible travel. That means focusing on things like community-based tourism, animal welfare, diversity and inclusion, and climate change when planning trips and itineraries.

The company offers a range of walking tours that allow you to explore destinations on foot in a way that works best for you, e.g., walking, hiking, or trekking. Walking tours travel on defined tracks and smooth surfaces, and you don’t need any special equipment or preparation. Hiking tours take to trails, mountainsides, and other rugged terrain and make for a great in-between option. Trekking tours travel to remote destinations on challenging terrain that requires both specialized equipment and the ability to rough it. 

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Intrepid also offers creative alternatives to overcrowded trekking routes. For example, the 12-day Great Inca Road  trek avoids the highly popular Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and brings tourism to new communities along a less-traveled trekking route in Peru. Other good options for walkers, hikers, and trekkers include the company’s tours along  Camino de Santiago , treks to  Everest Base Camp  and  Kilimanjaro , and hiking tours of  U.S. national parks .

You can search trips by region and activity types, and tour descriptions include info on itineraries and inclusions as well as helpful sections labeled “Is this trip right for you?” and “Why you’ll love this trip” to assist with choosing the right adventure. There’s also a  FAQs section  that answers common questions about these kinds of tours and lots of  reviews  for firsthand traveler insight.

Quick Facts about Hiking Tours and Trekking Tours with Intrepid Travel

• Average guided tour group size: 12 people.
• Price range: Prices vary widely; the average price for a 12-day tour is $3,000.
• What’s included: Accommodations, transportation during the tour, most meals, included activities, leaders and guides, and all hiking permits.
• What’s not included: Airfare and travelers’ insurance.
• Primary audience: Tours attract all audiences; there’s an age minimum of 15.
• Destinations: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, and the Middle East.

4. The Natural Adventure Company

Founded in the United Kingdom in 2009 by a pair of avid adventurers and explorers,  The Natural Adventure Company  aims to make walking holidays and cycling vacations financially accessible for travelers interested in exploring areas in a nature-focused way. Most of its tours are self-guided, with itineraries that include stays in small, locally owned accommodations and an emphasis on responsible tourism.

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Popular 2024 walking tours from the company include a self-guided tour of the  trails of the Albanian Alps , a self-guided journey along  Portugal’s coastal Fishermen’s Trail , and a privately guided walking holiday in Morocco . Newer offerings for folks who like to travel by foot range from self-guided walking tours in  the Balkans  and the  Swiss and Italian Alps  to a two-week guided tour of the  Corsica GR20 long-distance walking trail . 

Online tour descriptions include a day-by-day itinerary and information on what to expect in terms of everything from accommodations and meals to level of difficulty, terrain, and weather conditions. Reviews from past travelers and photo galleries provide further insight on the trips. You can search tours by destination or holiday type, then further filter by difficulty grade. All walking tours include accommodations, transport, luggage transfers, support from the tour company, and suggestions for food and activities. Some tours also include meals.

Quick Facts about Walking and Hiking Tours with The Natural Adventure Company

• Average guided tour group size: Most tours are self-guided. Guided tours tend to range from eight to 10 guests.
• Price range: Tour prices start at around $300 and average about $1,200.
• What’s included: Accommodations, transport, luggage transfers (as per itinerary), 24/7 phone support. Some tours also include meals.
• What’s not included: Air, train, or bus fare to the destination; connecting transfers; meals not mentioned in itinerary; travel insurance (required); and local tourist taxes.
• Primary audience: Participants on these tours tend to be active and outdoorsy, digitally savvy, and in their 40s and up. Most travel with a partner, but some travel with a family member, friend, or solo.
• Destinations: The majority of the company’s tours are in Europe, but it also offers tours in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. 

5. Exodus Travels

Exodus Travels  led some of the first group trekking trips through the Nepalese Himalaya more than 45 years ago, and today that legacy lives on. The company offers a range of walking and trekking tours  around the world led by experienced trekkers and local guides. Exodus operates in more than 100 countries and focuses on low-impact tourism and contributing to local communities. Walking and trekking tours are available at several different activity levels, from leisurely and moderate trips to challenging and extremely difficult treks.

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Tour groups often stay in locally owned accommodations, and the company’s guided (and self-guided) walking tours allow you to really connect with a destination at your own pace and with a low carbon footprint. Popular tour options include a walking tour of Italy’s Prosecco Hills , a classic trek along Peru’s Inca Trail , and an  Everest Base Camp trek . Newer walking and trekking tour offerings include a coastal walking tour in the French Riviera , a self-guided walking tour on Malta , and a walking excursion on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast . 

Tour descriptions detail daily itineraries and distances traveled each day, information about the local weather and terrain, and reviews from past participants. In addition to filtering the company’s walking and trekking tours by activity level, you can search trips by types of adventure (summits, coastal walks, etc.), price range, and destination. 

Quick Facts about Walking Tours and Hiking Tours with Exodus Travels

• Average guided tour group size: Four to 16 guests.
• Price range: Tours average $2,000 to $4,000 per person.
• What’s included: Accommodations, most meals, airport transfers in destination, services of a local guide, some gratuities, admission to any sites on the itinerary, and any specialized gear needed.
• What’s not included: Pre- and post-trip airfare, some meals, and some gratuities.
• Primary audience: Travelers who like to move. Tours with an activity level of one (leisurely) just require that you be healthy enough for a standard weekend walk. Moderate trips require a basic fitness level since there will be some walking at higher altitude and occasional longer/harder days. Challenging and tough tours require a high level of fitness and often previous experience. 

6. Boundless Journeys

When  Boundless Journeys  puts together its small-group travel tours, it aims to create trips featuring active itineraries, cultural encounters, and authentic experiences. Local guides bring destination-specific knowledge and insight to the tours, and the company has appeared multiple times among the Top 10 World’s Best Tour Operators in  Travel + Leisure ’s World’s Best Awards. The company’s hiking and walking tours allow you to immerse yourself in a destination by seeing it on foot. Local guides take you to the best trails and walking routes in the region. Accommodations are locally run hotels and inns, mountain lodges, and seaside resorts.

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The  Tour du Mont Blanc adventure rates as the company’s most-popular waking and hiking tour, taking you through the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps and stopping to admire sweeping vistas and small Alpine villages along the way. Other options include a walking tour of the lesser-known villages and coastline of  Italy’s Puglia region  and a tour that includes hiking along Japan’s Nakasendo Trail  (a historic inn-to-inn walking route linking Kyoto and Tokyo). Trekking tours are also available for a more challenging experience . 

Walking tour descriptions include detailed itineraries, the activity level of each trip, and a “What to Expect” section with a range of information about the destination and the tour. Tours range in duration from seven to 13 days and extensions are offered in certain destinations.

Quick Facts about Walking Tours and Hiking Tours with Boundless Journeys

• Average guided tour group size: Eight to 10 people.
• Price range: Depending on the length of the tour, location, and the type of tour, prices range from $4,895 per person based on double occupancy to $9,895. 
• What’s included: Accommodations, guides, all on-tour transportation, all activities noted in the itinerary, entrance fees, all or most meals.
• What’s not included: International flights to and from destinations, optional meals and activities.
• Primary audience: Boundless Journeys guests tend to be well-educated, well-traveled, active individuals; generally hail from North America; and range in age from 40s to 70s.
• Destinations: Asia, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, and North America.

7. Backroads

Active travel outfitter Backroads  has been a force in adventure travel since 1979, leading walking tours, hiking tours, biking tours, and multi-adventure tours all around the world. The company offers more than 130 walking and hiking trip itineraries  that take you through rugged spots like  Alaska  and  Patagonia  and scenic locales like  Cinque Terre  and the  Cotswolds . Walking and hiking tours are offered at many different activity levels and for different kinds of travelers.

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Dolce Tempo tours  move at a more leisurely pace and are well-suited for novices to active travel. Some walking and hiking tours are available for families with older teenagers or kids in their 20s, while others are best suited for adults with a strong fitness level. Tours include almost everything, and accommodations range from casual hotels to more luxurious lodging options. Small group sizes make for a more intimate experience and guides help travelers find the best views and special spots along the way.

Quick Facts about Active Tours with Backroads

• Average guided tour group size:  Backroads hiking and walking trips average 16 guests with a maximum of 20 in the U.S.
• Price range: Prices vary depending on destination and trip length, starting around $2,999 per person double occupancy four a four-day trip.
• What’s included: Accommodations, most meals, trip leaders and guides, private guided tours at some sites, all gratuities at hotels and restaurants, special events (like wine tastings) mentioned in the tour itinerary, park and other entry fees, transportation during the tour, and baggage transfers and porterage.
• What’s not included: Airfare, alcohol, and trip leader gratuity.
• Primary audience: Participants range from couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers to families with older teenagers or kids in their 20s.
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and North America.

8. Country Walkers

Walking tour company Country Walkers  took its first steps as a tour operator out of an old barn in Vermont in 1979. Today the company helps travelers explore the world on foot in destinations near and far, with a focus on authentic travel and local engagement. The company offers two types of experiences for travelers. Small-group guided walking tours take you beyond just the usual spots for hands-on experiences and connections with members of the local community. For self-guided walking tours, Country Walkers takes care of all the logistics and planning so you can explore at your own pace. 

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Local restaurants and small, family-owned or locally based accommodations are part of the equation no matter which option you choose, part of the company’s commitment to sustainable travel, responsible tourism, and the slow food movement. Tours are classified by activity level and range from anyone-can-do-it easy walking tours to challenging excursions where you’ll walk for miles each day, sometimes at high elevations. Each tour description includes information on daily mileage as well as reviews from past travelers to help guests choose the best fit for them.

Options in 2024 include self-guided tours of the  Portugal coast  and  England’s Cotswolds region  and guided walking excursions of  Italy’s Puglia coast ,  Greece , and  Norway’s fjords . Country Walkers offers a number of guest benefits, from the option to book air travel along with the tour to a referral program, plus options for solo travelers.

Quick Facts about Walking Tours with Country Walkers

• Average guided tour group size: About 18 people.
• Price range: Tours range from $2,098 to $8,798 per person, double occupancy.
• What’s included: Accommodations, most meals, and guides or access to assistance for self-guided tours.
• What’s not included: Airfare to and from the destination, airport car service. (You can choose to book a flight-tour combo through Country Walkers to get these and other add-ons.)
• Primary audience: Country Walkers’ main demographic is travelers ages 55 to 80. But the company also welcomes people traveling with their adult children and/or teenage grandchildren. 
• Destinations: Africa, Asia and South Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America, and South America.

9. World Expeditions

World Expeditions  took its first group of trekkers to Nepal in 1975. Since then, it’s become a go-to operator for travelers interested in small-group active tours, responsible tourism, and “taking the path less traveled.” World Expeditions was the first operator to offer cycling holidays in India (1977) and China (1978) and trekking trips in Mongolia (1980), Tibet (1981), and Japan (1999), and is also the first to offer fully supported commercial treks along the entire length of the  Nepal section of the Great Himalaya Trail .

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The company believes that active outdoor travel helps people better experience a destination, no matter the activity level of a trip or age of a participant, and offers both  guided  and  self-guided  walking and trekking tours. On the guided excursions, expert local guides and adventurers enhance the trips with knowledge and expertise. Tours range in difficulty from introductory treks to highly challenging trips. Tour prices include the cost of accommodations, most food, and transport.

Among the company’s unique offerings are tours that help you explore the  Armenia Transcaucasian Trail and  Georgian Transcaucasian Trail  in the Caucasus Mountains. World Expeditions is one of the first operators to offer the option to trek selected sections of the long-distance Transcaucasian Trail in both countries, and you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking vistas and cultural sites along the way.

Quick Facts about Walking Tours ands Trekking Tours with World Expeditions

• Average guided tour group size:  8 to 10 people (maximum of 16).
• Price range:  Upscale, price varies greatly (World Expeditions offers hundreds of itineraries ranging from a few of days to 150 days). 
• What’s included:  Services of an expert local guide, accommodations, private transportation, most meals, sightseeing and national park fees.
• What’s not included:  International flights, alcoholic beverages, tips and gratuities, and travel insurance.
• Primary audience:  Active travelers ages 40 to 65 and older.
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Middle East, North America, and South America.

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in April 2024

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If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers, top credit cards with travel insurance, methodology, best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at no extra cost.

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Special medical insurance for ship captains and crew members, international students and missionaries.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

Here is the list of travel cards offered by Chase that include various forms of travel insurance.

Having one of these in your wallet is a good start to protecting your travel investments and preventing expensive accidents; however, savvy travelers check card terms closely and sometimes supplement with a third-party policy, like from one of the companies above, to better protect themselves.

on Chase's website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 12 hours.

• Car rentals: Theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Trip interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for three days.

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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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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14 Best Senior-friendly Travel Groups

These senior-friendly travel companies offer tours and travel experiences as diverse as their clients.

The benefits of travel, whether it's a refreshing weekend getaway or a month-long trip to a new destination, are undeniable. And for retirees and seniors who have time and a travel budget, the opportunities are nearly endless — their own city, state, country, and even the whole world are all waiting to be explored.

It should be recognized that seniors are as diverse as any other generation, perhaps even more so as their years of experience have taken them in many directions. While their interests, abilities, values, and habits may vary, it can safely be said that for many, travel is in their plans.

Seniors travel to visit family, learn about the countries of their ancestors , or explore new destinations. Many seek immersive experiences, educational opportunities, or adventure. And travel companies are responding to their needs and wishes by offering tour options ranging from independent to fully guided, budget to luxury, and group to individual. The 14 organizations listed below are either aimed specifically at mature clients or feature experiences that are flexible enough to accommodate a variety of travelers.

Walking the World

Operating out of Grand Junction, Colorado, Walking the World offers walking and hiking tours mainly for travelers over the age of 50 who want to be immersed in the destinations they choose. Experienced hikers will enjoy its Rocky Mountain National Park tour , for example, with treks of up to 10 miles on some days during the eight-day itinerary. Meanwhile, the Ireland trip covers 11 days of exploring fishing villages, rolling green hills, the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney National Park. Daily walks range from four to eight miles and are described as gentle to moderate.

Road Scholar

Originally launched as Elderhostel in 1975, the company rebranded in 2010 as Road Scholar , recognizing the values and interests of lifelong learners who have participated in their lectures, tours, field trips, and educational experiences over the years. Participants are typically over the age of 50 and ready to learn from travel or focus on a specific interest. Trip themes such as grandparent adventures (special types of trips you can take with your grandchild), cruises, urban exploration, art and history, historical sites, and academic topics can be browsed by destination, activity level, and interest to help clients select their ideal tour experience.

Adventures Abroad

While Adventures Abroad largely caters to travelers over 50, tours are open to adults of all ages, and operate on every continent except for Antarctica. The company's "soft adventure" trips, which concentrate on the culture and history of a destination, don't include strenuous activities, though a reasonable degree of fitness and the ability to walk are required. Trips are rated from one to three based on physical activity, with the first level featuring only leisurely walks and level two meaning more time on your feet each day. Level-three trips might include walks or hikes on uneven ground for three to seven hours, though at a leisurely pace. Specific trips are suggested for each activity level for easy planning.

An adventure travel company designed for people ages 50 and over, ElderTreks offers small-group adventures — think wildlife safaris, hiking trips, cultural journeys, and other unique expeditions — in more than 100 countries. The tours are rated by activity level, ranging from one to five. At level one, travelers should be able to walk for one to two hours, whereas at level five, they'll need to be capable of hiking for eight to 10 hours.

Ariel Skelley / Getty Images

Senior Cycling

Specializing in bicycle tours for active adults ages 50 and up, Senior Cycling limits groups to a maximum of 13 participants. And they are always accompanied by the "sag wagon" in case someone needs a break from riding. Trips are rated at two levels: intermediate (for the occasional rider who prefers bike paths and flat terrain for 20–40 miles per day) and advanced (for those who are at ease with up to 50 miles per day, hills, and traffic). Custom tours can also be arranged for families or groups of friends.

Firebird Tours

With a focus on clients ages 50 and over, Firebird Tours offers small group trips to destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East that deliver value, comfort, and quality. Themes for guided tours include gastronomy, history, architecture, and the Northern Lights , as well as theater and opera. Private family tours are also available, with destinations and activities suitable for a wider age range depending on the group.

Seniors interested in active vacations should check out Backroads , based out of Berkeley, California. While tours are open to all ages, the majority of participants tend to be over 50. Guided biking, walking, and hiking tours to a variety of destinations are geared toward adults, but also include options for families traveling with "teens and kids," "older teens and 20s," and those in their "20s and beyond." The company's Dolce Tempo tours offer a more relaxed pace, and include trips such as the Easygoing E-bike Tour in California wine country and the Easygoing Multi-adventure Tour in New Zealand.

Overseas Adventure Travel

With a variety of trips available to destinations on every continent, Overseas Adventure Travel makes a great choice if you're interested in seeing the world via small-ship cruises. In addition to guided land tours for groups of eight to 16, OAT offers sailings through the Norwegian Fjords, along West Africa's coast, and throughout the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Mature travelers are often attracted to the flexibility of the trips and the ability to personalize activities. Recognizing that many of their customers travel alone — including a whopping 85 percent of their female clients — the company has created its getaways with solo travelers in mind, whether they're first-timers or experienced adventurers.

EF Go Ahead Tours

Operating out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, EF Go Ahead Tours offers a selection of small group tours for 10 to 22 guests. The senior-friendly trips focus on interests such as food and wine, adventure, and safaris, as well as specific destinations and seasonal events (think Oktoberfest in Germany, annual holiday markets in Europe, or St. Patrick's Day in Ireland). Traveling alone? The company's solo tours provide private rooms and personalized experiences especially geared toward those traveling by themselves. Clients can also gather their own group and take advantage of the services of EF's professional coordinators.

Kensington Tours

If you're looking to create a fully customized, privately guided trip based on your group's specific needs and travel preferences, look no further than Kensington Tours . Their expertise in more than 100 destinations worldwide makes planning easy, whether the goal is a culturally immersive experience, enjoying fine wine and dining, discovering the history of a place, or relaxation. While these arrangements are ideal for mature travelers who appreciate ease and luxury, the company also provides experiences for multigenerational travel in countries like Thailand, Japan, Iceland, and South Africa, featuring kid-friendly trips that come with private vehicles, local guides, and dining options fit for the whole family.

Intrepid Travel

A leading adventure tour operator known for its efforts to make travel accessible to all, Intrepid Travel offers a good mix of bespoke and ready-made itinerary options that can be adapted to suit your group's comfort level. Intrepid's Accessible Tours are especially inclusive, with trips that are designed for every type of traveler. Whichever trip you decide to book, you'll have access to local destination specialists to help you choose the perfect places to stay as well as organize transportation, activities, and guided tours, depending on your needs. The company's Walking & Trekking trips, suitable for a range of fitness levels, are especially popular with seniors, though adults of all ages are free to join in.

YMT Vacations

In business since 1967, YMT Vacations designs all-inclusive trips with mature travelers in mind. Prices cover hotel accommodations, guided sightseeing tours, baggage handling, and the expertise of tour directors and driver guides. Destinations include Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, North America, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, among others, and the company arranges travel for popular events such as the Rose Parade in California. A number of river cruise and transatlantic sailing options are also available.

Grand European Travel

Grand European Travel is an AARP-preferred travel provider (check the website for members-only discounts) that promotes itself as a one-stop shop to help clients plan their desired travel experiences. The company represents a collection of 30 travel brands — including the likes of Trafalgar and Insight Tours — which, altogether, cover seven continents. Offerings range from budget to luxury getaways, and everything from cruises to land tours. Thinking of taking a multigenerational trip? Browse the company's family experiences section, stocked with tours fit for all ages, whether you're into all-inclusive European river cruises or exploring U.S. national parks.

Country Walkers

Country Walkers aims to introduce travelers to new landscapes and cultures around the world by traveling on foot. Established in 1979, the Vermont-based operator offers walking tours in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. Tour types include guided (in a small group of up to 18) and self-guided (in a private group of up to 12), providing a great option for independent exploration. Travelers can choose from five levels, starting at "easy walking," which includes a daily distance of two to six miles for up to four hours per day. "Moderate walking," the mid-range option, suggests four to 10 miles and up to six hours of walking per day. Trips at the "challenging walking" level might go up to seven hours a day on foot, covering anywhere from six to 14 miles. Guests of all ages should be able to find a destination and tour that's best suited for their interests and fitness level.

Dubai plans to move its busy international airport to a $35 billion new facility within 10 years

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, will move its operations to the city-state’s second, sprawling airfield in its southern desert reaches “within the next 10 years” in a project worth nearly $35 billion, its ruler said Sunday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s announcement marks the latest chapter in the rebound of its long-haul carrier Emirates after the coronavirus pandemic grounded international travel. Plans have been on the books for years to move the operations of the airport known as DXB to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central which had also been delayed by the repercussions of the sheikhdom’s 2009 economic crisis.

“We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn,” Sheikh Mohammed said in an online statement. “Dubai will be the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub and its new global center.”

The announcement included computer-rendered images of curving, white terminal reminiscent of the traditional Bedouin tents of the Arabian Peninsula. The airport will include five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, the announcement said. The airport now has just two runways, like Dubai International Airport.

The financial health of the carrier Emirates has served as a barometer for the aviation industry worldwide and the wider economic health of this city-state. Dubai and the airline rebounded quickly from the pandemic by pushing forward with tourism even as some countries more slowly came out of their pandemic crouch.

The number of passengers flying through DXB surged last year beyond its total for 2019 with 86.9 million passengers. Its 2019 annual traffic was 86.3 million passengers. The airport had 89.1 million passengers in 2018 — its busiest-ever year before the pandemic, while 66 million passengers passed through in 2022.

Earlier in February, Dubai announced its best-ever tourism numbers, saying it hosted 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023. Average hotel occupancy stood at around 77%. Its boom-and-bust real estate market remains on a hot streak , nearing all-time high valuations.

But as those passenger numbers skyrocketed, it again put new pressure on the capacity of DXB, which remains constrained on all sides by residential neighborhoods and two major highways.

Al Maktoum International Airport, some 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from DXB, opened in 2010 with one terminal. It served as a parking lot for Emirates’ double-decker Airbus A380s and other aircraft during the pandemic and slowly has come back to life with cargo and private flights in the time since. It also hosts the biennial Dubai Air Show and has a vast, empty desert in which to expand.

The announcement by Sheikh Mohammed noted Dubai’s plans to expand further south. Already, its nearby Expo 2020 site has been offering homes for buyers.

“As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow,” Dubai’s ruler said. “It will host the world’s leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors.”

However, financial pressures have halted the move in the past. Dubai’s 2009 financial crisis, brought on by the Great Recession, forced Abu Dhabi to provide the city-state with a $20 billion bailout.

Meanwhile, the city-state is still trying to recover after the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the UAE , which disrupted flights and commerce for days.

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Airlines will now be required to give automatic refunds for canceled and delayed flights

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The Biden administration issued final rules last week to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things such as delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation.

The Transportation Department said airlines will be required to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays.

Under current regulations, airlines decide how long a delay must last before triggering refunds. The administration is removing that wiggle room by defining a significant delay as lasting at least three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones.

Airlines still will be allowed to offer another flight or a travel credit instead, but consumers can reject the offer.

The rule will also apply to refunds of checked-bag fees if the bag isn’t delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours for international flights. And it will apply to fees for things such as seat selection or an internet connection if the airline fails to provide the service.

Complaints about refunds skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as airlines canceled flights and, even when they didn’t, many people didn’t feel safe sharing a plane cabin with other passengers.

Airlines for America, a trade group for large U.S. carriers, noted that refund complaints to the Transportation Department have fallen sharply since mid-2020. A spokesperson for the group said airlines “offer a range of options — including fully refundable fares — to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs.”

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.

The Transportation Department issued a separate rule requiring airlines and ticket agents to disclose up front what they charge for checked and carry-on bags and canceling or changing a reservation. On airline websites, the fees must be shown the first time customers see a price and schedule.

The rule will also oblige airlines to tell passengers they have a guaranteed seat they are not required to pay extra for, although it does not bar airlines from charging people to choose specific seats. Many airlines now charge extra for certain spots, including exit-row seats and those near the front of the cabin.

The agency said the rule will save consumers more than $500 million a year.

Airlines for America said its members “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers” from their first search.

The new rules will take effect over the next two years. They are part of a broad administration attack on what President Biden calls “junk fees.” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced this month that his department will let state officials in 15 states help enforce federal airline consumer protection laws .

Koenig writes for the Associated Press.

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