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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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15 Best Group Travel Companies for Guided Tours in 2024

The best tour companies for guided tours in 2024 deliver special insider experiences you simply can't book independently..

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Guided tours are an easy and stress-free way to discover new places. When you travel with the best tour operators, you can often dig much deeper into the history, culture, and daily life of your destination than if you’d gone it alone. In fact, the world’s top tour companies employ local guides, handle all of the details, and often deliver special insider travel experiences you simply can’t book independently. And travel tour groups are a good value, too.

To learn more about this year’s best tour companies and their guided tours, click on any company name in the list below to go straight to their website and start your search. Or, scroll down to read more about my picks for the best tour operators in 2024.

2024’s Best Tour Operators for Guided Tours 

• G Adventures  
• Adventures by Disney
• Grand Circle Travel
• Road Scholar
• Collette  
• Tauck  
• National Geographic Expeditions  
• Overseas Adventure Travel
• Intrepid Travel  
• AdventureWomen  
• Abercrombie & Kent
• Exodus Travels

1. Trafalgar Tours

One of the largest and most established tour operators in the world, Trafalgar offers everything from standard coach tours and small group active tours to private tours, hiking and biking tours, and special interest tours built around nature, history, food, and other interests. All told, Trafalgar hosts more than 350 guided tours in 72 countries and all seven continents. England, Italy, the Iberian Peninsula, Egypt, Ireland, Argentina, and Thailand are some of its most popular destinations. ( Read our full Trafalgar review here .)

Seniors and travelers 50 and older are Trafalagar’s core audience, though children as young as five years old are welcome on its family tours. Trafalgar’s solo travel options include free or reduced single supplement prices for many of its most popular trips. Each of its tour directors has at least three to five years of road experience, and many have been with the company for decades. 

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Trafalgar’s guided tours cover all accommodations (typically four-star hotels where available) and most transportation during your trip, including airport transfers on the majority of its overseas tours. Most meals and activities are included. Trafalgar also offers special one-of-a-kind experiences such as dining with locals, sleeping in a castle or historic hotel, and early entry to popular tourist attractions. Anyone who books a tour with Trafalgar’ is automatically enrolled in its Very Important Traveler (VIT) program that offers discounts and priority access on future trips. 

Quick Facts about Guided Tour Operator Trafalgar

• Average guided tour group size: 40 guests (standard coach tours); no more than 17 guests on small group active tours.
• Price range: Upscale.
• What’s included: Accommodations, transportation within the trip, admission prices, and most meals.
• What’s not included: Pre- and post-trip transportation, some meals, and tips.
• Primary audience: Seniors and travelers over the age of 50.
• Destinations: Europe, Africa, North America, Central America, South America, Middle East, Oceania, and the Polar regions.
• How to book:  Directly through  Trafalgar or through a travel agent
• More tours: 10 Best Trafalgar Tours to Take in 2024

2. G Adventures

Small group tour operator G Adventures has guided trips suitable for a wide range of travel preferences. The company’s driving philosophy is all about improving the world through travel, and it supports this mission by utilizing local businesses and community resources on its tours. Many of G Adventures’s guests share this philosophy as a core value. 

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The company’s guided tours cater to a variety of fitness levels and cultural interests. Its classic tours hit a sweet spot between backpacking and traditional group tours; active tours focus heavily on hiking, trekking, biking, and other physically intense activities; family tours lean into age-appropriate activities and kid-friendly accommodations; local living tours let you participate in the rituals of daily life in unique destinations around the world; and 18-to-thirtysomething tours let young adults explore the world with similarly aged companions. 

G Adventures also partners with National Geographic for both general tours and family journeys designed to provide guests with an even deeper understanding of the cultures and traditions of each destination. And the company’s one-of-a-kind Jane Goodall Collection of guided tours offers a responsible way to experience wildlife up close. G Adventures offers a unique perk on all of its trips. The company’s Lifetime Deposits program allows you to retain your initial deposit for use at a later date at no extra charge if you need to postpone a trip due to a change in plans or circumstances.

Quick Facts about Guided Tour Company G Adventures

• Average guided tour group size: 12 people.
• Price category: Moderate.
• What’s included: Accommodations, activities, and some meals.
• What’s not included: Airfare.
• Primary audience: Adults ages 30 to 55, but also families and younger travelers.
• How to book: Directly through G Adventures or through a travel agent.
• More tours: 10 Best G Adventures Tours to Take in 2024

3. Adventures by Disney

Founded in 2005, Adventures by Disney offers upscale small group tours to about 40 destinations on all seven continents. While you may associate Disney with princesses and talking animals, a vacation with Adventures by Disney is more about the Disney way of doing things than it is about The Walt Disney Company’s entertainment brand. 

When you travel with Adventures by Disney, what you’re getting is top-notch service, people-pleasing trip leaders (called Adventure Guides), and special experiences created just for Disney’s guided tours (think skip-the-line access to tourist attractions like the Louvre in Paris, special backstage tours on Broadway, or traditional bread-baking demonstrations in Iceland). Each trip also includes at least one Adventure Guide from the host destination, who brings local knowledge and a deep connection to the destination. 

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On guided tours with Adventures by Disney, things run smoothly and right on time . That makes it a great choice for stress-free family travel adventures . Most of Adventures by Disney’s guided tours feature built-in family time as well as built-in alone time for the adults. On some evenings, the Adventure Guides may host a “Junior Adventure” movie night. Other times there may be a kids-only dining table for the evening meal. 

Guided tours with Adventures by Disney include upscale accommodations, transportation within the trip (such as airport transfers, internal flights or trains, and motor coaches), admission prices and VIP experiences, luggage and concierge services, taxes, most gratuities, and many meals. There are typically some “on your own” meals, and pre-trip transportation is not included in the price. Adventures by Disney vacations tend toward the luxury side of the price range: an eight-day Peru vacation starts at $6,199 in 2024; an Adriatic expedition cruise starts at $8,999. In addition to its family-oriented trips, Adventures by Disney also offers private tours and adults-exclusive tours.

Adventures by Disney travelers can enroll in the company’s Adventure Insiders program to receive special offers, including advance notice of new tour destinations.

Quick Facts about Guided Tour Operator Adventures by Disney

• Average guided tour group size: 35 to 44 guests.
• Price range: Upscale/premium.
• What’s included: Accommodations, transportation within the trip, admission prices, VIP experiences, luggage and concierge services, taxes, most gratuities, and most meals.
• What’s not included: Pre- and post-trip transportation, some meals, and tips for your Adventure Guides.
• Primary audience: Families and adult Disney fans.
• How to Book: Directly through Adventures by Disney or through a travel agent.

The flagship brand of the Globus family of companies (which also includes Cosmos and Avalon Waterways ), tour operator Globus offers coach tours on six continents spanning more than 70 countries. Tour styles include small group tours , offered on Europe and North America itineraries; choice tours, which allow you to choose from three or four possible excursions rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule; undiscovered tours that take a deep dive away from the tourist areas; self-guided independent tours; Escapes by Globus , which operate during the slower tourism season between November and March; and faith-based trips to destinations such as the Holy Land.

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Globus caters to older adults, generally from about 50 to 70 years old, with most guests traveling as part of a couple or family. For solo travelers, which comprise about 20% of the tour company’s guests, Globus offers single supplement waiver promotions on select tours. Globus also has a Welcome Back Credit loyalty program. Each trip earns up to a $250 credit toward a future trip with Globus, Cosmos, or Avalon Waterways.

Quick Facts about Guided Tours with Globus

• Average guided tour group size: 38 guests (classic coach tours); 20 to 24 guests (small group discovery tours).
• Price category: Budget to moderate.
• What’s included: Hotels, all breakfasts, some additional meals, all transportation, VIP “skip the line” access, and local guides.
• What’s not included:  Gratuities and airfare; however, Globus offers the option to purchase airfare when you book, which comes with free airport transfers.
• Primary audience: Adults between 50 and 70 years old.
• Destinations: Europe, Africa, North America, Central America, South America, the Middle East, and Oceania.
• How to book: Directly through Globus or through a travel agent.

5. Grand Circle Travel

Operating since 1958, Grand Circle Travel is another highly regarded tour operator for adults over 50. The flagship brand within the Grand Circle family of companies (which also includes Overseas Adventure Travel ) offers a wide selection of land-based tours and river cruises for groups ranging in size from 24 to 47 people. 

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Grand Circle Travel’s trips are specifically designed for older travelers. Leisurely pacing and a focus on value are hallmarks of the Grand Circle experience. Like its sister company Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.), which is a top choice for active solo travelers over age 50, Grand Circle stands out as a great fit for solo travelers interested in finding camaraderie and community on vacation. The company offers free or low-cost single supplement fees on all of its itineraries. Grand Circle has guided tour experiences on all seven continents. Land-based group tours average about 30 travelers, while river cruises can range from about 38 to 45 guests. Grand Circle’s loyalty program, called the Inner Circle Club , offers discounts for frequent guests and multiple trips booked within the same calendar year. 

Quick Facts about Guided Tour Operator Grand Circle Travel

• Average guided tour group size: 24 to 30 guests (land tours); 38 to 45 guests (river cruises).
• Price category: Moderate to upscale.
• What’s included: Airfare, meals, activities, accommodations, transportation, special events, gratuities for local guides and motor coach drivers (land tours); airfare, accommodations, most meals, onboard drinks and house beer and wine, port charges, and gratuities for local guides and motor coach drivers (cruises).
• What’s not included: Airfare can also be purchased separately.
• Primary audience: Adults, including solo travelers, over the age of 50.
• How to book: Directly through Grand Circle Travel or through a travel agent.

6. Road Scholar

What started as the tour company Elderhostel in 1975 has since evolved into Road Scholar , a non-profit tour company with an educational focus that offers guided tours around the world. Its primary audience is senior travelers, but it also has the special and unique Grandparent Adventures , which support grandparents and grandchildren traveling together. Road Scholar is also very solo-traveler friendly—about 25 percent of Road Scholar tour guests are solo travelers. And the tour company has a number of itineraries for women-only tours as well.  

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Road Scholar’s educational tours include all accommodations plus most meals, expert-led lectures, field trips, and hands-on experiences, as well as transportation and gratuities. Road Scholar is able to book airfare for international tours, which allows you to have your travel monitored and supported by the company from start to finish. 

Quick Facts about Guided Tour Company Road Scholar

• Average Tour Size: 22 people.
• Price Range: Budget to luxury (from about $699 to $21,999 per person).
• What’s Included: Accommodations, most meals, expert-led experiences, transportation, gratuities, and the Road Scholar Assurance Plan coverage.
• What’s Not Included: Pre- and post-trip transportation.
• Primary Audience: Older travelers, grandparents traveling with grandkids, women, and solo travelers.
• Destinations: Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, Asia, Australia and South Pacific, and Antarctica.
• How to book: Directly through Road Scholar or through a travel agent.

7. Collette

A family-run business with hundreds of guided tour options across all seven continents, Collette offers a mix of small group trips (14 to 24 people per tour) and classic guided tours (up to 44 people). Its group tours start around $1,500, and most guests are over the age of 55. Collette is worldwide travel brand and tour operator with offices in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K.

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From land tours and river cruises to rail journeys, small group tours, and city stays, Collette offers a variety of ways to travel, including optional excursions and pre- and post-tour nights at your destination. And while the company tends to attract an older and budget-focused audience with an eye toward value, many of its hotels are four-star quality, and meals favor well-reviewed local restaurants with generous menus. 

Collette employs local guides for all of its trips and puts an emphasis on utilizing local businesses and restaurants. It also offers community sustainability programs for its guests in destinations across the world and invests a percentage of its proceeds back into local community or sustainability projects. Tour guests are automatically enrolled in The Collette Passport Club and receive credit toward future trips. 

Quick Facts about Guided Tours with Collette

• Average guided tour group size: 44 guests (classic tours); 14 to 24 guests (small group tours).
• What’s included: Hotels, activities, museum and attraction admissions, local guides, transportation, and airport transfers.
• What’s not included: Airfare, meals, and gratuities.
• Primary audience: Adults, primarily couples, between the ages of 50 and 70.
• How to book: Directly through Collette or through a travel agent.

8. T auck Tours

Family-owned Tauck has a simple philosophy: Deliver more than what’s expected. The award-winning guided tour operator has been doing just that for nearly 100 years by offering authentic experiences and behind-the-scenes access to destinations all over the world. Tauck’s century of experience is evident in nearly every detail of its guided trips, which cover more than 100 destinations in 70+ countries across all seven continents.

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The company’s tours are well-regarded for their expertise in local customs, traditions, flora, and fauna. Meals and accommodations are upscale. Its tour guides, called Tauck Directors, come from 40 countries and average a decade of experience each. You can choose from five unique trip styles: land tours, small group journeys, river cruises, small ship cruises, and multigenerational family journeys called Tauck Bridges. The tour operator also boasts an exclusive partnership with the award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, offering deep-dive trips that explore the themes of his films, including the American Civil War, U.S. national parks, baseball, and jazz. 

Quick Facts about Guided Tour Operator Tauck

• Average guided tour group size: 35 people (standard tours); 24 people (small group tours).
• Price category: Upscale.
• What’s included: Gratuities, sightseeing and admissions, most meals, airport and luggage transfer, and taxes.
• What’s not included: Airfare and alcohol.
• Primary audience: Adults over age 50 and multigenerational family groups.
• How to book: Directly through Tauck or through a travel agent.

9. National Geographic Expeditions

Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions leans into its parent company’s core values of exploration, science, education, and storytelling to offer exceptional guided tours on all seven continents. From exploring the Swiss and Italian Alps by train to photographing Machu Picchu at sunrise, National Geographic Expeditions takes you to some of the most celebrated natural wonders, archaeological sites, and wildlife-rich destinations in the world. 

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A guided trip with National Geographic Expeditions is all about meaningful exploration of the world and its many cultures. Whether by land, small ship, train, river cruise, or even private jet, you can expect a guided tour that goes way beyond the ordinary. And with itineraries geared specifically for photographers, families ( in partnership with G Adventures ), or independent travelers, you’ll be exploring alongside both like-minded travelers and subject matter experts. 

The company offers two unique ways to travel: National Geographic Signature Land tours, led by NatGeo experts, are its flagship trips and feature high-end accommodations, special access to field researchers and sites of interest, and even photography workshops; National Geographic Journeys, led by local guides, utilize mid-range hotels and blend hands-on exploration with more free time to explore on your own. Many National Geographic Expeditions trips also offer pre- and post-trip extensions.

The National Geographic Lifelong Explorers program offers loyalty discounts for return guests. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from each trip helps fund the National Geographic Society’s research and conservation programs around the world.

Quick Facts about Guided Travel Tours with National Geographic Expeditions

• Average guided tour group size: 16 to 25 people per departure; cruises are all in small ships under 200 passengers.
• Price category: Premium (National Geographic Signature Expeditions); budget to moderate (National Geographic Journeys).
• What’s included: Meals, accommodations, excursions, services of a National Geographic Expert, ground transportation, most transfers, baggage handling, most gratuities (for National Geographic Signature Land); some meals, accommodations, excursions, local guides, ground transportation, and some transfers (for National Geographic Journeys).
• What’s not included: Airfare, some meals, and some gratuities.
• Primary audience: Photographers and families with a passion for learning.
• How to book: Directly through National Geographic Expeditions or through a travel agent.

The budget-friendly member of the Globus family of travel brands (alongside Globus and Avalon Waterways ), Cosmos offers a range of tours around the world but has a particularly strong focus on European tours. Cosmos offers similar itineraries to its sister brand Globus but brings costs down by opting for good-but-more-budget-minded accommodations. While Cosmos is best known for its coach tours, the company also offers small group trips, off-the-beaten-path itineraries in popular destinations, event-focused tours, and Christian faith-based trips that highlight religious history in the Holy Land, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

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Cosmos runs tours on five continents spanning more than 60 countries. Among its most popular destinations are Great Britain and Ireland, Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United States. Many of the company’s tour directors hail from the country in which they lead tours, and a number of them have spent decades with Cosmos. The company also employs local guides to help with additional on-the-ground aspects of its tours. Cosmos offers a Welcome Back Credit loyalty program. Each trip earns up to a $250 credit toward a future trip with Globus, Cosmos, or Avalon Waterways.

Quick Facts about Group Tours with Cosmos 

• Average guided tour group size: 36 guests (standard coach tours); 20 to 24 guests (small group tours).
• Price category: Budget.
• What’s included: Hotels, guided city sightseeing excursions, ground transportation, and some meals.
• What’s not included: Airfare, optional excursions, gratuities; flights and airport transfers can be purchased at additional cost from Cosmos.
• Primary audience: Adults in their early to mid 50s.
• Destinations: Europe, South America, Central America, North America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
• How to Book: Directly through Cosmos or through a travel agent.

11. Overseas Adventure Tours (O.A.T.)

Part of the Grand Circle family of companies that also includes Grand Circle Travel and Grand Circle Cruise Line, Overseas Adventure Travel (also called O.A.T.) is a small group adventure travel tour specialist offering guided tours on all seven continents. O.A.T.’s tour group guests are over the age of 50 and many are solo travelers looking to join like-minded travelers on active itineraries around the world.

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Why is O.A.T. is so popular with older solo travelers? One reason is that the company rarely charges a single supplement on its trips. A fair number of the company’s guided tour itineraries also have women-exclusive departures. Overseas Adventure Travel rates all of its tours by activity level ranging from one (easy) to five (strenuous). The company operates more than 60 unique trips on all seven continents. Both multi-country and single-country tours are offered; some itineraries focus on culture while others have an ecological focus.

Unlike many other guided tour companies, O.A.T.’s prices typically include airfare, though guests also have the option to book their own flights. Overseas Adventure Travel’s loyalty program is the Sir Edmund Hillary Club , which offers benefits beginning with your third trip.

Quick Facts about Guided Tours with Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.)

• Average guided tour group size: 13 people.
• What’s included: Airfare, most meals, all transportation, accommodations, activities, and gratuities for local guides.
• What’s not included: Gratuities for trip leaders, some meals; airfare can also be booked separately.
• Primary audience: Active adults over 50, particularly solo travelers.
• Destinations: Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Middle East, Oceania, and the Polar regions.
• How to Book: Directly through OAT or through a travel agent.

12. Intrepid Travel

Sustainable and experience-rich travel is the heart and soul of everything Intrepid Travel does. The not-for-profit group travel tour operator runs trips geared toward young adults, women, solo travelers, active travelers, and families, and it generally attracts like-minded guests who value responsible travel, conservation, and respect for indigenous cultures. In fact, many of Intrepid’s most compelling guided tours make personal connections with local communities a centerpiece of the experience.

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Intrepid offers a wide range of trip styles and themes to suit a variety of audiences: Basix caters to independent travelers who prefer free time to explore on their own; Original tours include a mix of activities and free time; Comfort goes at a relaxed pace; and Premium tours offer the best accommodations, most comfortable transportation, and exclusive experiences. Different themes include Active, Food, Expeditions, Family, Solo, 18 to 29s, and Trekking, among others. Travelers are automatically enrolled in the Intrepid Insiders program with their first trip. The loyalty program offers advance notice of sales and new trips.

Quick Facts about Guided Tour Operator Intrepid Travel

• Average guided tour group size : 12 people.
• What’s included: Accommodations, local transport, and some meals.
• What’s not included: Airfare, travel insurance, and tips.
• Primary audience : Adults ages 25 to 40.
• Destinations : Europe, Africa, North America, Central America, South America, Middle East, Oceania, and the Polar regions.
• How to Book: Directly through Intrepid or through a travel agent.

13. AdventureWomen

The women’s-only travel group AdventureWomen makes it easy for female travelers to explore the world in a safe and meaningful way alongside other women. Founded in 1982, AdventureWomen now offers nearly 50 tours across more than 65 counties. AdventureWomen’s guided travel tours for women welcome solo female travelers, women traveling together, mother-daughter pairs, sisters, and more. Each tour description clearly outlines the required fitness level for the journey. 

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The company’s most popular guided tours include a wintertime tour of Iceland to view the Northern Lights, a Galapagos Islands wildlife cruise by private yacht, and a journey along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. These guided women’s only adventure tours include lodging, ground transportation, most meals and activities, guides, and some gratuities. AdventureWomen’s average tour group size is on the small side, with tours generally welcoming 12 to 15 women per departure. Guests often credit the small group size for fostering camaraderie with other travelers on these guided tours. 

Quick Facts about Guided Tour Company AdventureWomen

• Average guided tour group size: 12 to 15 people.
• What’s included: Accommodations, most meals and activities, ground transportation, tour guides (called Managers), and some gratuities.
• What’s not included: Pre- and post-trip transportation, alcohol, some gratuities, and certain meals.
• Primary audience: Women seeking to travel with other women.
• Destinations : Europe, Africa, North America, Central America, South America, and the Middle East.
• How to Book: Directly through AdventureWomen or through a travel agent.

14. Abercrombie & Kent

A pioneer in the world of luxury small group trips, Abercrombie & Kent has been operating guided tours for more than 60 years. These days, the tour company runs trips on all seven continents spanning more than 100 countries. Each of Abercrombie & Kent’s small group tours is run by a Resident Tour Director who remains with the group throughout the trip, while additional specialized local guides help travelers enjoy one-of-a-kind insider experiences.

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Because Abercrombie & Kent is a luxury tour operator, accommodations tend toward high-end hotels wherever possible. Participants are often Gen X and Boomers. Guests are automatically enrolled in the company’s Marco Polo Club loyalty program on their third journey with Abercrombie & Kent. 

Quick Facts about Guided Tours with Abercrombie & Kent

• Average guided tour group size: 14 people.
• Price category: Upscale/premium.
• What’s included: Inter-trip flights, upscale accommodations, luggage transfers, meals, mid-journey laundry services, all activities, and expert guides.
• What’s not included: Airfare to and from your trip destination.
• Primary audience: Adults aged 40 and older.
• How to Book: Directly through Abercrombie & Kent or through a travel agent.

15. Exodus Travels

A worldwide adventure travel tour operator, Exodus Travels offers small group and independent cycling, walking, hiking, wildlife, and cultural tours in nearly 90 countries across all seven continents. Exodus has operated small group guided tours, self-guided tours, and private tours around the world since 1974, and today offers more than 500 unique tours ranging from popular locales like the Amalfi Coast in Italy to remote destinations like Tajikistan. 

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The company’s small group tours average between eight to 16 guests and utilize local trip leaders and experienced local guides. Solo travelers comprise nearly half of Exodus’s guests, who are given the option to pay a single room supplement or share a room with another guest at no additional charge. For those who want the convenience of a curated trip (pre-planned accommodations, activities, and transportation) without the constraints of traveling with a group, Exodus’s self-guided options give you freedom and flexibility to explore on your own. 

While Exodus is popular with budget-minded travelers, the company also offers premium guided tours to some popular destinations. A partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation allows Exodus to offer luxury safaris, for example. Guests are automatically enrolled in the tour operator’s loyalty program, called Exodus Collective , after two trips. Exodus Collective offers special discounts and members-only sales. After your seventh trip, you’ll be upgraded to the company’s Pioneer level, which comes with even greater discounts and perks. 

Quick Facts about Guided Tour Operator Exodus Travels

• Average guided tour group size: 8 to 16 people.
• Price category: Budget to upscale.
• What’s included: Accommodations, some meals, activities, and local guides.
• What’s not included: Airfare, airport transfers, and gratuities.
• Primary audience: Adventure travelers, solo travelers, and active independent travelers.
• How to Book: Directly through Exodus or through a travel agent.

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Tour Scoop’s team of travel experts brings you in-depth tour company overviews, tour itinerary reviews, the latest tour news, and travel tips and advice written just for guided tour travelers like you.

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Out of Your Comfort Zone

The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, 7 best small group tour companies for international travel around the world.

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Talita

The best rated tour companies specialized in small group travel (with tips to save on your bookings). Tour companies for all types of travelers: solo traveler, adventure, exotic/hard-to-reach destinations, luxury, young, singles, party, family, etc. Plus, pros and cons so you can compare organized group trips with independent traveling.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 1. The 5 Best International Tour Group Companies
• 1.2 2. Should I Travel with a group or by myself?
• 1.3 3. Pros of Traveling with a Group Tour
• 1.4 4. Cons of Traveling with a Group Tour
• 1.5 5. How to Choose the Best Tour for Me?
• 1.6 6. How Should I Prepare for my Group Tour?
• 1.7 7. Quick Summary
• 2.2   1. G Adventures
• 2.4   2. Intrepid
• 2.6   3. Contiki
• 2.8   4. Young Pioneer Tours
• 2.10   5. Tourradar
• 3.2   7. Trafalgar Tours
• 3.3 BONUS: Solo Female Travelers Tours
• 4.1 Pros of Traveling with a Group Tour
• 5 Cons of Traveling with a Group Tour
• 6 How Do I Choose the Best Tour and Group Travel Company for Myself?
• 7.1 A super quick summary:
• 8 Planning your next trip?

1.  The 5 Best International Tour Group Companies

2.  should  i travel with a group or by myself , 3.  pros of traveling with a group tour, 4.  cons of traveling with a group tour, 5.  how to choose the best tour for me , 6.  how should i prepare for my group tour , 7.  quick summary.

To travel independently? Or to travel as part of the group? That is the (cheesy) question!

Okay, if you know this website/blog, you’ll know that it focuses on tips for independent world travel (without an excursion or tour) that let you travel long-term even if you are on a tight budget. It’s just that you need the time and planning to be able to prepare an entire trip yourself.

But I know that some people either don’t like or don’t have the time to prepare all that they need for a trip by themselves ( flights , accommodation , itinerary , transportation , travel insurance , etc….).

In this case, my suggestion is to travel as part of a group tour. Then, basically all the most important parts of your trip will already be taken care of and organized and all you’ll have to do is relax and enjoy.

And there’s nothing wrong with traveling as part of a tour group (even if that’s not something we usually focus on here). You still can have a travel experience that is incredible, all-encompassing, and authentic whether you go on your own or with a tour.

The problem is knowing which company and type of tour to do.

I say this because there are “TOUR GROUPS,” and there are “ tour groups .” In other words, not all tour companies around the world are created equally. And that’s why below we selected some of the best-known and highest-rated tour companies on the market. In other words, they are great travel alternatives if backpacking during your holidays isn’t really your thing.

(But if you want to save money or travel on a tight budget, just keep in mind that it will almost always be a lot cheaper to travel independently. If that’s more your aim, then just follow the sequence on this page to begin planning your next trip yourself.)

The 5 Best Tour Companies for International Travel Around the World

  1. g adventures.

G Adventures type of tours: Fun, relaxed or adventure trips

G Adventures is one of the biggest tour companies for small group travel in the world. They focus on adventure travel at a relatively low cost compared to other companies. They have more than 650 different excursions/adventure tours on all 7 continents! Yes, even to Antarctica (just in case anyone forgot this was a continent ?) and the Arctic (though this doesn’t get to be a continent because it’s basically just a block of ice ☹). And they have guided tours of all kinds: Active, YOLO (for young people aged 18-39), Family, Classic, etc…in other words, you’ll definitely find a tour that’s right for you!

And I, personally, really like the way they give the search results – with maps and tour itineraries – that show you exactly what you’re going to do. This makes it easy to compare different tours.

  2. Intrepid

Intrepid type of tours: Fun, relaxed or adventure trips

Along with G Adventures, Intrepid is another one of the biggest international tour operators for adventure travel on the market, offering more than 800 itineraries around the planet. With them, you’ll travel in small groups of lots of adventure and minimal frills. In some cases, depending on the type of excursion (such as a camping excursion), it’s expected that you’ll help prepare dinner together with the other travelers. Don’t worry, all will be explained and led by your guide!

I did a tour similar to this in the middle of the desert in Australia and it was awesome! It helps you build a connection with your group which makes the tour that much better. And like G Adventures, Intrepid also has tours of all kinds such as Family, Biking, Wildlife, etc…it’s hard not to find something you like.

  3. Contiki

Contiki type of tours: trips with a focus on partying, having fun and relaxing

Contiki is famous for organizing guided trips for young people aged 18-35 (they are actually one of the tour companies that don’t allow people outside this range). And they are well-known by one thing: the parties!

With Contiki, a day of visiting tourist attractions in Europe or Australia will usually end in partying, booze and uh…..well, there’s a reason some people call it Sextiki. I’m not saying this based on my opinion, but just google around and you’ll find the same thoughts.

So, Contiki may not be for everyone…but if you’re are traveling alone and beyond tourism also want to meet people from around the world and party, Contiki is the tour company for you! There’s a reason why their catchphrase is #NOREGRETS.

But this doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy Contiki if traveling as a couple or if you aren’t a big partier, but you should know upfront kind of what to expect.

They have tour groups going to the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Latin America, etc…but they are especially awesome for European tours. 

Special Promotional Coupon Code for Contiki: PPASIALMD526

  4. Young Pioneer Tours

(mention code DPRKOUT )

YPT type of tours: low-key trips to exotic and hard to reach places

If you’ve read our article about How to Visit North Korea on a Budget , you’ll see that we visited one of the world’s most closed-off countries with Young Pioneer Tours. This is because YPT is a tour company that specializes in, according to them, “budget tours to destinations your mother would rather you not go to.” Places like Turkmenistan, Eritrea, Iran, Transnistria (actually, I visited this last one by myself in one of my Europe trips and wrote about it here ), and other infamous places that are difficult for tourists to get to.

So if you are on the lookout for adventure and uncommon destinations, I’d recommend taking a look at their website.

When booking with Young Pioneer Tours, mention the code DPRKOUT while making your booking to get a free t-shirt and an exclusive North Korea travel guide. Also valid for trips to destinations beyond North Korea.

  5. Tourradar

Tourradar type of tours: tour search engine with all kinds of excursions and travel packages

Unlike the options above, Tourradar doesn’t actually offer their own tours. Instead, they are a big aggregator (or online marketplace) that lists guided tours from companies around the world.

On the website, you can search for and book group tours/packages from more than 500 different operators.

So, if you want to make things easy, just put in the destination you’d like to visit, the month, and the year and Tourradar will give you a gigantic list of guided tour options of all kinds. 

During your search, you can also filter by price, duration, age range, style, etc…which makes finding affordable tours pretty easy. 

Something that I think is really cool about Tourradar is that they have a section with the best festival tours around the world – like the Tomatina in Spain, Exit in Serbia, Oktoberfest in Germany, and even tours to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro!!

Win a free trip with Tourradar!

Another great thing about them is that they are always giving away free trips. To enter in one of the contests, just click this link here  or the picture below, put in your name and email….and that’s it! Good luck!!

  6. Encounters Travel

Encounters Travel Type of Tours: Innovative tours to open-minded people

Encounters Travel is an English company with more than 50 years of experience. The company’s focus is saving money combined with the enjoyment of its customers, considering the cultural aspects of each country.

So to not exclude anyone, the groups have a maximum of 20 travelers, in addition to offering a private tour service, where prices can be a little more expensive, but ideal for those who prefer to travel alone.

With Encounters Travel, it is also possible to customize excursions, in case you are in a group of friends who want to deviate a little from the itinerary planned by the company. They are great for college, school, clubs or association outings.

The company’s website is super intuitive, divided into several categories that make it easier to decide the perfect trip for you. There’s also a section of the site dedicated to booking last-minute trips, in case you’re one of those people who doesn’t like to plan too far in advance!

  7. Trafalgar Tours

Trafalgar type of tours: exclusive travel focused on luxury, convenience, and comfort for selective travelers

Well, as you probably already know, this website/blog isn’t exactly focused on guided trips of luxury and comfort. But, although the tour companies listed above will already be a lot more comfortable than an independent trip weighed down with your own backpack, they tend to attract travelers that are a bit more adventurous and low-key.

But if your travel style is more about relaxing, luxury, and comfort, I recommend you check out Trafalgar. Trafalgar is one of the oldest, most renowned, and exclusive tour operators in the world. They offer more than 230 different itineraries around the world that can also be tailor-made for even the most selective of travelers.

If this sounds like you, take a look at their site and get a tour quote to see if the options are to your taste and style.

BONUS: Solo Female Travelers Tours

SFT Tours type of tours: excursions around the world in small groups for women only

Solo Female Travelers Tours is a women’s company that caters exclusively to the female audience. The intent of this is to create comfortable, safe, and reliable adventures for their clients in places that would not normally be very accessible to solo travelers.

SFT Tours has small group tours to Iceland, Tuscany, Tanzania, Sudan, Mongolia, and Antarctica. Their trips are quite varied, ranging from luxury tours in the Italian countryside to extreme adventures like climbing Kilimanjaro and motorcycle expeditions through Mongolia (see here 25 Interesting Things I Learned While Traveling in Mongolia ).

By booking an expedition with them you will be connected with other women traveling solo, which is a great opportunity to create new friendships. All Solo Female Travelers Tours prioritize companies created and led by women with a mission to help empower women around the world.

So, should I travel with a tour group or by myself?

Pros of traveling with a group tour.

• As mentioned above, almost everything will be organized for you . So, just relax and enjoy!
• If you don’t want to travel alone but don’t have a friend or family member to go with you, going with a pre-arranged group will take care of that.
• You can feel safer because you’ll always be with a guide. In other words, you won’t find yourself lost in the middle of the city or getting cheated by that taxi driver in Santiago del Chile while in an escorted tour.
• You can access places that are almost “closed” to independent tourists. As an example, we had to visit North Korea with a tour – we explain it here if you want to do the same. The same thing is true of Iran for American and British citizens.
• It’s easier to get a visa for certain countries. In other words, it’ll often be easier to apply for a visa and have it approved if you already have a tour booked and paid for.
• Group tours are a great way to meet people and make friends from around the world! Since the tour companies are international, you won’t just be traveling with people from your own country (you can do that at home) . You can find 11 tips to make friends while traveling in our article here .
• Most of the recommended tour companies here give you some “me time” that’ll let you have some time to explore on your own during the tour. But in some places, like North Korea , this won’t be true as you must always be with a guide. Remember that there’s also the possibility of doing extra travel tours during those “me time” periods if you prefer.
• It’s guaranteed that you’ll stay in quality and pre-reserved accommodations (so you don’t have to worry about sleeping on a bench in that park in Banff, Canada because it was Easter and everything was full….which I totally don’t know from experience or anything).
• You’ll have help and support in the case of sickness, theft, loss, accident or any other unexpected problem that can happen during your trip.

Cons of Traveling with a Group Tour

• Traveling in a group can be frustrating . Not everyone always gets along and sometimes they’ll be disagreements or little cliques. But in general, the type of people who decide to travel with a lot of the tour companies below are open-minded and easy to deal with.
• If you like having your space, being in a tour group isn’t ideal. Even if the tours suggested below do give you some time to relax and explore by yourself, the “me time” isn’t unlimited.
• Going with a group tour is almost guaranteed to be more expensive than traveling, planning, and reserving everything yourself.
• If you end up in a group with an average age different from your own , it can be a bit irritating. Heterogeneous groups with different ages are common on many tours and it’s interesting to hear about different life experiences. But if you’re 21 and the average age of your group is 60, it’s not so interesting.
• You have to be patient with that couple that is always late to breakfast in the morning or nearly misses the bus after each stop. But this is all part of traveling in a group tour….so, don’t be “THAT couple!!”
• On that note, remember that you have responsibilities of being a part of the group and you can’t just “do what you want” like you could if you were traveling alone.
• You are stuck with your group’s schedule . Outside of the “me time” allotted, if you want to catch the bus and stick with the group, you have to follow the schedule. Think the current museum is boring? You have to stay there until the set time is finished. Want to spend more time at the beach? You’ll be cut short when your group starts leaving you behind.

How Do I Choose the Best Tour and Group Travel Company for Myself?

There’s a bunch of factors you need to consider:

• Type of tour: Since you’ll find tours of all types offered by the companies below, choose the one you’re most interested in: city, train, adventure, cycling, festivals , camping, beach, historical, etc…
• The age range of tours: If you are 24, you probably don’t want to be part of a tour with the average age of 62! Same idea the other way. Being the oldest person in a tour with a bunch of 23-year-olds that are out late partying every night isn’t that great.
• Cost of additional activities: In general, the tour packages mentioned below will cover all accommodation and transportation and some of the food and attractions. However, there are almost always additional costs that could be added on during the trip. Things like riding a camel, diving , learning to surf, etc… and if everyone else on the tour is doing it, you probably don’t want to be the only one watching from the sidelines. So, see what the possible extra costs could be (beyond the price of the tour) to make sure they fit into your trip’s budget.
• Amount of free time: Some people like to do activities with the group all day long (to make the most of what they paid for). But others like some time to head out a bit on their own to explore the city or just relax without their guide at their side. You can usually see how much “me time” or free days you’ll have by looking at a tour’s itinerary.
• Atmosphere: This is similar to the idea of age above. Some tours are completely focused on young people and partying (I’m talking about you, Contiki !), and others revolve more around history, museums, and cities like a European tour. Then, there are others still with more adventure and less fuss. Research well before deciding!
• Reviews: As with everything online, you can also find reviews for tours and tour companies. Some reviews are on the company website itself, others you’ll have to search online for. It’s always good to hear what other travelers who’ve actually been on the tours thought of the company, the destination, and the itinerary.
• Level of physical activity: In almost all of the tours you might check out, there’ll be a level of physical activity number from 1 to 5 (with 1 being the lowest level, and 5 being the highest level). In other words, if you aren’t super active, I wouldn’t try to travel during your vacations with a tour that’s going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (likely a level 5 on that scale). On the other hand, if you are someone who’s in good shape and likes to exercise, a level 5 tour might be ideal for you. Personally, I love combining travel with exercise !
• Group size: On average, the companies below work with groups sizes that average 10 people. But there are sometimes bigger groups…though usually not bigger than the number needed to fill up a bus. Check the info about each tour if group size is important to you.
• Length & dates: This should seem obvious, but worth mentioning! If you can only have very specific days off work, you’ll have to make sure that the tour you want fits into this timeframe. Otherwise, if you have a big enough group, you may be able to arrange your own group tour with the dates of your choice.

How Should I Prepare for my Group Tour (and Save Some Extra Money While I’m at it)?

• Research and compare the cost of plane tickets yourself . Sometimes, you can buy your plane ticket with the company that you’re doing your tour with (like a tour package), but it’s also worth checking to see if you can find something better yourself. Research and compare what you find with the price the tour company is quoting you to see the best option. If you search yourself online, our article with 16 tips to save on flights can help.
• Explore different options for travel insurance before purchasing. Just like with flights, usually, you can either buy travel insurance directly with the same company you are buying the tour with, or buy it yourself. To do some research yourself, be sure to check out our article with the 3 best and cheapest travel insurance companies on the market ! And just remember: it’s obligatory to have travel insurance to participate in a tour and you’ll be asked to show proof of the insurance before your trip begins.
• Try to arrive a few days early in the place where your tour will start. Maybe consider staying around few extra days afterward to relax, as well. This makes sure you aren’t late, can have some time to prepare….and see a new place!
• If you arrive early or stay late after your tour, book accommodation in advance ! The majority of tour companies will offer some options for hostels/hotels to stay in before or after your trip. Obviously, they’ll earn some extra commission by making a reservation in your name. So, if you want to save in this aspect, consider booking something yourself . Then, you’ll be able to see all of the possible options (and not just the ones the company will push on you). Check out our article with the 6 best websites to find and reserve your hotel or hostel to help.
• Decide between a shared room or a private room. In most cases, if you are traveling alone, you’ll be put in a room with another solo traveler of the same gender. But if you want to stay in a room alone, you’ll have to pay a bit extra for a “single room supplement.”
• Be careful with the size of your bag or backpack. Just as with aircrafts, buses, boats, or trains, you’ll probably have a weight limit (about 20 kg) for the bag you bring on the tour.
• Plan ahead for your passport or visas. The entire process of getting a passport or visa is normally done by the travelers themselves and not by the company that organizes the tour. But as I mentioned, one benefit of going with a tour is that it’s easier to get a visa than if you were going alone.

A super quick summary:

The best rated tour companies for adventurous, low-maintenance travelers: G Adventures and Intrepid

The top rated tour company for single or solo travelers that want to party and meet people from around the world: Contiki

The best tour company for people looking for trips to uncommon, off-the-beaten-path destinations: Young Pioneer Tours

The best tours website for travelers who want to see all the tour packages and excursions options in a single place: TourRadar

The best tour company for travelers that prioritize luxury and comfort: Trafalgar

Well, that’s it. You can have a great trip as part of a tour group or on your own. Really, the important thing is TO TRAVEL!!!

Also check out:

3 Best International Tour Companies for Adventure Travel

5 Best Group Tour Companies for Young Solo Single Travelers

5 Best Websites to Book Tours, Tickets & Attractions Around the World

Planning your next trip?

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.

14 Responses

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Travel + Leisure Readers' 15 Favorite Tour Operators of 2023

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

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

Courtesy of Butterfield & Robinson

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

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

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

• Staff/guides
• Itineraries/destinations
• Accommodations

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of ATJ

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

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

Reader Score: 99.07

2 . DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.  

Reader Score: 99.05

3 . Artisans of Leisure  

Reader Score: 98.89

4. TCS World Travel

ReaderScore: 98.84

5. Trek Travel 

Reader Score: 98.62

6. Black Tomato  

Reader Score: 98.29

7. Classic Journeys  

WBA Hall of Fame honoree.

Reader Score: 98.27

8. Adventure Unbound  

Reader Score: 98.15

9. Scott Dunn  

10. Inside JapanTours  

Reader Score: 98.13

11. Butterfield & Robinson  

Reader Score: 98.00

12. Vagabond Tours of Ireland

Reader Score: 97.78

13. Quasar Expeditions

Reader Score: 97.53

Reader Score: 97.33

15. Jacada Travel

Reader Score: 96.20

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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.

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G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

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

The Geluxe Collection

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

National Geographic Journeys

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

National Geographic Family Journeys

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

Jane Goodall Collection

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

Roamies by Hostelworld

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

Why choose us

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

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

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

Trees for Days

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

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

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

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Got the urge to get away? We’ve got you covered. Check out the tours below, then get booking today!

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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.

Small groups

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!

Locally based guides

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.

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

By Condé Nast Traveller

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

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

The best general tour operators in the world 2023

15. Cox & Kings. Score 88.00

14. Hayes & Jarvis. Score 89.44

13. Carrier. Score 90.73

12. Simpson Travel. Score 91.48

11. Kuoni. Score 92.82

10. Mr & Mrs Smith. Score 93.29

9. Kensington Tours. Score 94.14

8. Audley Travel. Score 94.77

7. Original Travel. Score 95.44

6. Cazenove + Loyd. Score 95.92

5. The Ultimate Travel Company. Score 96.75

4. Abercrombie & Kent. Score 97.12

3. Elegant Resorts. Score 97.39

2. Red Savannah. Score 97.96

• The Turquoise Holiday Company. Score 98.42

The best travel specialists in the world 2023

15. Wild Frontiers. Score 94.81

14. Martin Randall Travel. Score 95.17

13. Intrepid Travel. Score 95.40

12. Wilderness. Score 96.54.

11. Inntravel. Score 96.88

10. Oxford Ski Company. Score 97.15

9. Kirker Holidays. Score 97.47

8. andBeyond. Score 97.61

7. Ampersand Travel. Score 97.65.

6. InsideJapan Tours. Score 97.79

5. Steppes Travel. Score 97.88

4. Black Tomato. Score 98.03

3. Exodus Adventure Travels. Score 98.15

2. Healing Holidays. Score 98.35

• Scott Dunn. Score 98.70

Best Small Group Tour Companies

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Small Group Reviews & Ratings

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Pure Brazil

The time in the Pantanal was amazing. Did the day trip to see the jaguars which was a long day, but worth it. Lots of animals around the lodge too. If you are lucky,...

Visit to the pantanal. Amazing lodge and wildlife.

Covered the highlights of Brazil making sure the traveller saw the best of its highlights with sufficient enough time to take in the various areas and experience wha...

Pure Brazil was one of the few tours that covered my personal highlights of the country, Amazon, Pantanal, Iguazu falls and Rio. Accommodation overall was both comfo...

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

Value Beyond Price

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explorations

Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside featuring Italy's Charming Hill Towns

African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania

Alaska's Northern Lights

Winter in Croatia featuring Plitvice Lakes and the Adriatic Coast

Costa Rica: A World of Nature featuring Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano & Manuel Antonio National Park

Icelandic Adventure

Mediterranean Coastal Journey Spain, France & Italy

The Best of Ireland featuring the Wild Atlantic Way

Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

$3,299 pp* $3,699 pp, historical greenbrier featuring washington d.c. & williamsburg, $2,299 pp* $2,499 pp, spotlight on northern italy featuring venice, verona & the dolomites.

Spain's Costa del Sol & Madrid

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Welcome to a new Approach

Travel is not about checklists or selfies, it is how we feed our soul. It allows us to experience cultures, to touch history, to bond with strangers, to reconnect as people.

There is no right or wrong way to travel, but there are good and bad experiences. Most people have already had a bad experience. We have. We learned from it.

Approach Tours is founded on the principle that every tour should be positive and energizing – an experience in enlightening discussions, in stimulating discoveries, in honest food, in restful sleep.

Because of that conviction, every Approach group tour is thoughtfully crafted in-house based on our own personal travel moments. Each dedicated Group Guru is recruited. Each location is scouted. Each local expert is certified. Each restaurant is tasted. Each bed is slept in.

We’re that committed to your experience.

Timeless Collection

Experience classic cities as open-air museums – full of impressive monuments, moving music and cobble-stone streets.

Into the Wild Collection

Gaze at majestic animals up-close in their natural habitat. We’ll be reminded that we are the visitors, not them.

Old World Collection

Embrace the sense of awe while discovering ancient lands where it all began.

Naturescapes Collection

Feel small surrounded by waterfalls, mountains, beaches, and deserts. You will need to zoom-out to get that perfect picture.

We challenged ourselves to raise the bar for those travellers who demand more from their tour company. This is our unique approach.

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The Beauty of Small Group Travel

Our Latest e-Catalog Is Here

We've released our latest e-catalog, which includes 2024 and 2025 departure dates and prices, as well as our new Italy tour, Italy's Classic Cities, a well-paced, culturally rich journey through Milan, Verona, Bologna, Florence, and Rome – and the surrounding countryside.

New for 2025: Italy's Classic Cities

New Feature: Sort Tours by Physical Activity Level

We have a new tool to help you make a more informed decision when choosing your next Odysseys adventure. You will see a Physical Activity Level rating that measures the difficulty of each tour on a scale of 1 to 5, from Easy to Challenging, on each tour on our website. And, now you can sort our tours by Physical Activity Level.

A Message from Bruce Epstein

Hear from Odysseys’ president and founder about the benefits of exploring the world with the pioneer of small group travel.

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I would definitely do another Odysseys tour – great company, great value.

We continue to be amazed at the value and quality of these trips.

Love your company and feel like we get excellent value.

The small group (20) was perfect.

Love small group tours.  Odysseys does it right!

I loved the small group...I felt safe and well cared for.

Odysseys is our #1 choice for group travel.

It was a truly first-rate experience in every way.

Each of our four tours with you has been outstanding!

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Every year on April 22, billions of people around the world celebrate Earth Day.  Whether planning a community cleanup, organizing a tree planting event, or simply setting aside some time to spend in the great outdoors, people everywhere use Earth Day as an opportunity to celebrate the natural world and advocate for our precious planet.

Paris, France – it’s the number-one most visited city in the world, and considering its world-renowned museums, gastronomy, fashion and design, shopping, and entertainment, it’s easy to see why. We’ve curated a guide with our expert advice on how to get the most out of your trip to Paris. Click here for more information on the city’s best neighborhoods, cuisines, activities, attractions, and more.

One of the few possible downsides to traveling abroad is the inevitable wait at Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when arriving back home.  But with a program called Global Entry, you could breeze past lines and be on your way home in no time.

Laurel Davar is not only a loyal Odysseys guest – she’s also a talented artist who paints portraits of Tour Directors she's had on Odysseys tours. We recently spoke with Laurel about her creative process and what she enjoys about traveling with Odysseys Unlimited.

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MEET NEW PEOPLE. SEE THE WORLD. no PLANNING REQUIRED.   

Modern group travel for ages 25-39, adventurous but comfortable.

Jumping off boats by day , delicious dinners and clean, comfortable, centrally-located hotels by night.

NO PLanning Required

We've done all the googling, review reading, logistics planning, and activity booking.  Get yourself there and we take care of the rest.  

SOLO TRAVELERS YOUR AGE

Our trips are for travelers  ages 25-39 and 80% sign up alone , meaning you'll be exploring with a crew around your age.

SUSTAINABLE, "SLOW TRAVEl"

We do our part to travel as sustainably as possible by working with local vendors and  supporting their community's economy. 

travel solo, not alone

Sound like something you'd be into?

Get started by filling out a profile HERE

"...They put together groups of compatible millennial jetsetters and then handle all of the major details, leaving travelers more time to discover, connect, and have fun." - Huffington Post

Get started by f illing out a quick travel profile so we can get to know you and your travel goals.

From there, one of our community managers will reach out to help you find your perfect trip.

WHERE TO START

Pick Your Trip

After we verify your profile, we'll reach out to introduce ourselves and answer any questions you have. 

If you've already picked out a trip, go ahead and book! We'll confirm your booking once we've reviewed your profile.

eNJOY THE RIDE!

Pack your bags and get ready to explore, relax, and mingle with a group of like-minded new friends - we'll take care of the rest!

See what some of our past travelers had to say about their adventures around the world with FTLO.

Over 1,000 5 star reviews!

Curation x  connection.

We run laid-back group trips for young professionals that are hassle-free (like a vacation) but have the adventure and cultural enrichment of solo travel.

Not only do we spend countless hours planning the best itineraries, we try to curate travel groups of similar individuals  to give everyone the best experience possible. We even send out a roster of everyone on the trip, so you know who your travel buddies will be.

Let us handle the logistics while you get lost in the beauty of travel - in the daring feats, the funny encounters, the mouthwatering cuisines, the novelty, and the unknown.

These are not perfectly pre-scripted, every minute scheduled "group tours." You won't find any matching hats or follow-the-flag group travel nonsense here. We don't script. We plan. So you don't have to. And then we have a really, really good time.

We invite you to join one of our trips, embrace the adventure, and make memories (and friends) that will last a lifetime.

find your perfect trip

Call Us or fill the form

+90 216 900 28 62.

Don't hesitate to contact us!

Working time

Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 18:00 / Closed on Weekends

Company Headquarters

DEGIRMENDERE MAH. SANAYI CAD. 8 SK.7

KUSADASI 09400 AYDIN TURKIYE

Only for Carriers in the US , For loads, Please enter the required information.

Our offices.

Değirmendere Mah. Sanayi Cad.8

Sk. No:7 Kuşadası 09400 Aydın

+ (90) 256 340 03 40

[email protected]

Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 18:00 Closed on Weekends

Drive to us Now

Küçükbakkalköy Mah. Fevzipaşa Cad.

Bozkır Sok. No:1 ,K:3 D:15 Ataşehir 34750 Istanbul

+ (90) 216 900 28 62

+(90) 216 576 47 90

2, Stroitelny Lane, Elektrostal , Moscow

+7 (499) 390 35 04

[email protected]

Drive to our office 

128 City Road , London EC1V 2NX

+44 20 4577 1271

[email protected]

Mon - Fri: 9:30 - 17:00 Closed on Weekends

26 Seaman Ave Hempstead 11550 New York

+1 646 980 28 04

[email protected]

Humberto 1 985,Piso 2,Ofic 222

Constitucion Capital Federal CP 1103

Buenos Aires

+54 11 52 371 371

[email protected]

Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 17:30 Closed on Weekends

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Hilton lifts 2024 profit forecast on international travel demand

HOTEL operator Hilton Worldwide raised its annual adjusted profit forecast on Wednesday (Apr 24), banking on international travel demand to offset normalizing domestic travel in the US

The company forecast 2024 adjusted profit of between US$6.89 and US$7.03 per share, up from the previously forecast US$6.80 to US$6.94 per share.

International travel demand is expected to remain strong this year as global air connectivity increases and travelers flock to Asian and Latin American countries, while demand for domestic travel plateaus in North America.

Hilton, which also owns brands such as Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, reported quarterly revenue per available room (RevPAR) of US$104.16, up 2 per cent from the same period last year. REUTERS

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