Most frequent travellers consider themselves to be independent travellers. We love to plan our entire vacation on our own. We can all agree that’s what makes travelling so much fun. However, there will come a time when we are travelling to our ultimate dream vacation destination and everything needs to be absolutely perfect! This is the one time that we call in the experts to give us a hand. In this post, experienced travellers share the best tour companies to plan your vacation.
Find the best tour company to plan a once in a lifetime getaway for you
Whether a solo traveller, a family, couple, senior or a traveller with a disability, or from the LGTBQ+ community, there is a tour company out there that specializes in what you’re looking for and they are waiting to help you plan your dream vacation. My fellow travel junkies and I have made the search for your ideal travel coordinator easy and we have assembled a list of the best tour companies to help plan your dream vacation.
I love creating valuable content for you my readers, however, there is a cost to maintaining a website and there may be affiliate links scattered throughout the website. By clicking on the links there is no extra cost to you, however, I may receive a small profit.
BEST TOUR COMPANIES TO BOOK YOUR DREAM VACATION WITH
Abercrombie & Kent
Recommended by Lauren of The Traveling Moore
Country of Origin: England
Target Age of Traveller: All ages
Specializes in: Safari’s and Luxury Travel
Types of Tours Offered: Abercrombie and Kent is my go-to tour company for African safari’s and luxury adventure travel. They coordinate group trips for 8-20 people with set itineraries and dates. They also have tailor-made travel which is a sample itinerary that can be adjusted for independent tours.
Why I used Abercrombie & Kent: When traveling, I typically prefer to book my own trip and avoid tour groups. However, I always use a tour company when visiting developing countries or for more adventurous trips. I find tour companies very helpful when booking complicated international travel such as flights to private airstrips in Africa, as required for safaris. Another benefit of booking through a tour company for this type of travel is the opportunity to experience unique activities. On safari with A&K, I’ve met local tribes, artists, and business owners, which I would not have been able to plan on my own.
What I Loved About Abercrombie & Kent: The advantage of Abercrombie & Kent specifically is their level of luxury and service. The safaris are expensive, but offer true 5 star service. Each group is paired with an expert guide and each travel party is paired with a private driver who help the entire trip run smoothly. The hotels, activities, and transportation A&K book are always high-end and the best available. I will consistently book safari’s through A&K because I trust their quality of itineraries and execution of amazing trips.
Alpenventures Unguided
Recommended by Dr. Morgan Fielder of Crave The Planet
Country of Origin: Germany
Target Age of Traveller: Under 30’s, middle aged, seniors
Specializes in: Responsible and self-guided adventure travel. Alpenventures Unguided operates self-guided tours so you can go at your own pace and travel by foot or bike reducing your impact on the environment.
Types of Tours Offered: Trekking, hiking, mountain biking, bike touring and via ferratas. Some of the best tours are available in the Italian Dolomites such as the famous Alta Via 1 Trail.
Why I used Alpenventures Unguided: I don’t always use a tour company or guide when planning my adventures. It depends on the situation and whether or not I have time to plan my own dream vacation. If I’m going to a city, there’s usually enough information on blogs or free audio tours to really get a sense of place and accommodation bookings are easy. However, when going into nature like the high Alps and staying in high elevation mountain huts things get more complicated and safety is more of a concern so I like to have expert guidance. Â
What I Loved About Alpenventures Unguided: Self guided tour companies have people go out and actually do the trek or bike ride and stay at the high elevation mountain huts to provide an honest report. I like that they do all the difficult logistics of booking the huts for me each night at a reasonable distance so that I don’t get stranded after dark in the mountains.
The maps and preparation ahead of time really help with safety as well as having an app that is GPS enabled so that I can always find my way.
Cashan Africa
Recommended by Linda of Muy Linda Travels
Country of Origin: Johannesburg, South Africa
Target Age of Traveller: Cashan Africa caters to small private groups and accommodates visitors of all ages.
Specializes in: Cashan Africa specializes in wildlife and wilderness tours and offer excellent city tours as well. Based in Johannesburg, their experienced guides have a wealth of local knowledge, and they can customize your tour to suit specific areas of interest.
Types of Tours Offered: Guided safaris for small groups, including families, couples, seniors, and solo travellers
Why I used Cashan Africa: As an independent solo female traveller, I was nervous about visiting Johannesburg alone, but I had a safe and exciting time with Penny and Chris who met me at the airport, took me to my accommodation and gave me practical, local safety advice. Penny helped me plan a fantastic itinerary that included a fascinating Johannesburg city tour, a cycling tour of Soweto to Nelson Mandela’s house, and a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Cradle of Humankind.
What I Loved About Cashan Africa: the highlight of my South Africa adventure was the wildlife safari with Chris Green and the spectacular hot air balloon safari in the Pilanesberg National Park. We saw giraffes, zebras, endangered rhinos, buffalo, lions, hippos, elephants and lots more. Chris Green was a friendly and expert guide. He kept us safe when a bull elephant became aggressive, and he knew the best times and places to find the wild animals.
If your dream vacation includes an African wildlife safari, Cashan Africa in South Africa can make your dream come true.
I can recommend Cashan Africa as an excellent tour operator in South Africa.
ChilliMix
Recommended by Aisling G from Plane Beauty
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Target Age of Traveller: Travellers 18 – 35 years of age.
Type of Travel Specialized In: LGTBQ+ Community
What makes ChilliMix so unique is that they specialize in LGTBQ+, meaning that they only operate to destinations that are safe for people who identify as LGTBQ+.
Types of Tours Offered: Independent or Group Tours
ChilliMix offers a wide range of different tours, such as city breaks and cruises for people wanting to travel independently and not in a group – although there will be plenty of chances to meet others. They even arrange holidays to different pride events taking place around the world!
Why I Chose ChilliMix: I travelled to Berlin with my friend who identifies as gay, as he felt safer going through a tour operator, especially after he had experienced some issues with other tour operators before in more Conservative countries. Before then, I had never used a tour operator before and I was so impressed with how easy, simple and informative ChilliMix were. They took care of everything, and helped reassure my friend who was anxious beforehand. Due to them being so supportive and helpful, my friend and I have decided that every time we’d like to travel abroad together, we will book our vacation through ChilliMix.
What I Loved About ChilliMix: What I loved the most about ChilliMix, was that they have 24/7 support in case the worst happened. They thoroughly research the destinations they offer in order to ensure the LGTBQ+ community are safe at all times and can truly be themselves.
CIE Tours
Recommended by Kelie From Vacations Planned
County of Origin: CIE Tours is a great tour operator to book an Irish vacation
Type of Travel Specialized in: CIE Tours started as an Ireland tour operator and has since expanded out to include the UK, and most recently Italy and Iceland.
Target Age of Traveller: CIE Tours accept all ages when it comes to clientele (plenty of multi-generational families have booked with them!), but they generally target middle-aged travelers
Why I Chose CIE Tours: The guides are locals and know the areas very well. They offer great insight into the destination and its culture. The guides are well equipped with great entertaining stories and anecdotes as well (and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a guide who can sing)! I don’t always book with a tour operator when I travel. But I liked the idea of traveling with a tour as I traveled solo. It just felt more reassuring to be with a constant group and to have someone check in with me each day.
Types of Tours Offered: CIE Tours works with all size tours (both large and small), guided tours as well as independent adventures and itineraries, and group travel if you have a group of your own
What I Loved About CIE Tours: You can also join the group trips as a solo traveler. I did this past summer and absolutely loved it! It was a full group tour bus style itinerary (but at that time the tours still weren’t booking at full capacity due to regulations). I had a wonderful mix of alone time and time to get to know others and make some great friends in the process.
Cucurumble Tours
Recommended by Paulina of UK Every Day
Country of Origin: Mexico
Target Age of Traveller: Under 30’s/middle age
Type of Travel Specialized in: Adventure Tours
Types of Tours Offered: Jeep Adventures, Buggy Tours, Snorkeling. Booking a snorkeling excursion in the second largest coral reef in the world is one of the best things to do near the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
If you dream of seeing starfishes, Cozumel is one of the top destinations to choose from in Mexico.
Why I Chose Cucurumble Tours: Book a group tour with the local company Cucurumble Tours which will provide you with a great atmosphere. There is nothing better than exploring the shallow turquoise waters of El Cielo with tour guides who are residents of the island.
What I Loved About Cucurumble Tours: Booking a group tour in Mexico is one of the safest ways of visiting various places in the country. I always enjoy meeting new people from different parts of the world with similar travel interests. Moreover, there is always someone who can take a photo of you while tour photographers are busy. However, during an excursion with Cucurumble Tours, you will get plenty of professional photos for a very affordable price!
Disabled Accessible Travel
Recommend by Kristin of World on Wheels
Country of Origin: Spain
Targeted Age Bracket: Everyone
Specializes in: Wheelchair accessible travel in Europe
Types of Tours Offered: Private tour packages and private shore excursions
Why I Used Disabled Accessible Travel: Although I plan many of my trips on my own, using an accessible tour company comes in handy when you don’t have a lot of time to research and plan a trip by yourself, your research isn’t providing the accessible travel information you need, and you want a stress free vacation that allows you to see and visit the sites and places on your bucket list. Disabled Accessible Travel did a fantastic job at making my trip run smoothly and even provided an emergency number in case I had any questions or encountered any difficulties during my trip.
What I Loved About Disabled Accessible Travel: Disabled Accessible Travel was an excellent company to work with. They were always prompt in their communication and worked to provide an awesome trip that fit my budget. I used them to plan a short stay in Barcelona as well as for wheelchair accessible shore excursions for my European cruise.
Disabled Accessible Travel provides excellent service, and I would definitely use them again!
Epic Backpackers
Recommended by Catrina from 24 Hours Layover
Country of Origin: American Company that services tours to multiple countries such as Portugal, Pakistan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan and Iran.
Target Age of Traveller: Any adults who enjoy trekking.
Specializes in: Adventure Travel & Expeditions
Types of Tours Offered: Epic Backpackers Tours offers group tours. If you get a group of at least 8 of you together they can arrange custom itineraries.
Why I used Epic Backpackers: I don’t always book through a tour group when I am travelling solo, but when it is an expedition I will definitely book with a group tour so I can navigate myself safely.
What I Loved About Epic Backpackers:
If you just love adventure travel and expeditions, then book your dream trip with Epic Backpacker Tours! Their week-long or longer trips take you to some incredibly stunning and exciting less-visited destinations. Discover the lost world of Europe on the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira exploring hidden trails and wild canyoneering. Or go trekking to one of the world’s most remote and rarely visited locations in Tajikistan. Trek to the base of the world’s second highest mountain in Pakistan, or admire the magnificent architecture and mountains on a trip that takes you to some of the most beautiful places in Iran.
Epic Backpacker Tours thrives on visiting places that other companies don’t go to – places that are more under the radar than the usual destinations people choose to visit for their holidays. Their expeditions are incredibly authentic and focus on showing you a different side to the country.
I love how the company attracts like-minded adventure travellers who are keen to learn and explore unique places. Their tours are also incredibly environmentally sustainable and affordable, with a percentage of the cost going back into the community and funding important community projects. Not only that, but they pay their local staff higher that the industry standard. After all it is the local people that really make these tours and give you a true insight into their country! Epic Backpacker Tours leads the way in small scale adventure tourism. This is raw adventure travel at its finest.
G Adventures
Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut
Country of Origin: Toronto, Canada with 28 offices around the globe
Target Age of Traveller: All ages, including couples, families, and solo travellers
Specializes in: G Adventures is an adventure travel company that offers a wide range selection of affordable small-group land, sea and river tours in more than 100 countries.
Types of Tours Offered: The company offers small group tours and specializes on authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and works with local tour guides.
Why I used G Adventures: I don’t always book through a tour group when traveling but when I do always try to support local tour operators and make sure that my money goes to local communities.
What I Loved About G Adventures: When I took a tour with G Adventures in Costa Rica, I loved the personable approach of my guide, and the detailed explanation of the area we were visiting. I also loved the fact that the money I spent was benefiting locals and helped to educate tourists about what makes Costa Rica so special.
Gentle Giants
Recommended by Jina of byjinalee
Country of Origin: Iceland
Target Age of Traveller: Suitable for all ages. Free for 0-6 years old
Specializes in: Whale watching tours in Husavik
Types of Tours Offered: All tours are group tours unless you request a tailor-made excursion.
Why I used Gentle Giants: I rarely book a tour group when traveling as I prefer a DIY travel style. In order to whale watch, you must book through a tour company and I’m so glad we chose Gentle Giants.
What I Loved About Gentle Giants: Located in Husavik (the whale watching capital of Europe), Gentle Giants is one of the most popular tour companies in the city. They offer multiple tours throughout the day and offer a full refund for cancellations more than 24 hours prior to departure. If you do not see any whales on your tour, they will allow you to rebook another one free of charge. Most importantly, Gentle Giants deeply cares about the wellbeing of the animals and it’s clear that sustainable tourism is the beating heart of their operations. We saw multiple whales during our tour, all with minimal disruption to their natural behavior.
Goway Travel
Recommended by Kelly of Just One Passport
Country of Origin: Canada, United States, Australia and Manila
Target Age of Traveller: All ages
Specializes in: Custom made tours designed specifically for each individual traveller.
Types of Tours Offered: Independent and group tours for solo travellers, couples, families, and seniors.
Why I used Goway Travel: This is the first time that I’ve used a tour/travel company to plan my vacation, but since going to Bora Bora is my dream vacation, and completely unknown to me, I chose to use Goway Travel. Each agent at Goway Travel is specialized in a specific destination around the world. Meaning that they have either lived there or have travelled to that destination multiple times, which provides the agent with personal knowledge of the destination chosen.
What I Loved About Goway Travel: Goway Travel organized the complete vacation for me, including insurance, flights, accommodations, tours, jet ski rentals, even connecting flights and ferry rides between various islands in the French Polynesia.
Hurtigruten Cruise Line
Recommended by Pamela of The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Country of Origin: Norway
Target Age of Traveller: All ages
Specializes in: Polar Expeditions
Types of Tours Offered: You can book a group for the cruise and for land excursions.
Why I used Hurtigruten: For my trip to Antarctica, I wanted to use a company that specialized in this area of the world. The Drake Passage, icebergs, and sea ice can make this journey difficult and scary. Hurtigruten specializes in polar travel (both Arctic and Antarctic) so I felt comfortable booking with them.
What I Loved About Hurtigruten: I loved the attention to detail and open communication. We consistently had updates about where the ship was and where we were going, what the weather was like, and what to expect when we got there. There were plenty of options for lectures to learn about Antarctica, including photography tips! The excursions were well planned so we got to experience all Antarctica had to offer – from the unique geography to kayaking with penguins! When we had the opportunity to follow orcas, the staff didn’t hesitate to give us the opportunity of a lifetime.
Madagascar Mosaic (Mosaique Malgache)
Recommended by Deirdre of Build and Board Travel
Country of Origin: Madagascar
Target Age of Traveller: All ages
Specializes in: Mosaique Malgache specializes in eco-tourism, wildlife, and adventure travel.
Types of Tours Offered: They specialize in trekking expeditions and many of their wide array of tours focus on the preservation of nature. Tours are fully customizable and can include food, transport, accommodations, local guides, and activities.
Why I used Madagascar Mosaic: My travel style is a mix of independent and local tours. If a country has excellent public transportation, I like to explore at my own pace. When tourism is underdeveloped in a country, I prefer to use a local tour operator.
What I Loved About Madagascar Mosaic: Madagascar is such a vast beautiful country, filled with amazing trekking opportunities and lovely people. The best way to discover it, in my opinion, is with a local agency that cares for its people and environment.  Mosaique Malgache does exactly that. From excellent communication prior to the tip, to the final days, my experience with Mosaique Malgache was perfection. As a solo female traveler, I felt safe, even while traveling in the most remote areas of Madagascar. It was easy for me to put my trust in their exceptional staff and focus on enjoying my vacation. Â
Mar Hosted Trips
Recommended by Shev of Shev Strolls
Country of Origin: Mexico and United States
Target Age of Traveller: open to all certified scuba divers, but mostly 25 +
Specializes in: Scuba dive travel
Types of Tours Offered
Mar Hosted Trips is a boutique travel agency that designs and leads unique trips for scuba divers around the world. Founded and managed by Maira Thomas, Mar Hosted Trips specializes in leading group adventures to unique destinations
Why I Used Mar Hosted Trips: A big part of her business is the Scuba Mar Maids, a women’s only dive community that Maira founded. Mar Hosted Trips plans special trips for this group and the bonds made are incredible! I only book diving trips with Maira because her expertise and ability to partner with dive centres and business owners ensures I never waste money or time on a mediocre experience. Plus you get to meet so many amazing people!
What I Loved About Mar Hosted Trips: I love diving with Maira because she chooses locations that have amazing diving but that are uncommon for divers either because of the logistics or language barriers. She plans every detail, both above and below water to ensure the best possible experience for her clients. I’m really looking forward to helping Maira plan a dive trip to my part of the world, I love diving in Huatulco and can’t wait to help her bring other divers to this beautiful part of Mexico!
to-Europe
Recommended by Jeanine of Let’s Go Wondering
Country of Origin: Germany
Target Age of Traveller: English speaking people of all ages (singles, couples, as well as small groups of families or friends).
Specializes in: Independent Travel Itineraries in Europe (Main focus Central Europe)
Types of Tours Offered: Whilst e-Europe doesn’t offer full group tours, there is a selection of full and half day tours, within their itineraries that are group tours and independent tours.
Why I used to-Europe: We seldom book through a tour operator when travelling as we prefer to have independence when traveling locally and abroad. However, to-Europe is a tour operator that offers a way of travel that suited the style of travel we enjoy most.
What I Loved About to-Europe: There were several benefits to us for using to-Europe when planning our dream vacation. I loved having an experienced team with local knowledge assist in the planning, whilst still having the freedom to travel independently of a group. With the bonus of being able to make minor alterations in the itinerary, such as adding days in towns or skipping a town entirely. Whilst they organized all our internal transport (at times of our choice), and some tours, which we were free to take part in or not. In addition to having city cards, tickets and accommodation information awaiting us at our first stop. ,
Throughout our time of the service, to-Europe was most attentive, contacting us if there were alterations that had to be made. In particular, when a rail strike disrupted one of our trains, they organized an alternative train for us. Whilst we chose to travel by train for our dream vacation. I also liked that if we had chosen self-drive, they would organize your rental car, with full comprehensive insurance.
Tours & Tickets
Recommended by Min of Amsterdam Travel Blog
Country of Origin: Netherlands
Target Age of Traveller: Anyone is welcome, especially solo travelers, couples, and families with small kids.
Specializes in: Tours & Tickets offers famous tourist attractions tickets in Amsterdam and day tours to attractions around Amsterdam, like Giethoorn.
Types of Tours Offered: Tours & Tickets currently only offer group tours and do not arrange independent tours. A perfect option if you travel as a small family, couple, or solo traveler
Why I used Tours & Tickets: I love solo travel and public transportation, but if it’s too far away, I prefer to join group tours to save time and enjoy my trip more, especially when it’s cold (Autumn/Winter)
What I Loved About Tours & Tickets: Tours & Tickets is a very established travel agency in Amsterdam; they have over 35 years of experience. They have multiple offices in Amsterdam City Center, and you can ask them any questions.
Their website is user-friendly and straightforward. I remember I had questions about the tickets, and they replied to my emails in less than two days. In addition, I also got cheaper tickets with their combination deal. I was hesitant to book the tickets via their website before visiting Amsterdam, but I reserved them online once I went to their office in Amsterdam.
My trip to Amsterdam was a combination of a city walk by myself and a day tour to Giethoorn with Tours & Tickets. Giethoorn is far away from Amsterdam, a round trip takes up to four hours by train and bus. I saved a lot of time by joining their tour that day.
Tru Travels
Recommended by Victoria of Guide Your Travel
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Target Age of Traveller: Under 30
Specializes in: Tru Travels focuses on South East Asia trips like Thailand island trips although they’ve expanded to Central Americas and Europe as well.
Types of Tours Offered: They focus on backpacker travel but with a more upscale approach where you don’t have to plan anything and can simply enjoy your trip. You can choose between travel styles like action, backpacker, sailing or classic so you’ll always have a trip that’S designed especially for you. Tru Travels arranges group tours so you can meet others even as a solo traveller
Why I Used Tru Travels
I don’t always use a tour company. It depends a lot on which destination I’ll be visiting. As a solo traveller it can be nice to visit a new place with a group which is good for safety and peace of mind.
What I Loved About Tru Travels: Tru Travels always ensures that your trip is exceptional and really pays attention to the need of each traveller.
Which Tour Company Will Provide You With Your Dream Vacation?
When you’re looking for the best tour company to plan your once in a lifetime experience, you will have many options to choose from. The tour companies listed here have been used by experienced travellers to help them plan their dream vacations. Do you have a favorite tour company that you use to help you plan that special once in a lifetime holiday?
Happy Booking 🙂
Travel Solo Like a Pro!
AIRFARE:
♥ CheapOair and WayAway offer flights at a resonable rate. Let CheapOair or WayAway find the cheapest and best flight for your destination
HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION:
♥ I use Booking.com to book all of my accommodations, both domestically and internationally. When booking in the United States, I use Trivago US
ACTIVITIES:
♥ Get Your Guide and Viator are the absolute best sites to plan and book any adventures, activities, and all things fun
BIKE AND MOTORCYCLE RENTALS:
♥ BikesBooking.com will find the best prices for bicycles, motocyles, and scooter rentals any place in the world.
CAR RENTAL:
♥ Economy Bookings will provide rental prices worldwide, which making it a one stop shop for the most reasonable car rentals
AIRPORT TRANSFER AND PRIVATE TOURS:
♥ Kiwitaxi is who you want to contact for transportation from the airport or train station. Why not arrange for a PRIVATE CITY TOUR with Kiwitaxi at the same time.
CRUISES:
♥ Cruise Critic not only provides reviews and answers questions, it also offers great cruise deals. If your a cruise lover (like me), I highly recommend that you check it out!
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
♥ Travel insurance these times of natural disasters, travel interruption and baggage loss is no longer a place where you can cut costs. essentials. It has become an essential part of travel. Visitors Coverage will take care of all of your insurance needs.
SAVE THE BEST TOUR COMPANIES TO BOOK YOUR DREAM VACATION WITH
Thank you for sharing this insightful travel guide! It’s greatly appreciated. The article provides valuable information and recommendations for exploring. I’m excited to plan my trip and experience the enchanting beauty of this amazing destination. Keep up the good work!
Great, Quality Content for The Ultimate Tour Guide, A lot of thanks for sharing, kindly keep with continue !!
This is definitely a post to keep and refer to in the future. It has a lot of useful information! I confess that I didn’t know about these travel companies and I am very curious about the offers. Thanks for sharing
What a great list to help travelers ensure they get the most out of their adventures! I would sure love to visit Madagascar one day. If only I could click my heels together and be there that quickly instead of here in Kansas! 🙂
Thank you for this awesome list of tour companies. There are so many that I have never heard of. I will definitely check them out.
I learned that there was a tour company for everybody!
This is a great collection of travel companies. I have actually just returned from a tour around Morocco with G Adventures and I had a great time. It was nice to have someone else plan everything for me for one, so I could just enjoy the trip.
I haven’t used GAdventures yet but they seem to have some great tours!
This article was great! Full of insights and great recommendations! I’ve never used a travel agent before but will look into one for sure 🙂
Thank you. I don’t typically use them either, but there are certain things that you have to use them for (ie. safari’s, Artic, etc.)
I’ve never used a travel tour company, but now I know that there are so many great options out there. This is a very helpful post to have all of this great information in one place!
I don’t use them either but I’m currently using one for the 1st time to help me with transportation between islands in the French Polynesia. Fingers crossed lol.
This is a great list of resources. I don’t normally use tour guides….I AM the tour guide…LOL!! I really enjoy planning trips for my family and showing people around a city that I know.
I’m the same, but there are certain things that you have to have a guide for (ie. safari’s, cruising to the far north, etc.). I’m using a tour operator right now for the very 1st time to help me with travel in the French Polynesia. I won’t be going with a group, but the operator just books all the inter-island flights and ferries so I don’t have to worry about it.
In that case, YES, a tour guide is needed 🙂 I look forward to hearing about your trip, safe travels!
I dont go til March but we’d I head to Palm desert
What a great post! Thank you for all the good advice. Much needed for my next trip.
Thank you so much!
This is a really fantastic collab, Kelly! Though I usually avoid tour operators, when you find a good one, they’re 100% worth the money. It’s awesome to have so many recommendations in one place.
Thanks Chris. I’m with you! I don’t typically use tour operators either. In fact I’m using my 1st one right now. When travelling to a tricky destination and spending a ton of money sometimes it’s better to rely on the professionals.
What a comprehensive list! It is good to get recommendations on reputable companies. We booked a trip with a tour company once that so sketchy, we cancelled. I’m glad to know there are still so many good providers out there.
I’m using a tour company for the first time right now to help me with transportation over in the French Polynesia. So far so good. Keeping my fingers crossed lol
This is a great compilation of information! It’s good to know the variety of tour companies out there, what they specialize in, and the community they service. Great to know as for some countries I’d like to visit to, going with a tour company would be a better option than traveling solo or with others.
Agree! Like a African safari!
I’ve never used a travel agent or tour company, but I see they could be very useful! Thanks for this list!
Neither have I….until now. I’m using a tour company to help me with transportation in the French Polynesia to get from island to island, as some are planes, some are ferries and I don’t know enough about that area except that transportation is very difficult.
Good to learn about all these specialty tour operators and what the basic breakdown and criteria that makes each tour outfitter unique and good at what they specialze in.
I absolutely love this! Tour companies can make or break your trip. They’ve gotten such a bad reputation with 50+ people on a bus going to crowded destinations, but it’s changed so much! There’s such a variety out there now. Great list!
Thank you! I agree, most tour companies have now gone to smaller more intimate groups which makes it better. They also assist with independent travel which is a bonus for places where it’s difficult to access
What a great selection of tour companies! I have never used a tour company before but I know many who did and said it was worth every penny! I may do for that one very special trip one day but it’s great to have recommendations and your article will save a ton of work! Thanks
I’m currently using my 1st tour company now. I’m still travelling independently as I hate being on a schedule, but my destination has some difficult places to get to so I’m using an expert to arrange flights from island to island and ferry rides.
This is a really nice comprehensive post. I rarely use tours and travel agents but it is nice to have them easily accessible and in one place when you need it. I will be saving this post for future reference. Very helpful!
Thank you so much! I typically don’t use them either but I’m using one right now to help me out because where I’m going is difficult to get place to place
I always try to see places using my own resources as I hate being kept to a tight schedule and being limited on the time spent in one place. That said, I have been using tour companies more recently lately. This is because I have been visiting some remote and less well developed and travelled places so access and communication is much more difficult, if not impossible.
This is when these companies can be real useful and helpful. I have been impressed with many tour companies I used am I am now less adverse to using them when a niche tour that I cannot organise appears or I need an expert to guide me.
I’ll be checking out some of the ones you mention as they are set up in areas I have plans for in teh near future – thanks for the info.
I completely agree! I’m currently using a tour company for the French Polynesia. 1st time. I have limited time and it was easier to get a tour operator to arrange inter Island flights and ferries
While I much prefer to book my own things most of the time, there are times when you really do just need an expert. Someone who has visited before, who knows the unique aspects you might not consider. I know I plan to use a company to book a big trip this year as I’d rather do it right than sorry I’ve missed something. Some great ideas here, nicely researched and I’m sure this will help a lot of people
I am using a tour company right now for the very first time. I’m going to the French Polynesia and will be travelling between islands. It was easier to get someone to book all the flights and ferries and hotels for me. It’s costing way too much $$$$ for me to mess it up lol
Wow, such a great resource! For the most part I’ve been planning my own trips, but there’s already two experiences that I know I want to go through a travel agent.
Experiencing a Safari is definitely on my bucket list!
I’m the same! Safari is at the top of my list and I’ll be using a tour group for that. I’d also love to go to the Artic and will have to also use a tour group for that one.
Yess!! That was my other bucket list experience.
You are right – there is a tour company for any and every need! It sort of busts the myths that going on a tour provides a cookie cutter experience!!
Exactly! Most of us frequent travellers plan on our own, but there are times when we need a bit of help
This is so helpful! I am planning a trip to Iceland for this summer and will have to check out Gentle Giants!
Perfect! All of these group/planners/guides are highly recommended by frequent travellers
As a Travel Agent, I’ve worked with several of these companies – and they are each worthy of a spot on this list. Well researched, and a great article.
Thank you so much! I really tried to cover all different styles of travels and traveller (ie. disabled, seniors, active, passive, etc.)
My husband and I like to plan most of our travel, but there are some excursions we have used guides and tour companies for that just take the hassle out of all of the logistics.
I agree! When there are a lot of different types of transfers (ie flights, boats, etc.) sometimes it’s easier to have someone do it for you.
I usually plan my own trips but after reading this post I am interested in trying one out! Specifically Epic Backpackers or Hurtigruten Cruise Line! Thanks for this awesome, very informative post.
I always plan my own as well, but for things like safari’s etc. you have to go with a tour
I typically plan my own vacations, but there are certainly times when you need an expert on your travel destination. This is a great guide for when you need a little help to have the best vacation!
There are just certain trips that are much easier to have arranged for you. I will still do the planning, but I’ll get the tour company to book the ferry transfers, etc.
I’ve never used a tour company before, but it totally makes sense when visiting a less developed country to do so. I’d really want to make sure everything was taken care of and in place.
Exactly. I am just using my first tour company now, but it’s still independent travel (not in a group). I’m going to the French Polynesia and will be commuting between islands, so it’s easier to have flights and ferries pre-arranged.
Thanks for compiling and highlighting a few DEI tour operators around the world, I may consult your article again if I planned somewhere exotic like Africa or Asia. I agree with Mel, usually I wouldn’t bother too much with a tour operator. The one you introduced us to are often niche and specific, therefore provide an even better travel experience as you’d be amongst like-minded people and the tour will be (to an extend) tailored to your specific needs and wants.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
There are certain times, we have to use them (Artic tours etc.). I tried to compile a list of specialized tour companies/groups, as I know most of us frequent travellers don’t typically use an agent or group
I have done a Contiki Tour. They are good for 18-35 year olds.
I started off thinking that I don’t use tour guides, but after reading this I can see when and how they can sometimes be useful. I’m so happy that the LGBTQ+ traveller highlighted here was able to find a tour that supported them and improved their travel experiences, and for a remote destination like Antarctica a tour might be necessary. So thanks for helping me understand a bit more about the good sides to tour groups 🙂
I don’t use them either, however, there are many who do, especially travellers with disabilities. The tour companies/groups are very popular with senior solo travellers as travelling with a group gives them a sense of comfort.
It’s really helpful to have all of these information in one place. I’m not much into using travel agents except when I know i’m going to a location where it might be difficult to get around and plan activities. Thanks for this post!
I dont use them either unless theyre trickier destination to get to.