Northern Aboriginal Experience (OANA)
“Dreamtime,” the animist mythology central to indigenous Australian society, is a fascinating ideology that has helped shape the continent. This trip is just the ticket for curious travellers eager to learn more about Aboriginal history, culture and contemporary life straight from the people themselves. Up here in the north, you’ll study ancient traditions, learn how to spear-fish, wander the beaches and lush valleys along the Daintree River and embark on a life-affirming rainforest walk that will bring you closer to the land and the people who inhabit it than you ever thought possible. The dream is real, and it’s waiting for you to join it.
Highlights: Sleeping in a swag under the impressive southern night sky, spearing fish and cooking what you catch with Aboriginals, making your own Aboriginal artwork, learning about life in remote communities with a local host, exploring pristine coastal rainforests.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 4
New Zealand—The Bay of Islands (ONBI)
Nature lovers who leave the North Island without stopping in at the Bay of Islands will kick themselves all the way back home (and that’s a looooong flight). This 4-day trip to this outdoorsman’s paradise features ample time hiking the nature trails and makes the most of all that water with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and sailing. Not enough? A night aboard a houseboat should do the trick. We take care of all the fuss. All you have to do is have the time of your life.
Highlights: Walking amongst giant kauri trees, spending the night anchored in a secluded bay, fishing like the locals, savouring a traditional barbecue in Paihia town
Great Ocean Road West—Melbourne to Adelaide (OAMA)
This might be a quick trip along the Great Ocean Road—but you’ll never feel rushed. Geared towards budget-conscious travellers looking to hit the highlights of the south coast, this itinerary features lots of inclusions at a great price. What’s more, you’ll have lots of options to get active when you head inland to Grampians National Park. Forego the typical coach tour and experience Australia the way it was meant to be explored.
Highlights: Marvelling at the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road, trekking and spotting wildlife in the region's national parks, spotting wildlife in remote saltwater lagoons.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Beaches & Backwaters (AHBB)
Watch the sunset through the fishing nets of Kochi, stretch out on white sand beaches, drift through the tranquil backwaters and rise at dawn to see the sunrise. This 7-day tour offers a quick introduction to the diversity of South India. Inhale the exotic perfume of cardamom as you stroll through spice gardens and unwind with some yoga in your free time. Meet the locals and spend the night with a local family on a tour that's all about authentic cultural experience.
Highlights: Relaxing in the calm backwaters, experiencing a local homestay, chilling out on quiet beaches, sampling South Indian cuisine.
Winter Toubkal Ascent (DCWT)
Climbing a mountain in the summertime is tough. Climbing one in the winter? That’s for adventurers only. While the climb up Mount Toubkal is the undisputed centrepiece of this week-long escapade in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, it’s not the only once-in-a-lifetime encounter you’ll have. Beginning in captivating Marrakech, you’ll trek deep into the hills (no prior experience required—promise!), happening upon snowbound Berber communities and some of the most majestic mountainscapes you’ll ever see along the way. Prepare to return home a completely different person than when you left.
Highlights: Walking in snowy mountain scenery, summitting two peaks in the High Atlas Mountains, Experiencing Moroccan village life in winter
Usambara Mountain Cultural Trek (DTUM)
Tucked away in northeastern Tanzania, the Usambaras are among the most biodiverse regions in the world. Covered by a thick canopy of tropical forest, the mountains offer terrain and wildlife uncommon throughout the rest of Africa. Using public transport and your own feet, this adventure will take you deep into the hills to isolated villages to meet the people who make this unique land their home, lodging in basic guesthouses along the route. If you like vigorous exercise, impossibly fresh air, personal contact and jaw-dropping scenery then prepare to fall in love.
Highlights: Trekking through rustic villages and indigenous forests, interacting with the local communities, enjoying the magnificent views in the Usambara Mountains.
Northern Hilltribes & Villages (ATHV)
From the luxury of Bangkok's malls and gleaming highrises, head north to Thailand's hills. Eating and sleeping with the hilltribes will bring you face to face with these colourful cultures. We’ll leave plenty of time for fun in historic Chiang Mai with its night market and delicious cuisine. Our CEOs will help you get off the beaten path—but you'll stay flexible by being able to choose the activities you really want.
Highlights: Experiencing the bustle of Bangkok, exploring the vibrancy of Chiang Mai, trekking through northern hilltribes and meeting the locals, riding on the back of an elephant and floating on a bamboo raft.
Cuban Rhythms (CCCR)
For too many people, Cuba is nothing more than a beach resort. That’s crazy; the island practically buzzes with energy and you should do likewise—get moving. Journey through the culture-soaked streets of Trinidad and Old Havana for your fill of drinking and dancing. The music here pours out of open windows. Hit the beach and explore the outdoors then connect with the locals in homestays and make friends for life as you hit the sites with other young people like yourself. Boring? Impossible!
Highlights: Dancing the night away with other young travellers in Old Havana, mingling with the locals at overnight homestays, sampling the local rum and cigars, connecting to the salsa culture on the dance floor, moving those hips to incredible live music, exploring colonial Havana's alleyways, lazing under the Caribbean sun.
Costa Rica on a Shoestring (CRBC)
Hit two of Costa Rica's famed features—volcanoes and beaches—on this exciting trip that isn't too hard on the wallet. Get the adrenaline pumping in La Fortuna, then soak up the hippie spirit of Montezuma and relax on the beach. While you're free to choose your own adventure and optional adrenaline-inducing activities like waterfall rappelling, your accommodation and transportation are included and our expert CEOs will help you make the most of your time. Take a trip that's packed with just the essentials—eight days of maximum Costa Rica at minimum cost.
Highlights: Trying adrenaline sports like whitewater rafting and waterfall rappelling, taking in the views of Arenal Volcano towering over La Fortuna, chilling out on the Pacific, trying to catch some waves.
Moroccan Desert Adventure (DCMD)
Marrakech—whisper it and instantly your mind goes to a place of seduction and spices. Experience it for yourself. This intense 1-week journey through Morocco reveals the secrets of Marrakech and Casablanca and is crammed with all the activities and energy you crave. In the company of other young travellers, dance beside a campfire in the Sahara, go rock climbing in Todra and hang with the hippies in Essaouira. Explore the kasbahs, coast and desert and lose the herd on a trip you’ll never forget.
Highlights: Getting lost in ancient medinas, dodging snake charmers, riding a camel to a desert camp, bargaining in exotic souks, hanging with the hippies of Essaouira, experiencing this land of mystery for yourself.
Budget Egypt (DPGE)
This compact adventure offers maximum Egypt at minimum cost. Stare in amazement at the pyramids and float down the Nile on a felucca. Embrace the culture and meet remarkable people as you dine on traditional fare with a local family in a Nubian village. You'll enjoy basic accommodation and transport to the best sights. Walk through the Valley of the Kings or explore Karnak—it's your call. Don't just dream of Egypt, wake up in the 'Land of the Pharaohs' and open your eyes to adventure.
Highlights: Enjoying a traditional family meal, exploring ancient temples and monuments, bartering in bazaars, sleeping beneath the stars on a felucca, visiting a Nubian village.
Cambodia on a Shoestring (ATRC)
Marvel at the incredible Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat and the clear turquoise waters at Sihanoukville. This journey packages Cambodia’s treasures into 10 well-paced days. Brave Ho Chi Minh City’s jam-packed streets with other travellers your own age—you can be sure they’ll keep pace with you—or check out the more laid back waterways of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. With your accommodation, transportation and general trip logistics arranged, you can concentrate on choosing the activities that interest you most.
Highlights: Exploring bustling Bangkok, catching the sunrise over Angkor Wat, enjoying a delicious Khmer meal at a vocational training restaurant funded by Planeterra, walking the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, chilling out on golden beaches, connecting with the locals on an overnight homestay, cruising the Mekong Delta, discovering intriguing Ho Chi Minh City.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 2
| Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Aboriginal Experience (OANA) | 3 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$480
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$599
|
| New Zealand—The Bay of Islands (ONBI) | 4 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$399
USD
|
| Great Ocean Road West—Melbourne to Adelaide (OAMA) | 5 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$510
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$599
|
| Beaches & Backwaters (AHBB) | 7 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$649
USD
|
| Winter Toubkal Ascent (DCWT) | 7 days | Active | Basic |
From
$699
USD
|
| Usambara Mountain Cultural Trek (DTUM) | 7 days | Active | Basic |
From
$699
USD
|
| Northern Hilltribes & Villages (ATHV) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$649
USD
|
| Cuban Rhythms (CCCR) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$649
USD
|
| Costa Rica on a Shoestring (CRBC) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$649
USD
|
| Moroccan Desert Adventure (DCMD) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$699
USD
|
| Budget Egypt (DPGE) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$599
USD
|
| Cambodia on a Shoestring (ATRC) | 10 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$680
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$799
|
