Adriatic Adventure - Dubrovnik to Athens (ECDA)
You could see Europe the same as everyone else, or you could live it like you mean it. With magnificent Dubrovnik as a launching pad, you’ll head south through Montenegro and undiscovered Albania, hit Corfu and its fabulous beaches en route to a history fix in ancient Athens. Along the way, you’ll climb the lanes of walled towns and get down in exclusive clubs. In the company of other young, fun travellers this trip is utterly unique—just like you.
Highlights: Lazing on Corfu’s beaches, discovering enigmatic Albania, making new friends over drinks in the Dalmatian Islands, connecting with the culture in charming old villages, walking through historic Athens
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Adriatic Adventure - Zagreb to Athens (ECZA)
From cultural Zagreb to ancient Athens and historic walled Balkan towns to the dance floors of exclusive nightclubs, this 15-day adventure promises a Europe you didn’t know was there. You’ll hit the Adriatic’s famous sites and hidden gems in the company of other young travellers while indulging in sailing and hiking, exploring Montenegro and Albania and embracing beach and social life in Corfu. This is a European trip like no other—strap on your sandals and discover it the right way.
Highlights: Lazing on Corfu’s beaches, making new friends over drinks along the Adriatic, scrambling around medieval fortresses, exploring charming old villages, discovering the rich and varied culture of the Balkans, exploring Diocletian's Palace on a guided tour.
Australia South to North - Melbourne to Darwin (OAMD)
You can’t get Down Under through a bus window. If you’re going to get off the tourist track, you’ll have to shake things up a bit—that’s why we’ve turned to trains, 4x4s, buses and boats for this itinerary. From the cobblestones of charming Melbourne, cut through the outback and explore the mysteries of Uluru. Follow your curiosity down the deserted tracks that make Australia so remote and spend 18 days discovering the natural beauty of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations.
Highlights: Bedding down at a traditional sheep station and outside under the outback sky, learning about dreamtime stories from the Aborigines, experiencing a night underground in Coober Pedy, catching the magnificent colours of Uluru, hiking through gorgeous natural rock formations in the Red Centre, riding the route of Afghan cameleers on the Ghan Train, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kakadu National Park
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Backroads of Central America (CRBR)
Take the road less travelled through Central America with other travellers your own age—so you can be sure to get down with other adventurers that’ll keep up. This is one of our most exciting trips, filled with breathtaking scenery—from tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies to colonial cities bouncing to a decidedly more human beat. You'll blaze your own path as you discover a region of volcanoes, craters, beaches and lush forests. Sticking to budget accommodation and public transport will keep costs down and you rooted in local life.
Highlights: Connecting with your hosts in an Ometepe homestay experience, laughing with the locals during a journey on a chicken bus, blissing out on a stretch of remote Nicaraguan beach, strolling through Antigua's colonial streets, exploring Mayan ruins, hiking through a cloud forest, sampling local cuisine.
Beijing to Shanghai Adventure (ACBI)
China can be intimidating, what with its Great Wall, Forbidden City and army of Terracotta Warriors. This 8-day trip will wipe away any worries—you'll have an expert CEO leading the way and you'll hit the highlights in the company of other young travellers. Get a mix of modern and historic with plenty of time to enjoy the nightlife. Best of all, you're in control—see the sights you like and skip the ones you don't—so it's an adventure you'll never forget.
Highlights: Trekking along the Great Wall, taking in ancient and modern China, opting to step back into the past with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, enjoying a night out at karaoke in modern Shanghai.
Best of New Zealand (ONNS)
Compared with their enormous western neighbour, the islands of New Zealand don’t look especially big on the map, but don’t let their small stature deceive you. There is much, much, much to do here, be it biking to old gold mining sites, kayaking remote coves and some of the most breathtaking hiking routes in the whole world. But if you’re short on travel dollars, fear not; this trip squeezes in the very best of both the North and South islands into an affordable, action-packed 21-day itinerary that moves swiftly without ever seeming rushed.
Highlights: Learning about the Maori culture, conquering New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek—the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, hiking Franz Josef Glacier, getting an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, weaving through the remote fjords of the Doubtful Sound by sea kayak, discovering Abel Tasman National Park by foot
Brazil Football 2014—Buenos Aires to Rio (SAWC)
Every four years, soccer fans get the chance to watch the world's best players compete in the mother of all championships. This time it's happening in Brazil. Join the party and connect with the people's samba spirit while exploring the most exuberant nation in South America. From sophisticated Buenos Aires, you'll cross into Brazil for a dose of urban delights in Rio, stunning Iguassu Falls and beautiful colonial Paraty. While no match tickets are included, we'll be in town when games are on so you're free to arrange your own or simply dance along during the country's biggest party yet.
Highlights: Being a part of football euphoria in Brazil, having plenty of time to live it up in Rio, marvelling at Iguassu Falls, exploring Buenos Aires, sipping caipirinhas at night, partying with thousands on the Brazilian streets, cheering on your team.
Brazil Football 2014—Falls & Fandemonium (SZWC)
Every four years, soccer fans get the chance to watch the world's best players compete in the mother of all championships. This time it's happening in Brazil. Join the party and connect with the people's samba spirit while exploring the most exuberant nation in South America. Get a dose of urban delights in Rio and southern Curitiba and natural wonders at stunning Iguassu Falls and the massive Pantanal wetlands. Better yet, you'll fly between Rio and Curitiba so there's more time to celebrate. While no match tickets are included, you're free to arrange your own or simply dance along during the country's biggest party yet.
Highlights: Being a part of football euphoria in Brazil, sipping caipirinhas at night, marvelling at Iguassu Falls, encountering wildlife in the Brazilian Pantanal, cheering for your team with many others, partying with thousands on the Brazilian streets, experiencing all Rio has to offer by day and night.
Brisbane to Cairns Experience (OABC)
You can get a sense of just how huge Australia is by looking at a map, but once you’re there, the vastness really hits home. For travellers long on ambition but short on time, this extensive and compact journey up the East Coast of Queensland is nothing short of ideal. Employing a diverse range of transport—yachts, trains, 4x4s and buses—you’ll visit Fraser Island and the Whitsundays, go snorkelling and even spend the night in a teepee and camp out under the stars in an authentic Australian 'swag.' Your time here may not last long, but your memories will last forever.
Highlights: Sleeping under the stars at a remote cattle station, zipping over dunes in a 4x4 on a remote sand island, learning about Aboriginal dreamtime stories, sailing from island to island through the Whitsundays
Costa Blanca Active Adventure (ESPA)
Stunning to look at, a thrill to explore and easily accessible to virtually all of Europe’s major hubs, the Costa Blanca is an all-natural outdoor theme park for adventure-minded travellers. Steel yourself for eight days out and about in the wilderness, canyoning along rivers, crawling along inside caves, cycling through mountain passes and ambling through picturesque fields, valleys and meadows. You’ve never tasted mountain air as clean and crisp as they breathe up here. Convenient, economical, exciting… hits all the basics, doesn’t it? Come discover what you’ve been missing. Bring your friends.
Highlights: Cycling through glorious countryside, learning about local culture and customs, savouring tapas and local wines.
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 4
Croatia Active Adventure (ECTT)
Dotted with unspoiled islands, secluded beaches and miles of coastal paths, the Dalmatian Coast remains one of Eastern Europe’s most beautiful destinations. Ideal for frugal travellers looking to try a variety of things in an out-of-the-way place, this idyllic slice of Croatia along the surprisingly balmy Adriatic is practically bursting with outdoorsy potential. Hike or bike the ruggedly beautiful rocky coastlines, paddle a sea kayak to an uninhabited island, or just laze about on the beach and let the time pass. The choice is yours, and the choices are infinite.
Highlights: Enjoying a guided sea kayaking excursion around Dubrovnik city walls, cycling in the Konavle Valley, hiking along Dalmatian cliffs, visiting the island of Kolocep, wandering in Dubrovnik old town.
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 4
Croatia Adventure - Zagreb to Dubrovnik (ECZD)
A trip from Zagreb to Dubrovnik is not your backpacker’s typical European tour—it’s way better. In one week, scramble from historic Zagreb along the Adriatic Coast to stunning Dubrovnik. Along the way you’ll hit the highlights—did we mention Pag and Hvar, along the coastline? But you’ll also discover a Europe too often ignored by travellers. Party in exclusive clubs and wander historic and picture-perfect old lanes. Come away from Europe with more than just great photographs—travel with young and fun travellers and you’ve got friends for life.
Highlights: Making new friends over drinks along the Adriatic, scrambling around medieval fortresses, connecting with the culture in charming old villages, discovering the rich and varied countryside of the Balkans, exploring Diocletian's Palace on a guided tour.
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.
Delhi to Kathmandu Yolo Adventure (AHDU)
India is less a place to see than a place to do and this fast-paced 15-day tour ensures you live every moment to the fullest. With other youthful travellers, you'll sail the Ganges, have the opportunity to take a jeep safari in Chitwan National Park and breathe deeply in the Himalayas of Nepal. It's a mix of classics like the Taj Majal, and backpacker faves like Pushkar wrapped up in a riot of colour. And we do the planning but leave the choice of excursions up to you. Don't explore South Asia—live it.
Highlights: Exploring the vibrant streets of urban India, sailing down the Ganges, getting a glimpse of a traditional life in tiny villages, experiencing a jeep safari in Chitwan National Park, marvelling at Nepal's mountain views.
East Coast Encompassed - Sydney to Cairns (OAEC)
Rugged landscapes, crashing surf and indigenous culture stretching back through time and beyond—Australia’s East Coast possesses a truly otherworldly allure. This trip offers you a comprehensive, authentic and wholly affordable experience in one of the country’s most popular regions. Raw thrills and refined pleasures abound out here. In the space of a few days, you’ll sample wines in the Hunter Valley, spend the night in a teepee, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, catch a few waves, spearfish with local Aborigines, shear a sheep and play a didgeridoo. When people back home ask what you did on your trip, just tell ‘em: “Everything.”
Highlights: Island hopping by yacht through the Whitsunday Islands, overnighting at a traditional sheep station and a beach teepee, learning to surf in Byron Bay, zipping over dunes in a 4x4 on a remote sand island, snorkelling the world's largest reef, spearing fish and savouring lunch with local Aborigines, sleeping in a 'swag' under the impressive southern night sky
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
La Paz to Buenos Aires Adventure (SBLB)
Breathe in the Incan spirit of La Paz and the tango palaces of Buenos Aires on this 2-week adventure. Connecting the Andes to the Atlantic, you'll journey across the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert and the Uyuni Salt Flats, feel like a sophisticate as you sip wine in Buenos Aires and pull back the curtain on the centre of the continent. Best of all, you'll do it in the company of other fun, young travellers. Don't choose between inspiring wilderness and urban sophistication—do it all.
Highlights: Discovering colonial cities and historic cultures, crossing the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano on a 4x4 excursion, witnessing the stunning scenery and unique cultures of northern Argentina, doing it all with other fun young travellers.
Lapland Active Adventure (EWLA)
Nothing prepares you for the icy wilderness of Sweden's far north. This incredible trip takes you right inside the Arctic Circle, to the snowy wilderness of Lapland. Slide across the ice in complete silence, listening to the sound of your team of dogs pulling your sled and enjoy the frozen beauty of the ICEHOTEL® . Sleeping out in a teepee in the snow and looking out for the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) are unforgettable experiences.
Highlights: Dog-sledding through icy wilderness, seeing the Northern Lights in all their glory, sleeping a night in the renowned ICEHOTEL®
Lhasa to Kathmandu Cycle (ANKL)
Spectacular scenery, challenging riding (six 5000m plus passes!) and encounters with one of the world’s most fascinating cultures make this a truly incredible experience. A unique opportunity to travel downhill, all the way from Lhasa to Kathmandu by bike on one of the world's toughest bike rides. Start in the historic centre of Tibet where you watch in awe at the Jokhang and Potala Palace. After some exploratory bike rides to get used to the atmosphere, it's off across to Nepal. Stop on the way to visit Everest Base Camp and enjoy stunning Himalayan scenery all the way. As you cross the border along the Freedom Highway to Nepal and ride into Kathmandu, you have descended 4000m on this astonishing ride.
Highlights: Experiencing the home of Tibetan Buddhism, witnessing monks in debate and prayer, crossing 5,000m mountain passes by bike, stopping off at rural villages and lunar landscapes, cycling to Everest Base Camp.
Local Living Ecuador: Amazon Jungle (SEJL)
The Amazon rainforest is so full of life; embrace it for yourself during a week unlike any other. From Quito, you’ll travel to your new home in the jungle and meet the Quichua family who will host you in their home for the next four nights. Discover waterfalls on jungle walks and travel to an animal rescue centre by canoe. You’ll learn about medicinal plants and how to use a blowgun, experience a shaman ceremony, and visit a local school. Most importantly, you’ll befriend a people few outsiders have the honour to even meet.
Highlights: Living like a local in the Amazon rainforest, learning Quichua traditions by interacting with a local family, visiting an animal rescue centre, honing your blowgun skills, experiencing a shaman ceremony.
- Trip Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 2
