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
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
Dunes, Deltas and Falls (DZLD)
If you want to soak up the colours, culture and scenery of this incredible region, this is the ultimate expedition into southwestern Africa. Experience game drives, leave footprints on the world's highest sand dunes, wonder at the majesty of Victoria Falls and canoe game-rich deltas. Our overland trucks are an adventurous and inexpensive way to see the highlights while wilderness camping will bring you closer to the region’s wildlife—drift off to sleep to the call of cranes and awake to the rustle of elephants grazing on nearby riverbanks.
Highlights: Tracking the 'Big 5', witnessing Victoria Falls, cruising the Chobe River at sunset, camping in African wilderness, meeting the San bushmen, trying adrenaline activities, soak up Cape Town's culture.
New Zealand—South Island Encompassed (ONSE)
Looking to tackle a bundle of different environments all in one go? New Zealand’s South Island has what you need and then some. Action is the common thread throughout this trip that incorporates hiking, kayaking, biking, glacier treks and even bungee jumping across a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, glaciers and some of the most gorgeous coastline you’ll ever see. This trip is exciting even when you’re not moving; accommodations include an authentic bush camp and a wilderness lodge deep in the rainforest itself. Unique? You bet.
Highlights: Exploring the trails of Abel Tasman National Park by foot, hiking the Franz Josef glacier valley, getting an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, weaving through the remote fjords of the Doubtful Sound by sea kayak, biking while stopping to taste local wine.
Nairobi to Victoria Falls Adventure (DNV)
Inhale the fragrant perfume of Zanzibar’s spice plantations, hunt for the perfect snapshot of the ever-elusive Big Five across the Serengeti, feel the thunder of Victoria Falls—uncover the spectacular highlights of four African countries on this stellar 20-day adventure. Enjoy an intriguing combination of stunning wilderness and bright city lights from the comfort of our overland truck and camp under the big African sky for a unique perspective of this majestic land. With a unique itinerary that offers plenty of options, uncover all that this diverse region has to offer.
Highlights: Tracking the Big Five in agile 4x4 safari vehicles, gazing at Mt Kilimanjaro and Victoria Falls, inhaling spice plantation aromas, chilling out at Lake Malawi, rafting the Zambezi, blissing out on the beaches of Zanzibar.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Vietnam, Laos & Thailand on a Shoestring (AVVL)
From the fast-paced nightlife of Bangkok to a slow boat along the Mekong, this trip brings you the best of South East Asia on a shoestring. You'll party along the beautiful bay of Vietnam’s Nha Trang in the company of like-minded travellers and channel the French vibe sipping coffee in riverside cafés in Laos. Explore golden temples or hunt down treasures in local markets—the choice is all yours. Best of all, your CEO will take the hassle out of planning, so you're free to soak up the spirit of this amazing region.
Highlights: Exploring vibrant cities, snorkelling vibrant reefs, shopping in quaint Hoi An, floating among the karsts of Halong Bay, discovering sleepy Laos, cruising the mighty Mekong.
Highlights of the Eastern US & Canada (NUYH)
This grand tour of the eastern US and Canada is a sensory overload of everything that makes North America great—skyscrapers, monuments, Niagara Falls, ice cream, canoeing, poutine, subways, whales, sunshine, designer boutiques and nature hikes. On this adventure, we’ll ditch the big, clunky buses and pile small groups into private vans, clocking miles of smiles all over New York, Washington, Toronto, Montreal, Vermont and all points in between. Your friends are already jealous.
Highlights: Taking a bite out of the Big Apple, embracing the diversity of Toronto and Montreal, hiking through paradise in Algonquin Provincial Park, following the Freedom Trail in Boston and the path to independence in Philadelphia, getting wet on the Maid of the Mist.
South East Asia on a Shoestring (ATRA)
Feast on a Nyonya delicacy in Melaka or delicious street food in Singapore as you hit the highlights of South East Asia. With other travellers your own age, you’ll enjoy this adventure’s pace, exploring the hilltribes of Northern Thailand or mellowing out on the white-sand beaches of the exotic south—it’s your choice. With your accommodation and transport arranged by our expert CEO, you’ll enjoy the freedom of roaming where you want to and choosing your activities—cross into Malaysia to experience mouthwatering Laksa while shopping in KL's night market or take high tea at Raffles in Singapore.
Highlights: Explore Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Chiang Mai, jungle trek on foot and on the back of an elephant, remote hill-tribe villages, bamboo rafting, Krabi's stunning karst scenery, dream islands, Penang's Chinese shop houses, tea stations of the Cameron Highlands, Melaka, surprising Singapore.
China on a Shoestring: Hong Kong to Beijing (ACRC)
Soak in the vibrant pulse of Hong Kong, float down the Yangtze on a Chinese-style riverboat and walk the Great Wall with other others that share your appetite for adventure. Enjoy eighteen days packed with China's major sights and out-of-the way gems with the freedom to choose those that interest you. Cycle along Xian’s ancient city walls and through the stunning rice fields and limestone karsts of Yangzhou. Explore gorgeous scenery straight out of a painting or just relax and take it all in.
Highlights: Exploring Shanghai and Hong Kong's bustling streets and Yangshuo's karst scenery, cruising the Three Gorges of the Yangtse River, discovering history in Xi'an and Beijing, walking along the Great Wall of China.
China on a Shoestring—Beijing to Hong Kong (ACRG)
For ambitious travellers on a tight budget who are after an experience full of the very best this country has to offer, this tour showcases the scenic wonders without missing its most famous cities and sites. Walk back in time along the Great Wall then see the future in Shanghai. Our CEOs will help you dig deeper into the very best of China. Offering a great deal of flexibility, our optional activities allow you to go beyond the highlights.
Highlights: Exploring cosmopolitan cities, uncovering ancient capitals and charming rural villages, cruising the Yangtze River, marvelling at the Terracotta Warriors, standing in awe on the Great Wall.
Melbourne to the Red Centre (OAMR)
If you really want to get Down Under and experience Australia’s highlights without feeling rushed, you’ll have to get off the big coaches. Explore Melbourne before hitting the Great Ocean Road and cutting through the outback to the Red Centre. Here you’ll experience the mysteries of Uluru and gain insight into Aboriginal culture. When it comes time to bed down, shake things up with a variety of unique accommodation—from safari tents to underground hostels and even a traditional sheep station.
Highlights: Marvelling at the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road, bedding down at a traditional sheep station, learning about dreamtime stories from the Aborigines, catching the magnificent colours of Uluru at sunset, exploring the Red Centre with a local guide
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Peru on a Shoestring (SPPS)
Climb the legendary Inca Trail to the cloud forest citadel of Machu Picchu, dine the traditional way at a ceremonial Pachamanca feast or take an optional flight over the Nazca Lines—the adventure is yours to choose! With the services of a CEO and your accommodation and transport taken care of, this trip offers great value as it introduces the region’s main sights, providing plenty of flexibility so you can experience an adventure you'll never forget. Take a trip that's packed with just the essentials—15 days of maximum Peru at minimum cost. This is everything you imagined Peru would be—and more!
Highlights: Conquering the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, feeling like a local at an Andean homestay, spotting soaring condors at Colca Canyon, taking the chance to witness the Nazca Lines
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 4
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.
India on a Shoestring (AHRH)
From the monuments of Delhi to the colourful cities of Rajasthan, experience three weeks of northern India's best. Marvel at Jaisalmer's mud fortress and Bikaner's unique temple before journeying into the desert for an overnight camel safari. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and make your way to the Ganges River at Varanasi. Your expert CEO will take care of the hassles so you're free to see the sights or just soak up the vibe—India is home to great food, fascinating culture, alluring sights and friendly and inviting people. Discover the charms and mystery that make up this incredible country.
Highlights: Drinking in a kaleidoscope of colour and culture, experiencing spiritual Varanasi, marvelling at the Taj in Agra, wandering vibrant cities, revelling in the colourful villages of Rajasthan, visiting the Ganges.
Bangkok to Singapore on a Shoestring (ATRM)
Bliss out on world-class beaches in exotic southern Thailand before cooling off in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia. This 2-week tour will introduce you to three diverse nations—and three of the region’s most vibrant cities. Sample street food or hit Bangkok’s clubs with other travellers your own age—so you can be sure to get down with those that’ll keep up. With your hotel and transport arranged by our CEOs, you can concentrate on choosing your own adventure: pack your trip with everything you want and nothing you don't.
Highlights: Exploring the streets of bustling Bangkok, stopping by Penang's Chinese shop houses, glimpsing beautiful green vistas in the the Cameron Highlands, diving into multicultural Kuala Lumpur, visiting three diverse countries in two weeks.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Music, Mountains & Monuments Eastbound (NUOY)
From the Big Apple to the Big Easy, this roadtrip swings south along the East Coast and captures the best cities, historical monuments and beautiful scenery from New York to New Orleans and everything in between. Embrace big city beats, Nashville grooves and the traditional twang of the Appalachian Mountains. As always, centrally located hotels in the cities and campsites in the wilderness keep you in the heart of the action. Skip flying and discover country roots and the earthly delights that come with staying grounded.
Highlights: Feeling the beat in Memphis and New Orleans, driving through the Appalachian Mountains, walking through American history in Washington DC, going all night in New York City.
Up Top Down Under—Alice Springs to Darwin (OARD)
Skip the long bus drive and ride the rails through the scenic outback before heading into the remote Kakadu region for three days. Geared towards budget-conscious travellers who want to make the most of their time, this itinerary includes the highlights of the Red Centre and Top End. Here you’ll meet some of the locals, experience the mysteries of Uluru and gain insight into regional Aboriginal and European history.
Highlights: Riding the route of Afghan cameleers on the Ghan Train, gaining insight to Aboriginal art and culture, spotting crocs by boat in Kakadu National Park, discovering secret swimming holes and waterfalls in Litchfield National Park
Vietnam on a Shoestring (AVRV)
From chaotic Ho Chi Minh City to charming Hoi An, the imperial capital of Hue, vibrant Hanoi and the stunning natural beauty of Halong Bay, this trip has something for everyone. Journey up the coast in this jam-packed introduction to the country's highlights and nightlife with other travellers your own age—so you can be sure to get down with others that’ll keep up. Our CEOs will take you to the highlights on a shoestring and then let you loose so you can do what you really want.
Highlights: Exploring the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, relaxing on golden beaches, shopping in quaint Hoi An, discovering Hue's citadels and pagodas, floating through magical Halong Bay, discovering the vibrant streets of Hanoi.
Kruger, Falls & Zimbabwe (DZKF)
When it comes to raw, in-your-face wildness, southern Africa can’t be topped. This trip offers a fully immersive, unyieldingly authentic experience of the natural and cultural wonders of this incredible region. In Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park, you’ll track rhinos on foot and the resident wildlife on an open-vehicle game drive, capture the Big Five (with your camera, of course) in South Africa’s Kruger National Park and witness the unique traditional dances of the Shangaan people. This isn’t a taste of Africa; it’s a full-course meal—with seconds.
Highlights: Spotting the Big Five in Kruger National Park, gazing out across Victoria Falls, walking in search of rhinos, observing wildlife from a 4x4 in Matobo National Park, witnessing Shangaan traditions, discovering the less-visited Zimbabwe.
Delta and Falls Overland (DZFO)
Feel the splash of the Okavango Delta from a dugout mokoro canoe and the mists of majestic Victoria Falls—described by the local Kololo people as "the smoke that thunders". Experience the colours, culture and scenery of Zambia, Botswana and Nambia on this well-packed nine-day adventure. Meet the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert and the elephants of Chobe National Park. With a knowledgeable CEO leading the way, travel aboard our overland truck is well paced and wilderness camping will keep you in the thick of the action. Prepare yourself for an utterly unique African experience.
Highlights: Meeting the San bushmen on the fringes of the Kalahari Desert, Getting into the wild with game walks, dug-out canoe rides, and wilderness camping in the Okavango Delta, Cruising the Chobe River at sunset, Getting wet at the mighty Victoria falls.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 3
