Thailand on a Shoestring (ATRT)
Perfect for those looking to experience Northern Thailand’s cultural treasures and the natural beauty of its southern islands. This 16-day trip will help you get off the beaten path with a trek to the region’s hilltribes but remains flexible enough to suit all tastes. From the lush hills of the north, stitched through with the diverse colours of its hilltribes, to the soft sands of the south and the glorious chaos of Bangkok, Thailand will leave you captivated.
Highlights: Experiencing the bustling streets of Bangkok, exploring colourful Chiang Mai, trekking on foot and by elephant through the jungle, overnighting in remote hilltribe villages, floating down a river on a bamboo raft, sleeping in Khao Sok National Park, enjoying the island beaches of Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
Mayan Sun—Northbound (CGAC)
Trek though jungle backdrops to Mayan ruins and chill out on white sand under the Caribbean sun. Check out Mexico, Belize and Guatemala and experience the region’s diversity. Wander colonial Antigua’s cobblestone streets and shop for treasures before experiencing the natural beauty of Lake Atitlan, its indigenous Mayan villages and striking volcanoes. Snap a picture and impress the folks. One of our most popular trips, this adventure offers natural wonders, excitement and culture with enough time to socialize and do your own thing.
Highlights: Pounding the cobblestones of gorgeous colonial Antigua, overnighting in a local homestay, seeing the vibrant colours of markets, experiencing Caye Caulker sunsets and reggae music, blissing out on white-sand beaches, exploring Mayan sites
Mayan Sun—Southbound (CMCA)
Find your paradise somewhere between the blazing Yucatán sun and the cool Guatemalan highlands on this 16-day odyssey. Wander Antigua’s cobblestone streets and its local markets before experiencing the diverse beauty of Lake Atitlán and its indigenous villages. Geared to the adventurer wanting to capture some of Central America's finest highlights, this trip will ensure that you really pack some punch into those postcards home.
Highlights: Relaxing on white-sand beaches, luxuriating in Caye Caulker sunsets and reggae music, experiencing a local homestay, exploring gorgeous colonial Antigua and its colourful markets.
Kenya & Tanzania Overland Adventure (DKKT)
For those who want it all, this 16-day adventure offers the promise of Kenya and Tanzania's best wilderness as well as plenty of time at Zanzibar's beaches and exotic spice gardens. Track the Big Five across the acacia-spotted savannah of the Serengeti and the legendary plains of Masai Mara. Our unique overland truck will carry you through the incredible scenery safely and in good spirits—and camping will keep you at the heart of the action. This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience like no other.
Highlights: Encountering the wildlife of the famous Masai Mara, photographing legions of flamingos at Lake Nakuru National Park, walking among giraffes on Crescent Island at Lake Naivasha, learning from the Masai people in the Loita Hills, tracking the Big Five across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, exploring Zanzibar's spice plantations and pristine waters.
Southwestern Deserts & Pacific Forests (NUAS)
If fun had a mailing address, it would be on the Pacific Coast. A veritable greatest-hits compilation of West Coast Americana, this trip incorporates four diverse urban hotspots—LA, San Francisco, Vegas and Seattle—with the full-on natural majesty of the region’s famed deserts, canyons and forests. Roam the Strips (Sunset and Vegas) in search of nocturnal thrills, then flee to the rawest nature America can offer: Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest. Come sample the coast with the most.
Highlights: Gazing up at redwoods and peering down into the Grand Canyon, inhaling fresh forest air in the Pacific Northwest, rolling the dice in Las Vegas, breaking a sweat in Death Valley, getting funky in San Francisco, hiking in Yosemite, driving along the spectacular coasts of California and Oregon.
San Francisco to New Orleans Road Trip (NUFO)
Bridging two iconic cities, this is a road trip that features amazing national parks, quirky landmarks and the spirit of America. Learn about Navajo culture, play the odds in Vegas, bask in genuine southern hospitality and get your cowboy on in Texas. Centrally located hotels in the cities and campsites in the wilderness keep you in the heart of the action no matter where you are. With so much heart and soul and so much to see and do on the road to New Orleans, don’t leave your heart in San Francisco because you’re going to need it.
Highlights: Strolling the hills of San Francisco, catching a sunset at the Grand Canyon, marvelling at cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde, feeling the heat in Death Valley, rolling the dice in Las Vegas, searching for wildlife in Yosemite.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Canyon Country & Coasts (NUFV)
Speckled with national parks, bustling cities, natural treasures and must-see monuments, the Southwest—America’s great wide open—is a living postcard. On this trip, you’ll venture inland from the Pacific Coast of California to the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, camping outdoors and reconnecting with a side of this great country most rarely see. Paired up with an attentive and knowledgeable CEO, this trip is perfect for nature-minded travellers eager to see the best of the Southwest in a short period of time.
Highlights: Strolling the streets of San Francisco, stargazing in Los Angeles, marvelling at cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle, peering over the Grand Canyon, hiking the best of the West's national parks.
Yellowstone & Canyonlands Adventure South (NULV)
This region is a riot of natural treasures and this tour offers plenty of time in the best national parks including the Grand Canyon. Yellowstone, with over half the earth’s geothermal features, and the appropriately named Canyonlands offer thrilling views for the appreciative. For even more wild times, Las Vegas awaits. Whether you’re camping under the stars or spending a night with the Navajo, this adventure will show you a side of America you don’t want to miss.
Highlights: Marvelling at Yellowstone's geysers, searching for wildlife in Grand Teton, saddling up to the bar in Jackson, peering into the Grand Canyon, meeting the Navajo in Monument Valley, hiking the Southwest's best National Parks.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
New Orleans to San Francisco Road Trip (NUNF)
Bats in Texas, aliens in Roswell, pretty much everything else in San Francisco—get off the well-worn tourist trail and really discover the south and west of the United States. After leaving fabulous New Orleans, you'll explore some of the most incredible natural wonders anywhere—the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Yosemite—then trade wildlife for the nightlife in Las Vegas. It's the ultimate roadtrip. Now, let's get rolling.
Highlights: Strolling the hills of San Francisco, hiking Yosemite, taking a chance in Las Vegas, savouring the sunset at the Grand Canyon, learning about the Navajo, witnessing bats in flight at Carlsbad Caverns, looking for aliens in Roswell, dancing in New Orleans.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Most of the Coast—Sydney to Cairns (OASC)
The route up Australia’s East Coast has earned its rep as one of the seemingly endless supply of must-do experiences in the country. The classic Sydney-to-Cairns route introduces you to both sides of modern Australia—the bright lights of the big city and the raw beauty of the outback. You’ll get to try your hand at dozens of atypical activities—everything from sheep-shearing and wine-tasting to yachting and snorkelling. And when you travel in small groups like we do, you really get out there into the wild to meet the locals and experience the land like they do. That amazing new frontier you’ve been looking for? Here it is.
Highlights: Taste wine in the Hunter Valley, sleep under the stars and at a sheep station, bliss out in famous Byron Bay, island hop through the Whitsundays, cool off in remote swimming holes, snorkel the world's largest reef.
Trans Mongolian Adventure (ARRT)
Epic doesn't begin to describe this overland journey from Russia to China. From the cathedrals of Russia to the imperial palaces of Beijing, you'll encounter the best of St Petersburg and Moscow before boarding the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway en route to Lake Baikal. Experience secluded Mongolia's colourful culture and spend a night in a ger before continuing on to the palaces of Beijing. An experienced CEO will lead the way and take care of the details so you’re free to enjoy one of the world's greatest train rides. Offering a balance of guided excursions and free time, this adventure is proof that getting there is half the fun.
Highlights: Wandering St Petersburg streets and Beijing hutongs, taking the train across the steppes, dining on Lake Baikal's fish, admiring Red Square and Chinese temples, spending the night in a traditional Mongolian ger.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 2
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.
South Africa & Swazi Quest (DASQ)
The unvarnished grandeur of South Africa is on display in this comprehensive exploration of one of the continent’s most diverse and fascinating destinations. Africa’s incredible culture and wildlife is at a premium on this tour—from the coastal shores of Tsitsikamma to extensive game drives in Addo Elephant National Park and the famed Kruger. You’ll also have the chance to visit a traditional Swazi village, explore modern Cape Town, and follow the glorious Garden Route. Add in knowledgeable CEOs and some of the best camp meals you’ve ever tasted and you’ve got a recipe for adventure par excellence.
Highlights: Spotting the Big Five in Kruger and other game parks and reserves, dining on a home-cooked meal with local friends in Zululand, visiting local villages and cosmopolitan Cape Town, searching for resident wildlife in Kruger National Park, taking in southern Africa's dramatic scenery, experiencing local dancing.
London to Prague Adventure (EELP)
Paris, the Swiss Alps, the Italian Riviera, modern Bohemia—you’d be surprised how much of Europe you can pack into 17 days. This excellent whirlwind tour of Europe for younger travellers reads like a greatest-hits compilation of classic Europe experiences: The bustle of busy London, cultural exploration in the French capital, postcard-worthy scenery in Switzerland, trekking in Cinque Terre and a frosty mug of Pilsner in an authentic Czech hospoda at the end of it all.
Highlights: Visiting six countries in 17 days, Exploring the history-filled streets of European capitals, Eating and dancing your way through Western Europe.
Rome to London Adventure (EIRL)
With just 17 days to play with, time is tight on this tour, but the possibilities (and options) are wide open. It begins in Rome, home to more ancient landmarks than you could shake a centurion’s spear at. From there, you’ll explore elegant Prague, cut loose in the clubs of Amsterdam and Berlin, and savour the historical charms of romantic Bruges before the whirlwind drops us off in England. Hang on tight.
Highlights: Discovering medieval towns and frenetic capital cities, partying across Europe, setting eyes on world-famous monuments and museums, embracing a variety of cultures, sampling local food and drink everywhere you go.
In Search Of Iguassu - Buenos Aires to Rio (JBR)
Get your South American rush with other young travellers not afraid to embrace the new. You'll kick off the adventure in sophisticated Buenos Aires before getting your heart pounding on horseback rides and day hikes at a working Uruguayan ranch. Marvel at Iguassu Falls, then hop a flight to Sao Paulo on your way to the Brazilian coast—no gruelling bus ride means more time on the beach. We'll wrap up in the party in Rio, where you're free to embrace the carnival atmosphere from our centrally located Copacabana hotel.
Highlights: Sampling the cuisine and culture of Buenos Aires, discovering Uruguay's rural beauty at a working ranch, marvelling at Iguassu Falls, skipping the bus and gaining time (and comfort!) with a flight to Sao Paulo, sipping caipirinhas on the beach, revelling in Rio de Janiero.
Volcano Trail (JGS)
From the crystal-blue ocean teeming with marine life to tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies, take the road less travelled on this trip through Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica with other travellers your own age. This is one of our most exciting trips, filled with breathtaking scenery and a chance to experience local culture with a 2-night homestay on the island of Ometepe. Enjoy a blend of public and private transportation, which not only keeps costs down but also gives you a chance to really meet the locals.
Highlights: Connecting with your hosts in an Ometepe homestay experience, relaxing seaside in the Bay Islands, laughing with the locals during a journey on a chicken bus, opportunities to go whitewater rafting, exploring Mayan ruins and hiking through a cloud forest
In Search Of Iguassu—Rio to Buenos Aires (JRB)
Dance your way through the best of South America's colourful cities. Kick off your adventure in Rio where you're free to explore the carnival atmosphere or soak up rays. You'll enjoy time outdoors and on the beach at Ilha Grande and connect with the land at an estancia stay in Uruguay. Best of all, we'll fly over to Iguassu Falls for more time to explore the immense cascades. With accommodation and transport arranged by a CEO, this trip offers great value and is the perfect way to discover the South America's unique vibe.
Highlights: Revelling in Rio, wandering around colonial Paraty, sipping a caipirinha on the beach in southern Brazil, being awed by Iguassu Falls, discovering the charm of Uruguay at an estancia, sampling the food and wine of Buenos Aires.
Chicago to San Francisco Road Trip (NUCF)
Remember the country they sing about in 'America the Beautiful'? The one with the spacious skies, gleaming alabaster cities and majestic purple mountains? It’s still out there. Come see it with us. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoorsy folk who want to see the country by day and revel downtown by night, this trip takes you across the Great West, from the City of Big Shoulders through Yellowstone and Yosemite and past herds of grazing bison to the City by the Bay. In a word: Perfect.
Highlights: Camping along the Mississippi, hiking the Badlands, witnessing geysers at Yellowstone and presidents at Mt Rushmore, meeting the wildlife of Grand Teton National Park and in Jackson's Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
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.
