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.
Cambodia & Vietnam on a Shoestring (ATCV)
Begin in Bangkok—a city that never sleeps—and end by braving Hanoi's bustling streets. Plug in to Cambodia and Vietnam on this electric journey with breaks to bliss out on white sand beaches. Get a history lesson exploring Angkor Wat or walking Ho Chi Minh City’s streets. With your accommodation and transport arranged by our expert CEOs, this adventure offers a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore on your own.
Highlights: Exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, revelling in the majesty of Angkor Wat, enjoying a delicious Khmer meal at a vocational training restaurant funded by Planeterra, discovering colonial Phnom Penh, relaxing on golden beaches, shopping Hoi An's quaint streets, floating through Halong Bay, walking the intriguing streets of Hanoi.
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—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.
Europe Encompassed (EELL)
You. Europe. 24 days. Ready? You’d better be, because this epic London-to-London romp through the Old World’s greatest cities doesn’t slow down for stragglers. Geared towards budget-conscious travellers eager to check an entire continent off their ‘must-do’ list in one fell swoop, this adventure will take you from the busy streets of the English capital to Paris’ most elegant galleries and cafés, the stunning natural brilliance of the Swiss Alps, the rugged beauty of Italy’s Cinque Terre and the party capitals of Berlin and Amsterdam before wrapping up with a celebratory pint in a London pub. Phew! We’re tired just talking about it.
Highlights: Pounding the pavement in cities teeming with history, Exploring galleries and museums, Discovering medieval towns straight from fairytales, Sampling regional wines and cuisine, Visiting nine countries in less than a month, Taking in the nightlife across Europe.
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
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.
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.
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.
Mayan Sun (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
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.
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.
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
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
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
New Zealand Encompassed (ONNZ)
It dosen’t look so big on the map, but New Zealand is positively massive once you’re there in person. This comprehensive 24-day trip—our longest in this part of the world—delivers the most immersive NZ experience possible. Get close to the land by exploring volcanoes, national parks, sustainable farms, and meet the water up-close on expert-led kayak excursions and during surf lessons. Best of all, you’ll get to explore the magnificent Bay of Islands, home to some of the world’s top fishing. 24 days? You’ll wish it was longer.
Highlights: Learning about the Maori culture, exploring the Bay of Islands, 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.
| Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China on a Shoestring: Hong Kong to Beijing (ACRC) | 18 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1799
USD
|
| Cambodia & Vietnam on a Shoestring (ATCV) | 20 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1599
USD
|
| Thailand on a Shoestring (ATRT) | 16 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Mayan Sun—Southbound (CMCA) | 16 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Europe Encompassed (EELL) | 24 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$3849
USD
|
| Volcano Trail (JGS) | 17 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1449
USD
|
| China on a Shoestring—Beijing to Hong Kong (ACRG) | 18 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1799
USD
|
| India on a Shoestring (AHRH) | 20 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1299
USD
|
| Vietnam, Laos & Thailand on a Shoestring (AVVL) | 22 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1899
USD
|
| Mayan Sun (CGAC) | 16 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1249
USD
|
| Backroads of Central America (CRBR) | 17 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$1449
USD
|
| In Search Of Iguassu—Rio to Buenos Aires (JRB) | 17 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$2349
USD
|
| East Coast Encompassed - Sydney to Cairns (OAEC) | 17 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$2999
USD
|
| Australia South to North - Melbourne to Darwin (OAMD) | 18 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$2520
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$2799
|
| Best of New Zealand (ONNS) | 21 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$2899
USD
|
| New Zealand Encompassed (ONNZ) | 24 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$3149
USD
|
