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 (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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Backroads of Central America (CRSG)
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Discover India—Delhi to Kochi (AHDC)
From the hectic pace of northern Delhi to the beaches of Goa and the fishing nets of relaxed Kochi, this epic journey packages the subcontinent’s highlights into three well-paced weeks. Watch the sunrise at Savitri temple in Pushkar and explore the canals of Alleppey on your way to a homestay with a local family. 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. What are you waiting for? Lush hills, bustling cities and mouth-watering curries await!
Highlights: Exploring the national and financial capitals of Delhi and Mumbai, experiencing the Taj Mahal at sunrise, capturing colourful Rajasthan in your viewfinder, relaxing on quiet beaches in Goa, connecting with the locals in a homestay, sampling delicious Indian cuisine.
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.
