Sin, Surf & Sierras (NUVA)
For the traveller who wants it all, this desert-to-coast journey delivers in spades. Throw caution to the wind in Sin City, Las Vegas, then cleanse those chakras with pristine national park hiking. You’ll drive the legendary Pacific Coast Highway for views that are postcard-perfect and finish in Los Angeles for a final burst of movie star glamour. A private touring van and participation camping offer affordability and flexibility while letting you get to know your fellow travellers and making this a road trip to remember.
Highlights: Hiking in Yosemite National Park, driving along California's beautiful coastline, revelling in the glitz of Las Vegas, breaking a sweat in Death Valley, stargazing in Los Angeles.
Pacific Coast Highway & the Northwest (NUFS)
The echoes of psychedelia and grunge—the counter-cultural soundtracks to two successive generations—still reverberate across the Pacific Northwest. But if you think this part of America is all cramped clubs and coffee shops, think again. Designed for those as equally comfortable in an urban setting as they are with the outdoors, this trip provides ample opportunity to explore the natural wonders—redwoods, volcanoes and boundless wilderness—for those on a tight schedule. Bookended by hotel stays in San Fran and Seattle, you’ll get a taste of the nightlife, too.
Highlights: Driving along the Pacific coastline, gazing up at giant sequoias, playing in sand dunes, hiking in national parks, strolling in San Francisco, discovering the wonder of Mt St Helens, sipping coffee in Seattle.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
San Francisco to Los Angeles Adventure (NUFA)
Vegas, Frisco, LA and the quest for the perfect burger—all that’s missing from this quintessentially American experience is a ballgame and mom’s apple pie. Promising unfiltered fun from dawn to dusk in some of the West’s best locales, this trip mixes downtown excitement with all-natural, full-contact thrills exploring the Grand Canyon and camping under the stars in Yosemite National Park. All this in just one reasonably-priced week? This is America, the land of opportunity! Believe in the impossible.
Highlights: Experiencing the lights of San Francisco and Las Vegas, hiking Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, stargazing in Los Angeles, driving Route 66, camping in nature.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
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.
New York to Chicago (NUYC)
The Big Apple, Finger Lakes, a Windy City and some waterfalls that are so famous they don’t need a nickname—welcome to the most jam-packed week-long road trip in America. Experience skyscrapers, music and street life in two of the coolest cities in the US and breathe in the fresh air in upstate New York. We’ll throw in Niagara Falls for good measure. You’ll stay in the heart of the cities, and camping will keep you snug in the region's wild heart. Quick and affordable—how’s that for a great deal?
Highlights: Sightseeing in New York City, getting wet on the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls, revelling in the beauty of the Finger Lakes, sampling Chicago-style pizza.
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
Mexico Ancient Civilizations (MMC)
From the hustle of modern Mexico City, which preserves its magic from centuries gone by, to the ruins at Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this adventure takes in the cultural and historical highlights. It’s perfect for travellers on a tight budget looking to see as much as possible of this diverse region.
Highlights: Visiting Mayan ruins, dancing the night away in Mexican bars and clubs, bargaining for beautiful textiles and handmade goods at colourful markets, savouring the tasty Mexican food and drink, chilling on the white sand beaches of the Mayan Riviera.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 2
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.
San Diego, Grand Canyon & Vegas (NUAV)
Kicks abound on Route 66—come get yours. Nicknamed 'Main Street of America', there’s nothing Norman Rockwell-esque on the stretch of highway you’ll travel on this trip. Burgers, longboards and big-city shenanigans are the order of the day every day as you take in the sights and sounds of LA, Vegas, San Diego and the Grand Canyon with an expert CEO leading the way. If you’ve always longed to see the real American Southwest but never had the time or the money, well, you’re fresh out of excuses.
Highlights: Experiencing a Grand Canyon sunset, stargazing in Los Angeles, having a picnic in Red Rock State Park, rolling the dice in Las Vegas, breaking a sweat in Death Valley, indulging in the attractions of San Diego, getting your kicks on Route 66.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
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
Laos & Thailand on a Shoestring (AVRL)
Wander the tranquil monasteries of Luang Prabang and experience the French colonial influence while sipping coffee at a café. Take 12 days to uncover this laid-back corner of South East Asia. While you're free to choose your own adventure, your accommodation and transportation are included and our expert CEOs will help you make the most of your time. Take a slow boat down the Mekong or admire the limestone karsts surrounding Vang Vieng from your pushbike.
Highlights: Exploring vibrant Hanoi, revelling in the shadows of limestone karsts, discovering the serenity of Luang Prabang, floating on the mighty Mekong, experiencing the beauty of scenic northern Thailand, enjoying the bustle of Bangkok.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Yosemite Park & Napa Valley (NUVF)
The perfect blend of wildlife, active excursions and the charm of wine country, this week-long journey from Las Vegas to San Francisco packs a punch. Explore Yosemite—famous for its waterfalls and fantastic landscapes—and paddle the Russian River in Sonoma wine country. These diverse areas offer plenty of options and our nimble touring van makes the most of sites. Camping keeps you close to the land while offering great value, so you’ll have money left to sip or slurp you way through Napa Valley.
Highlights: Sipping wine in Napa Valley, hiking the trails of Yosemite, revelling in the bright lights of Las Vegas, breaking a sweat in Death Valley, strolling the hills of San Francisco.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Kenya Overland Adventure (DKOA)
Beginning and ending in Nairobi, this 6-day adventure offers up wild Kenya on a budget. Track the Big Five across the legendary plains of Masai Mara and spot flamingos at Lake Nakuru National Park—you'll take game drives at both locations. You'll travel in our unique overland truck, camp under the stars and have plenty of extra activity time for independent exploring at Lake Naivasha—home to hippos and hundreds of species of birds. You'll always be in the heart of Africa's stunning wilderness. Make sure your camera’s charged because you're going to need it.
Highlights: Encountering the wildlife of the famous Masai Mara, camping in the great outdoors, walking among giraffes on Crescent Island at Lake Naivasha, learning traditional ways at a Masai settlement in the Loita Hills, photographing widlife at Lake Nakuru National Park, doing it all in less than a week.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
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
Southern Thailand Sojourn (ATSS)
From Bangkok nightclubs that never close to laid-back beachside drinks on Koh Tao, experience the energy of southern Thailand. Hike through the magnificent lowland rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, where tigers still roam, or laze in a riverside hammock. This is your trip—so tread your own path. With an expert CEO leading the way, you're free to snorkel beautiful coral reefs or work on your tan. Enjoy the best of the beachside sun and backpacker nightlife in nine amazing days.
Highlights: Exploring bustling Bangkok, enjoying nature at Khao Sok National Park, relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
New Zealand—Best of the North Island (ONNI)
Admittedly, we haven’t checked the numbers too closely, but we’re confident that New Zealand ranks among the world’s leading producers of excitement. This quick trip across the North Island jams as many thrills as permissible by law into seven electrifying, activity-packed days. Sea kayak remote waterways to secluded caves and beaches, learn to surf New Zealand's world famous waves, experience Maori culture directly from the Maori themselves and more, all in a breezy week that always feels full and never feels hurried.
Highlights: Surfing world famous waves, kayaking remote coves to discover hidden beaches, discovering a historic Maori village with a local guide, conquering New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek, dancing the night away in Wellington.
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.
Cambodia on a Shoestring (ATRC)
Marvel at the incredible Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat and the clear turquoise waters at Sihanoukville. This journey packages Cambodia’s treasures into 10 well-paced days. Brave Ho Chi Minh City’s jam-packed streets with other travellers your own age—you can be sure they’ll keep pace with you—or check out the more laid back waterways of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. With your accommodation, transportation and general trip logistics arranged, you can concentrate on choosing the activities that interest you most.
Highlights: Exploring bustling Bangkok, catching the sunrise over Angkor Wat, enjoying a delicious Khmer meal at a vocational training restaurant funded by Planeterra, walking the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, chilling out on golden beaches, connecting with the locals on an overnight homestay, cruising the Mekong Delta, discovering intriguing Ho Chi Minh City.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Beaches & Backwaters (AHBB)
Watch the sunset through the fishing nets of Kochi, stretch out on white sand beaches, drift through the tranquil backwaters and rise at dawn to see the sunrise. This 7-day tour offers a quick introduction to the diversity of South India. Inhale the exotic perfume of cardamom as you stroll through spice gardens and unwind with some yoga in your free time. Meet the locals and spend the night with a local family on a tour that's all about authentic cultural experience.
Highlights: Relaxing in the calm backwaters, experiencing a local homestay, chilling out on quiet beaches, sampling South Indian cuisine.
