Best Tour Companies: Finding the Perfect Tour Company for You
Traveling can be an exciting and memorable journey full of wonder, but a lot of a trip’s success is determined by planning and knowing what to see and do. And that is where this list of the best tour companies can help you out.
This list of the best tour companies will highlight the top options and allow you to find the perfect tour company for your travels. Whether you are looking for adventure, budget-friendly, or whatever, this list of the top tour companies will have you covered.
And when you finish with this list of the best tour companies, visit our lists of the best travel sites, best travel accessories, and best travel blogs for even more excellent travel-related content.
Top 15 Tour Companies:
1. Prior Tour Company
Highlights: Membership-based tour company, experienced tour editors, and plenty of activities and things to do on each trip.
About Tour Company: Planning an unforgettable travel experience has never been easier with Prior Tour Company. For the modern-day explorer, Prior is a membership-based travel planning company designed to make planning and booking your dream trips effortless.
Their team of experienced tour editors and experts have curated experiences from the likes of culinary, fashion, art, and history to provide you with one-of-a-kind inventive itineraries for every traveler’s individual needs.
2. Exodus Travels
Highlights: Trips on every continent, quality customer service, and groups typically 12-16 people in size.
About Tour Company: Exodus Travels is your ticket to the ultimate travel experience, no matter where you want to go. With trips spanning every continent and award-winning customer service, Exodus Travels makes exploring the world easier than ever.
Small group tours let you travel in confidence and explore new places with the support of experienced local guides. Your group will typically be 12-16 people, making it intimate enough for each traveler to feel their personal connection with the adventure while still getting the opportunity to learn from their fellow travelers.
3. Classic Journeys
Highlights: Destinations all over the globe, experienced local guides, and a personalized experience.
About Tour Company: This award-winning group travel experience is full of cultural exploration and unforgettable moments you’ll remember for a lifetime. From destinations all over the globe, including Europe, North, and South America, there’s no shortage of adventure. Their experienced local guides have deep relationships with the communities they visit, giving you a more personalized experience.
4. World Expeditions
Highlights: Over 45 years of experience, a large number of trip options, and respect for local communities and cultures.
About Tour Company: With over 45 years of experience, World Expeditions has been providing travelers with the opportunity to explore new places, challenge themselves and experience something different. All of their active itineraries on every continent are tailored to match your interests and created following their Thoughtful Travel Charter.
This charter emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more – ensuring that you will leave each destination better than you found it. You can choose from a range of trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more.
5. EF Go Ahead Tours
Highlights: Educational trips, unique vacations, and plenty of culture and history on every trip.
About Tour Company: This top tour company believes that traveling should be about learning and experiencing, not just sightseeing. That’s why they offer unique vacations that dive deep into each destination, giving you a real perspective of the destination’s culture, history, and more. EF Go Ahead Tours leverages local experts and educators to provide an educational experience like no other.
6. Kensington Tours
Highlights: Private trips, perfect for the family or a group of friends, and trips tailored specifically for you.
About Tour Company: Ready to explore the world with those closest to you? Look no further than Kensington Tours. They provide private group trips tailored to your interests, so you can have a stress-free and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for family time or an adventure with a couple of friends, Kensington Tours has got you covered.
7. G Adventures
Highlights: Variety of types of trips, caters to all kinds of travelers, and is budget-friendly.
About Tour Company: As one of the top tour companies around, G Adventures caters to all kinds of travelers, whether solo or with a group. With low prices for accommodations, meals, and other activities, G Adventures keeps costs down so you can get more out of your vacation. Choose from an array of experiences that perfectly suit your interests and travel style.
8. Lindblad Expeditions
Highlights: Partnered with National Geographic, cruise ships and sailing yachts, and custom-designed expeditions.
About Tour Company: For over five decades, Lindblad has partnered with National Geographic to offer some of the most amazing vacation tours around the world. From cruise ships to sailing yachts, their fleet offers something for everyone, and their custom-designed expedition ships can take you places you’ve never experienced before.
Not only are the actual amenities of their ships well-appointed and luxurious, but they specialize in remote locations offering guests up-close wildlife encounters – a sight you won’t be able to experience elsewhere. Get up close and personal with seals and other sea life off the Falklands, or explore the Marquesas Islands like never before.
9. Abercrombie & Kent
Highlights: Trips tailored to fit your unique needs, luxury accommodations, and destinations all around the world.
About Tour Company: Since 1962, Abercrombie & Kent has been making vacationers’ wishes come true with unforgettable adventures across the globe. Whether you’re interested in a private jet trip around the world or luxury chartered cruises, each trip is tailored to fit your unique needs.
With trips offered to over 100 countries and all seven continents, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the most amazing places on earth.
10. Intrepid Travel
Highlights: Respects local communities, offers special tours for ages 18-29, and is dedicated to making a positive impact on travel destinations.
About Tour Company: Are you looking for a travel company that not only delivers amazing experiences but does so with the utmost respect for local communities and the environment? Intrepid Travel is your answer. This top tour company focuses on sustainability and diversity through its dedication to making a positive impact in the places we explore.
Younger travelers are especially drawn to Intrepid because they offer unique programs and tours specifically geared toward people aged 18-29 – though no matter what age you are or who you’re traveling with, there’s an exciting array of trips available. Choose from family-focused trips, yoga retreats, multi-country adventures, and more.
11. Salt & Wind Travel
Highlights: Feature hidden gems around the world, small groups and private trips, and luxury travel itineraries.
About Tour Company: Salt & Wind Travel offers outstanding customized small group tours and private trips so that you can experience the world like never before. Their carefully crafted packages will give you exclusive access to some of the most hidden gems around the world. They specialize in luxurious itineraries for Mexico, Italy, France, Spain, California, and Hawai’i.
12. DuVine Cycling
Highlights: Luxury cycling trips, a wide range of options, and well-planned out.
About Tour Company: DuVine Cycling is a luxury small-group tour company that provides guests with the ultimate bike touring experience available worldwide. Whether you’re looking for an all-biking trip, a cycle and sail tour, or something adventurous like multi-sport excursions – they have you covered with their comprehensive range of options.
They provide top-quality name-brand bikes and arrange luxury boutique accommodations during your journey. Everything from hotel partners to meals, route planning, and even professional guides are part of the travel package.
13. Chimu Adventures
Highlights: Expertise in Latin America and Antarctica, excellent group tour packages, and all-inclusive pricing options.
About Tour Company: Ready to take the trip of a lifetime? With Chimu Adventures, you can explore the majestic polar regions of the world with incredible group tour packages. Whether you’re looking for an Arctic journey or an Antarctica expedition, Chimu Adventure has something for everyone.
What makes traveling with Chimu Adventures so special is their all-inclusive prices – meaning all your accommodations, meals, and even activities are taken care of, and you can just sit back and enjoy your trip.
14. Atlas Obscura Trips
Highlights: Culture-themed trips, unique adventures, and very engaging.
About Tour Company: Be curious and follow your dreams with Atlas Obscura’s inspiring trips around the world. They curate engaging arts and culture-themed trips that are designed to stir a spark of creativity and intrigue in you.
Their carefully crafted itineraries include a global range of exciting experiences, from exploring Romania’s grand castles to tracking wolves in Sweden’s forests or discovering traditional onsen and metalworking artisans on Japan’s Sado Island.
15. For the Love of Travel
Highlights: Great way to meet new people, geared for ages 25-39, and has plenty of travel options.
About Tour Company: Looking for a fun and fast way to meet new people and explore the world? For the Love of Travel has the perfect tour packages for solo travelers ages 25-39. Their trips bring together a balanced number of all genders and people from all walks of life. Also, over 80% of their guests are solo travelers, so you can look forward to meeting new friends quickly and easily.
Editor’s Pick: Best Overall Tour Company
Exodus Travels takes the Editor’s Pick for the best overall tour company. With its extensive experience, award-winning customer service, and small-group tours, Exodus Travels offers a perfect balance of adventure and comfort. Whether you’re exploring the wilds of Africa, trekking through the Andes, or relaxing in a European village, Exodus provides tailored itineraries that ensure a memorable and immersive travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tour Companies
1. How do I choose the best tour company for my trip?
The best tour company for you depends on your preferences and needs. If you seek adventure, look for companies like G Adventures or World Expeditions that focus on active and immersive experiences. For more luxury-oriented or private tours, Abercrombie & Kent or Kensington Tours are great choices. Consider group size, destination, budget, and the type of experience (adventure, cultural, luxury, etc.) to narrow down your options.
2. Are these tour companies suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, many of the tour companies listed cater to solo travelers. For the Love of Travel specifically caters to solo travelers aged 25-39, while Intrepid Travel also offers tours for solo adventurers. Group tours are great for meeting new people, and many companies ensure a welcoming, communal atmosphere.
3. What kind of trips are best for families?
For family-friendly trips, consider Kensington Tours, which offers customizable private tours for families. EF Go Ahead Tours also offers educational and family-oriented vacations with a focus on culture and history. These tours are designed to be engaging and enriching for travelers of all ages.
4. How do I book a tour with a company?
Booking a tour with these companies is simple. Most tour companies allow you to book directly through their website. Be sure to review the itineraries, inclusions, and cancellation policies before booking. Some companies like Prior Tour Company offer membership-based services, which may require joining before you can access tour options.
5. What’s included in the price of a tour?
The price of a tour varies based on the tour company and type of trip. All-inclusive tours like those offered by Chimu Adventures cover accommodations, meals, activities, and transportation, providing great value. Other companies may have more a la carte options where only certain elements are included, so check the tour details to understand what’s covered.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tour Company
1. Check for Customization Options
Look for companies like Kensington Tours or Abercrombie & Kent that offer customizable itineraries. Whether you want to focus on culture, food, or adventure, a personalized tour will allow you to make the most of your travel experience.
2. Review Group Size
For those who prefer smaller groups and a more intimate experience, consider companies like Exodus Travels or G Adventures, where groups are typically 12-16 people. This allows for more personalized attention and a closer connection with your fellow travelers.
3. Consider Your Travel Style
Different tour companies cater to different travel styles. For luxury travel, consider Abercrombie & Kent for a high-end experience. For a more budget-friendly adventure, G Adventures and Intrepid Travel offer affordable options that focus on cultural immersion and active exploration.
4. Look for Sustainability Efforts
If you’re an environmentally conscious traveler, look for companies like Intrepid Travel, which focuses on sustainable travel practices and community-based tourism. They ensure that their operations benefit the destinations they visit while minimizing negative impacts.
5. Read Reviews and Testimonials
Before booking a tour, take the time to read reviews and testimonials from other travelers. Websites like TripAdvisor or company reviews on Trustpilot can give you insights into the quality of service and the overall experience provided by the company.
Best Tour Companies Conclusion
Finding the perfect tour company for your travel needs can be a daunting task, but with this list of the best tour companies, you will be well on your way to having an incredible travel experience.
With one of these amazing travel companies, you can start new adventures and begin to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Have you used one of these tour companies before, or have one that you think should’ve made this list? If so, please comment below.