some tour package companies

15 Best Tour Companies of 2024

Tour companies like Intrepid Travel and G Adventures can help you create the experience of a lifetime. Choosing the right company depends on your destination and travel preferences.

Guided tours can be a great way to experience a new destination, but you want to make sure you get the best experience possible. How can you find the best tour companies to guide your adventure?

Whether you’re looking for group trips, self-guided tours, river cruises, tours for solo travelers, or overseas adventure travel, you want to find a tour operator that can deliver a seamless, enjoyable, and authentic experience, all without zeroing out your bank account.

Here are the top 15 tour companies out there today. I’ll walk you through what each excels at and how to pick the best one for you.

• Our Top Picks
• Best Tour Company Overall: Intrepid Travel
• Best Small Group Tour Company: G Adventures
• Best for Day Tours: Get Your Guide
• Best Tour Company for Solo Travelers: Go Ahead Tours
• Best Tour Company for Families: Adventures by Disney
• Best Tour Company for Seniors: Trafalgar
• Best Tour Company for Europe: Tauck
• Best Tour Company for Italy: Insight Vacations
• Best Tour Company for Ireland and Scotland: CIE Tours
• Best Iceland Tour Company: Nicetravel Iceland
• Best Tour Company for Spain and Portugal: Cosmos
• Best Egypt Tour Company: Exodus
• Best Asia Tour Company: Klook
• Best Tour Company for Israel: Click Tours
• Best Tour Company for Greece: Epos Travel Tours

Intrepid Travel : Best Tour Company Overall

When you imagine travel tours, you may picture massive group tours and a bus packed with 50 noisy, gawking tourists.

That’s not what you get with Intrepid Travel . This company specializes in adventurous and immersive small group tours with an average of 10 people.

Operating on all seven continents, Intrepid offers a huge range of trip types to fit any traveler. You can choose biking tours across New Zealand, river cruises in Europe, trekking in the Himalayas, or wildlife safaris in the Serengeti. There are options for all-female adventures, family expeditions, active trips for adventure travelers, or trips catering specifically to 18-29 year olds.

If you don’t want to spend the trip of a lifetime sitting on your butt looking out a bus window, Intrepid Travel is for you. Their group trips are designed to fully immerse you in the culture and beauty of a new place. Here are two examples of what you’ll get from Intrepid Travel:

With the Alaska: Hike, Bike, & Kayak tour, you are led by an expert guide on a range of active adventures through some of Alaska’s best scenery and national parks. You’ll go sea kayaking, cycle along the rugged Alaskan coast, and hike through Denali National Park.

If you’re looking for more of a cultural experience, the Premium Sri Lanka tour is an incredible journey through the culture, history, food, and wildlife of this island. You’ll explore ancient temples, eat incredible food with locals, and search for leopards in the country’s wildlife preserves.

One last perk: Intrepid Travel is a Certified B-Corp, meaning they are dedicated to doing good in the world. They donate to worldwide relief causes and offset the carbon footprint of every trip they operate.

G Adventures : Best Small Group Tour Company

If you’re looking for small group tours, G Adventures is one of the best in the category. Just like with Intrepid, their tour groups average 10 people, so, with G Adventures, you won’t have to deal with being part of a massive hoard of tourists.

So what sets G Adventures apart? Unlike many tour operators, they focus on helping you get exactly the experience you’re looking for instead of packing every day with a rigid schedule. Every trip offers a wide range of optional activities that you can pick and choose from to personalize your experience. Plus, you can opt for more free time to explore or hang out on your own.

I also love that G Adventures hires all local guides. They put a lot of emphasis on their guides, even calling them CEOs (chief experience officers). That means you get local, insider expertise on your trip. Your tour director will speak the local language, know the best spots to eat, and fully understand the culture.

If you’re looking for big luxurious hotels and resorts, G Adventures probably isn’t for you. Instead of going to the big chain hotels, G Adventures uses locally owned and operated lodgings.

This has two benefits. First, you get a much more authentic local experience. Big hotel chains don’t have the same charm and character as a true local hotel. Second, your money will go toward benefiting the local economy rather than some giant corporation. That’s a big win for G Adventures in my book.

Get Your Guide : Best for Day Tours

You may not need or want a fully guided multi-day group tour, But sometimes it’s nice to have the guidance of a local expert for a truly unique experience that you couldn’t get otherwise. Choosing day tours is a great way to get the benefits of guided group tours without being stuck with a tour group for your entire trip.

Get Your Guide is my favorite resource for finding amazing day tours, entry tickets, and other travel experiences. It’s perfect for more independent travelers who can manage the details of their own trip, but are looking for shorter guided tours.

How does it work? Get Your Guide is essentially an online marketplace where you can search for and reserve tours, museum passes, adventure activities, and more.

For example, let’s say you’re planning a trip to Sweden. On Get Your Guide, you could book a dog sled adventure to see the northern lights, a day cruise on an icebreaker ship, a “ghost-walk” historical tour of Old Stockholm, and a guided ice climbing excursion.

I’m already getting excited about that trip.

Go Ahead Tours : Best Tour Company for Solo Travelers

Solo travel can be a bit intimidating, especially if you don’t have a lot of travel experience. I’ve found that group tours can be a great way to ease some of the stress and make it easier to enjoy your trip as a solo traveler.

Go Ahead Tours is one of the best tour companies that specializes in trips for solo travelers. With their solo trips, you always get a private room at no extra cost, and the other travelers in your tour group will also be solo—so you don’t end up as the awkward 17th wheel in someone else’s family vacation. As a solo traveler with Go Ahead Tours, you get all the benefits and security of a group trip, and you’ll meet other amazing people traveling the world on their own.

Go Ahead Tours focuses on small group itineraries in tour destinations around the globe, from popular destinations to locations off the beaten path. Want a food-centric trip across Italy? Check. Want to visit South America and hike to Machu Picchu? Check. How about a wildlife safari in Kenya? Yep, they’ve got that. Go Ahead Tours offers the best group tours for solo travelers, and you may even make some new friends on the way.

Adventures by Disney : Best Tour Company for Families

Family travel can seem complicated, especially if you have younger kids. Group tours can help simplify planning the dream trip, but tour operators often plan trips focused on adults, so younger travelers may get bored quickly.

Adventures by Disney is one of the few group travel companies that specialize in family-oriented trips and tours, from South America to Scandinavia. Disney Vacations designs their group trips to have something for everyone: wine tastings for the adults, adventure scavenger hunts for the kids, and sights and experiences that will engage your entire family.

Disney Adventures trips are a bit pricier than many other group travel companies, so not all families will be able to afford them. However, if you can make it work with your budget, your family will get an amazing experience that you just won’t find from more mainstream travel.

Trafalgar : Best Tour Company for Seniors

Trafalgar is one of the biggest (and best) group travel companies in the world. They offer hundreds of international trips to popular destinations around the globe.

Trafalgar’s guided tours are great for travelers of all age groups, but they cater particularly to senior travelers. The majority of Trafalgar guests are over 50. It’s also great for family tours to get grandparents and grandkids spending quality time together.

If you’re looking for highly active itineraries with adventure activities packed in, Trafalgar may not be the best for you. They focus more on cultural immersion, history, architecture, and local cuisine. Trafalgar is a great choice if you want to take a deep dive into the essence of your destination.

You can count on having a tour leader who is an expert in the local culture and history, and you will come home with tons of new knowledge.

Trafalgar focuses primarily on land-based tours, but they also offer a range of cruise vacations if you want to travel by sea.

Hotel stays, meals, transportation to/from the airport, and all the logistics are all arranged for you. You can even add on flights, extra hotel nights, and travel insurance so you don’t have to worry about any additional complications for your trip.

Tauck : Best Tour Company for Europe

Tauck is another big name in group tours that operates on all seven continents. While they have guided tours all around the globe, Tauck is an especially good choice if you’re looking for a group tour in Europe.

It’s easy to go to European cities, see the major tourist sites, and head home without really diving deep into the culture and spirit of the place. My favorite thing about Tauck is that their European tours are designed to give you more than just the standard tourist experience. Their Yellow Roads of Europe tours take you off the beaten path for a truly unique European experience.

Every Tauck tour pairs you with handpicked expert local guides who will help fully immerse you in the experience.

Tauck offers both river cruises and land-based group tours. If you want a unique European experience, imagine cruising through Western Europe along the Seine.

Insight Vacations : Best Tour Company for Italy

Almost every traveler dreams of a bucket list trip to Italy. What’s not to love? Amazing food, amazing sights, amazing culture, Italy has it all.

If you’re looking for the best guided tours in Italy, I highly recommend Insight Vacations . Insight offers tours all over the world, but their Italy tours are especially good. Whether you want to see the major sights, learn to live like a local, or sample the best food from around the country (or all of the above!) they’ve got tours for you.

As an example, you could choose their Best of Italy Tour for your next trip. This 11-day tour includes stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, and more. You’ll learn from local artisans, eat farm-to-table meals on the foothills of Mount Vesuvius, and get a VIP tour of the Vatican (including areas normally off-limits to visitors).

Insight’s tours are all led by local tour guides who speak the language and have in-depth knowledge of the culture and history of each site you visit.

If you’re traveling with a group of 10 or more people, Insight Vacations can also put together custom itineraries specifically for your group.

CIE Tours : Best Tour Company for Ireland and Scotland

If you’re into history, stunning scenery, charming towns, or good times at the pub, you would probably love touring Ireland and Scotland. CIE Tours is technically based in the US, but it’s partially owned and operated by the Irish government. It specializes in travel to Ireland, Scotland, and a few other European countries.

This dialed-in focus means that there are no better guided tours for Ireland and Scotland. I highly recommend their Taste of Scotland and Ireland Tour . In 11 days, you’ll experience sightseeing in Glasgow and Dublin, a day cruise on Loch Ness, carriage rides through the Irish countryside, and a feast in a historic castle.

Their tours have a great balance of exciting sightseeing and activities with enough downtime to relax or do plenty of exploring on your own. It’s a great way to get all the benefits of group travel without feeling like you have no control over your schedule.

If you want more freedom, CIE also offers independent adventures. They will build an itinerary for you and book your lodgings, admission tickets to attractions, and rental car (or you can opt for a private driver). You can choose from their pre-packaged itineraries, or build your own custom trip.

I also appreciate that CIE Tours has fairly affordable rates that include all admission tickets and most of your meals. Plus, they often offer discounts on airfare!

Nicetravel Iceland : Best Iceland Tour Company

Maybe you’ve always been intrigued by Iceland’s wild, untamed beauty (I know I have). If you want to experience this first hand, Nicetravel Iceland is one of the best group travel companies in this amazing country.

Nicetravel Iceland by three local Icelandic families, so they have a lot of local expertise. They offer trips ranging from 8 hours to over a week and have itineraries to suit any type of traveler, whether you want to relax in natural hot spring pools or hike along the glaciers and coastlines.

They focus on small group tours, and you’ll never have more than 19 people in your group. Most of their tours start from the capital, Reykjavik, and will drive you to various destinations in Mercedes Sprinter Vans. Way better than the huge tour buses many other companies use.

In addition to standard tours for sightseeing, they also have a range of tour options for more adventurous travelers. You’re in the right place if you want to explore caves, hike on glaciers, or raft down raging rivers.

Cosmos : Best Tour Company for Spain and Portugal

For a tour operator on the Iberian Peninsula, Cosmos is one of the best choices, especially if you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. Cosmos has been guiding group travel for nearly a century, and they employ expert local guides to help you get the most from your trip.

The Cosmos Best of Spain and Portugal Tour is an incredible 13-day group travel itinerary. You will stay in 7 amazing cities across the two countries and visit a wide range of historical sites.

Cosmos is also a good choice for responsible travel, as they have several initiatives to support local communities and planet-focused nonprofits like the African Wildlife Foundation, The Ocean Cleanup, and Trees4Travel. I appreciate companies that are taking steps toward sustainable travel.

Exodus : Best Egypt Tour Company

It’s hard to visit any travel website without seeing a picture of the Great Pyramids. Egypt has captivated the minds of explorers and travelers for centuries, and it is worth having on your bucket list.

If you want a guided tour of Egypt, I highly recommend Exodus Travels . With destinations on all seven continents, Exodus Travels is one of the most popular group travel companies for adventurous travelers, and their Egyptian tours are particularly good.

With 9 different guided tours in Egypt, you can find the perfect itinerary for your trip. Exodus Travels is a true expert in the industry and hires incredible guides for their group travel excursions.

Plus, Exodus Travels also offers trips that are perfect for family travel.

Klook : Best Asia Tour Company

Whether you want to experience the hustle and bustle of downtown Tokyo or an adventurous trek to Everest Base Camp, Klook is one of the best group travel companies for Asia.

Klook is more than just a tour operator. It is a marketplace for everything travel, from airline tickets to hotels to tickets to museums, theme parks, and more. Klook offers trips for small groups or individual travelers all around the globe, but they are based in Asia, and that’s where they focus.

Klooks South Korea Tour will take you to Nami Island, through beautiful gardens, and into a centuries-old palace in Seoul.

Click Tours : Best Tour Company for Israel

Click Tours specializes in group travel in Europe and the Middle East, and Israel is by far their most popular tour destination. In Israel, Click Tours will offer trips ranging from 3-day highlight tours to 18-day deep-dive cultural experiences.

They focus on small group travel, and your tour group will have 15-24 guests. That means you get more personal attention and a more authentic experience of the country.

A tour of Israel with Click Tours will focus on historical and archeological sites. You’ll visit temples and ruins that are thousands of years old as well as dive into the amazing food and rich culture of Israel.

Epos Travel Tours : Best Tour Company for Greece

If you’re looking for a group travel trip to Greece, Epos Travel Tours is a local company based in Tripolis that offers tours across the country.

Since Epos Travel Tours specializes only in Greece, you can expect catered trips and insider knowledge. They are truly the experts in travel to Greece, and their trip itineraries are designed to help you get the most from your trip, whether you want to visit historical sites or delve into amazing food and culture.

If you’re into history and architecture, their tour of Ancient Corinth is hard to beat!

Best Tour Companies FAQ

Which is the best tour company in the world.

In my experience, Intrepid Travel is the best tour operator. They have amazing small-group tours.

What are the top travel companies?

The top travel companies for tours include Intrepid Travel , G Adventures , and Trafalgar .

Is Globus or Trafalgar better?

Trafalgar is usually the better choice. They offer amazing all-inclusive tours around the world.

Are tour companies worth it?

Group travel can be worth it if you want the stress and planning taken out of your trip.

Who is the biggest tour company?

Disney is the biggest tour company by revenue.

How do you know if a tour company is legit?

It is a good idea to look for reviews of a tour company on TripAdvisor.

Jakob Thygerson

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search our latest articles, reviews and gear guides

• TravelFreak on Instagram
• TravelFreak on Facebook
• TravelFreak on Twitter
• TravelFreak on Pinterest

Sign up now and get the best gear, travel tips, deals and destinations, straight to your inbox.

Thank you for signing up!

• Destinations
• Hotels & All-Inclusives
• Theme Parks

11 guided tour companies that offer trips around the world

For people who like traveling with like-minded people, guided tours can be the perfect way to see a new destination..

Like cruising and theme park vacations , guided tours aren’t for everyone. But for people who especially enjoy meeting (and traveling with) like-minded people on vacation, guided group tours can be the perfect way to see a new destination—and make some new friends along the way. 

Some guided tours are geared toward groups of a dozen or fewer, while others can accommodate 50 or more travelers. Most guided tours include accommodations and some meals. In all cases, the tour companies who operate group tours take most of the complicated planning out of the equation , leaving you to focus on simply enjoying your vacation. 

The best guided tour operators

If you’re ready to give tour groups a try, consider one of these guided tour operators that rank among the very best in the world. 

MAKE MEMORIES: Tours for everyone: 11 best companies for family vacations

Guided tour operator Tauck has been a leader in high-end group tours since its founding in 1925. Operating land-based group tours on all seven continents (as well as river tours in Europe and small-ship tours around the world), Tauck caters to families, couples, and solo travelers.

ACTIVE TRAVEL:   5 best senior adventures for travelers age 50+ The average size of a guided tour group with Tauck is 35 to 44 guests, though the group size may vary depending on the season and the nature of the tour. Travelers enjoy Tauck for its attention to detail and ease of planning. Prices for tours vary by location, type of tour, and season, but the average Tauck tour starts at around $4,000 and goes up from there for one room with two guests. 

2. Trafalgar

Taking groups on guided tours to destinations around the world since 1947, Trafalgar runs trips to nearly every corner of the planet except Antarctica. The mostly land-based guided tours are offered year-round, including to popular destinations like New Zealand and Africa. The number of guests on tours vary based on the destination. Africa tours are the smallest with a maximum of 20 guests, while the United States and Canada tours are the biggest with up to 52 guests. 

SENIOR TRAVELERS: 9 tour companies that cater to travelers over 50

In addition to its standard tours, Trafalgar also offers women-only tours . Other travelers who may enjoy Trafalgar are adventure travelers and foodies. Trafalgar tours start at just under $2,000 for one guest.

3. Collette

No travel company brand has been doing group trips longer than Collette , which has been in business since 1918. The group touring agency goes to all seven continents and has 179 different tour options. Its top tour destinations are Ireland, Italy, and Iceland. 

TRIPS OF A LIFETIME:   12 best Amtrak vacations and scenic train rides in North America

Collette’s small group exploration tours allow for 14 to 24 people per tour, while its classic group tours can be up to 44 people. Collette primarily serves an older audience of travelers over 55. Tours with Collette start at just under $1,500 per person. 

4. Grand Circle Travel

Another popular group tour option for travelers over 50 is Grand Circle Travel , which has been in operation since 1958. Grand Circle’s variety of land-based tours and river cruises range in size from 24 to 47. Trips with Grand Circle start around $2,400 but vary based on the destination and season. 

5. Adventures by Disney

The luxury travel arm of Disney, Adventures by Disney is known for its focus on guided family tours . Since its founding in 2005, the company has continued to add new touring options with land- and river cruise-based adventures to destinations worldwide. Tours with Adventures by Disney can have upwards of 40 people, including kids under 10 years old. The tour company does offer some adult-only adventures as well. 

LEAVE THE PARENTS AT HOME:   9 skip-gen vacations grandparents and grandkids will love

One reason why travelers choose Adventures by Disney for family vacations is that they likely already partake in other Disney vacations and know the level of service Disney can provide. Adventures start at just under $2,100 for one person for a short two-night escape. 

6. G Adventures

Best known for its cheaper group tours that span the globe from Croatia to Tanzania, G Adventures was founded in 1990 as a way to bridge the divide between solo adventure travel and more mainstream travel. G Adventures focuses on small group trips; the number of travelers per group is typically between 10 to 15 participants. 

7. Intrepid Travel

Eco-conscious travelers will want to consider a group travel vacation with Intrepid Travel , which is known for its active stance on climate action and sustainable travel. Intrepid offers tours for families as well as more strenuous walking tours and cycling tours. Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking small group tours of about 10 people around the world from Bali to Antarctica. 

8. Backroads

Travelers with a more active lifestyle who want to take a group tour will want to look into Backroads , where hiking and biking tours are the main attraction. Backroads has been traveling around the world from famous U.S. national parks to the glaciers of Antarctica since 1979. Backroads offers more than 200 different tours, most of which have an average of 16 participants. Prices start around $2,500 per person. 

9. Classic Journeys

Luxury group tour operator Classic Journeys (founded in 1995) offers tours to destinations around the world, and are especially well tailored to travelers interested in wildlife or local food and drink. These small group tours are typically no larger than 12 guests. Land-based trips start around $3,300. 

10. Thomson Family Adventures

With a focus on family travel, Thomson Family Adventures has been operating group tours to more than a dozen destinations since 1998. These bucket-list-worthy trips are limited to no more than 25 people. Tours start at $3,190 per adult and teen and $2,990 per child. 

11. Road Scholar

Since 1975, Road Scholar has provided educational tours around the world for small groups of 12 participants or less. The trips are ideal for those who want to do a deep dive into a destination’s culture or be immersed in nature. These budget-friendly trips start around $750 per person. 

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 12 best hotel booking sites for cheap prices
• 17 best flight booking sites for cheap airfare
• 10 best car rental booking sites for cheap prices

8 off-the-beaten-path destinations great for family travel on a budget

Cold outside? These 7 family resorts have indoor lazy rivers you can float on all winter long

11 all-inclusive family resorts with jaw-dropping swim-up rooms

Sandals and Beaches Resorts roll out new sale, this time just for Jamaica

familyvacationist

I’ve taken my kids to Europe dozens of times. Here are my tips for a perfect European family vacation.

After dozens of transatlantic trips, I finally got the routine down.

America’s best waterfront resorts for families, recommended by real travelers

Check into these resorts for a memorable stay by the ocean, lake, or river.

This Florida beach has the whitest sand thanks to ancient river flow

Siesta Key offers a slice of picture-perfect paradise in one superbly family-friendly bite.

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

Book Your 2025 Tour

New brochures available, today's best travel deals.

Secure your spot on popular 2025 tours

Pre-order now

These deals won't last long

Request A Brochure

Popular searches

Domestic Trips

See America in a new light

Vacations under 14 days

Limited availability. Selling fast.

Today's best travel deals

Save now. Don't miss out. 

Offers for travel groups of 9+

Save when you book 9+ guests

Past guest benefits

Savings with Global Tour Rewards

Tours under $2000

Browse our value vacations

All Last Minute Deals

Simply the best and most relevant way to travel

Everything Taken Care of

Value for Money

100+ Years of Travel Expertise

We MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Looking for inspiration?

Order or download your free brochure

The top 10 'travelling solo' myths debunked

The power of shared experiences: how travel bonds us together

Why September is the perfect time to visit Italy

Got questions? Find your answer in our popular FAQs >

See All Destinations

We are the world's most loved tour company

Ready to be inspired?

Get your free brochure and plan your next escape.

Request a Brochure

5 million happy guests...

...and counting. See what our past guests have to say.

Read Reviews

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• World's Best

Our Readers' Favorite Tour Operators in 2022

These are the companies Travel + Leisure readers trust to provide them with travel expertise and memorable experiences.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite tour operators .

When it comes to an itinerary, Travel + Leisure readers want more than a string of photo opportunities — and the right tour operator makes all the difference in creating a trip of a lifetime versus one that simply checks off a list of sights. This year, our readers were especially drawn to companies that utilize local expertise and experience to thoughtfully design trips that will entertain as well as inspire.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey , T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated tour operators and safari outfitters based on their staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and overall value.

The top picks were noted for their deep knowledge of destinations and guides who "go the extra mile." One reader who has been traveling for more than five decades said a trip with Classic Journeys (No. 2) was the "very best" they had experienced. Others noted attention to pandemic safety details, while one who went to Norway was charmed by a "wonderful surprise dinner in Bergen out on the water that was fantastic."

Tour operators that seamlessly navigated the logistics of a trip also came out on top. Quasar Expeditions (No. 9) was noted "for really planning out every detail" so that "all you have to do is show up and have a great time." Meanwhile, of TCS World Travel (No. 10), a guest said: "You never lift a finger and just spend your time actually exploring the destination." They even added that they "learned so much" along the way.

Among the five companies on this year's list that weren't on last year's were two women-only tour operators that cater to travelers of all ages. AdventureWomen (No. 14) has multiday tours designed by women from Bhutan to Yellowstone National Park, while Explorer Chick (No. 15) has everything from day trips — like glassblowing in Baltimore and cave rappelling in St. Louis — to full itineraries in Machu Picchu and the Galápagos. One reader said her Everest Base Camp trip with AdventureWomen was filled with "like-minded women" who "bonded so well," while another said she felt it was a "safe tour group for women."

No matter which tour they chose, readers were most taken by the people they met along the way, as one said of Trek Travel (No. 13): "By the end of the trip, a group of strangers felt like longtime friends." Find out which other companies round out the list of the best tour operators below.

1. DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.

A tour with DuVine goes far beyond just riding a bike — it's a way to really see the character of a destination. Case in point: even those who say they're not necessarily cycling fans have been converted. That's part of what helped the tour operator — which runs trips in Europe, the U.S., Latin America, and Africa — skyrocket from No. 14 last year to this year's top spot. Its "top-notch biking equipment" and "challenging but doable itineraries" didn't hurt either. One reader was especially taken by a guide picking figs off of a local tree in Puglia for an extra energy boost during a tough climb, as well as another guide singing to the group after dinner. As another reader put it simply: "They exceed your expectations."

Score: 99.12

More information: duvine.com

2. Classic Journeys

Score: 99.04

More information: classicjourneys.com

3. Artisans of Leisure

Score: 98.38

More information: artisansofleisure.com

4. (tie) Black Tomato

Score: 98.33

More information: blacktomato.com

4. (tie) GeoEx

More information: geoex.com

4. (tie) Wilderness Travel

More information: wildernesstravel.com

7. Inside Japan Tours

Score: 98.14

More information: insidejapantours.com

8. Kensington Tours

Score: 98.03

More information: kensingtontours.com

9. Quasar Expeditions

Score: 97.84

More information: quasarex.com

10. TCS World Travel

Score: 97.78

More information: tcsworldtravel.com

11. Butterfield & Robinson

Score: 97.33

More information: butterfield.com

Score: 96.95

More information: tauck.com

13. Trek Travel

Score: 96.90

More information: trektravel.com

14. AdventureWomen

Score: 96.11

More information: adventurewomen.com

15. Explorer Chick

Score: 95.87

More information: explorerchick.com

Related Articles

7 Companies You Can Trust for Great Family Vacation Packages

Updated January 9, 2023

Planning a successful family vacation is work—but not if you let a packager do the work for you. Buying a vacation through a tour operator frees you from the tedious details of deciding where to stay, what to eat, when to visit each attraction, and how to get to each place. Travel packagers take care of all the logistics, and truly expert ones know their destinations deeply, so their inside knowledge may even be able to provide you with special perks. We like these seven tour operators’ family trips—they cover a variety of destinations, styles, group sizes, and prices, and they have proven themselves with families over the years.

Austin Adventures keeps groups small: It aims for a 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio and vets those guides for charisma, making sure the leader has a personality kids will want to follow. Family groups explore Europe, New Zealand , Latin America, and North American national parks (a company specialty). Austin excels in outdoorsy outings such as horseback riding, glacier trekking, kayaking, and bicycling (always on trails, never on highways). The company strives to add excitement with what it calls unexpected “wow moments”—like the reward of ice cream and brownies served after a hike to the top of Angels Landing in Bryce National Park. Many trips follow a 6-day/5-night schedule plan, although international tours are longer. On departures for families with teens, expect more pedaling, paddling, and hiking to panoramic views, such as in the San Juan Islands , Yellowstone National Park , and the Kenai Fjords region. 

Kids’ ages:  6–12 (Alaska: min. age 7); 13+ for family teen trips Group size: 12–18

Tauck , founded in 1925, launched Bridges in 2004 to cater to the family market through deeper cultural experiences. In Rome , visit the Sistine Chapel after hours without herds of tourists (pictured); in Cusco , Peru, make chocolate; and in London , zoom along the Thames in a speedboat. On Tauck’s increasingly popular European river boat family departures (the company owns its own vessels), visit multiple destinations but unpack only once. In port, you and your kids bike through the countryside, learn to make marzipan, and visit a Camargue ranch to meet cowboys and their legendary white horses. On board, kids fly kites, cook with the chef, and learn local phrases. For cruises, Tauck adds three guides and a family host to the ship’s standard staff. For land trips, one driver/escort leads. 

Kids’ ages: 8–17 Group size: 40 (up to 130 on river cruises)

Originally known as R Family Vacations and rebranded as KelliGregg Travel in 2022, this inclusive company gears trips toward LGBTQ+ travelers and their kids, friends, relatives, and allies. In addition to expanding its offerings for grown-ups, KelliGregg continues to organize its summer highlight under the R Family banner: a big cruise featuring show tunes, LGBTQ+ comedy acts, family dance parties, theater camp, outdoor adventures, and a lot more. 

Kids’ ages: any age Group size: varies per trip type

There’s something special about having a friend in a foreign destination. Thomson Family Adventures creates that connection with Friends Across Borders, a digital pen pal initiative available for families who book many of its trips. Your kids correspond ahead of time with local children whom they then meet during the journey. In places with scarce internet and computer access, ground partners personally print and deliver messages. The goal is to immerse kids in the culture, whether it's through activities such as swimming with whale sharks in Baja , sailing in Ireland , or hiking in the Andes (pictured). Some trips cater to families with teens or multigenerational participants. On departures with more than eight people, a Rafiki (Swahili for friend) travels along to keep the kids engaged. Trips always have one driver and one guide.   

Kids’ ages: 8–16 typically (some trips accept younger kids) Group size: 8–12

Among the more than 50 itineraries in over 40 countries visited by  Adventures by Disney , you can count on getting hands-on local experiences, guides with a gift for storytelling, and time built into the schedule for parents and kids to be both together and apart. You and your children might craft bento boxes at a Japanese cooking school, try archery at a Scottish estate, and learn hurling in Ireland. At other times, adults might sample wines at a vineyard in Tuscany while kids are taken to pick herbs for infusing olive oil. During adults-only dinner nights, kids grab a meal and watch a Disney movie. Daily activities are focused on local culture, not Disney characters—although you may expect a few surprise appearances from those along the way. Tours of Southern California grant private access to the Walt Disney Studios & Archives and Jim Henson Studios, which are normally closed to the public. In Europe, Disney partners with AmaWaterways for river cruises. Overall, many ABD trips are 8 days/7 nights, but the company also operates shorter Escapes that can be booked on their own or added to an itinerary. 

Kids’ ages: 6+ (though kids as young as 4 may be allowed depending on the trip) Group size: 38–40

The Sierra Club , one of the oldest U.S. conservation organizations, calls its trips “adventures for a cause.” By leading organized rafting, hiking, canoeing, and volunteering vacations for families, the Sierra Club connects kids to the outdoors, hoping to turn them into future protectors of the environment. Family excursions explore the United States: Wind down rivers in Utah, Oregon, and Idaho (pictured); or base your brood at an Adirondacks’ lodge for hiking, canoeing, swimming, and mountain biking. On service trips you might do things like clearing trails in the Tahoe National Forest or working with animals on a Pennsylvania farm. On Sierra Club Outings, the naturalist leaders are volunteers. 

Kids’ ages: 6+, depending on the trip Group size: 12–15 (up to 24 for raft trips)

National Geographic Family Journeys (in partnership with G Adventures) were launched in 2020 as a subset of Nat Geo's 300 or so vacations for a general audience. These family-specific itineraries are developed alongside experts such as scientists and researchers, who emphasize sustainability and supporting local culture. On these trips, you and your kids might taste-test noodles cooked by teens learning culinary arts in Hoi An, Vietnam (pictured); plant seedlings at a tree nursery in Costa Rica; or fashion your own Carnival mask in Venice . Pre-departure, parents receive field guides with advice on sparking children’s interest in the area, and kids get tips on photographic storytelling. Two “Chief Experience Officers” (aka enthusiastic guides) lead families through the 8- to 13-day itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Iceland, France, Costa Rica, Peru, Alaska, and other adventurous places. 

Kids’ ages: 7–17 Group size: 20 

• All Regions
• Australia & South Pacific
• Caribbean & Atlantic
• Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Arts & Culture
• Beach & Water Sports
• Local Experiences
• Food & Drink
• Outdoor & Adventure
• National Parks
• Winter Sports
• Travelers with Disabilities
• Family & Kids
• All Slideshows
• Hotel Deals
• Car Rentals
• Flight Alerts
• Credit Cards & Loyalty Points
• Cruise News
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Car, Bus, Rail News
• Money & Fees
• Health, Insurance, Security
• Packing & Luggage
• -Arthur Frommer Online
• -Passportable
• Road Trip Guides
• Alaska Made Easy
• Great Vacation Ideas in the U.S.A.
• Best of the Caribbean
• Best of Mexico
• Cruise Inspiration
• Best Places to Go 2024

Out of Your Comfort Zone

The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, 7 best small group tour companies for international travel around the world.

Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by Lohanna Reis

The best rated tour companies specialized in small group travel (with tips to save on your bookings). Tour companies for all types of travelers: solo traveler, adventure, exotic/hard-to-reach destinations, luxury, young, singles, party, family, etc. Plus, pros and cons so you can compare organized group trips with independent traveling.

To travel independently? Or to travel as part of the group? That is the (cheesy) question!

Okay, if you know this website/blog, you’ll know that it focuses on tips for independent world travel (without an excursion or tour) that let you travel long-term even if you are on a tight budget. It’s just that you need the time and planning to be able to prepare an entire trip yourself.

But I know that some people either don’t like or don’t have the time to prepare all that they need for a trip by themselves ( flights , accommodation , itinerary , transportation , travel insurance , etc….).

In this case, my suggestion is to travel as part of a group tour. Then, basically all the most important parts of your trip will already be taken care of and organized and all you’ll have to do is relax and enjoy.

And there’s nothing wrong with traveling as part of a tour group (even if that’s not something we usually focus on here). You still can have a travel experience that is incredible, all-encompassing, and authentic whether you go on your own or with a tour.

The problem is knowing which company and type of tour to do.

I say this because there are “TOUR GROUPS,” and there are “ tour groups .” In other words, not all tour companies around the world are created equally. And that’s why below we selected some of the best-known and highest-rated tour companies on the market. In other words, they are great travel alternatives if backpacking during your holidays isn’t really your thing.

(But if you want to save money or travel on a tight budget, just keep in mind that it will almost always be a lot cheaper to travel independently. If that’s more your aim, then just follow the sequence on this page to begin planning your next trip yourself.)

P.S.: Remember that you can combine independent travel with group travel! When I was in Australia, I did a large part of my trip independently (backpacking-style) but when I went to see the central area (Alice Springs and Uluru), I went with a tour. It worked out perfectly to mix tours and travels!

Table of Contents

• 1 The 5 Best Tour Companies for International Travel Around the World
• 2 So, should I travel with a tour group or by myself?
• 3 How Do I Choose the Best Tour and Group Travel Company for Myself?
• 4 How Should I Prepare for my Group Tour (and Save Some Extra Money While I’m at it)?
• 5 A super quick summary
• 6 Planning your next trip?

The 5 Best Tour Companies for International Travel Around the World

G Adventures type of tours: Fun, relaxed or adventure trips

G Adventures is one of the biggest tour companies for small group travel in the world. They focus on adventure travel at a relatively low cost compared to other companies. They have more than 650 different excursions/adventure tours on all 7 continents! Yes, even to Antarctica (just in case anyone forgot this was a continent ?) and the Arctic (though this doesn’t get to be a continent because it’s basically just a block of ice ☹). And they have guided tours of all kinds: Active, YOLO (for young people aged 18-39), Family, Classic, etc…in other words, you’ll definitely find a tour that’s right for you!

And I, personally, really like the way they give the search results – with maps and tour itineraries – that show you exactly what you’re going to do. This makes it easy to compare different tours.

Intrepid type of tours: Fun, relaxed or adventure trips

Along with G Adventures, Intrepid is another one of the biggest international tour operators for adventure travel on the market, offering more than 800 itineraries around the planet. With them, you’ll travel in small groups of lots of adventure and minimal frills. In some cases, depending on the type of excursion (such as a camping excursion), it’s expected that you’ll help prepare dinner together with the other travelers. Don’t worry, all will be explained and led by your guide!

I did a tour similar to this in the middle of the desert in Australia and it was awesome! It helps you build a connection with your group which makes the tour that much better. And like G Adventures, Intrepid also has tours of all kinds such as Family, Biking, Wildlife, etc…it’s hard not to find something you like.

Contiki type of tours: trips with a focus on partying, having fun and relaxing

Contiki is famous for organizing guided trips for young people aged 18-35 (they are actually one of the tour companies that don’t allow people outside this range). And they are well-known by one thing: the parties!

With Contiki, a day of visiting tourist attractions in Europe or Australia will usually end in partying, booze and uh…..well, there’s a reason some people call it Sextiki. I’m not saying this based on my opinion, but just google around and you’ll find the same thoughts.

So, Contiki may not be for everyone…but if you’re are traveling alone and beyond tourism also want to meet people from around the world and party, Contiki is the tour company for you! There’s a reason why their catchphrase is #NOREGRETS.

But this doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy Contiki if traveling as a couple or if you aren’t a big partier, but you should know upfront kind of what to expect.

They have tour groups going to the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Latin America, etc…but they are especially awesome for European tours. 

Special Promotional Coupon Code for Contiki: PPASIALMD526

(mention code DPRKOUT )

YPT type of tours: low-key trips to exotic and hard to reach places

If you’ve read our article about How to Visit North Korea on a Budget , you’ll see that we visited one of the world’s most closed-off countries with Young Pioneer Tours. This is because YPT is a tour company that specializes in, according to them, “budget tours to destinations your mother would rather you not go to.” Places like Turkmenistan, Eritrea, Iran, Transnistria (actually, I visited this last one by myself in one of my Europe trips and wrote about it here ), and other infamous places that are difficult for tourists to get to.

So if you are on the lookout for adventure and uncommon destinations, I’d recommend taking a look at their website.

When booking with Young Pioneer Tours, mention the code DPRKOUT while making your booking to get a free t-shirt and an exclusive North Korea travel guide. Also valid for trips to destinations beyond North Korea.

Tourradar type of tours: tour search engine with all kinds of excursions and travel packages

Unlike the options above, Tourradar doesn’t actually offer their own tours. Instead, they are a big aggregator (or online marketplace) that lists guided tours from companies around the world.

On the website, you can search for and book group tours/packages from more than 500 different operators.

So, if you want to make things easy, just put in the destination you’d like to visit, the month, and the year and Tourradar will give you a gigantic list of guided tour options of all kinds. 

During your search, you can also filter by price, duration, age range, style, etc…which makes finding affordable tours pretty easy. 

Something that I think is really cool about Tourradar is that they have a section with the best festival tours around the world – like the Tomatina in Spain, Exit in Serbia, Oktoberfest in Germany, and even tours to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro!!

Win a free trip with Tourradar!

Another great thing about them is that they are always giving away free trips. To enter in one of the contests, just click this link here  or the picture below, put in your name and email….and that’s it! Good luck!!

  6. Encounters Travel

Encounters Travel Type of Tours: Innovative tours to open-minded people

Encounters Travel is an English company with more than 50 years of experience. The company’s focus is saving money combined with the enjoyment of its customers, considering the cultural aspects of each country.

So to not exclude anyone, the groups have a maximum of 20 travelers, in addition to offering a private tour service, where prices can be a little more expensive, but ideal for those who prefer to travel alone.

With Encounters Travel, it is also possible to customize excursions, in case you are in a group of friends who want to deviate a little from the itinerary planned by the company. They are great for college, school, clubs or association outings.

The company’s website is super intuitive, divided into several categories that make it easier to decide the perfect trip for you. There’s also a section of the site dedicated to booking last-minute trips, in case you’re one of those people who doesn’t like to plan too far in advance!

Trafalgar type of tours: exclusive travel focused on luxury, convenience, and comfort for selective travelers

Well, as you probably already know, this website/blog isn’t exactly focused on guided trips of luxury and comfort. But, although the tour companies listed above will already be a lot more comfortable than an independent trip weighed down with your own backpack, they tend to attract travelers that are a bit more adventurous and low-key.

But if your travel style is more about relaxing, luxury, and comfort, I recommend you check out Trafalgar. Trafalgar is one of the oldest, most renowned, and exclusive tour operators in the world. They offer more than 230 different itineraries around the world that can also be tailor-made for even the most selective of travelers.

If this sounds like you, take a look at their site and get a tour quote to see if the options are to your taste and style.

SFT Tours type of tours: excursions around the world in small groups for women only

Solo Female Travelers Tours is a women’s company that caters exclusively to the female audience. The intent of this is to create comfortable, safe, and reliable adventures for their clients in places that would not normally be very accessible to solo travelers.

SFT Tours has small group tours to Iceland, Tuscany, Tanzania, Sudan, Mongolia, and Antarctica. Their trips are quite varied, ranging from luxury tours in the Italian countryside to extreme adventures like climbing Kilimanjaro and motorcycle expeditions through Mongolia (see here 25 Interesting Things I Learned While Traveling in Mongolia ).

By booking an expedition with them you will be connected with other women traveling solo, which is a great opportunity to create new friendships. All Solo Female Travelers Tours prioritize companies created and led by women with a mission to help empower women around the world.

So, should I travel with a tour group or by myself?

Pros of Traveling with a Group Tour

• As mentioned above, almost everything will be organized for you . So, just relax and enjoy!
• If you don’t want to travel alone but don’t have a friend or family member to go with you, going with a pre-arranged group will take care of that.
• You can feel safer because you’ll always be with a guide. In other words, you won’t find yourself lost in the middle of the city or getting cheated by that taxi driver in Santiago del Chile while in an escorted tour.
• You can access places that are almost “closed” to independent tourists. As an example, we had to visit North Korea with a tour – we explain it here if you want to do the same. The same thing is true of Iran for American and British citizens.
• It’s easier to get a visa for certain countries. In other words, it’ll often be easier to apply for a visa and have it approved if you already have a tour booked and paid for.
• Group tours are a great way to meet people and make friends from around the world! Since the tour companies are international, you won’t just be traveling with people from your own country (you can do that at home) . You can find 11 tips to make friends while traveling in our article here .
• Most of the recommended tour companies here give you some “me time” that’ll let you have some time to explore on your own during the tour. But in some places, like North Korea , this won’t be true as you must always be with a guide. Remember that there’s also the possibility of doing extra travel tours during those “me time” periods if you prefer.
• It’s guaranteed that you’ll stay in quality and pre-reserved accommodations (so you don’t have to worry about sleeping on a bench in that park in Banff, Canada because it was Easter and everything was full….which I totally don’t know from experience or anything).
• You’ll have help and support in the case of sickness, theft, loss, accident or any other unexpected problem that can happen during your trip.

Cons of Traveling with a Group Tour

• Traveling in a group can be frustrating . Not everyone always gets along and sometimes they’ll be disagreements or little cliques. But in general, the type of people who decide to travel with a lot of the tour companies below are open-minded and easy to deal with.
• If you like having your space, being in a tour group isn’t ideal. Even if the tours suggested below do give you some time to relax and explore by yourself, the “me time” isn’t unlimited.
• Going with a group tour is almost guaranteed to be more expensive than traveling, planning, and reserving everything yourself.
• If you end up in a group with an average age different from your own , it can be a bit irritating. Heterogeneous groups with different ages are common on many tours and it’s interesting to hear about different life experiences. But if you’re 21 and the average age of your group is 60, it’s not so interesting.
• You have to be patient with that couple that is always late to breakfast in the morning or nearly misses the bus after each stop. But this is all part of traveling in a group tour….so, don’t be “THAT couple!!”
• On that note, remember that you have responsibilities of being a part of the group and you can’t just “do what you want” like you could if you were traveling alone.
• You are stuck with your group’s schedule . Outside of the “me time” allotted, if you want to catch the bus and stick with the group, you have to follow the schedule. Think the current museum is boring? You have to stay there until the set time is finished. Want to spend more time at the beach? You’ll be cut short when your group starts leaving you behind.

How Do I Choose the Best Tour and Group Travel Company for Myself?

There’s a bunch of factors you need to consider:

• Type of tour: Since you’ll find tours of all types offered by the companies below, choose the one you’re most interested in: city, train, adventure, cycling, festivals , camping, beach, historical, etc…
• The age range of tours: If you are 24, you probably don’t want to be part of a tour with the average age of 62! Same idea the other way. Being the oldest person in a tour with a bunch of 23-year-olds that are out late partying every night isn’t that great.
• Cost of additional activities: In general, the tour packages mentioned below will cover all accommodation and transportation and some of the food and attractions. However, there are almost always additional costs that could be added on during the trip. Things like riding a camel, diving , learning to surf, etc… and if everyone else on the tour is doing it, you probably don’t want to be the only one watching from the sidelines. So, see what the possible extra costs could be (beyond the price of the tour) to make sure they fit into your trip’s budget.
• Amount of free time: Some people like to do activities with the group all day long (to make the most of what they paid for). But others like some time to head out a bit on their own to explore the city or just relax without their guide at their side. You can usually see how much “me time” or free days you’ll have by looking at a tour’s itinerary.
• Atmosphere: This is similar to the idea of age above. Some tours are completely focused on young people and partying (I’m talking about you, Contiki !), and others revolve more around history, museums, and cities like a European tour. Then, there are others still with more adventure and less fuss. Research well before deciding!
• Reviews: As with everything online, you can also find reviews for tours and tour companies. Some reviews are on the company website itself, others you’ll have to search online for. It’s always good to hear what other travelers who’ve actually been on the tours thought of the company, the destination, and the itinerary.
• Level of physical activity: In almost all of the tours you might check out, there’ll be a level of physical activity number from 1 to 5 (with 1 being the lowest level, and 5 being the highest level). In other words, if you aren’t super active, I wouldn’t try to travel during your vacations with a tour that’s going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (likely a level 5 on that scale). On the other hand, if you are someone who’s in good shape and likes to exercise, a level 5 tour might be ideal for you. Personally, I love combining travel with exercise !
• Group size: On average, the companies below work with groups sizes that average 10 people. But there are sometimes bigger groups…though usually not bigger than the number needed to fill up a bus. Check the info about each tour if group size is important to you.
• Length & dates: This should seem obvious, but worth mentioning! If you can only have very specific days off work, you’ll have to make sure that the tour you want fits into this timeframe. Otherwise, if you have a big enough group, you may be able to arrange your own group tour with the dates of your choice.

How Should I Prepare for my Group Tour (and Save Some Extra Money While I’m at it)?

• Research and compare the cost of plane tickets yourself . Sometimes, you can buy your plane ticket with the company that you’re doing your tour with (like a tour package), but it’s also worth checking to see if you can find something better yourself. Research and compare what you find with the price the tour company is quoting you to see the best option. If you search yourself online, our article with 16 tips to save on flights can help.
• Explore different options for travel insurance before purchasing. Just like with flights, usually, you can either buy travel insurance directly with the same company you are buying the tour with, or buy it yourself. To do some research yourself, be sure to check out our article with the 3 best and cheapest travel insurance companies on the market ! And just remember: it’s obligatory to have travel insurance to participate in a tour and you’ll be asked to show proof of the insurance before your trip begins.
• Try to arrive a few days early in the place where your tour will start. Maybe consider staying around few extra days afterward to relax, as well. This makes sure you aren’t late, can have some time to prepare….and see a new place!
• If you arrive early or stay late after your tour, book accommodation in advance ! The majority of tour companies will offer some options for hostels/hotels to stay in before or after your trip. Obviously, they’ll earn some extra commission by making a reservation in your name. So, if you want to save in this aspect, consider booking something yourself . Then, you’ll be able to see all of the possible options (and not just the ones the company will push on you). Check out our article with the 6 best websites to find and reserve your hotel or hostel to help.
• Decide between a shared room or a private room. In most cases, if you are traveling alone, you’ll be put in a room with another solo traveler of the same gender. But if you want to stay in a room alone, you’ll have to pay a bit extra for a “single room supplement.”
• Be careful with the size of your bag or backpack. Just as with aircrafts, buses, boats, or trains, you’ll probably have a weight limit (about 20 kg) for the bag you bring on the tour.
• Plan ahead for your passport or visas. The entire process of getting a passport or visa is normally done by the travelers themselves and not by the company that organizes the tour. But as I mentioned, one benefit of going with a tour is that it’s easier to get a visa than if you were going alone.

A super quick summary

The best rated tour companies for adventurous, low-maintenance travelers: G Adventures and Intrepid

The top rated tour company for single or solo travelers that want to party and meet people from around the world: Contiki

The best tour company for people looking for trips to uncommon, off-the-beaten-path destinations: Young Pioneer Tours

The best tours website for travelers who want to see all the tour packages and excursions options in a single place: TourRadar

The best tour company for travelers that prioritize luxury and comfort: Trafalgar

Well, that’s it. You can have a great trip as part of a tour group or on your own. Really, the important thing is TO TRAVEL!!!

Also check out:

3 Best International Tour Companies for Adventure Travel

5 Best Group Tour Companies for Young Solo Single Travelers

5 Best Websites to Book Tours, Tickets & Attractions Around the World

Planning your next trip?

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.

16 Responses

[…] going into the desert, I recommend you find a tour company to bring you there, both for the activity options as well as for safety. Once you get there, I […]

[…] travels are overwhelming solo, as they are cheaper and easy to travel by one choice. Whereas the group tours are a bit expensive, for which you’ll need a lot of planning and […]

[…] Every travel lover would agree that a road trip is the best way to enjoy the most beautiful places. One has complete freedom to stop and stay in a location. You meet the locals and check out unexplored places too. It is not the case when you have a scheduled trip with an agency.  […]

[…] of whether you choose to travel independently or on a group tour in Spain, both options have their pros and […]

[…] of the option you choose to travel in Italy, whether independently or on a group tour, each has its pros and […]

[…] of the option you choose to travel in Portugal—either independently or in a group tour—each has its positive and negative […]

[…] of the option you choose for traveling to Vietnam, whether independently or in a group tour, each has its pros and […]

[…] of the option you choose for traveling in Australia, whether independently or on a group tour, each has its advantages and […]

[…] of the option you choose for traveling in the Middle East, whether independently or on a group tour, each has its pros and […]

[…] summary, the choice between traveling independently or in a group through Egypt depends on your personal preferences. Evaluate your interests, time availability, […]

Hey, glad you liked it! Let me know if you have any questions about it or the tour companies!

[…] of the option you choose for traveling to Indonesia, whether independently or on a group tour, each has its advantages and […]

[…] A group tour can help avoid many problems and make a trip more interesting. However, some drawbacks may turn a trip into a nightmare if you like freedom on trips. So, let’s take a deeper dive and learn as much as possible about all the pros and cons of traveling with a group of other tourists. […]

[…] summary, the choice between traveling independently or on a guided group tour depends on your personal preferences. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and […]

[…] today’s article will be focused on guided sustainable travel experiences with small-group tours. And so, I’ll be talking about the 3 most sustainable tour and excursion companies in the […]

[…] summary, the choice between traveling independently or in a group in Greece depends on your personal preferences. Evaluate your interests, time availability, budget, […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Next stop….The DMZ, South Korea

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

The 8 Best Travel Package Sites for Booking a Cheap Vacation

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Booking a flight, hotel, and rental car together doesn’t just save you time—it can often save you money, too. But before you make such a significant purchase, it’s important to find the best travel package sites for booking your vacation.

I tested more than a dozen vacation package sites to see which ones had the lowest prices and best user experience. I discovered that many of the best vacation package websites allow you to book any combination of flight, hotel, and rental car, while others are more limited (flight + hotel is often the default). Fortunately, some sites will let you add a car onto a hotel+flight package, even if a car isn’t listed on the initial booking page.

It’s also important to compare the price of a vacation booked as a bundle to that same trip booked a la carte as separate components. Booking a package isn’t always cheaper, and sometimes you’ll get  better flight options to choose from if you search for your airfare separately. In some searches, I discovered that the flight options included by default with my vacation package had ridiculously long layovers or undesirable departure times (4:30 a.m., anyone?).

The Best Car Rental Booking Sites

Keep a sharp eye out for resort fees; many of the best vacation booking sites don’t count them in their initial per-person price estimate because they’re collected separately by the hotel, but they can drive up the final cost of your trip. Similarly, optional airline baggage fees can also increase your total bill, especially if you book a flight in basic economy, and some vacation package sites don’t disclose these fees as clearly as others.

Finally, it’s important to know that many of the best sites for vacation packages are owned by the same parent company, so you’ll often find similar inventory and prices from one to the next. Knowing which sites are mostly interchangeable can save you some research time.

The Best Travel Package Sites

We put them to the test to compare prices, inclusions, and more. The following are the best websites to book vacations, listed in no particular order. Scroll down for more in-depth analysis of each one.

• Expedia’s sister sites: Travelocity , Orbitz , and CheapTickets

CheapCaribbean.com

Funjet vacations.

This well-known site is one of the best travel package sites for a reason. Expedia offers a full complement of bundle options (flight/hotel, flight/car, hotel/car, and flight/hotel/car) as well as trips to just about every corner of the globe. It’s reliable when it comes to pricing, too: Expedia offered the lowest price in two of my five tests, and was cheaper than average in all but one test booking.

That said, the amount the site said I was saving on a given package didn’t always match up to the actual price difference when I added up the cost of the trip’s individual elements. In one of my test cases, it was actually cheaper to book my flight, hotel, and car separately. So take those supposed savings with a grain of salt (or even better, price out the components separately on your own to be sure you’re getting the best deal).

Expedia has plenty of useful filters to help you find what you need. You can sort hotels by price, distance from a city’s downtown, guest rating, package discount, and property class, while flight options can be filtered by general departure and arrival times (for example, morning vs. evening), airline, whether carry-on bags are included, and more. You can also sort flight options by duration (longest or shortest), price (highest or lowest), departure time (earliest or latest), and arrival time (earliest or latest). There’s also a map view so you can check out the location of each hotel.

Best Feature: The breadth of choice and consistency of pricing make Expedia perhaps the best site for vacation packages. You may not always get the absolute lowest price here, but chances are you’ll pay a fair rate and have plenty of options to choose from.

Check out Expedia

How Far in Advance Should You Book a Vacation Home?

Expedia’s Sister Sites: Travelocity, Orbitz, and CheapTickets

Many travelers don’t realize that Travelocity , Orbitz , and CheapTickets are all owned by Expedia Group, and typically have very similar inventory and pricing to Expedia. Each of these sites has similar layouts and filter options, too. Like Expedia, these three sites offer every possible vacation package combination involving a flight, hotel, and/or rental car.

It was rare for any of these sites to beat out Expedia’s prices in my tests; in general, the rates were identical (especially on Travelocity, where I didn’t find any deviations from Expedia) or a little bit higher. However, Orbitz and CheapTickets did offer slightly cheaper packages on one flight/car itinerary.

Because the pricing is so similar, it’s probably not worth searching all three of these sites in addition to Expedia unless a difference of a few dollars will make or break your travel budget.

Best Feature: Travelocity, Orbitz, and CheapTickets offer a checkbox on their main booking page to specify “I only need accommodations for part of my trip”—a feature that allows user to select a subset of their trip dates and search for travel packages only within that period. This feature is also reflected on Expedia’s search page.

Note: Expedia Group also owns Hotwire , which I didn’t find quite as reliable as the other three in my tests. For one itinerary, a nonstop flight that the other sites offered was not available when booking a Hotwire package (though it was available when booking a separate flight on Hotwire), and the pricing on some searches was a little higher than on the other sites.

Check out Expedia’s sister sites below:

Like Expedia and its partners, Priceline also offers every possible combination of flight, hotel, and rental car. Its search results pages are easy to navigate, with plenty of filter and sort options, plus a map view for hotels. Priceline offers numerous hotel options in popular vacation destinations at every price point.

One quirk to prepare for: Priceline’s flight result page lists departure and return flights together as a pair rather than letting you choose each one separately. This cuts down on the number of screens you have to click through but could mean extra scrolling while you try to find the exact two flights you want. Not all flights that are available when booking airfare separately on Priceline seem to be accessible to those booking a package—so it’s worth checking both.

Priceline was in the middle of the pack as far as pricing was concerned. It won one of my tests but was the most expensive option in two others; overall, it offered cheaper-than-average prices 60 percent of the time. To help you save money, the site offers “Express Deals” for rental cars, an opaque option in which you don’t know which rental car brand you’ll get until after you’ve booked. If you’d rather choose which company you’re renting from, standard car rentals are also available.

Best feature: Once you’ve selected your flight and rental car preferences, the site will keep them the same as you click through alternate hotel possibilities—saving you the hassle of having to select them over and over again.

Check out Priceline

What Happens If You Don’t Turn Your Phone to Airplane Mode?

As its name suggests, CheapCaribbean.com has a more limited scope than other sites on this list, but it’s worth checking if you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean, where package trips such as honeymoons are particularly popular. The site turned up cheaper-than-average prices for both of my Caribbean tests.

CheapCaribbean.com is one of the best vacation websites for all-inclusive packages. Once you’ve entered your trip information, you can also filter your results by “adults only,” “children’s amenities,” and “luxury.” Each hotel-specific page includes a list of active promotions, on-site activities, and the property’s Tripadvisor Traveler Rating.

In some ways CheapCaribbean.com isn’t quite as sophisticated as other travel package sites. There’s no map available to compare locations of the listed hotel options. Also annoying: not being able to group Houston’s two airports into a single search, though you can select “all airports” for New York City and Washington, D.C. But the affordable deals are worth a few snags, as long as you’re only looking for a flight/hotel package—there’s no option to add a car or create any other package combinations, though you can add travel insurance and transfers, at least for the destinations I checked.

Best Feature: The “ Deals of Fortune ,” or bookings where you know the destination but not the exact resort until about a week before the trip. This is a fun feature for value-conscious travelers who aren’t set on a particular island or property.

Check out Cheapcaribbean.com

A popular meta-search site, Kayak saves travelers time by searching many of the best travel package sites with a single click. Unfortunately, you can’t specify which elements of your trip you’d like to bundle; it searches flight + hotel by default. You can add a car later on some of its partner sites, but if you’re looking for a flight/car package, you’ll have to go elsewhere.

Results list the cheapest available packages from sites such as Priceline (Kayak’s sister company), Expedia, and CheapCaribbean.com. There’s a map view available, and the results page shows both air- and hotel-related filters to make it easy to find nonstop flights, free breakfast, or a specific hotel.

I found that the prices listed on Kayak didn’t always match the price on the source site when I clicked over to find the deal—a fairly common problem with meta-search sites. But I also occasionally discovered that I got a different price after clicking from Kayak than I did when searching the same itinerary from the booking site’s home page. For example, a Las Vegas package was $819 per person on Priceline when I clicked over from Kayak, but just $783 when I booked the same package from the Priceline home page. Another test offered the opposite result, with the price being cheaper after clicking from Kayak than it was when booking directly on Priceline. The lesson: Test both options when using a meta-search site.

Best Feature: Being able to search some of the best vacation booking sites in a single place is a major time saver. Though Kayak doesn’t always find you the lowest possible price, it’s a good place to start your search and get an idea of what’s out there.

Check out Kayak

The Essential Caribbean Packing List

The Funjet home page gives you a single package option: flight/hotel. However, you can work around this by adding a rental car on at the end of a flight/hotel or individual flight booking. There are plenty of sort options for your results, including price, hotel name, rating, points of interest, and location.

One annoyance: Similarly to CheapCarribbean.com, there is no option to select “all airports” for certain cities like Houston or Chicago. And Funjet’s prices aren’t the most consistent, ranking as the cheapest in one test and the most expensive in another. Still, the site is worth comparing to others when booking your vacation.

Best Feature: Rather than making you scour the web for coupons, Funjet automatically applies any relevant promo codes to your search.

Note: If you’re headed to the Caribbean, Central or South America, Hawaii, or Mexico, try your search on Funjet’s sister site, Apple Vacations . The destinations it covers are more limited than Funjet’s, but I found that the prices were often a little better. CheapCaribbean.com is also owned by the same parent company, Apple Leisure Group.

Check out Funjet

Book Your Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

If you’re ready to book your next adventure but don’t want to commit to a prepackaged bundle, you can still save big by booking your hotel stay with SmarterTravel Hotels.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Germany: 8-Night Christmas Markets Tour w/Daily...

TripCompanion Tours

Poconos: 2-Nt, All-Incl. Stay at Upscale...

ResortsAndLodges.com

Amsterdam to Copenhagen: Luxe, 18-Night Northern...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Trending on SmarterTravel

4 Great Tour Companies with Independent Tours in 2024

These companies offer the benefits of a tour and the flexibility of independent travel..

Globus Debuts New Independent Touring Option

Say you want the convenience of a guided group tour but not necessarily the full tour experience. You’re hoping to book a structured trip that includes transportation , hotels , and some of the activities, but you prefer to not travel with a group of strangers. You’re not alone. In fact, a number of tour companies offer independent tours for people who want the benefits of a worldwide network of providers but who prefer to travel on their own.

Independent Tour Options from Tour Companies

Independent tours give you all of these benefits while still allowing you to choose your activities based on what you feel like doing on any given day. There’s also a spectrum of options that range from fully independent tours to more structured guided tours that build in a ton of free time for independent exploration. Here’s a rundown of the top tour companies and travel package companies that offer independent vacations. 

HOW TO DECIDE: 9 Tips for Choosing the Best European Tour for You

1. Independence by Globus (Offered by Globus)

A leader among major tour group companies, Globus touts its Independence by Globus offering as having the “many benefits of touring, untethered and unscheduled.” There are two formats—one called Independent City Stays, the other Independent Tours—and together they cover a wealth of itineraries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the South Pacific. 

Independent City Stays by Globus

Globus’ Independent City Stays focus on cities like Buenos Aires, Paris, and Tokyo. Included in the stay are hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, sightseeing orientations, and transportation between cities. You’ll have the support of Globus Local Hosts in the city as well as the GlobusGO app with its many traveler resources. 

• Independent Buenos Aires City Stay (4 days)
• Independent Tokyo and Kyoto City Stays (7 days)
• Independent Paris City Stay (4 days)

Independent Tours by Globus

Globus’ Independent Tours include hotel accommodations, daily breakfasts and some other meals, some guided sightseeing, and transportation between cities. You’ll also benefit from the expertise of Globus Local Hosts and have access to the GlobusGo mobile app. These independent tours include plenty of free time so you can choose what you want to do and when. Some examples include:

• Independent South Africa and Victoria Falls (11 days)
• Independent Highlights of Cambodia and Thailand (13 days)
• Independent Costa Rica Wonders (7 days)

2. Self-Guided Tours (Offered by Exodus Travels)

With its self-guided tours, Exodus Travels does the heavy lifting on the planning of European cycling, walking, and cultural adventures, freeing up more room for you to just enjoy your travels. The golden ticket on these self-guided tours are its in-depth trip notes that give you detailed guidance right down to the best spots for lunch and where to stop along the way.

GO TOGETHER:  10 Best Travel Tours for Women in 2024

These independent tours also include accommodations, luggage transport between hotels, plus plenty of local support (and 24-hour emergency support). They make bucket-list experiences like hiking in the Swiss Alps, walking the Camino de Santiago, or cycling through Portugal a lot easier to plan, while still doing it on your own rather than in a group. Sample Exodus Travels self-guided holidays include:

• Walking the Camino de Santiago Tour (11 days)
• Porto Coastal Cycling Tour (8 days)
• Classic Swiss Alps Walk Tour (8 days)

3. Intrepid Basix Trips (Offered by Intrepid Travel)

Intrepid focuses on adventure and off-the-beaten-path destinations, and with its Basix trips it offers independent travelers a sort of tour-light experience that’s big on independent vibes. The budget-minded option packages accommodations such as simple, clean, centrally located hotels, hostels, and even sometimes camping accommodations. Most Basix trips also include a night or two of homestays to give you a feel for local life.

ALL-DAY COMFORT:   How to Choose the Best Walking Shoes for Travel

You’ll have a local tour guide who meets you between stops and offers recommendations for food, attractions, and so on. There are optional activities that you can choose to join a group for or opt out of and explore on your own. Some examples of Intrepid Basix Tours are:

• Mexico Unplugged Tour (15 days)
• Serengeti Trail Tour (8 days)
• Essential Vietnam Tour (11 days)

4. Independent City Tours (Offered by Road Scholar)

Like Intrepid’s Basix tours, Road Scholar ‘s Independent City Tours offer the basic structure of a guided tour but with miles more flexibility and free time than the typical tour. It’s like a tour in that you have a Group Leader and Road Scholar’s signature educational programming ( geared toward senior travelers ), but you also have lots of free time plus resources that help you make the most of your independent hours (think self-guided excursion programs and transit and museum passes). Some sample Road Scholar Independent City Tours include:

• Jazz, Jambalaya, and Joie de Vivre in New Orleans (6 days)
• Independent Venice: Art, Culture and Canals (8 days)
• A Taste of Montreal (5 days)

It’s always important to ask yourself whether your travel style is better suited to a guided group tour or something more independent. If you’re curious about guided tours but have never tried one, here’s a helpful checklist of important things to consider before booking a guided tour .

More from TourScoop:

• 7 Best Group Travel Companies for Young Adults in 2024
• 8 Best Senior Travel Tour Companies in 2024
• 9 Best Women-Only Travel Groups and Tour Operators in 2024

Our running list of new-for-2025 tours

Solo Travel News: Road Scholar Debuts Exclusive Trips

Outdoor Afro and REI Co-op Team Up on New Trips Celebrating Black Joy

What’s tourscoop.

Tour Scoop’s team of travel experts brings you in-depth tour company overviews, tour itinerary reviews, the latest tour news, and travel tips and advice written just for guided tour travelers like you.

More about us

7 things to expect as standard on every tour

No matter what type of tour you book, you should confidently expect these seven things.

Immersive tours that let you live like a local

Live like a local with an immersive tour.

Here’s how 5 tour companies are taking sustainability seriously

These tour companies are leading the way on sustainable travel.

How to plan for free time and meals on a guided tour

A little planning goes a long way toward making the most of your free time on tour.

Deals of the Week   Outdoor Adventures   Up to 50% OFF

Budget Tours & Cheap Tour Packages

Get inspired by our selection of the best budget tours and cheap trips that will take you on exciting destinations around the world. Find and book your favorite organized adventure with the best budget tour companies .

6606 reviews on

Deals of the week

Trishuli River Rafting Adventure

Best 3 Days Nepal Tour - Kathmandu and Nagarkot

Poon Hill Trek: The Ultimate 7-Day Adventure for Stunning Himalayan Views

3 Days Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnel - Mekong Delta (Southern Vietnam)

Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek - 7 Days

Budget tours by continent.

Whether you’re planning a cheap tour around the world or you’re a bit undecided and looking for inspiration, our overview of budget tour packages sorted by continent will help you decide. Just click on the continent of your choice and let the adventure begin!

1,038 Tours

2,543 Tours

1,440 Tours

North America

Latin america, australia / oceania, best cheap travel packages by country.

Our travel experts have compiled a selection of destinations with budget tours for you. So take a look around, click on the country that interests you, and pick your favorite!

Philippines

Tips for budget savvy travelers on cheap tours, book flights in advance.

• Book as far in advance as possible (airlines release their seats up to one year in advance )
• Book your return ticket together with the outbound flight
• If you don’t know your return date, book a flexible return ticket . Rescheduling is usually cheaper
• Flights during the week are often cheaper than over the weekend

Travel during off-season

• Tour operators offer organized adventures during the off-season at a reduced rate
• Especially in Europe and Asia, destinations are less crowded
• On-site attractions lure visitors with discounts
• Bonus: It's always off-season somewhere on our beautiful planet

Save before you start

• Open an account, sub-account, or wallet specifically for your trip
• Deposit a fixed amount each month or week—the easiest way is to let it debit automatically
• Of course, the good old piggy bank works, too

Additional tips

• Travel outside of school vacation periods
• Use local public transport  instead of a private driver or taxi
• Use apps to compare prices , such as Skyscanner, Hopper, GasBuddy, and more
• Cook for yourself instead of always eating out
• When you eat out, dine where the locals eat . It’s authentic and cheaper
• Buy your food at local markets
• Use local SIM cards if your provider doesn’t support the country of your destination

The best adventure styles for budget tours

Budget safaris in Africa

Sailing budget tours in Europe

Sightseeing

Budget sightseeing tours in Asia

Honeymoon budget tours worldwide

River Cruise

Budget river cruises in Europe

Cultural budget tours in Asia

Self-drive budget tours in Europe

Budget beach tours in Asia

Kayaking budget tours in Europe

Hiking & Trekking

Hiking & trekking budget tours in Latin America

Budget tours by coach/bus in Europe

Volunteering

Volunteering in Asia

Best budget tour deals for Europe

Oktoberfest (2 night Package)

San Sebastian Surf House (2 nights)

Three day tour - Rafting on Tara and Drina rivers

2-Day Delphi & Meteora Tour

The Secret's Out: Durres Beach Paradise in Albania (Shhh...Everyone's Welcome!)

Best budget tour deals for asia.

Agra tour by Tuk Tuk

Varanasi - Religious Trip 2 Days

Sapa Trekking 2 Days 1 Night Overnight At Local Homestay

Pu Luong Featured Tour 2D1N

Best budget tour deals for africa.

Private 2 DAYS TOUR TO PYRAMIDS, MUSEUM AND COPTIC CAIRO

From Cairo - Private 2 Days Trip to White Desert and Bahariya Oasis Tour

Private 2 Days Tour To Pyramids, Cairo Museums

Overnight Camping Trip to El-Fayoum Oasis from Cairo

Amazing 3-Days Guided tours to Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Luxor

Best budget tour companies.

Europamundo

3,847 reviews

Bamba Travel

1,273 reviews

175 reviews

Travel Talk

4,367 reviews

Italy on a Budget Tours

334 reviews

Stoke Travel

366 reviews

Cheap Places to Travel in the US

James March

How to Spend Two Weeks in Brazil at Every Budget

Maggie Soares

Cheapest Places to Fly from London

Michelle Rae Uy

Italy for Every Budget

Stephanie Ling

Save big on your next adventure!

Get the best deals and travel inspiration straight to your inbox.

By submitting this form, I agree to the TourRadar T&Cs and Privacy policy .

10 Eco-Friendly Tour Companies You Should Know About

• Using eco-friendly, green tour companies is an excellent way to enjoy world travel while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and supporting local communities.
• G Adventures, Undiscovered Mountains, Byway Travel, Gondwana Ecotours, Experience Travel Group, Natural Habitat Adventures, Responsible Travel, AndBeyond, Seacology, and Intrepid Travel are some of the best sustainable tour operators available.
• These environmentally focused, green tour operators prioritize eco-friendly measures such as hiring local guides, tracking community profits, promoting flight-free travel, investing in clean drinking water systems, reducing carbon emissions, and partnering with conservation organizations.

Arguably, the greatest joy of travel is the opportunity to experience new sights, cultures, histories, and landscapes. Visitors will often spend months planning, booking tours, scouting restaurants, and scheduling in some needed downtime.

Not all travel is created equal, however. In fact, many of the most common travel practices today have a number of negative side effects on both the destination and the planet as a whole. So, how can travelers still enjoy the wonders of the world without harming it in the process? One of the best tips for environmentally friendly world travel is to use an eco-friendly tour company.

Many of the best eco friendly tour companies in the world offer all the same advantages as traditional tour groups but have also taken extra steps to ensure they hire locally and watch their product consumption, giving back to the community they draw their profits from. The tour companies below are some of the top-rated eco-friendly tour companies in the world, ensuring that responsible and sustainable travel is available for every adventurer.

Related: What Is Eco-Travel? Here's Every Type Of Eco-Tourism You Should Know About

G Adventures

When it comes to ecotourism, there are a variety of factors to consider, from wildlife welfare to carbon emissions. G Adventures believes that the key to addressing these issues and everything in between is community tourism. Whether leading guests as they watch penguins in Antarctica or exploring the most beautiful hiking trails through California’s Redwood National Park , the key to sustainable travel is leaving a positive impact on the community.

G Adventures achieves this by hiring only local guides and tracking how much of the money spent on a tour goes back into the communities visited. This dedication to ethical tourism, paired with the hundreds of tours available, makes G Adventures not just an exceptional eco-friendly tour company but one of the best tour countries available for world travel.

About G Adventures

• Tour Locations: 100+ Countries
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Partnered with nonprofit Planeterra , Locally Hired Guides, Track Community Profits from Tours, Partnered with Travel Without Plastic

Popular G Adventures Tour

• Tour: Las Vegas to San Francisco - Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
• Price: from $1,849/person
• Duration: 8 days
• Inclusions: Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, Entrance Fees, Camping Fees

Regardless of how visitors are exploring outdoor spaces, one of the best ways to promote eco-friendly travel is to follow the “Pack it in, pack it out” policy, also referred to as the “Leave No Trace” approach. This means that whatever comes into the park for an outing leaves with the individual who brought it, keeping parks free of trash and wildlife safe.

Related: Road Trip Worthy: Exploring The Most Scenic Drives Across The Southwest U.S.

Undiscovered Mountains

The French Alps are one of the most unique mountain destinations in the world and, like many mountain destinations, are often the victim of predatory tourism practices. Undiscovered Mountains , which specializes in the French Alps, has a variety of eco-friendly options for individuals and families looking to enjoy the mountain snow.

Undiscovered Mountains offers a variety of skiing, snowboarding, and mountain tour experiences, all with local guides and sources from local businesses. Paired with locally owned accommodation partnerships, Undiscovered Mountains is the eco-friendly key to touring the French Alps.

About Undiscovered Mountains

• Tour Locations: French Alps
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Locally Hired Guides, Partnerships with Local Restaurants and Hotels, Trees Planted for Each Guest

Popular Undiscovered Mountains Tour

• Tour: Ski Adventure Holiday - Orcières in the Alps
• Price: from $780/adult
• Inclusions: 7 nights in accommodation, 6-day ski pass, Leisure Pass, and Tree Planted to help offset the trip’s carbon footprint

Byway Travel

One of the most environmentally damaging aspects of travel is the process of arriving at a destination. Traveling by plane can leave a large carbon footprint before visitors ever arrive. For companies like Byway Travel in the UK, creating an unforgettable sustainable travel experience starts with eliminating this problem.

Byway Travel is among the best environmentally friendly tour companies in the world; it promotes 100% flight-free travel, also called overland travel, by offering some of the best tours in Europe, all organized without ever stepping foot on an airplane. By avoiding damaging plane rides, Byway Travel not only promotes low-impact travel but emphasizes the beauty of travel itself by incorporating transportation into the trip.

About Byway Travel

• Tour Locations: Europe (including Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, France, Scotland, The UK, etc.)
• Eco-Friendly Measures: 100% Flight-Free Itineraries, Certified B-Corp

Popular Byway Travel Tour

• Tour: Avignon to the Rivieras
• Price: from $2,150/person
• Duration: 16 days
• Inclusions: London, Paris, Avignon, Marseille, Cassis, Nice, Menton, Alassio, Genoa, Turin

Planning a flight-free vacation? Keep the responsible travel going by booking through a sustainable platform like Fairbnb.coop . Fairbnb reinvests in the host’s communities by donating half of their commission to a social project close to the booking location.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Eco-Tourism Destinations To Visit In The U.S. (& What To Do There)

Gondwana Ecotours

One of the most important things to be aware of when traveling sustainably is using tour companies that work with the local community. That principle is at the heart of Gondwana Ecotours ’ approach to tourism.

Based in New Orleans, Gondwana Ecotours is one of the best eco-friendly tour operators in the world, thanks to its widespread network of local partnerships. Whether travelers choose a local tour right in Louisiana or head to Rwanda on the other side of the globe, Gondwana Ecotours ensures local experts will be ready to assist.

If that weren’t enough, all of Gondwana Ecotours’ tours are 100% carbon neutral as of 2021 , a distinction established by Cooler, an emissions tracking organization.

About Gondwana Ecotours

• Tour Locations: Louisiana, Alaska, Argentina, Costa Rica, Norway, Rwanda, Tanzania
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Locally-Hired Guides, Carbon-Neutral Tours, Donations to Local Nonprofits

Popular Gondwana Ecotours Tour

• Tour: Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Adventure
• Price: from $1,500/person
• Duration: 5 days
• Inclusions: Lodging, All Meals, National Park Admission, Audio Tour of Kigali's Genocide Museum, Cultural Activities, Donation to Aspire Rwanda

The word “Gondwana” refers to a part of the ancient supercontinent Pangea . This one-ness represents Gondwana Ecotours’ goal to unify the planet through sustainable travel and bucket-list-worthy tours.

Experience Travel Group

While there are a variety of eco-friendly destinations all around the world , these locations will quickly disappear if travelers and tour companies alike aren’t willing to give back to the places they explore. For the last 20 years, Experience Travel Group has offered tours throughout Asia, emphasizing exactly that principle.

Guides who work for Experience Travel Group don’t earn a commission, keeping the focus purely on an immersive experience. What makes Experience Travel Group one of the best tour companies in Asia, and certainly among the best sustainable travel companies in the world, is its focus on less-traveled areas.

Experience Travel Group makes a conscious effort to avoid areas suffering from over-tourism and instead takes visitors through the undiscovered corners of Asia, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

About Experience Travel Group

• Tour Locations: South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oman
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Avoid Over-Touristed Locations, Promote Local Businesses, Pledge to Cut Carbon Emissions By 50% by 2050, Investing in Clean Drinking Water Systems

Popular Experience Travel Group Tour

• Tour: Hidden Gems of Southern Thailand
• Price: from $5,700/person
• Duration: 15 days
• Inclusions: Round-Trip Flight from the UK, Bangkok, Chumphon, Hidden Island Tour, Khao Sok

Natural Habitat Adventures

The official tour company partner of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) , there is perhaps no better way to travel while supporting wildlife conservation than by booking a tour with Natural Habitat Adventures , another one of the best ecotourism companies in the world.

Wildlife enthusiasts can choose from tours across nearly every corner of the globe with Natural Habitat Adventures. From US National Park Tours to Adventure Cruises and Photography Tours, there are a variety of ways to enjoy animals in their natural habitats.

Natural Habitat Adventures promotes responsible small-group tours that get visitors up close to their favorite wildlife, all while donating over $10 million to WWF to conserve natural habitats and protect endangered animals for future generations.

About Natural Habitat Adventures

• Eco-Friendly Measure: Partnership with WWF, Carbon Neutral Travel Company, Green Office Policies, Zero-Waste Tour Options

Popular Natural Habitat Adventures Tour

• Tour: Bears of Brooks Falls: A Photo Pro Expedition
• Price: from $10,395/person
• Duration: 6 days
• Inclusions: Anchorage, Brooks Falls, King Salmon Run Viewing, Katmai National Park

This Bears of Brooks Falls Tour is available only from September through October each year. Since the areas are closed to tourists for the season, this exclusive tour gives its 8-person group private access to this remote part of Alaska.

Responsible Travel

An activist company that has been promoting sustainable travel practices since 2001, Responsible Travel believes in unique holidays that benefit not just the traveler but the destination as well.

All of the tours offered by Responsible Travel have been carefully reviewed to ensure that profits will be reinvested into the community and that locals will benefit from the visitors. They have also taken measures to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, including carbon-countering practices and a variety of walking tour options .

With so many ways to do good and promote green travel, it’s no wonder Responsible Travel is widely considered one of the most eco-friendly travel companies operating today.

About Responsible Travel

• Tour Locations: 100+ countries
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Carbon Offset Practices, Individually Screening Holiday Packages, Trip-for-a-Trip Initiative , Accessible Travel Options

Popular Responsible Travel Tour

• Tour: National Parks Hiking Holiday in America (Walking Tour)
• Price: from $4,400/person
• Duration: 14 days
• Inclusions: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado Mesa Verde National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Descent trail into Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Las Vegas

Related: U.S. National Parks: 14 Road Trips To Explore The Best Of America's Natural Beauty

An African Safari is a bucket list item for many travelers around the world, and for good reason. The wildlife here is some of the most recognizable in the world, and there are a variety of wildlife hotspots across Africa for visitors to enjoy.

Travelers looking for the best African Safari will likely find their perfect match with the eco-friendly AndBeyond . With luxury tours across 11 African countries, as well as sustainable lodges in Africa, Asia, and South America, sustainable world travel is anything but ordinary.

Operating for over 30 years, AndBeyond prides itself on its sustainable practices, which range from investing in the local community to decreasing its tour and lodging footprint by building sustainable energy and water structures.

About AndBeyond

• Tour Locations: Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean Islands, South America
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Investing Back into Local Government, Sustainable Electrical Micro-Grids, Employs Locally

Popular AndBeyond Tour

• Tour: Safari Game Drive in Western Serengeti
• Price: Varies (see offers page for current packages and discounts)
• Inclusions: Local Tour Guides, Private Cars, Remote Serengeti Viewing Area Access, Personalized Experience Options

Related: Namibia's National Parks: 10 Best Places For A Safari In Africa

There is no denying that islands and their surrounding ocean waters are some of the most delicate ecosystems in the world. The nonprofit Seacology not only works to preserve these one-of-a-kind destinations but also offers exceptional ecotourism adventures so that travelers can enjoy these natural wonders responsibly.

This doesn’t mean that tourists will have to rough it on a Seacology tour. As one of the best sustainable tour companies in the world, Seacology has partnerships with green luxury resorts. During the day, tour group members will enjoy cultural sites, coral reefs, and lush rainforests, all without worrying about their impact on the environment.

About Seacology

• Tour Locations: Fiji, Borneo, Southeast Asia, Chile, Madagascar
• Eco-Friendly Measures: Grant Programs for Island Protection Projects, Island Ecosystem Conservation Projects

Popular Seacology Tour

• Tour: Seacology Expedition to Fiji
• Price: $2,310-$6,361/person
• Inclusions: Visit to Nukubalavu Village, Seacology Presentations, Snorkeling at Namena Marine Reserve and Somosomo Straits, Stay at Koro Sun Resort, Rainforest Hikes, Coastal Biking

Expeditions change regularly. To see upcoming expeditions, check the Travel page of Seacology’s website.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Ecotourism Destinations To Visit In Europe (& What To Do There)

Intrepid Travel

Eco-friendly travel doesn’t have to be limiting, particularly for those booking a tour through Intrepid Travel . With tours on all seven continents (yes, even Antarctica!), there is no limit to where travelers can responsibly go.

Specializing in small group tours, Intrepid Travel has over 1,000 different tours available in over 100 countries around the world.

Whether taking guests island hopping through the Galapagos or on an epic journey around the Arctic Circle, sustainability is at the heart of Intrepid Travel. Carbon-neutral since 2010, this B-Corp-certified tour company is one of the best and most eco-friendly in the world.

About Intrepid Travel

• Eco-Friendly Measures: Carbon-Neutral Tours, B-Corp Certification, Community-Based Tourism, Intrepid Foundation Non-Profit

Popular Intrepid Travel Tour

• Tour: Western USA National Parks Loop
• Price: from $1,824/person
• Inclusions: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Navajo Guides, Grand Canyon National Park, Kayaking at Lake Powell

Hiking through Southern Utah’s national parks is a strenuous activity. Pack appropriate hiking gear and read up on the hikes available in each national park to ensure a safe trip.

• 1 800 970 7299
• Live Chat (Online) Live Chat (Offline)
• My Wishlist
• Find a Trip

Your browser 'Internet Explorer' is out of date. Update your browser for more security, comfort and the best experience on this site.

USA Local Tours Packages

• Ways to travel
• Local Tours

It’s time for a great American adventure. From the West Coast to the East Coast. Miles of adventures. Right here, right now!

Who says travel has to mean a long-haul flight to a faraway place? Not us! And we have a bunch of brand-new USA tours so you can explore it all — the deserts, the beaches, the mountains, the forests, the parks, the wildlife, the cities, the people, and the total sea-to-shining-sea awesomeness that is your own backyard — the Intrepid way.

Explore new trips in the USA

Every Intrepid small group tour has been carefully designed to make sure you have an unforgettable grassroots travel experience, with ultimate itineraries, perfectly sized groups, legendary local leaders and plenty of authentic real life experiences.

Western USA National Parks Loop

5 days from 1892.

Set off on a five-day adventure through some of the USA’s most epic scenery, including...

Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans

7 days from 2628.

Walk in famous footsteps on a 7-day musical journey from Nashville to Memphis and New...

View all USA & Canada trips

Popular local destinations 

New Orleans

Los Angeles

San Juan Islands

Kenai Peninsula

Grand Canyon

Yellowstone National Park

Yosemite National Park

Zion National Park

Denali National Park

$99 deposits

Lock in a trip for only a $99 deposit.

Flexible bookings

Our new flexible booking policy and safety guidelines will inspire you to book and travel with confidence, now and into the future.

Responsible travel

The leader in responsible, ethical small group adventures since 1989. 

Explore epic national parks of the US

Yellowstone and grand tetons adventure, 6 days from 3280.

Take a discovery tour of Wyoming’s highlights, with plenty of wildlife-spotting and...

Hiking in Yosemite National Park

6 days from 2117.

Follow your feet on this 6-day walking tour that shows off the very best of Yosemite...

Hiking in Denali National Park

6 days from 2817.

Hike Denali National Park in Alaska and see North America’s second-tallest peak, Denali...

Yellowstone and Grand Teton Family Holiday

6 days from 4170.

Take the family on a 6-day adventure in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks....

LA to Vegas: Grand National Parks

10 days from 4023.

From the famed LA streets to the glitz of the Vegas strip, travel through the hush of...

Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada

5 days from 1805.

Explore the Sierra Nevada Range on a 5-day small group hiking tour which includes...

Utah Parks Circuit

8 days from 1887.

Explore rugged Utah on this eight-day adventure. Hit Zion National Park, Monument...

Utah, Nevada & California

14 days from 3392.

Beginning in Las Vegas, see Zion, Moab and Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Yosemite, the...

View all US national park trips

Local walking & trekking trips

Hiking in sedona and the grand canyon, 4 days from 2620.

Discover the very best of Northern Arizona on this 4-day hiking adventure through...

Hiking Utah's National Parks

9 days from 3420.

Explore Las Vegas, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef, Arches National Park, Zion...

9 Days From 3107

Hiking in the grand canyon: north & south rims, 5 days from 3110.

Discover the magnificence of the Grand Canyon on a 5-day walking adventure, exploring...

Hiking Washington's Olympic National Park

3 days from 2155.

Experience the very best of the Olympic Peninsula with a perfect balance of challenge...

Winter Hiking and Backpacking in Grand Canyon: Rim to Rim

6 days from 2235.

Escape the crowds, see incredible views, sleep under the stars, check out waterfalls...

Hike Vermont: Fall Foliage

5 days from 3285.

Hike through the vibrant colours of Vermont’s changing seasons on this trip exploring...

Hike New Hampshire's Appalachian Trail and Presidential Peaks

4 days from 1895.

Spend an incredible 4 days hiking the highest mountains in New Hampshire, the...

Hiking and Camping in Zion

3 days from 1560.

Experience Utah’s most famous national park as a standalone canyon country experience...

Hiking and Backpacking in Yellowstone

4 days from 1605.

See the best of Yellowstone on an Intrepid small group hiking and camping adventure...

Hiking and Camping in Joshua Tree

4 days from 1775.

Experience Joshua Tree’s surreal landscapes, cool oases, and famous Joshua Trees on a 4...

Hiking and Camping in Yellowstone

5 days from 2230.

See the best of this iconic national park on five spectacularly diverse, hand-picked...

Hiking and Backpacking Yellowstone's Bechler River Traverse

5 days from 2045.

Avoid the crowds and see the best of Southern Yellowstone National Park’s backcountry...

Hiking and Camping in Utah

6 days from 2360.

Experience Utah’s most famous national park destinations and see the best of Zion,...

Hiking and Backpacking North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains

3 days from 1070.

Discover great trails, incredible views, spectacular summits and more on a small group...

Hiking and Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park

5 days from 2090.

Set up camp on the edges of Rocky Mountain National Park and hike past highlights like...

Hiking and Backpacking Utah's Coyote Gulch

4 days from 1740.

Take a hiking trip through Utah’s Coyote Gulch in the United States and trek past...

Hiking in Yellowstone

5 days from 3830.

Enjoy the luxuries of a lodge and rustic dining each evening in different locations...

Hiking the Best of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

5 days from 3435.

Hike through the highlights of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including a walk...

Hiking the Best of Yellowstone and Grand Tetons

5 days from 4125.

Looking for a hiking trip in Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in...

Hiking Sedona's Red Rock Country

4 days from 2365.

Discover the best of Sedona’s red rock country on this 4-day hiking adventure that...

Hiking the Best of Moab: Arches and Canyonlands

5 days from 3480.

Hike through the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Moab, Utah, exploring valleys...

Hiking the Best of the Grand Canyon

3 days from 1965.

Discover the very best of the Grand Canyon on this 3-day hiking adventure through Grand...

View all walking & trekking trips

Local family adventures

Western usa family holiday, 8 days from 3515.

Discover Western USA’s iconic landscape with the family on the 8-day adventure through...

View all family adventure trips

Tours by state

South Dakota

Popular tour routes.

We have a range of tours that incorporate different routes such as Los Angeles to San Francisco  or New York to New Orleans . Regardless of which way you prefer to travel, we’ll immerse you in the region’s rich cultural history and give you an unforgettable Aussie experience.

Los Angeles to San Francisco

New York to New Orleans

New Orleans to Atlanta

United states highlights.

Explore your favorite cities

If there’s one thing the USA does really well, it's bustling cities full of more culture and excitement than you’ll know what to do with. From the southern charm and jazz-infused personality of New Orleans to the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas , the cities of the United States know how to turn your epic adventure up a notch. All you have to do is walk through the streets of Salt Lake City or take in the beauty of Anchorage to make memories that’ll last you a lifetime.

Take a trip to the coast

There’s nothing like relaxing on a sun-drenched beach or admiring the rolling waves from your porch, and the USA is home to some of the best cities for doing exactly that. Whether you want to absorb the laidback lifestyle in Los Angeles  or rug up on Portland's breathtaking coastline, a beach escape might just be the thing you need to refresh and recharge. From Maine on the east to California on the west, there are heaps of places to excite your inner adventurer.

Hike through a national park

Lace up your boots and get ready for the USA’s national parks to take your breath away. Whether you fancy hiking in  Yellowstone National Park or prefer the uniquely shaped rock formations in Yosemite , there’s a national park for everyone. From staggeringly tall sandstone cliffs in Zion National Park to the lush and expansive scenery of Denali National Park , one trip is never enough to experience the natural beauty these parks have to offer.

Get active in Alaska

If you love getting the blood pumping and being surrounded by Mother Nature, Alaska ticks all the boxes for your next active adventure. From spotting otters and leaping salmon as you kayak through the pristine waters of Resurrection Bay to walking across ancient ice sheets on the huge  Matanuska Glacier with a glacier expert, get ready to experience the untamed beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.

United States tour reviews

United states faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join a trip in the united states.

Everyone traveling on an Intrepid trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of carriage. 

All travelers are required to produce: 

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• All children aged 5 to 17 years old must provide proof of vaccination (if eligible), proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
• If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional. 

In all cases, you must be fully inoculated. This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy

How can I get to California?

Getting to California is relatively easy as there are a variety of options available including flying, driving, and taking public transport. You can fly into both big airports, such as LAX (Los Angeles), or small airports like Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) depending on which part of California you're traveling in. You can also drive to California if you're from a neighboring state (or want to go on an epic road trip) or you can take a bus or a train with several routes to all the popular destinations. 

Read more about getting to California

How do you get around Los Angeles?

Driving is the most time-efficient and popular way of getting around Los Angeles due to the city's size. While there is public transportation in the form of a bus network and the local metro, it's sometimes unreliable and can be quite time-consuming. Los Angeles is known for its crazy traffic situations, especially during peak periods of the day, so make sure you give yourself enough time to get around. 

Read more about getting around Los Angeles

How far is Utah from California?

The time it takes to travel from California to Utah depends on how you're traveling and where in California you're traveling from. Flying is by far the quickest way to travel to Utah with a flight between LAX and SLC (Salt Lake City Airport) taking just under 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive between the two states for an epic road trip that's 12 hours long. If you were to take public transport between the two states it would be longer still but is a relatively cheap option. 

Click to read more about how far Utah is from California

Does it snow in Salt Lake City?

Yes, it does snow during winter in Salt Lake City. Snow is expected to fall between November and March but it's not unheard of to experience snowfall as early as October or as late as April. Salt Lake City is a great place to participate in winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and bobsledding, with neighboring mountains close to the city itself. 

Read more about snow in Salt Lake City

What's the weather like in New Orleans?

Due to New Orleans' geographical location, the weather can vary significantly during the year. Being near large bodies of water, such as the Mississippi River, the weather in New Orleans is often wet in the colder months and humid in spring and summer. There are lots of sunny days during June, July, and August with the average temperature being a warm 78°F. However, the weather can be quite unpredictable at times so make sure you're checking weather forecasts before you travel so you're prepared for what to expect. 

Read more about the weather in New Orleans

What should I pack for Yellowstone National Park?

You'll want to make sure you're as comfortable as possible while walking the many amazing hikes and trails in Yellowstone National Park so packing clothes, including hiking boots and socks, that you're familiar with is a must. Regardless of the season you're traveling in, the weather can be quite cold at nighttime so ensure you're packing a heavier jacket or coat to keep you warm. You should also pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and other items that will protect you from the sun during the day. 

Read more about what to pack for Yellowstone

What's the best time to visit Denali National Park?

It's hard to pinpoint the best time to visit Denali National Park as the landscapes are beautiful all year round. When to visit Denali largely depends on what kind of vacation you're looking for. If you really want to see snow on the surrounding mountains and explore the ultimate winter wonderland then winter would be the best time to go, however, spring and summer see the flowers and vegetation bloom in an array of colors.

Learn about the best time to visit Denali National Park

What are some of the best things to do in Zion National Park?

There are heaps of fun and exciting things to do in Zion National Park, so much so, that you could spend days there and still not see it all. Promising a uniquely unforgettable experience, Zion National Park is full of expansive landscapes just waiting to be explored. Some of the activities you can participate in include cycling, hiking, river tubing, and rock climbing. You can also camp at the park and do a little stargazing to make the most of your time in the great outdoors. 

Learn about the best things to do in Zion National Park

United States tour departures by month

Read more about the United States

United States Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 1,913 most popular united states trips. compare tour itineraries from 275 tour companies. 2,984 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating., popular united states tours.

Bahamas Cruise 3D/2N (from Miami)

• Have free time to relax on pristine beaches Discover vibrant & friendly Caribbean culture Enjoy tons of included activities aboard the ship

Arizona: Saguaro National Park & the Sonoran Desert

• Explore the walking trails and fascinating exhibits of the highly regarded Arizona Sonora Desert Museum.
• Bike and picnic among the beautiful saguaro cacti of Saguaro National Park.
• Visit the Tumacácori National Historical Park for a self-guided tour, home to three Spanish mission communities and beautiful orchards and gardens.
• Cycle on The Loop, named the number one bike path in America by USA Today, through vibrant Tucson, along the Santa Cruz and the Rillito Rivers.
• Savor local cuisine infused with Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American influences.

Honolulu Hawaii Experience 7D/6N

• Marvel at incredible marine life in crystalline Hanauma Bay Hike to a spectacular hidden waterfall on private land Learn about Hawaiian history

Western USA National Parks Loop

• Hike through the varied landscapes of Zion National Park, taking in views of massive canyon walls and red sandstone cliffs as you go.
• Learn about the culture and history of Monument Valley during a Navajo guided tour, followed by a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch.
• Stroll along the canyon rim in Bryce Canyon National Park to admire the out-of-this-world sandstone spires known as hoodoos.
• Kayak across the waters of Lake Powell, weaving your way past fascinating rock formations as your leader shares stories of the lake’s history.
• Marvel at one of the nation’s greatest national parks, The Grand Canyon, and walk along the rim, hike into the canyon or take in an epic sunset or sunrise (depending on season)

LA to Vegas: Grand National Parks

• From flashy Los Angeles to the arid desert of Zion National Park and the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, discover a range of incredible American landscapes.
• Take in desert views from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway before exploring Joshua Tree National Park's rock formations and cactus gardens at golden hour.
• Witness the Grand Canyon’s steep red-rock escarpments and gorges. Learn about Indigenous history and geology with a naturalist guide from the Grand Canyon Conservancy.
• Ride a jeep through Utah's iconic Monument Valley, and then share stories and a meal by the campfire with members of the Navajo Nation.
• At Lower Antelope Canyon, descend into the mystical interior with a Navajo guide. Learn the local history and discover the iconic sandstone walls shaped by years and years of water and wind.

Western Trails

Hawaii Four Island Adventure (Premium)

Maryland: Eastern Shore & Chesapeake Bay

• Sail the eastern shores with Captain Ed aboard the skipjack HM Krentz
• Feast on the region’s famous seafood
• Ride through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for more than 250 bird species, and learn about Harriet Tubman at the newly opened Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center
• Travel on the country’s oldest privately owned ferry (since 1760), across the Tred-Avon River between Oxford and Bellevue
• Cycle the quiet country roads leading to the charming small towns of Oxford, St. Michaels, Rock Hall, and Easton

All United States , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about United States

Small Group United States Tours

Walk Spain's Sierra Nevada & Granada

• Embark on beautiful walks through the highest mountain range in Spain
• Discover whitewashed Moorish settlements
• Visit Trevelez, the highest village in the country
• Stay at a family-run hotel with stunning views and warm hospitality
• Enjoy a night in Granada with a free day to explore this beautiful city

Outdoor Alaska

• Exploration of Alaska's dramatic wilderness
• Sea kayak to giant glaciers and explore alpine tundra
• Wildlife spotting; from grizzly bears to whales

Best of Alaska

• Head out on an Alaskan safari for a unique chance to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves in their natural habitat in Denali National Park.
• Take a boat cruise on Resurrection Bay to Kenai Fjords and look out for orca whales, porpoises and puffins before enjoying some free time to hike or relax.
• Discover Seward, one of Alaska's oldest and most scenic communities, then take a short hike to the tongue of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.
• Sit back and take in stunning views along the dramatic coastlines of the Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Homer, then from Seward to Denali National Park, while someone else does the driving.
• On the way to charming Talkeetna, take a breath in Girdwood, where you’ll hop on the Alyeska Aerial Tram to the top of Mt Alyeska and see some incredible views of seven glaciers and the valley below.

Western USA National Parks Explorer

• Journey through some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet
• Discover vibrant San Francisco and the desert city of Las Vegas
• Enjoy walking in Yosemite, Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon national parks

Trek America: Canyons & National Parks

• Discover five breath-taking national parks
• Enjoy a Navajo tour in Monument Valley
• Marvel at the Grand Canyon
• Take the Narrows slot canyon walk

Nicaragua - Land of Lakes and Volcanoes

• Get a taste of Nicaragua's volcanoes, lakes, wildlife and cobbled colonial cities
• Search for wildlife in the Selva Negra cloud forest
• Relax lakeside on Laguna De Apoyo and Explore the colonial streets of Leon

Best United States Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best United States Tours by Price

Top United States Attractions

• Taking a history tour in Boston , along the Freedom Trail and visiting pre-revolutionary sights.
• Exploring the busy, vibrant streets of New York City
• Taking a small ship cruise in Alaska  and admiring the beauty and abundant wildlife of America's "Last Frontier"
• Seeing the lush greenery of the Hawaiian Islands  
• Walking the boardwalks in Yellowstone National Park to view the geysers and boiling, hissing mudpots.
• Wine tasting in California and learning about how the wine industry began here
• Driving the Avenue of the Giants in northern California , in awe of the ancient redwoods, the tallest trees on earth.
• Attending a jazz or blues club in New Orleans or Memphis and discovering the roots of authentic American music.
• Standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon and peering into the depths of one of nature’s great wonders.
• Hiking to a waterfall in California’s Yosemite National Park , where it's easy to find stunning hikes no matter your physical level.
• Rafting the Salmon River in Idaho for whitewater thrills.
• Cruising down the Mississippi in an old-fashioned paddle wheeler
• Sailing through the Columbia River Gorge

United States Tours & Travel

United States Attractions & Landmarks Guide

The United States isn’t the largest country in the world -- it’s dwarfed by Russia -- but it packs in a lot of attractions per square mile. At the same time, especially in the western U.S. and Great Plains states, there are plenty of wide open spaces where the roads ahead seem almost endless, often framed by mountain ranges, deserts, fields of wheat and corn and, in the northern winter, fields of snow.

Visitors from abroad (and many Americans, too) seek out the glitz of Las Vegas or the ever-popular family theme parks like Disney World in and around Orlando, Florida. Many want to see Los Angeles, California, with its Hollywood glamor and laid-back Southern California style. And they also head for the big city of New York, a world capital of finance, fashion, cuisine, and much more.

United States’ Regions

The United States is an enormous country with such astounding diversity, both natural and human, that widespread agreement on what states fall in what regions is hard to come by. Ask any American and they would be hard pressed to tell you not only because of the difficulty in remembering the geography of so many states but also, because the government prints different maps depending on the agency.

The South is particularly controversial with its political history tied to the Civil War. If you’re planning a trip to West Virginia, a state in the Southern region according to the US Census Bureau, others might consider it to be a northern state since West Virginia joined the northern forces during the Civil War (1861-1865). Regardless, a general knowledge of regions in the US will be helpful as you decide what part of the US you should visit.  

Northeast/New England

• Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont

Beginning in the early 1600s, Europeans began settling in New England, a name still used today that encompasses the present day states of Connecticut , Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , Rhode Island , and Vermont . Importantly, the first engagements of the American Revolutionary war were fought in Massachusetts with the arrival of British regiments sent to disarm American Revolutionaries. 

Other states in the Northeast include Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington, District of Columbia (D.C.) which is actually a territory, not a state. The Northeast is a megalopolis of interconnected metropolitan areas that include Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C..

It is also the wealthiest region in the country with major educational institutions, financial and business centers. You’ll find three of the most visited cities in the US, Boston, New York and Washington, D.C. It is on Ellis Island, a nub of land on the Hudson River practically a stone’s throw from the city of New York, that millions of immigrants arrived seeking a better life in America. It’s said that 40% of Americans can trace their heritage to an ancestor that arrived via Ellis Island. 

East Coast United States

• Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida

Also called the Atlantic Coast/Seaboard or Eastern Seaboard, the states on the East Coast front the Atlantic Ocean and make up both the Northeastern and Southern regions of the US. From north to south: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. While not adjacent to the Atlantic, Vermont and West Virginia are sometimes lumped into this region because of their location. 

The American South

• Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia

Also called Dixieland for the style of jazz developed in New Orleans, Louisiana, this large region is located in the south and south-central part of the United States. States in the South include: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vi rginia, and West Virginia . The “Bible Belt,” as it's often called includes most of these states with the exception of Delaware, Florida and Maryland.

There are higher percentages of people who have a religious affiliation as well as more churches, religious schools and universities in the Bible Belt compared to other parts of the US. The largest cities in the South include: Jacksonville, Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; Washington, District of Columbia and in Tennessee, Nashville and Memphis. 

The South’s unique historical and cultural heritage comes from European colonial settlers as well as the institution of slavery and its African American legacy. Country music was born in the South, Americans speak of southern hospitality, and it’s here you’ll find Mickey Mouse. The most visited theme parks in the world, Disney World’s Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom are located in Orlando, Florida. Other popular destinations include Miami, also in Florida and Washington, D.C. 

The Great Lakes Region

• New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota

The Great Lakes are a series of interconnected freshwater lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario and Erie) located in the northern, mid-eastern US on the US-Canada border. Eight states border the Great Lakes: New York , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Indiana , Michigan , Illinois , Wisconsin , and Minnesota . 

When European settlers began arriving in the early 17th century, they encountered many indigenous groups like the Shawnee, Algonquin and Iriquois. It was the promise of a viable northwest passage to Asia and the fur trade that kept France, Britain and The Netherlands fighting for control of the region for a century and a half.

Today, while its economy is diverse, the Great Lakes is aptly called the industrial heartland of America. Only the GDPs of China and the US exceeds that of the Great Lakes’ region. The largest cities in the region are Buffalo, NY; Chicago , IL; Cleveland, OH; Detroit , MI and Milwaukee, WI. 

The Midwest

• Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin

The north-central Midwestern states include: Illinois , Indiana , Iowa , Kansas , Michigan , Minnesota , Missouri , Ohio , Nebraska , North Dakota , South Dakota , and Wisconsin . The Midwest, like the Great Lakes, share a similar history with European settlement and French control which was overtaken by the British in the French and Indian War (1763). 

Two decades later, the Northwest Territory as it was called, was created out of ceded English frontier lands under the Northwest Ordinance. The Ordinance specified, among other things, that slavery was prohibited. And so, it was at the southern boundary of the territory that marked the border between slavery to the south and freedom to the north.

Through the Midwest and particularly through Ohio, slaves traveled the “Underground Railroad,” a series of freedom routes that would take them north into Canada.

By the time of the Civil War, Swedes, Norwegians, Jews, Hungarians, Poles and other European immigrants were bypassing the East Coast and settling in the interior Midwest. Today, along with African Americans who are a significant ethnic group in the region, these immigrant descendants live in Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Indianapolis, IN, some of the largest Midwestern cities. Other important cities include Cincinannti, Cleveland and Columbus, OH; Minneapolis, MN and St. Louis, MO. 

Rockies/Mountain States

• Montana and northeastern Idaho (northern Rockies), Wyoming, Utah and southeastern Idaho (middle Rockies); Colorado and New Mexico (Southern rockies) and finally into the four corners region of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico (Colorado Plateau)

The Rocky Mountains, located in the western Northern American continent, stretch across the land for some 3,000 miles between the northern Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia ( Canadian Rockies ) south into the mountain states of the US.

The mountain states include: Montana and northeastern Idaho (northern Rockies), Wyoming, Utah and southeastern Idaho (middle Rockies); Colorado and New Mexico (Southern rockies) and finally into the four corners region of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico (Colorado Plateau). While geology, landforms, drainage and soils may differ, all have high elevations, stunning scenery that comes from their glacial and volcanic origin, similar economies, culture (cowboys!) and exploration. 

The Pacific Northwest

• Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Northern California, Southeastern Alaska

Bounded by the Pacific Ocean to its west, the Rocky Mountains to its east, Canada to its north and western US states to its south, the Pacific Northwest includes the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and in some designations, northern California and southeastern Alaska because of similar history, culture and geography among other commonalities.

The Pacific Northwest is a mostly rural and forested land but there are large population centers including Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver, Washington as well as Portland, Oregon. In the Cascade Mountain range, one of four ranges in the region, the geology is impressive with several large, active volcanoes. The history of the Pacific Northwest is strongly tied to its indigenous inhabitants who left behind art, architecture and other artifacts that can still be seen today. Thousands of descendants still practice traditional ways.

The West Coast

• Alaska, Washington, Oregon

States on the West Coast are bounded by the Pacific and include states in the Pacific Northwest: Alaska, Washington and Oregon as well as the western states of California and Hawaii . See more on Alaska and Hawaii below. The largest city on the West Coast and one of the most visited in the US is Los Angeles, located in Southern California. San Francisco, located on California’s central coast, is also one of the most visited in the US. 

West and Southwest

• The Dakotas (North and South); Kansas; Oklahoma; Texas (also considered South or Southwest); into the states of the Rocky Mountains, West Coast and Pacific Northwest; Nevada; Arizona and New Mexico (Southwest)

“Go West, Young Man.” The origin of this mid-1800s saying is disputed but it drew hardy pioneers by the thousands to the American west. Seeking homesteads and fortunes they traveled on horseback, by foot and covered wagon.

Into the vast unknown, an expanse of plains, mountains and deserts west of the Mississippi River they went: the Dakotas (North and South); Kansas; Oklahoma; Texas (also considered South or Southwest); into the states of the Rocky Mountains, West Coast and Pacific Northwest; Nevada; Arizona and New Mexico (Southwest).

Another American frontier, Alaska is called the “Last Frontier” because of its rugged climate, immense size and sparse population. The sun shines nearly 24/7 in the summer because of its northern latitude, which also gives it the name “Land of the Midnight Sun.” In the language of the indigenous Aleuts, Alaska translates to “The Great Land” which indeed it is with 20 national parks and 14 distinct mountain ranges. 

Denali soars from one of these ranges, the highest peak in North America and third most prominent and isolated in the world. A third of the state lies in the Arctic Circle, it has no less than 130 active volcanoes and over 130 million acres of forest.

Lakes abound, some 2 million of them. It is this largely untamed and unexplored land that makes Alaska a haven for wildlife, most notably bear. An estimated 130,000 inhabit the state, some of which can grow to over 1,500 pounds. Alaska is also known for the Iditarod, a grueling 1,000 mile dog sled race that pits man and animal against nature. 

West Coasters especially flock to the Hawaiian Islands located nearly 2,400 miles off the western coast of the US and over 5,000 miles from the Philippines to the west of Hawaii. It is a chain of over a hundred atolls, seamounts and islets. There are 8 major volcanic islands - volcanic tops that have surfaced above the ocean.

From east to west: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii (the Big Island). The original settlement of the islands is believed to have been by Polynesians who migrated northwest from the Marquesas Islands between the 4th and 7th centuries, CE. While the Polynesian influences can be seen in Hawaiian language and culture today, there are distinct characteristics because of the islands’ isolation.

In spite of its isolation and just like the mainland US, Hawaii today is a rich cultural center having become a multi ethnic society. This, along with its incredible natural beauty, have made it a tourist mecca. Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the capital of Hawaii and gateway to the islands.

It is known for the beaches of Waikiki and Pearl Harbor naval base, site of the 1941 preemptive Japanese military attack that marked the United States’ formal entry into World War II. The Big Island is known for Mauna Kea Observatories, the world’s premier location for astronomical research. And no matter what island you’re visiting, you’re sure to see and feel the Aloha spirit, said to be the harmonization of mind and spirit in each person.

Top National Parks in the United States

In 1872, the United States Congress passed a bill for the first National park, Yellowstone, located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Today, there are 61 National Parks across the United States. They are some of America’s greatest natural treasures that, thanks to the vision of a few individuals, now belong to everyone.

Stride has hundreds of national park trips to choose from. Here are the top five most visited parks in the US:

Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina - Hiking is the main attraction here, particularly on the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking only footpath in the world. It spans for more than 2,000 miles from Maine, at the northeastern tip of the United States, to Georgia in the South. 

Grand Canyon National Park , Arizona - One of the largest canyons on Earth, the Grand Canyon is a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide in some spots. From any vantage point, it’s difficult to fathom and impossible to see all but a small portion of its 277 mile expanse. 

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado - With its wetlands, pine forests, tundra and mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park has over 400 miles of streams and 150 lakes. It spans the continential divide of the United States, separating the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. 

Zion National Park , Utah - The Virgin River continues to cut and carve through the sandstone of Zion. Go to see its vermillion and sandstone colored rock cliffs contrasted against the deep blue sky and verdant valleys. 

Yellowstone National Park , Wyoming, Montana, Idaho - Known for its wolves and their reintroduction, bison, bears, and the “Old Faithful” geyser among other natural splendors, Yellowstone remains the crown jewel of the National Park system. 

Other popular US National Parks: Yosemite National Park in California, Acadia National Park in Maine, Grand Teton National Park , Olympic National Park (Washington) and Glacier National Park (Montana).

Fall Foliage in the United States

When’s the best time to see fall foliage? That’s a good question. Predicting the best time to see nature’s stunning palette of colors is a science with several factors coming into play including historical data, precipitation, soil conditions, average daylight hours and long range forecasting.

Leaf peepers turn to local and national media outlets, hotlines and even interactive fall foliage maps  to help them plan their get away. Depending on what region of the country you plan to visit, leaves can start changing as early as mid August while in other areas, they may not start changing until mid-November. Tours during prime Fall foliage times are likely to book more quickly. 

Where to go to see the best fall colors?

New England has traditionally been a top spot for Fall foliage tours . Acadia National Park in Maine, the Catskill Mountains in New York, Green Mountain Byway in Vermont and the Berkshires in Massachusetts are just a few but there are so many places to see the splendor throughout New England and the US, including the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. Out West in Colorado, visit Ouray and Telluride in the southwestern part of the state and Aspen in central Colorado for prime color.

Even in Rocky Mountain National Park not far from Denver you’re in for a treat. You might even hear the echo of a bugling elk. In Montana, head to Glacier National Park and in New Mexico, the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. Back east the colors will be dominated by red and orange while in the western mountain states above 5,000 feet you’ll see a different palette of gold, yellow and sometimes orange from quaking aspen. 

Active Travel in the United States

There is no shortage of active travel in the U.S . and active isn’t necessarily adventure travel; active means moving. It’s a booming sector of the travel industry particularly as people seek more health and wellness.

Experiencing local cuisine is surely high on the traveler’s priority list so why not burn some calories if you’re going to indulge in all the gastronomical delights that a place has to offer? You’ll be traveling to gorgeous destinations on active tours, ones you might not otherwise get to see if it weren’t for the opportunities to hike, bike, walk, raft, and more.

Many of the companies who specialize in active travel have repeat clientele. It’s not uncommon to meet fellow travelers who have taken multiple trips with the same company and have, in fact, already planned for the next one.

Use the “Physical Level” filter to help you find tours rated from very easy to easy, moderate, strenuous or extreme. Active tours are generally shorter in length - 7 days or less - so consider one of them as part of your trip to the U.S. Here are a few to consider. 

Cycling is a classic active travel tour. Pedal across the heart of Texas in the Hill Country; see the Fall Foliage in Stowe, Vermont; the vineyards and rolling farmlands of Upstate New York’s 11 Finger Lakes; the wine country of Sonoma, California and the California coast; or head out on a singletrack in the Colorado mountain town of Crested Butte. 

Hiking/backpacking the high country outside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, can be a more strenuous trip as you travel deep into the wilderness on the spine of the Rocky Mountains and gaze at the towering peaks of the Continental Divide. Just as challenging might be summiting Yosemite National Park’s Half-Dome, an iconic feature of the park.

In Utah’s Capitol Reef, experience a wild, yet serene landscape. Geologists know this 100-mile long warp in the Earth’s crust that formed between 50 and 70 million years ago as one of the largest, most exposed monoclines on the continent. All the hiking isn’t out west though. Head to North Carolina to hike portions of the 2,000 mile plus Appalachian Trail, or A.T., while wetting your whistle with craft brews of the area. 

River Rafting is one way to see the incredible geology of the West. Raft the Green River in Utah where you’ll be bracing through dozens of rapids, hiking to petroglyphs and gazing at dinosaur habitats not to mention geology millions of years in the making.

The Salmon River in south-central Idaho is another popular rafting destination even though it’s called “The River of No Return.” The canyon is large with sandy beaches and big water rapids with names like “Devil’s Teeth” and “Whiplash.” Floating “Hell’s Canyon” on the Snake River which borders Oregon and Idaho is another popular trip. The Snake River gorge is the deepest in the U.S.

Regional Cuisine in the United States

America is a land of people with indigenous, global immigrant and african american ancestry. This human history, combined with different climates that determine what can grow in a particular region, along with access to food such as a port town which provided greater access and culture; for example, that of the western and Texan cattlemen, all factor into what you might be biting into when traveling across the US.

There are some foods that are unique to regions while others are unique to particular states. Here’s some of what you can sink your teeth into by region and state within that region.  

Food in the Northeast & New England  

What to eat in New England? How about some clam “chowdah”? There’s white clam chowder, also known as Boston clam chowder, which is made with milk or cream and often served with oyster crackers. These small, salted crackers are made with flour, not oysters, and are sometimes used to thicken the chowder.

And what’s Manhattan chowder? It’s tomato based and actually has nothing to do with New York, having originally came from Rhode Island. What to eat in Vermont? Try some maple syrup on your pancakes and further northeast there’s Maine lobster.

Some will tell you that nothing says summer like a lobster roll. Succulent, sweet lobster meat is served in a buttery hot dog style bun. Outside of New England, the capital of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, is known as the pretzel capital of the US. Try a Philly pretzel, soft and warm sprinkled with salt. 

Cuisine in the American South  

What to eat in the South? It’s home to shrimp and grits (boiled cornmeal), fried chicken and chicken fried steak. And in New Orleans, Louisiana, there’s gumbo. Culinary historians believe the dish has African heritage. There are seafood gumbos loaded with Louisiana shrimp, crab and oysters, spicy sausage gumbos and okra gumbos.

If traveling to Tennessee, try pork ribs to learn the secret of Memphis style barbeque. And for a sweet tooth, Georgia has its peach pie. The state was a major producer of peaches after the Civil War.  

Food in the Great Lakes/Midwest Region

Wisconsin cheese curds, if not fried which they often are, will squeak in your mouth. The squeakier the better - it means they’re fresher. In Chicago, Illinois, the deep dish pizza is like none other and in Missouri, you’ll find fried, “toasted” ravioli.

Origins are disputed but it’s said that an Italian chef accidentally dropped a ravioli in oil instead of water. In Kansas City, Missouri, there’s another style of rib to try with a sweet, thick sauce that’s known all over the US. The pasties in Michigan are handheld meat and vegetable pies that came to the region by way of miners from Cornwall, England. 

Rockies/Mountain States  Cuisine

Be careful when ordering Rocky Mountain Oysters! It isn’t an oyster at all. They’re testicals. Specifically from a cow, sheep or pig and watch out! They go by different names like cowboy caviar or tender groins. Fortunately, the cowboy/ranch culture of the mountain states goes beyond testicals.

Competition among steakhouses for the tenderest cut of beef, lamb and bison is common not only across the mountain region but in the midwest, too. From a completely different food group, taste the intense sweet-sour of a huckleberry. These berries are grown in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. 

Food of the Pacific Northwest  

Salmon is a common menu feature along with other seafood items in the Pacific Northwest. Try salmon imbued with cedar from being cooked on a cedar plank. The damp climate is conducive to mushrooms and in Oregon you’ll find marionberries, similar to a blackberry but prized for their firmer texture and more complex flavor.

And for seafood lovers, if you are traveling during the wintertime, this is Dungeness Crab season. A favorite for locals, this crab taste very different than their softshell and other cousins on the East Coast. Be sure to give it a try!

Definitely raise a glass of Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, a globally recognized wine region. You’ll find huckleberries in this region, too, and in Washington, apples and cherries. From your mug, sip some Seattle coffee. The capital of Washington is known for having a number of roasters located there, including Starbucks and Tullys. No wonder more people consume coffee in Seattle than in any other US city. 

Cusine of California/Alaska/Hawaii  

What to eat in California? Or should that be drink. California is world renowned or its wine varieties from both Napa and Sonoma counties. The Central Valley also produces wine with much of it supplying producers in Napa and Sonoma. And while hispanic food doesn’t necessary go with wine, the high number of Mexicans, Latin and South Americans  in the state bring food and fusions from those regions to the menu, particularly in southern California.

Hispanic technically refers to people from Spain and there are these influences as well albeit to a smaller degree. Asians, a large demographic in the San Francisco area, bring authentic asian cuisine to the foodie scene. Other California foods to try: avocado and avocado toast, sourdough bread from San Francisco, fish tacos in San Diego and a burger from In-N-Out Burger. 

More fish is on the menu in Alaska and Hawaii like the king crab, halibut and salmon from Alaska. Beyond fish, yak has been called Alaska’s “new red meat” and domesticated caribou, called reindeer, is usually prepared sausage style. It’s a breakfast staple in most restaurants.

The Alaskan yak, descended from stock imported from Siberia in the late 1800s, can only be owned by Alaskans native to the state. In Hawaii, order poke, made with raw tuna, onions and tomatoes. It’s sometimes served with poi, which is taro root that has been cooked, mashed and thinned with water.

Some say Taro chips are tastier than poi but you’ll have to try for yourself. Also order saimin, an egg noodle soup that has influences from Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese people who migrated to the islands. 

Cuisine of the American Southwest  

Food in New Mexico and Arizona is largely influenced by the hispanic and native cultures in the region. In the 1600s, Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors arrived in the southwestern states (eventually conquering the entire western part of the US), bringing with them chili seeds. Today, this long, green chili is known as New Mexican chile.

You can find it in flavor packed red or green chili stews, sauces doused over burritos or in a queso (cheese) dip among other tasty dishes. As for the native influence, the “three sisters” is a diet staple consisting of corn, beans and squash. All grow in a symbiotic relationship and provide a nutrient dense meal. It was traditionally blue corn, not yellow that the Hopi and Pueblo people of Arizona and New Mexico grew.

This nuttier flavor and higher protein content blue corn has become a popular snack food in the form of blue corn tortilla chips. Take it easy on those considering the sodium content but also, fry bread and sopaipillas. Fry bread is a flour based, flat fried or deep fried bread eaten alone, with various toppings or as a taco “plate.” A sopaipilla is a sweetened fried bread. As they often are filled with air from the frying process, some sopaipilla lovers poke a hole in the bread and fill it with honey. Imagine the oozing sweetness.

Wildlife in the United States

South Africa , Rwanda or the Galapagos might come to mind when thinking about the best places to see wildlife but the U.S. has over 20,000 native species of plants and animals.

While it may take some effort to spot these often elusive animals, here are some of the best native and non-native animal encounters in America:

Bald Eagle - America’s national emblem, the native bald eagle is also pictured on the country’s currency and presidential seal. These powerful, majestic birds are found throughout the continental U.S. and Alaska. 

Bison - Named a national mammal in 2016, the bison is the largest mammal in North America with males weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Like the eagle, it is an official symbol of America. Thankfully, conservation efforts have dramatically improved both eagle and bison populations. Bison roamed the prairies of the U.S. by the tens of millions until they were hunted nearly to extinction during the settling the West in the mid to late 1800s. Today, approximately 10,000 animals in 17 herds are managed on public lands in 12 states, including Alaska.  

Elk - once common across North America, today elk are found primarily in the west. They are natives of North America and eastern Asia. In the Fall especially, you can hear their eerie bugle, a signal of dominance but also, a call to other elk, including females. In Wyoming, 11,000 of them migrate across Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Polar Bear - The largest land-dwelling carnivore on Earth is the Polar Bear, native to the Arctic but also found in other regions. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in northeast Alaska is a national conservation area where the bears regularly den. Heart wrenchingly, these magnificent creatures have become the symbol of climate change, specifically warming trends that are melting the bear’s icy habitat.

Grizzly Bear - The Grizzly Bear, a subspecies of the brown bear, can actually be various shades of brown, black and even blonde. The name Grizzly comes from the “grizzled” blonde hair on the tips of their fur. They’ve been called the monarchs of the open tundra and mountains of Alaska and once roamed the entire western United States, including Alaska as well as Canada and south into Mexico. Control measures and habitat loss have reduced their now recovering native range. 

Black Bear - The most common and widely distributed bear in the U.S., Black Bears are smaller and more adaptable than the Grizzly or Polar Bear. Their native range also extends into northern Mexico. While most are black regardless of where they’re found, there are genetic variations that include the white bear of southern British Columbia (western Canada) and the blue, or glacier bear of southeastern Alaska. 

Moose - Native to other regions of the world, the largest U.S. population is also found in Alaska, although Moose territory extends into the northeastern US and south into the Colorado Rockies. Their large size makes survival difficult in warmer climates and they prefer forested areas that see snow in the winter. They also like the aquatic plants found in swamps, ponds, bogs and lakes and streams. Other browsing edibles include twigs, tree bark and in the warmer months, the buds of the hardwood and softwood trees and shrubs.

Ringtail - The Ringtail, sometimes called a ringtail cat, miner’s cat or marv cat isn’t a cat at all, it’s in the raccoon family. A native of the more arid climates of the south, southwest and west coast, the less than 3 pound ringtail’s black and white striped tail is as long as it’s 12-18 inch body. It’s a sleek animal, more substantial than a weasel but smaller than a cat with large oval ears and large eyes ringed with white fur. The raccoon and ringtail have another relative in the southwestern U.S. (also found in Central and South America), the coati. About the size of a large house cat, it, too, has a ringed tail that it holds straight up in the air which helps keep the coati together when foraging in tall vegetation. 

Gila Monster - You’ll have to head to the desert southwest to see these prehistoric looking creatures. They are the largest lizards native to the U.S. weighing in at about 4 pounds with a stout, 20 inch body. Their beaded scales have patterns of bright black, pink, yellow and orange. The Gila Monster is a venomous lizard and was thought to be one of two in the world but recent discoveries have proven otherwise. Some species of iguanas and monitor lizards also have venom.

California Condor - The largest bird in North America, the bald headed California Condor is a soaring master thanks to its long, broad wings and long “fingers” at its wing tips. Despite a wingspan of up to 10 feet, their substantial weight of up to 30 pounds makes lift off difficult so they prefer to fly from a high perch. Sacred to Native Americans who live in the American West, the California Condors are best known for a captive breeding program that has slowly increased their numbers from a mere ten individuals back in 1987. Populations have been reintroduced in Arizona, Utah and California.

Top Attractions in the US for History Buffs

Topping the list of attractions for history buffs has to be Boston , one of the oldest cities in the U.S. with historical sites like the home of American Revolutionary Paul Revere; the USS Constitution, the oldest naval vessel in the world that is still afloat, and the Old South Meeting House where colonists first gathered to protest the unfair taxation of tea by Britain. 

Just outside Boston, visit Minuteman National Historic Park . The park maintains and interprets multiple sites, including the battlefields of Lexington and Concord , associated with the first day of fighting of the American Revolution. The minutemen earned their name for being ready at a minute’s notice. These civilian militia companies were made up of colonists who independently gathered to train themselves for military readiness.

The seat of government, Washington, D.C. is another list topper. It is here that many relics are kept from founding documents to art. You’ll have to pace your visits to attractions like the National Museum of American History; the National Archives where the original Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and Constitution are preserved; the National Museum of the American Indian; the National Museum of African American History and Culture; and Arlington National Cemetery. 

Take a two day trip from Washington, D.C. to visit Colonial Williamsburg , an 18th century living history museum - the largest in the world - that depicts colonial life in Williamsburg, Virginia. Dine in a historic tavern that serves typical food of the period, ask the craftspeople at work in the traditional trade shops questions or shoot a flint musket to immerse yourself in 18th century colonial life.  

The first permanent English settlement in North America was established in Historic Jamestown in 1607. It is located just 15 minutes west of Colonial Williamsburg . Active excavation, analysis and research continues today, a site that thrived for nearly 100 years as the capital of the Virginia colony. 

A day’s trip from Washington, D.C. you’ll find several American Civil War battlefields including Gettysburg . Often called the “High Water Mark of the Rebellion”, Gettysburg was the bloodiest of the Civil War battles with casualties that numbered over 23,000 on the Union (Northern) side of the battlefield and 28,000 on the Federate (Southern) side. 

Pearl Harbor National Historic Landmark in Honolulu, Hawaii , is the site of the preemptive military strike by the Japanese Imperial Army on December 7, 1941. It marked the United States’ entry into World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial straddles the sunken hull of the USS Arizona battleship, final resting place of 1,101 of the 1,177 sailors and marines who were killed during the attack. 

There’s lots of history you can find in both Colorado and New Mexico that predates America as a country. In Southwestern Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park, you'll find the largest archaeological site in the U.S., also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About 1,400 years ago Ancestral Puebloan people built elaborate - and astounding - stone communities in the sheltered alcoves of the canyon walls. The park contains over 400 known sites.

In New Mexico, explore more native American history at the Taos Pueblo , the only living native American community designated as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years.

Uninhabited pueblos can be explored at Chaco Canyon National Park , a center for thousands of people between 850 and 1250 A.D. and Pecos National Historic Park which also preserves a Civil War battlefield site. Spanish colonial history is also a part of New Mexico’s past. 

If you are interested in the history of space exploration, head to Houston, Texas to visit the Johnson Space Center. The center is NASA’s hub for human spaceflight where training, research and flight control are conducted. It is also home to the International Space Station mission operations, future space development programs and the new NASA spacecraft being developed under the Orion Program.

Top Activities for First Time Travelers to the U.S.

In these days of experiential travel, a list of top activities for first time travelers to the U.S. depends on the interests of the traveler and what type of trip they’re looking for. What are the best U.S. cities to visit? Best U.S. National Parks? Best places in the U.S. for history buffs? It all depends on you. 

If you prefer big cities, read about the different regions of the U.S., choosing cities within those regions you find most intriguing. And if being active is what you’re looking for, read about Active Travel options or Top National Parks . While often geared toward a younger traveler, cross-country U.S. tours will give you a little bit of everything. 

Alternatively, you might plan to join a tour for part of your trip; for example, a National Park circuit group tour after some self-guided big city visits. National Park tours generally start and end in larger city centers not far from the parks so you could plan to end your self-guided trip at the tour’s starting point.

Off the Beaten Path Travel

A journey along well-traveled paths means you’re likely seeing things most everyone else sees. These are popular routes for a reason, whether because of their historical, natural or cultural significance.

As people seek more experiential travel they dig a little deeper to more actively engage with the history , culture , people, food, and environment of the places they’re visiting.

What can you expect with a trip to the U.S. off the beaten path?

More time in a specific location or region

A particular theme; for example, Colorado mountains and craft brews; a foodie, wine and outdoor adventure trip in California; National Parks outside of Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California; history in Washington D.C. or Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Fewer big-city destinations on the itinerary, more places most don’t get to see like National Parks 

Often geared toward younger travelers

Trip Reviews

I have had an absolutely amazing trip.

My wife and I have had an absolutely amazing trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Napa Valley, Yosemite, Death Valley, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Monume...

An absolutely amazing experience,

An absolutely amazing experience, would highly recommend to anyone. Parks we...

Vanessa and Martin

The Vegas to LA trip is amazing.

The Vegas to LA trip is amazing. Excellent and diverse range of trip experiences. Wonderful and breathtaking locations of the Canyons with opportunities to explore b...

Trusted Customer

Hawaii Four Island Adventure Premium

The Oahu Island tour needs several more stops included, and the farm visit/meal in Maui needs to be replaced with something else. I really wish we had three nights...

Every hotel was very nice though the Twin Fin could use a paint job. Every breakfast buffet was excellent except for the hotel in Kona. Harry did a great job as tour...

See all United States reviews

Related Trips & Tours

United states tours faq.

1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?

2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?

3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?

4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?

Destination guides

Download free Russia travel guides

• St Petersburg
• Golden Ring
• Lake Baikal
• Murmansk (Kola Peninsula)
• Moscow & St Petersburg
• Russia River Cruises
• Expedition Cruises
• Trans-Siberian Tours
• Northern Lights Tours
• Siberia Tours
• Winter Tours
• Students Trips
• Luxury Tours
• Plan My Tour

Start planning my tour

Your Russia, your dates, your mates

• Destination Guides
• Russia Travel Tips
• Russian Visa
• Travel Insurance
• Why 56th Parallel
• Traveller Reviews

St Petersburg Tours

Explore the grandeur and history of Russia's imperial capital

Home / Russia travel Destinations / St Petersburg Tours

St Petersburg Tours Overview

Known as Russia’s cultural capital, our St Petersburg tours will prove full of cultural discoveries. From summer nights where the Arctic sun never sets, to beautiful white winters spent enchanted by ballet and theatre, Saint Petersburg offers something new for each season. Formerly known as Petrograd or Leningrad, and fondly nicknamed “Peter” by the locals, the Venice of the North is simply a must-see.  The cultural impact of this metropolis cannot be overstated. It’s so packed with world-class establishments that UNESCO declared the entire city centre a World Heritage Site.

St Petersburg Tours Highlights:

• Hundreds of prominent museums, cathedrals, sculptures, squares, and places of interest await you in this glorious city.As a city renowned for its fine arts, find St. Petersburg's stunning collections of artwork by world-famous artists in the Hermitage Museum or the State Russian Museum. Indulge yourself to theatrical art with a play in the Mariinsky theatre - the cradle of Russian Ballet in its classical tradition.
• Marvel at the magnificent architectural jewels and churches of Saint Petersburg, including Saint Issac’s Cathedral, the Kazan Cathedral and the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood.
• Take a stroll through Saint Petersburg’s picture-perfect European streets and admire its majestic palaces such as the Winter Palace, Catherine Palace, and the iconic Peterhof Palace.
• Enjoy a romantic boat tour or river cruise along picturesque rivers and canals crisscrossing through the magnificent city. Here, you can glide under photogenic bridges and take in some of St. Petersburg’s famous landmarks like the Peter and Paul Fortress.
• Experience the beauty of White Nights in St. Petersburg- the incredible, luminous northern midsummer evenings bathe the city in a pearlescent all-night glow where festivals, concerts, and parties carry on into the early mornings.

A visit to Saint Petersburg's  Hermitage is essential – you’ll feast your eyes on a collection of over three million pieces from masters like Rembrandt, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Rubens, and thousands of others from every period. Our St Petersburg tours showcase the beautiful Romanov Winter Palace, art lovers will be overwhelmed by the exhibition's scope, selection, and setting, in one of Russia’s grandest, most iconic buildings. Afterwards, satiate your cultural appetite with the precision and perfection of Russia’s premier ballet and opera companies at the Mariinsky Theatre. Anyone with even the slightest interest in Russia’s cultural and artistic riches will find a visit to Saint Petersburg utterly delectable.

Explore St Petersburg Tours

Treasures of St Petersburg

This in-depth tour is a fun and fascinating discovery of the legacy of Imperialist Russia, just in one week. A showcase for the wealth and tastes of the Emperors of Russia from Peter the Great onwards, this tour will guide you through iconic estates, sumptuous palaces, extensive landscape gardens, and a treasuries of art and history.

Highlights of Moscow & St Petersburg

Immerse yourself in the art, history and culture of Russia and explore the contrasting styles of Moscow and St Petersburg in just one week. Experience the iconic landmarks of Moscow, then, take a fast train to Saint Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Moscow and St Petersburg in Style

This carefully crafted 9-day itinerary tells the tale of two cities – Moscow, the source of Eastern political, economic and spiritual influence, and St Petersburg – Russia’s cultural epicentre and window to Western Europe.

Moscow, St Petersburg and Golden Ring Rendezvous

This tour of Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Golden Ring explores the places that shaped Russia’s history – past, present and future. Uncover Moscow’s ongoing revolutionary spirit, before journeying back in time to rural, medieval Russia. End in St Petersburg, a city of royal splendour and undeniable romance.

Moscow & St Petersburg Winter Escapade

Experience the romantic, winter wonderland atmosphere and festive city lights of Russia’s two biggest cities and celebrate the New Year! You’ll discover some of the cities' most iconic attractions and lesser-known gems.

Northern Lights in Russia: Arctic Winter Magic

Explore main sights of mighty Moscow and cultural capital of Russia - Saint Petersburg. Head to Karelia, where we’ll stop to admire the Ruskeala Mountain Park and historic Kizhi Island. Discover the customs of the indigenous Saami in Kola Peninsula and observe Aurora Borealis dancing in the sky.

A custom tour made to order

We understand sometimes our set departure dates do not align with your ability to travel at that time, or you just want to travel bespoke. We got you covered.

Go custom — gives you the choice & flexibility of creating your own bespoke itinerary, using our tours for inspiration.

Related Posts

15 reasons to visit St. Petersburg – Russia’s cultural capital

If the great cities of Europe competed for the title of ‘Most Beautiful’, St Petersburg would be right up there. The mix of history, culture ...

12 Reasons Everyone Must Visit Russia

For the unfamiliar, the thought of Russia might conjure up images of vodka-swilling men in fur hats, or KGB spies from a Hollywood movie. But look ...

Have a question or need specific information?

Send us a note below or call us

Country * Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegowina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia (Hrvatska) Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France France Metropolitan French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard and Mc Donald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran (Islamic Republic of) Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao, People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka St. Helena St. Pierre and Miquelon Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States United States Minor Outlying Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands (British) Virgin Islands (U.S.) Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Yugoslavia Zambia Zimbabwe

If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 412 587 785

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

• St. Petersburg Tours

Our 20 Best St. Petersburg Tours of 2022

Join us for a Journey of a Lifetime to St. Petersburg the gem of Russia. Sometimes called the city of the Tsars or the Northern Venice, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. All of our tours to St. Petersburg are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our St. Petersburg tours using the form on the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic St. Petersburg

This is our most popular tour of St. Petersburg. It includes all the most important highlights of the Northern Capital, and also provides enough free time for exploring the city on your own. We have a huge variety of St. Petersburg excursions that you can take for extra sightseeing.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

Express St. Petersburg

This tour gives you a great overview of the city. You will visit Peter and Paul Fortress, the birthplace of the city and also the location where the Last Romanovs are buried. You will become acquainted with the rich collection of the Hermitage Museum and learn about Imperial life while visiting Peterhof.

Weekend in St. Petersburg

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with St. Petersburg if you are short on time. You will see all of the city’s major highlights and visit the Hermitage Museum - one of the largest museums in the world and former residence of Russian tzars.

Imperial St. Petersburg

This is our most complete St. Petersburg tour package. Besides visiting all of the major sights within the city and three Imperial summer residences, you will also see the Yusupov Palace and learn about the life and murder of Rasputin, one of the most mysterious figures in Russia’s history.

Group Tour St. Petersburg Break by Intourist

Explore St. Petersburg, the former capital of Imperial Russia with its magnificent palaces, parks, and monuments. Our engaging and most importantly fun tour includes all the most important highlights, such as Peter and Paul Fortress, the Hermitage Museum, and the Catherine Palace with the Amber Room.

Jewish Heritage, Major City Highlights, Peterhof & Catherine Palace

This tour will take you to St. Petersburg’s great museums such as the Hermitage and the Catherine Palace, and it also includes several sights connected with the life of the Jewish community.

Major City Highlights

Let our friendly and knowledgeable guide take you on a fun and informative tour to St. Petersburg's major highlights including the Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospect, the Hermitage, the Cathedral on the Spilt Blood and more over the course of one day.

All City Highlights

This tour is a great introduction to St. Petersburg - the Venice of the North. During the tour, you will visit the Yusupov Palace associated with the fate of Rasputin, St. Isaacs Cathedral, the Hermitage Museum and the Cathedral on the Spilt Blood.

Major City Highlights & Peterhof

On this tour, you will have the chance to explore the magnificent parks and fountains of Peterhof, the outstanding interiors of the Grand Palace at Peterhof, and the Hermitage Museum - one of the world's greatest museums.

Major City Highlights & Catherine Palace

This tour takes you to one of the world's most famous treasures - the Amber Room in Tsarskoe Selo. You will visit the Catherine Palace and Park, and explore the famous Hermitage Museum.

Three Imperial Residences

This tour takes you to three Imperial suburbs - each with its own palace and park and all associated with Russia's colorful history. See the fountains of Peterhof, the Amber Room in the Catherine Palace and Emperor Paul's German style residence in Pavlosk.

One-Day Moscow Tour with Visit to the Tretyakov Gallery

This tour brings you the main highlights of Moscow, Russia’s capital. You will also take an excursion to the Tretyakov Gallery which contains many masterpieces from the greatest Russian artists.

Jewish Heritage, Major City Highlights & Catherine Palace

This tour will acquaint you with the Hermitage Museum and the Catherine Palace with its world-famous Amber Room, while at the same time it explores the history and present-day life of St. Petersburg's Jewish Community.

Jewish Heritage Tour

This tours takes you to the major Jewish sights of St. Petersburg including the Grand Choral Synagogue, the Kolomna district and the Ethnography Museum which has an excellent exhibition dedicated to the history and culture of the Jewish people in Russia.

Jewish Heritage, Major City Highlights & Peterhof

Besides exploring St. Petersburg's main sights such as the Hermitage, Cathedral on the Spilt Blood and the Imperial suburb of Peterhof with its magnificent fountains, this tour will also acquaint you with the history of St. Petersburg’s Jewish community.

Revolution, WWII & Soviet Leningrad

Russia is well known for its rich history and especially the Russian Revolution that ushered in the age of communism and the Soviet Union. Our tour will take you to the places associated with the Soviet epoque.

All City Highlights and Three Imperial Summer Residences

Over the course of 3 days, you will visit three of St. Petersburg's Imperial suburbs - Peterhof, Pushkin with the Catherine Palace and Pavlosvk. We will also explore the city's most beautiful museums, such as the Hermitage, the Yusupov Palace, St.Isaac's Cathedral and more.

Major City Highlights, Peterhof & Catherine Palace

This tour will give you a great understanding and feeling for the city of St. Petersburg, Russia's art and cultural capital. It takes you to the Hermitage, Catherine Palace (including the Amber Room), the Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral and more.

All City Highlights, Peterhof & Catherine Palace

On this tour, you will explore the city's most beautiful museums, including the Hermitage and the Yusupov Palace, as well as two Imperial suburbs - Peterhof with its fountains and Pushkin with the Catherine Palace and the Amber Room.

This tour explores St. Petersburg’s main attractions including the Hermitage Museum, the Church on the Spilt Blood and two of the city's Imperial suburbs - Peterhof with its magnificent fountains and Pushkin’s Catherine Palace, famous for the Amber Room.

This tour takes you to the town of Pushkin, also known as Tsarkoye Selo, one of St. Petersburg's main Imperial suburbs. You will visit the Catherine Palace and Park - home to one of the world's most exquisite pieces of architectural and decorative art, the Amber Room.

St. Petersburg is considered the capital of Russian arts and cultural. During this tour, you will visit such gems as the Hermitage Museum, the Church on the Spilt Blood and the Peterhof Palace with its magnificent gardens and fountains.

One-Day Moscow Tour with Visit to the Kremlin

This one-day tour to Russia's capital includes major highlights of Moscow, such as Red Square, the Kremlin Cathedrals and Armory. Feel the energy that has always made Moscow one of the most exciting cities on earth.

City Tour of St. Petersburg with visit to St. Isaacs Cathedral

A great introduction to St. Petersburg for visitors who enjoy walking. Our expert guide will take you down the famous Nevsky Prospect, to Palace Square (the Winter Palace) home...

Walking tours

City Tour of St. Petersburg

Our St. Petersburg walking tour is a great introduction to this marvelous city for visitors who enjoy walking. Our expert guide will take you down the famous Nevsky Prospect, to...

St. Isaacs Cathedral walking tour

One of the finest architectural monuments of the XIX century, the former principal cathedral of the Russian capital has the capacity to accommodate 10,000 people. The cathedral...

Hermitage Museum Tour

The Hermitage is one of the greatest museums in the world. The museum consists of five historical buildings including the Winter Palace – the residence of the Russian Tsars....

City Tour of St. Petersburg with visit to Peter and Paul Fortress

Peter and Paul Fortress walking tour

The Peter and Paul Fortress was founded by Peter the Great in 1703. Besides the ancient fortifications, the fortress includes the Peter and Paul Cathedral, built in the early XVIII...

Tour to Pavlovsk, Tsar Pauls stronghold

Built in the late XVIII and early XIX centuries, Pavlovsk’s palace and park was used as a summer residence for emperor Paul I and his family. The landscape park, one of the...

Tours by car

Tour of Pushkin: Catherine Palace and Park, Amber Room

The Palace and Park of Tsarskoye Selo is a former country residence of the Russian Tsars. It is a fascinating monument of the world’s architectural and gardening arts of...

Day trip to Novgorod - the ancient capital of Russia

At 8.00 AM, our driver will pick you up to depart for Novgorod. Veliky Novgorod is one of Russia’s most ancient cities and was Russia’s first capital. No other Russian...

Alexander Nevsky Monastery walking tour

The largest monastery in Russia, Alexander Nevsky Lavra was built near the location where Grand Prince Alexander won his victory over the Swedes and the Teutonic Knights in 1240....

Cathedral of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood walking tour

St. Petersburg´s most Russian looking building. The cathedral would seem at home on Moscow´s Red Square with its onion shaped domes and multi colored facade. The cathedral...

Yusupov Palace Tour

This is an extremely interesting palace excursion and St. Petersburg tour. The building is notable both for its beauty and for the historical events that have taken place within...

Russian Museum Tour

The Michailovsky Palace where the Russian Museum is situated was built by the architect K. Rossi at the beginning of the XIX century for Alexander I´s brother Michail. It...

Tour to Pushkin & Pavlovsk

Pavlosk was built in the late XVIII and early XIX centuries, the palace and park were used as a summer residence for emperor Paul I and his family. The landscape park, one of the...

Tour to Peterhof (Petrodvorets)

Peterhof is a jewel of Russian art – a town of parks, palaces and fountains. In the past, it was used as an exquisite summer residence by the Russian Tsars. Verkhniy Garden...

City Tour of St. Petersburg with visit to Peter & Paul Fortress and St. Isaac's Cathedral

The tour will take the visitor throughout the historical center of St. Petersburg and includes spectacular views of the Neva River, Canal Griboyedova, Moika Canal, the many bridges...

Dostoyevsky's St. Petersburg Tour with transport

Fyodor Dostoevsky, the famous Russian novelist, journalist and short-story writer spent much of his life in Russia’s Northern Capital, even though he was born in Moscow....

Boat Excursion Along the Canals of St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is a city of canals and viewing it from the water is an unforgettable experience. During your one hour trip, you will sail from Pevchesky bridge along the Moika...

City Tour of St. Petersburg with visit to the Hermitage Museum with transport

The tour will take the visitor throughout the historical center of St. Petersburg and includes spectacular views of the Neva river, Canal Griboyedova, Moika canal, the many bridges...

Military Tour: the Artillery Museum and the Central Naval Museum with transport

This excursion will be exciting for those who are interested in the military history of Russia. The tour includes a visit to the Artillery Museum and the Central Naval Museum....

Dostoevsky Museum walking tour

Learn more about the life and times of Dostoevsky on this most engaging excursion. Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky's literary works explore human psychology in the troubled political,...

The National Museum of Alexander Pushkin Tour

Learn more about the father of Russian literature, Alexander Pushkin with a visit to his house located on the Moika River Embankment. During your visit you will learn about Pushkin's...

Revolutionary St. Petersburg Tour with transport

St. Petersburg is often called the cradle of the Russian Revolution. If you want to know more about the political history of Russia, or just walk the paths of the revolutionary...

WWII and the Siege of Leningrad Tour with transport

The city suffered on an almost unimaginable scale during the time of WWII. The bravery and courage of the citizens of Leningrad, as the city was called during that period, is well-known...

Thank you both for making our visit to St. Petersburg so enjoyable. Asya - your prompt replies to my many emails and your efficient organization were greatly appreciated. Elena - you were a delight. I don't know how you remembered all those names and dates! Your knowledge and enthusiasm made our 2 days with you very interesting and memorable. I will recommend you both to any friends we hear who are travelling to St. Petersburg. Thank you again for 2 wonderful days.

I am very glad to put in a good word for your excellent tour company. You handled all the tour arrangements so well. Compliments also to Dasha the tour guide & Dmitri the driver. The tours to the museums, city & palaces were really well explained and interesting. We were so happy not to stand in the long lines. Our driver drove efficiently and safely. We will have only compliments if anyone asks us about your tour company. Russia is beautiful and we have a great appreciation of your history, art and people.

St. Petersburg Russia Tours

St. Petersburg is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It was built on a collection of islands where the Neva River meets the Gulf of Finland and is divided further by a system of canals earning the city the name the Venice of the North. St. Petersburg was referred to as Peter the Great’s Window to the West because the great Tsar and reformer Peter the First designed the city to be Russia’s most European. The European feeling of the city is as true today as it was during the early 1700s. The embankments and boulevards are full of 18th and 19th century palaces of the nobility giving St. Petersburg an almost fairytale atmosphere. The historical city center is huge and dominated by the Winter Palace (former residence of the Tsars) which now houses the world famous Hermitage Museum . St. Petersburg Russia indeed is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities on earth. Our company is based in St. Petersburg, Russia allowing us to offer the widest variety of St. Petersburg Russia tours and excursions available on the Internet. All of our tours are designed so that our guests experience maximum enjoyment and become immersed in the culture and history of this great, Russian city. All our tours are private and can be fully customized upon your request. You can either choose one of our ready-made packages or create your own. Because we are locally based, we can offer excellent prices and the most knowledgeable guides in the city.

St. Petersburg – a Historical Gem

The city has witnessed some of the most dramatic and important moments in Russian history since its founding in 1703 by Peter the Great , making the city especially important for curious travelers coming to Russia. St. Petersburg was the scene of the Decembrist uprising , the famous court of Tsarina Catherine the Great , the assassination of Tsar Pavel and Alexander II and the home of Rasputin , the Siberian mystic. The last Tsar, Nicholas the II, was overthrown at the Winter Palace and the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and Lenin brought communism to power here. After the revolution, the name of the city was changed to Leningrad. During the Second World War, Leningrad was under siege and fully blockaded by the Nazis for almost 3 years, resulting in the deaths of up to 1.5 million of its citizens. Our St. Petersburg tours take you to the places associated with many of these events and more.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time of year to go to st petersburg.

St Petersburg is a spectacular city regardless of the time of year, it all depends on your itinerary. Summertime can be wonderfully warm and brings the White Nights, nearly 24-hours of sunshine and a party atmosphere. However, St Petersburg will be very busy and accommodation can be much more expensive. St Petersburg is quite cold in winter, but enchantingly beautiful and with less crowds. The worst weather takes place in November and March. Check to see if your visit will coincide with Russia’s holidays and festivals, and for more information about the best time to visit, read our guide .

How many days are enough in St. Petersburg?

With a carefully planned and researched itinerary you can see St Petersburg’s main sights over a long weekend. St Petersburg’s city centre is compact compared to Moscow’s, and its most famous attractions are reachable by foot from one another. Find centrally located accommodation, acquaint yourself with public transport, and book tickets in advance so that you can skip the queues. To make the most of a short trip, check out our informative St Petersburg city tours with options to suit all interests.

Is it safe to walk around St Petersburg, Russia?

Walking around St Petersburg is no more dangerous than exploring any European city if you are sensible with your belongings and use common sense. The city centre rarely feels isolated as it is quite compact, and many bars and restaurants are open 24/7. During White Nights there are nearly 24 hours of sunlight, meaning that you’ll never venture anywhere in the dark. If you travel by taxi make sure to book in advance, or take public transport, which is perfectly safe and tourist-friendly. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

Do they speak English in St. Petersburg?

St Petersburg is Russia’s most western-leaning city and staff in city centre restaurants, hotels, shops and attractions can generally accommodate English speaking tourists. There are also English-speaking tourist police. The metro and bus service maps have English translations, and intercom announcements are also made in English. If you’d prefer to travel by taxi, the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber) works in multiple languages, although it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. Younger Russians are more likely to speak basic English than older Russians, but Google Translate is useful if you get completely stuck.

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

Join us on Facebook

We invite you to become a fan of our company on Facebook and read Russian news and travel stories. To become a fan, click here .

Join our own Russian Travel, Culture and Literature Club on Facebook. The club was created to be a place for everyone with an interest in Russia to get to know each other and share experiences, stories, pictures and advice. To join our club, please follow this link .

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, and to facilitate providing you with services available through our Website. To opt out of non-essential cookies, please click here . By continuing to use our Website, you accept our use of cookies, the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service . I agree

• ENVIRONMENT
• FOREIGN AFFAIRS
• REAL ESTATE
• WHAT’S ON
• LATEST NEWS
• GREEK EDITION

Analysis: Package deals make a comeback as sun seekers count the cost

Sun seekers are turning to package holidays in Europe as soaring hotel and flight prices revive demand for the all-inclusive deals that had fallen from favour, bolstering the balance sheets of some travel companies.

The combination of a cost-of-living crisis and disruption from strikes and glitches has added to the appeal of a fixed-price package without unexpected add-on costs and easier redress when things go wrong.

After years of travellers using the internet to compile their own itineraries, travel analysts say a trend of buying a ready-made package that began last year has accelerated this summer, the busiest for travel since the pandemic.

“It’s something that you think would have died out back in the seventies,” Stuart Hatcher, chief economist at aviation data analysis firm IBA, said. “Since Covid, more people are booking package trips.”

Spending on package holidays in Europe – most popular among Britons and Germans – is expected to reach $117 billion this year, up 11% from a year ago and will hit a new peak of $125.9 billion next year, according to Euromonitor.

The resurgence helped TUI, Europe’s biggest tour operator, to report on Wednesday quarterly results that beat expectations.

The fixed upfront costs and value for money are appealing, said Caroline Bremner, Euromonitor senior industry manager for travel.

“In times of peak inflation, as over the past two years, (packages) enable consumers to budget more efficiently,” she said.

Britons on average spend about $450 per capita on these getaways, Euromonitor’s figures show, as the package holiday provider negotiates deals with hotels, transport companies and other players to drive down costs.

But even packages will get more expensive, the market research company forecasts. It predicts prices will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% between 2024 and 2029, faster than before the pandemic when they rose at a pace of about 1.3% from 2014-2019.

Will post-Covid upsurge falter?

The zest for the holiday package business is a bright spot for the travel industry as worries have grown that the post-pandemic enthusiasm for air travel will ebb as travellers baulk at higher fares.

Particularly in Europe and North America, airfares rose sharply after the pandemic.

Second-quarter results by major carriers pointed to tougher market conditions across the aviation sector.

Last month, Lufthansa warned of a fall in third-quarter earnings as the German airlines group grapples with higher wage costs and limited room to raise ticket prices while Ryanair and Air France-KLM reported plunging quarterly profits.

Shares in Europe’s major airlines and travel companies have fallen this year.

In contrast, easyJet raised its full-year outlook for its package holiday business, which launched in 2019 and accounted for more than a quarter of group pretax profit last year.

Package holiday bookings for UK-travel company Jet2 are up 7% this summer, representing about 72% of overall flown passengers, it said in its annual report published last week.

Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Canaries and Turkey are all popular. The company this week extended flights to Bodrum in Turkey until mid-November due to strong demand.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Carnival and Royal Caribbean Group also raised their annual profit forecasts as people flock to its cruises.

‘A nice hotel and a realy good deal’

For Noreen Cannon, 49, choosing a week’s vacation for her family this summer was all about the price, amenities at the hotel and convenience.

“We chose this package because it was a nice hotel and a really good deal,” she told Reuters on Thursday after arriving at Malaga, southern Spain, one of Europe’s top holiday destinations, from Ireland.

The hotel she picked has a beach, a pool and an area for the children to play in.

Package tours have typically appealed to lower-to-middle income holidaymakers seeking sun and sea with all-inclusive options and family-friendly activities such as beach clubs, Euromonitor’s Bremner said.

Greece, Italy and Spain are among the most popular destinations.

Ready-made holidays, which involve little flexibility, account for about half of packages booked over the last year, according to UK travel agent group ABTA.

Typically, they have been favoured by baby boomers, aged over 65 years old, who remember the first wave of enthusiasm for package deals.

Now younger travellers are also keen, tempted by less rigid packages compared with those of the past.

About 56% of 25-34 year-olds went for a shopping-basket style package, choosing between flight and accommodation options, ABTA data shows.

To adapt to younger tastes, TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel said the company has been offering more flexiblity for its packages, such as letting customers book with another airline or adjust the timing of the trip.

Some 800,000 customers selected a flexible package in the quarter to end-June, up 14% from a year earlier, its report said.

“People have a misconception when it comes to packages. They are much more flexible now,” Sean Tipton, ABTA spokesperson, said. Their main draws, however, are the same.

“For families, it’s about convenience. And it’s also about price,” he said.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox.

Cruise fee set to rise

Business declines on two islands

Big hotel chains have plans

‘We have run out of lobsters’

Debate intensifies over overtourism in Santorini as 11,000 cruise passengers arrive in a single day

Dive into Greece, says Deputy Tourism Minister

Group Shore Excursions

• 2-Day Group Tour
• 3-Day Group Tour

Private Shore Excursions

• 1-Day Private Tours
• 2-Day Private Tours
• 3-Day Private Tours

Special Interest Shore Excursions

• Tour for Art Lovers
• Everyday Life Tour
• Jewish Heritage Tour

Shore Excursions for the Disabled Persons

• Friendly St. Petersburg 2-Day Tour

Group City Tours

• Tour Bundles
• The Hermitage Tour
• Pushkin Tour
• Peterhof Tour

Private City Tours

• Most Popular
• Around the City
• Palaces and Parks
• Culture And Arts
• Politics And History
• Russian Traditions
• Outskirt Trips
• Exclusive Tours

Moscow Tours

• Around Moscow
• Moscow Estates

St. Petersburg Photo Gallery

Peterhof photo gallery, pushkin photo gallery, moscow photo gallery, travel tips.

• What to see
• Where to eat
• How to move around
• Tips for travellers
• Museums' schedule

Terms and conditions

• VISA-Free Entry
• For cruise passengers

About Saint-Petersburg

• City / Metro Map
• VISA-Free Shore Excursions

Featured Tours

All Languages

Special offers, expert guides.

Welcome to St. Petersburg, Russia!

The Petersburg Voyage travel agency welcomes you in St. Petersburg, Russia! Our tour company offers you various Private and Group Tours and Excursions in St. Petersburg and its outskirts. Any personal sightseeing program with the desired schedule, duration, and places of interest to visit can be worked out for you; or you can choose one of our Typical Programs, among which you will surely find the tours you are searching for! You will see all the main Saint-Petersburg sights and attractions with our Tour Packages (Shore Excursions for Cruise Passengers available).

Recommended by:

Special offers:

Contact us now.

Select Region or Brand

• Charleston, SC
• Columbia, SC
• Greenville, SC
• Pennsylvania
• Lehigh Valley, PA
• Long Island, NY
• Mecklenburg, NC
• New Orleans, LA
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Rochester, NY
• South Carolina
• Color Magazine
• Massachusetts
• North Carolina
• Rhode Island
• Milwaukee, WI
• Designers Today
• Furniture Today
• Gifts & Decorative Accessories
• Home Accents Today
• Home Furnishings News
• Home Textiles Today
• Manage Your Print or Online Subscription
• Manage Your Email Subscription

Upcoming Event

Leading Women

• Verdicts and Settlements
• Advertising & Marketing Tips
• Reaching Our National Audience
• Event Sponsorship
• Editorial and Special Products Calendar
• BTM Business Connect
• Movers & Shakers
• Recent Unreported Opinions
• Unreported Opinions Database
• Appellate Courts
• Trial Courts
• Criminal Law
• Maryland Family Law Update
• Submit Verdicts & Settlements
• Best Companies to Work for in Maryland
• Empowering Women
• Eye on Annapolis Summit
• Health Care Heroes
• Icon Honors
• Influential Marylanders
• Leaders in Law
• Leading Women Under 40
• Most Admired CEOs
• Reader Rankings
• Top 100 Women
• Virtual Panel Discussions
• Women’s Leadership Summit
• Awards Databases
• Business News
• Real Estate
• Health Care
• Off the Record with Sloane Brown
• The Business Album
• Digital Editions
• Movers & Shakers
• Submit a Mover
• Montgomery County
• Women’s Perspectives
• Power Lists
• Featured Publications
• Event Publications
• Annual Publications
• Email Alerts
• Send a News Tip
• Purchase Photos
• Plaques & Permissions
• Back Issues
• Where to Find the Paper
• Lawyer to Lawyer Referrals
• Maryland Legal Jobs
• Careers at The Daily Record
• Advertise With Us
• Free E-Guide
• Editorial Advisory Board
• Women’s Perspectives Podcast
• Government News

Perdue Foods recalls 167,000 pounds of chicken nuggets after metal wire found in some packages

Associated Press // August 19, 2024 //

Salisbury-based Perdue Foods is recalling more than 167,000 pounds of frozen chicken after some customers reported finding metal wire in the products. (AP File Photo/Steve Helber)

Thompson Hospitality to manage 8 MD restaurants under new group brand

• Why Trump’s and Harris’ proposals to end federal taxes on tips would be difficult to enact
• Baltimore’s Capital Funding Group closes $12.5M loan for Ohio assisted living facility

Share this!

Related Content

Thompson Restaurants is a new group focused on expansion in the Maryland, Delaware and Virginia markets, as we[...]

August 20, 2024

Why Trump’s and Harris’ proposals to end federal taxes on tips would be difficult to ena...

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris both say they want to eliminate federal taxes on workers’ tips. But experts s[...]

Baltimore’s Capital Funding Group closes $12.5M loan for Ohio assisted living facility

Baltimore-based Capital Funding Group announced the closing of a $12.5 million loan, which supported a 175-b[...]

Marriott to add access to more than 10.5K rooms in licensing agreement

Bethesda-based Marriott International announced a long-term licensing agreement to add more than 9,000 rooms t[...]

August 19, 2024

How a small group of nuns in rural Kansas vex big companies with their investment activism

Among corporate America’s most persistent shareholder activists are 80 nuns in a monastery outside Kansas Ci[...]

The Cannabist Company expands collaboration with ButACake in MD market

The Cannabist Company Holdings Inc. announced its entry into the Maryland market.

August 16, 2024

Maryland Daily Newsletters

Sign up for your daily digest of Maryland news.

• By signing up you agree to our
• Privacy Policy

Editors Picks

Former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby asks 4th Circuit to revers[...]

Muslim member of MD hate crime commission resigns after accusations of antisemit[...]

Baltimore reaches $152.5M settlement with Cardinal Health in opioid case

Baltimore hires DC law firm to review DPW heat policies after worker’s death

MD Supreme Court details reasons for PG County judge’s removal

Credit card reform will keep rewards and improve security

Listen to this article Americans dislike all the credit card “tricks and traps” that might lu[...]

The value of real-time crime centers

Listen to this article In 2021, a driver in Albuquerque, New Mexico, ran a red light, striking and k[...]

When Saturday administrative filing deadlines are really Friday

For court cases, if a filing deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the court deadline get[...]

Narrowing the definition of a kickback

Listen to this article In the Spring of 2023, the 6th Circuit, which is the federal appellate court [...]

Grassroots efforts are boosting voting

Listen to this article Many people justifiably believe that democracy is under attack in the U.S. an[...]

Robinson-Patman should be repealed

Listen to this article The proposed merger between Kroger and Albertson’s was recently halted pend[...]

Broadband plan will fail without reforms

Listen to this article President Joe Biden is focused on his legacy. His administration has made mas[...]

Illinois joins MD in banning corporal punishment in all schools: ‘Hitting kids[...]

Disney drops bid to have allergy-death lawsuit tossed because plaintiff signed u[...]

NJ Sen. Bob Menendez resigns from Senate after bribery convictions

Authors sue Claude AI chatbot creator Anthropic for copyright infringement

Judge knocks down Hunter Biden’s bid to use Trump ruling to get his federa[...]

Networking Calendar

Submit an entry for the business calendar

Privacy Overview

Kamala Harris Addresses Economy In Speech—Here’s What To Know About Her Policy Agenda

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled more details about her economic agenda in a speech Friday in North Carolina, proposing an “opportunity economy” as the Democratic nominee focused on lowering the price of groceries and prescription drugs and addressing the housing crisis with an eye on bolstering the middle class.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh, N.C., on Aug. 16.

Grocery Prices: The candidate would work in her first 100 days to help Congress pass a national ban on “price gouging” for food and groceries, as well as give the Federal Trade Commission and prosecutors authority to go after companies they determine price gouge, support small businesses in the industry, take a closer look at mergers between big grocery companies and “aggressively” investigate price-fixing in meat supply chains specifically.

Housing Costs: Harris wants to provide $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers and is calling for the creation of three million new housing units within the next four years, proposing a tax credit for developers who build starter homes and investing $40 million in an innovation fund to tackle the housing crisis.

Rental Costs: Harris would also expand a tax credit for housing developers who build affordable housing rental units, and is calling on Congress to pass legislation that would stop predatory investors who buy up rental homes and collude with each other to raise rental prices.

Child Tax Credit: Harris proposed giving families a $6,000 tax credit for newborns in their first year of life, and restore a pandemic-era tax credit of $3,600 per child for middle and lower-class families.

Taxes: Harris also wants to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit for workers in lower-income jobs, which would cut taxes by up to $1,250, and has previously said she would continue President Joe Biden’s promise not to raise taxes on American households earning $400,000 or less annually, and does support raising taxes for high earners and corporations, according to The New York Times.

No Tax On Tips: Harris has separately endorsed a plan to get rid of taxes on tips for hospitality and service workers, echoing a proposal by former President Donald Trump—which has been criticized by some experts—though a campaign official told CNN tips would still be subject to payroll taxes, and would include an income limit and guardrails to prevent people like hedge fund managers from taking advantage of the policy.

Prescription Drug Prices: Harris proposed a $35 cap on insulin and capping out-of-pocket expenses on prescription drugs at $2,000 per year on Friday, also saying she would speed up Medicare negotiations on the price of prescription drugs—after the Biden administration announced a deal lowering costs on 10 medications—and crack down on anti-competitive practices in the pharmaceutical industry that cause higher prices.

Healthcare: The Harris campaign also announced her intention to work with states to cancel Americans’ medical debt, and she proposed expanding subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans that would save health insurance customers an average of $700 on their health insurance premiums.

Paid Leave: Harris has not released a specific paid leave proposal, but she has previously co-sponsored 12-week paid leave legislation, Politico notes, with Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., telling the outlet, “I absolutely believe that when they are in office, we will get a paid leave bill done finally.”

Minimum Wage: Harris called for raising the minimum wage in a Las Vegas speech earlier in August, but her campaign has not specified how high she believes it should be raised.

Fed Independence: Harris has vowed to maintain the Federal Reserve’s independence after Trump said he believed “the president should have at least [a] say” on the Federal Reserve’s decisions, with Harris telling reporters, “The Fed is an independent entity and as president I would never interfere in the decisions that the Fed makes.”

Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here .

Crucial Quote

Harris said Friday she’d be “laser focused on creating opportunities for the middle class” if elected president, calling for “an economy where everyone can compete and have a real chance to succeed.” “Now is the time to chart a new way forward, to build an America where everyone’s work is rewarded and talents are valued, where we work with labor and business to strengthen the American economy, and where everyone has the opportunity not only to get by, but to get ahead,” the vice president said.

What To Watch For

Harris said in her North Carolina speech that she intends to unveil more economic proposals in the weeks ahead. The vice president has still not issued a full policy platform or unveiled proposals for policy issues beyond the economy, and those are also expected in the near future.

How Do Harris’ Policies Compare With Biden’s?

Harris’ economic policy agenda is largely in line with Biden’s economic platform, with some tweaks to emphasize causes that are more important to her, like the child tax credit. “Same values, different vision,” a Harris aide told The Guardian. “She’s not moving far away from him on substance, she will highlight the ones that matter most to her.” The initial plans from Harris’ campaign also suggest the vice president plans to be more aggressive in her policy approaches than Biden, however, as polls have suggested voters hold dim views of how the president has handled the economy. While Biden has also opposed price gouging, Harris’ proposal to enable the FTC and U.S. attorneys to go after companies that hike up prices goes beyond what the president has proposed, Politico notes , and her proposed $40 million investment in the housing crisis is double the amount the Biden administration spent.

Harris’ economic agenda released Friday didn’t go fully in depth about her proposals, which The New York Times reports is by design. The Times reported prior to Harris’ speech that the Harris campaign has adopted a “strategic vagueness” for her economic proposals, believing that being more of a “blank slate” will help ward off attacks and attract more support from business groups.

How Do Harris’ Policies Compare With Trump’s?

Trump’s economic agenda is largely focused on raising tariffs on imported goods, which Harris has said she opposes. The ex-president has also called for cutting taxes and regulations in hopes of lowering inflation, including lowering the corporate tax rate, and has encouraged increasing oil production in order to lower energy prices. In addition to his “no tax on tips” proposal that Harris has also endorsed, Trump has called for ending taxes on Social Security benefits, which Harris has not yet responded to. Experts believe the ex-president’s proposal could speed up Social Security and Medicare becoming insolvent, with the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget projecting exempting taxes on benefits would result in Social Security and Medicare receiving $1.6 trillion less in revenue between 2026 and 2035. The Trump campaign opposed reports of Harris’ economic proposals Wednesday, with spokesperson Steven Cheung saying in a statement, “Kamala Harris can’t hide from her disastrous record of skyrocketing inflation … Americans are struggling under the Biden-Harris economy, and now she wants to gaslight them into believing her bald-faced lies.”

42%. That’s the share of voters who trust Harris more to handle the economy, according to a Financial Times/University of Michigan poll released Sunday, versus 41% who trust Trump more. That’s down from Trump holding a six-point lead over Biden in July, though the poll also showed 42% believe a Trump presidency would leave them better off financially, while only 33% said the same for Harris.

Key Background

Harris became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in July after Biden stepped down suddenly from the presidential race, following weeks of pressure over mounting concerns about his mental fitness. While the vice president has quickly garnered Democrats’ support and risen in the polls, Harris has released few concrete policy proposals in the first few weeks of her campaign—drawing some criticism as a result—with her speech Friday expected to be the most substantive remarks she’s given on policy so far. Her focus on the economy comes as polling has repeatedly shown it’s the most important issue to voters in this election cycle, with the vice president hoping to attract support amid low approval ratings for Biden’s handling of the economy. Harris’ speech also comes days after news that inflation fell in July to its lowest point in more than three years, with federal data released Wednesday showing inflation at 2.9% in July, the first time it’s been below 3% since March 2021.

Further Reading

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

The other designs, which will be introduced in line with demand, are the 1p showing a hazel dormouse, the 2p red squirrel, the 5p oak tree leaf, 10p capercaillie grouse, 20p puffin, and the £2 with the national flowers - rose, daffodil, thistle and shamrock.

Giving workers the "right to switch off" is key to productivity and could boost economic growth, Downing Street has said.

Labour has promised to give employees the right to ignore work-related calls and emails out of hours, so homes do not become "24/7 offices".

Ministers are looking at models in other countries where there is already a right to disconnect, such as Ireland and Belgium.

The prime minister's spokesperson said the plan was about making sure "we're not inadvertently blurring the lines between work and home life".

The plans were not a "one size fits all" and would recognise companies vary and people have different roles, she added.

The number of firms in England and Wales going bust last month rose by 16% year-on-year, according to official figures.

Commentators said the 2,191 company insolvencies showed how many businesses were still recovering from the impact of high inflation and borrowing costs, despite growing optimism about the UK's economic outlook.

The figure was 7% down on June's total, but insolvency levels remain much higher than those seen during both the pandemic and in the years following the 2008/09 financial crisis, officials said.

Rebecca Dacre, a partner at advisory firm Forvis Mazars, said the data was "a strong reminder that many businesses are still a long way off from recovery".

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

BT's share price has fallen, wiping off an estimated £1bn from the company's value. 

One share now costs £134.45, a low last seen 10 days ago.  

It comes after an internet network rival CityFibre struck a deal with broadband supplier Sky. 

This means that Sky will now use CityFibre's network to offer its services starting next year. 

It's a hit to BT as Sky customers are hosted on BT's Openreach network. Under the plan, Sky aims to connect so-called "hard-to-reach areas".

CityFibre reaches 3.8 million homes and aims to expand and reach "at least" 8 million premises in the coming years, it said.

"This partnership with Sky is a huge vote of confidence in our business and has cemented CityFibre's position as the UK's third digital infrastructure platform," said company chief executive Greg Mesch.

Formerly British Telecoms, BT is worth roughly £14.44bn, based on the number of shares issued and the share price.

The head of financial analysis at investment platform AJ Bell Danni Hewson said the CityFibre detail may not be that significant. 

"BT shares came under pressure on fears of an enhanced competitive threat for its Openreach broadband operation amid chatter Sky might start partnering with CityFibre in 2025. 

"However, CityFibre's modest scale and focus on rural areas suggest it shouldn't be a huge issue."

Sky is the owner of Sky News.

UK citizens will need to pay a €7 visa-waiver charge to travel to Europe from next year after the EU revealed its timeline for the introduction of new entry requirements for some visitors.

The additional charge, which is similar to the US ESTA, is part of a series of new border checks and entry requirements the EU is bringing in.

They'll apply when entering the Schengen area, which includes 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. 

The waiver will last for three years or until your passport expires.

Its official title is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), and its implementation will follow the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). The latter will require people to have their fingerprints registered and their pictures taken on arrival to airports.

Addressing the rollout, EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson said the EES will enter into operations on ­10 November while the ETIAS will follow shortly after that in 2025 - likely May.

However, it is thought there could be a six-month grace period before the visas become compulsory - taking it to November next year.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

The price of gold has soared to a record high of more than $2,522 (£1,938) per ounce today.

It comes after months of the precious metal steadily rising in value.

Many factors are thought to have played a part, but analysts believe the latest leap is largely down to the weaker US dollar and growing expectations that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next month.

Lower rates tend to make a country - and its currency - less attractive to investors, because they end up getting lower returns on bonds, shares and other investments.

There are also general worries about the status of the US economy, amid rumblings it could enter a recession this year or next - although some commentators have downplayed the likelihood of this.

But it is not just the US that is on the cusp of reducing the cost of borrowing.

The European Central Bank and the Bank of England both recently cut interest rates - and are expected to do so again this autumn - which may also be off-putting to some investors.

What has all this got to do with gold?

It's largely because of its perceived status as a "safe haven" investment.

Gold is seen as solid and dependable - both literally and in its value as a commodity.

It has been prized and sought after since ancient times - and its valuable status seems certain to continue long into the future.

So when things seem uncertain - and when interest rates are being seemingly cut everywhere - putting your money in gold may seem like a good bet (or so the thinking goes - of course, many would argue there is no such thing as a sure bet in the financial markets).

This "safe haven" status also helps explain why the price of gold may have been steadily rising in recent months, as fears have grown over an escalation of the wars in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine.

Tesco is hiking the price of its meal deal from Thursday.

Those using a Clubcard, which Tesco says is 80% of customers, will now pay £3.60.

This is up from £3.40, which had been the cheapest meal deal available at one of the traditional supermarkets.

Those without a Clubcard will now pay £4 - up 10p.

A Tesco spokesperson told the Money blog: "Clubcard members will pay just £3.60 for a main, snack and drink, meaning our meal deal remains great value and the ideal way to grab lunch on-the-go. 

"With millions of possible combinations across our stores, our recent improvements to ingredients and more than 20 new mains introduced this summer, the Tesco meal deal has got something for every taste."

The cost of the premium meal deal is unchanged at £5.

How does this compare?

Waitrose has the most expensive meal deal at £5 for the main, snack and drink combo. 

In July, Sainsbury increased the cost of its lunchtime meal deal by 25p from £3.50 to £3.75. 

A  Morrisons  meal deal costs £3.50, which is the same as  Co-op members - though non-members pay £4.

Asda  doesn't offer a fixed price for its meal deal. Instead, it operates a 3 for 2 system, which gives customers the cheapest item for free. 

If you read the Money blog on Friday you'll remember Gail's bakery chain came under fire for repurposing unsold pastries into croissants and selling them for almost £4 the next day.

We reported how the retailer lists the "twice baked" chocolate almond croissants as part of its "Waste Not" range, which means it is made using leftover croissants that are then "topped with almond frangipane and flaked almonds".

The scheme was criticised online, with many pointing out the £3.90 price tag is 95p more than the original croissant.

It's worth reiterating that the practice was not invented by Gail's - almond croissants were originally created by French boulangeries to reuse day-old croissants and stop them going stale.

We asked Gail's for comment and didn't hear back until late yesterday - this is what they said...

"We created our Waste Not range at Gail's to make good food go further. 

"Our almond croissants and chocolate and almond croissants are strong favourites in our bakeries. The croissants are soaked in demerara syrup and topped with our house-made frangipane spread, alongside crunchy almonds.

"The day-old croissants are sturdier than fresh ones, making them the perfect bake to be used. 

"We are big supporters of improving food systems, working with companies such as Too Good To Go and Neighbourly to reduce our impact on food waste and uplift communities. 

"Any bakes leftover at the end of the day are shared with charitable organisations in our neighbourhoods. Through our partnership with Neighbourly, we have donated the equivalent of 81,000 meals, reaching 239 good causes."

It comes as locals in a trendy London neighbourhood signed a petition against a Gail's bakery setting up shop in their area.

After (unconfirmed) rumours began circulating that the chain was looking to open a site in Walthamstow village, more than 600 have signed a petition opposing the plans.

The petition says the village "faces a threat to its uniqueness" should Gail's move into the area.

Read more...

Basically, Section 75 is a way to get your money back if a retailer hasn't provided the goods or services you paid for - so long as you used a credit card or point of sale loan.

The price of the purchase must be   between   £100.01 and £30,000, but you only have to spend one penny of it using a credit card for your rights to kick in.

Section 75 is enshrined in law - the Consumer Credit Act 1974 - and allows you to raise a claim with your bank for a breach of contract or misrepresentation by the retailer.

The protection was put in place to make sure customers are not forced to pay off debt for faulty goods and services - or those that never arrive - by making the lender just as liable as the retailer.

When does Section 75 apply?

• Goods or services were not as described
• They were poor quality, defective, or not fit for purpose
• An item never arrived - including if the seller went bust
• A service wasn't carried out with reasonable care

How does it work?

You should contact your bank, who will investigate how you made your purchase and who was involved.

There needs to be a clear agreement between the customer, the supplier and your bank.

"They will ask for more details – explain how your consumer rights have been breached, you have exhausted all options with the retailer and cannot resolve your dispute," consumer champion Scott Dixon, from  the Complaints Resolver , told the Money blog.

"You need to push hard on S75 claims, as claims are often rejected on the first attempt."

It is useful to have supporting information to hand, like proof of payment, contracts, terms and conditions, screenshots of product descriptions, correspondence, photo evidence or - in some cases - independent assessments.

Scott added: "If you reach a stalemate with the credit card provider or finance company, ask for a deadlock letter setting out their final position so you can submit a formal complaint (with the final response/deadlock letter) to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). 

"They do not like cases being referred to the FOS as it costs them money."

When doesn't Section 75 apply?

• You paid with a debit card, charge card, cash, credit card cheque, or bank transfer;
• You paid with your PayPal balance (but you are protected if you used PayPal Credit);
• The credit was given under an overdraft or general-purpose bank loan;
• You purchased multiple items that only cost between £100.01 and £30,000 when added together;
• You bought the item from a third-party seller, like Amazon Marketplace or a travel agent;
• You used a buy now, pay later service or a hire purchase.

And read more from our Basically series here...

Rising optimism about the prospects of a ceasefire in the war in Gaza has sent the price of oil - and shares in energy giants – tumbling.

The cost of a barrel of benchmark Brent Crude has dropped to just over $76 (£58), the lowest price since the beginning of the month.

Shares in Shell and BP have also both slipped by around 2% in early trading.

Hopes of cooling tensions in the Middle East have helped ease fears of risks to supplies in the region.

Other factors said to be having an impact on oil prices include an increase in production at Libya's Sharara oilfield and concerns over China's slowing economy, including slower industrial output.

Another big faller this morning is BT Group. Its shares are down more than 5% after it was announced that Sky will launch full fibre broadband services next year on the network of BT's rival Cityfibre.

The falls have contributed to the FTSE 100 dipping by more than 0.5% on Tuesday, with the FTSE 250 also down 0.13%.

Gainers include easyJet Plc, which is up more than 1.2% amid optimism over the tourism industry this summer.

Similarly, Intercontinental Hotels Group is up by a similar level, while British Airways owner IAG is up nearly 0.8%.

Meanwhile, on the currency markets, this morning £1 buys $1.30 US or €1.17.

Pensioners are being urged to check if they are eligible for the winter fuel allowance after universal payments were scrapped by new Chancellor Rachel Reeves last month.

Previously, the money was available to everyone above state pension age, but now it will be limited to people over state pension age who are receiving pension credit or other means-tested support.

It means the number of people entitled to the money will drop from 11.4 million to just 1.5 million.

The payment is £200 for households where the recipients are all under 80, and £300 where they are over 80.

While around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving pension credit, there are up to an estimated 880,000 households eligible for the support who are yet to claim, the Department for Work and Pensions says.

The government's awareness drive will help identify households not claiming the benefit, and encourage pensioners to apply by 21 December - the last date for making a backdated claim for pension credit in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

It will focus on "myths" that may stop people applying, such as how having savings, a pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving pension credit.

More information on applying for pension credit can be found on the  government's How to Claim page .

Yesterday we brought you the unwelcome news that winter energy bills are projected to rise by 9%, according to the latest forecast from Cornwall Insight.

Its newest prediction says the price cap from October to December will go up to £1,714 a year for the average user - a £146 hike from current levels.

We'll find out for sure on Friday.

Comparison service Uswitch says the forecast "compounds the worry" about rising bills for residents across the country "just as we reach the season to switch the heating back on".

"The price cap is expected to rise again in January, but bill payers can take action now to lock in certainty on how much they pay," says Uswitch director of regulation Richard Neudegg. 

It is worth pointing out that it's in Uswitch's favour for people to move - but there are definitely savings to be made based on current forecasts.

Here are the top 10 fixed energy-only tariffs that could help you beat the price rise as temperatures drop, according to Uswitch:

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free