culture trip tour reviews

Culture Trip Review [2024]: Reliable travel guide, or nah?

In this article, we review Culture Trip, exploring its features, pros, and cons to help you determine if it’s actually a reliable source for travelers eyeing authentic experiences.

Culture Trip is not an unfamiliar name among travelers. You would have come across its website when brainstorming travel ideas, researching about a destination, or looking for inspirational travel guides.

We've previously reviewed travel guides like Lonely Planet and Fodors , but what exactly is a travel guide and how is it any different than travel blogs?

A great Travel guide identifies itself as a traveler’s “essential companion” that feeds users with credible travel stories. While it has increased in popularity over the years, the app has also faced a fair share of criticism regarding the originality, timeliness, and accuracy of its content.

So, in this article, we are reviewing Culture Trip, exploring its features, pros, and cons to help you determine if it’s actually a reliable source for travelers eyeing authentic experiences.

What is Culture Trip?

Founded in 2011, The Culture Trip is a UK-based company that aims to motivate people to travel more and embrace different experiences around the world. Since then, Culture Trip has become a go-to travel guide for all of the best tourist hotspots around the world.

How does Culture Trip Work?

Culture Trip provides articles, podcasts, and videos that contain useful information on destinations around the world that cover a variety of aspects such as culture, food, entertainment, heritage, accommodation, unusual attractions, and others.

Culture Trip has a large team of content creators from around the world with local knowledge and insights on places they write about. In addition, there are also many other interesting features offered by the app.

What are the Major Features of Culture Trip?

Browse localized travel content .

Culture Trip prides itself on providing travel-content curated by travel experts and locals to provide travelers with insider-tips and helpful guides on destinations. This way, travelers can avoid tourist traps and over-crowded places and dive into local and authentic experiences. Moreover, it prioritizes accommodation options that align well with local culture, sustainability, and reasonable pricing.

Create Travel Itineraries

In addition to just viewing content, Culture Trip also lets users create itineraries based on travel information that’s available on the platform. Users can save or bookmark interesting attractions, hotels, cafés, and restaurants in a particular destination and build a detailed travel itinerary out of it. Once you have added everything, you can view your trip plan detailed on a map.

Place Bookings on Accommodation and Adventures

If you come across an interesting boutique or hotel, you can make reservations via the app/website by clicking the link. In addition, you can also book experiences like safari rides, kayaking tours, parasailing, etc. 

Sign Up for Virtual Experiences

A relatively newer feature that was introduced during the pandemic was the ability to book virtual experiences like online cookery classes, painting classes, meditation courses, and other similar experiences via the app. 

How Much Does Culture Trip Cost?

Culture Trip is free to use and is available in both web and mobile versions (iOS and Android). They do provide tours, but Culture Trip itself is a free source of travel inspiration and guide.

What's TRIPS by Culture Trip?

TRIPS by Culture Trip is a new venture by Culture Trip that operates similarly as tour operators, providing adventure-like tours to small groups who embrace Culture Trip's values of sharing travel experiences, making new friends, and immersing in the local, authentic culture. You can book their tours through TRIPS now!

Benefits of using Culture Trip

Interesting travel content.

Culture Trip is a great place to browse for content related to unusual attractions and lesser-known destinations. For the most part, it does provide insightful tips on how to avoid common experiences and discover local flavor. Some content is also in the form of stories that are persuasive to read.

Based on your location, the app suggests interesting places or activities nearby for users in search of unusual attractions to explore. It improves user experience as you don’t have to search for them by yourself using filters. This is one of the popular features of the app.

Direct bookings

The fact that you can browse for good, cost-effective accommodation options and also book them via the app or website is pretty useful. The app guarantees free cancellation subject to their terms and conditions with the option of changing dates as well. It makes travel planning a step easier and hassle-free.

Users can make use of Culture Trip’s features and access its content free of charge. An account is not essential for browsing content but is recommended if you need to create trip plans and save places that interest you. You can download its articles and access them offline as well.

Downsides to using Culture Trip

Duplicated content.

You can come across multiple versions of the same destination or point of interest contributed by different writers. This is because Culture Trip continuously renews content based on updated information but doesn’t do a good job of getting rid of the old ones.

So, for a user, it could be difficult to sift through these and figure out what’s the most useful version to gain the required information.

Limited itinerary building feature

Culture Trip’s itinerary building has a major limitation.

In many ways, it resembles a shopping cart of an online store.

Itineraries or travel plans can only be created from options available within the platform as users cannot import travel ideas from elsewhere. We think it would be a more user-friendly travel planner if the “import” feature is available.

• Questionable accuracy

It’s hard to validate if Culture Trip’s travel stories are completely accurate and timely. Users have complained of articles suggesting places that have shut down a long time prior to the publication date. Inaccuracies related to information on popular attractions have also been noted.

While the platform does claim to prioritize authentic user experiences, it generates its revenue through affiliate links – which means their selections could also be biased.

Is Culture Trip Worth it?

We believe that Culture Trip is worth considering if you're looking for an alternative to typical travel guides like Lonely Planet or Fodors! Culture Trip's travel content provides a fresh perspective on boutique & culturally immersive traveling, reflected in the TRIPS tours as well.

With Culture Trip's content being completely free and easy to navigate and use, they're a great consideration of travel guides to use when researching sights to see or places to go!

While Culture Trip's travel content is generally better, in my opinion, than general travel guides like Lonely Planet, much of their content is duplicated and not very unique since different writers publish their content on the platform. There are also Culture Trip reviews online that point to the question of legitimacy and authenticity of Culture Trip's content that travelers should be aware of.

With that being said, if you consider that not all of their content is perfect, they're definitely worth checking out, especially since they're a free source of inspiration!

Our Rating: 3.9/5

• Large database of travel resources
• Intuitive Apps
• Integration of TRIPS tours.
• Repetitive content
• Bad for Itinerary building

Alternatives to Culture Trip

We think Culture Trip is a great platform to seek inspiration for your travel bucket list as it has informative and interesting content on different destinations around the world. But there are plenty of alternatives out there.

For example, recent popular travel publications such as CNTraveler & Atlas Obscura are great alternatives to check out!

While they're a great platform to seek inspiration, they're not constantly and daily updating their travel content. We are! Check out our travel blog now!

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• New Zealand
• Netherlands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland

Culture Trips

Our cultural tours.

The evocative swirl of incense in a temple, a refreshing cup of chai on a desert roadside, or the wonder of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. These are just some of the magical experiences that will leave your senses tingling on our cultural tours. Embark on a voyage where you’ll explore the traditions, history, and daily life of communities around the globe. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant colors of a bustling market in Marrakech , the serene temples of Kyoto , the lively streets of Havana , or the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu , our culture-focused trips are designed to connect you with the soul of each place. They offer more than just sightseeing; they provide a deep dive into the essence of each destination.

We curate every aspect of our cultural trips to ensure you encounter the real essence of a destination. From staying in a family-run hotel on the Amalfi Coast to savoring street food in Bangkok , every moment is crafted to foster genuine connections and understanding. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll gain insights into ancient traditions, modern lifestyles, and the rich tapestry of cultures that make our world so diverse.

Join our community of like-minded explorers and embrace the transformative power of travel. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or embarking on your first adventure abroad, our cultural trips offer something for everyone. Expand your horizons as you marvel at the architectural wonders of Egypt’s pyramids , stay in a Bedouin camp in Jordan , or explore the intricate alleyways of Istanbul . Let’s embark on a journey together, where every step is a celebration of diversity, curiosity, and the beauty of our shared humanity.

Types of Culture TOURS

Our best cultural trips, highlights of the amalfi coast.

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Discover one of the world's most fascinating destination

Highlights of Morocco

Imperial cities, Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert and the Atlantic coast

Nile Cruise

Discover temples and tombs and travel by Nile cruise boat

Treasures of Sicily

Discover Baroque towns and Greek ruins framed by beautiful scenery

Essential Peru

Southern Peru's archaeological and natural wonders

Discover the Baltics

Visit three countries in twelve days, through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

A Week in Jordan

From Amman to the Dead Sea via Petra and the Wadi Rum desert, visit the essential stops in this extraordinary kingdom

Vietnam Adventure

Join an expert tour leader to explore Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the best of everything in between

Discover Sri Lanka

Spend two weeks exploring the delights of this diverse island

Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast

Stunning Croatian islands and historic cities.

Discover Chile

Four distinct regions – deserts, glaciers, volcanoes and lakes

Top 5 Culture Tours

1. Highlights of the Amalfi Coast Embark on an unforgettable journey along the enchanting Amalfi Coast, starting in the charming village of Bomerano. Explore iconic destinations like Amalfi, Positano, and the legendary archaeological sites of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Delight in leisurely walks along the divine Path of the Gods, indulge in local delicacies, and sail to the captivating island of Capri. Soak in breathtaking views from Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, creating cherished memories in this picturesque paradise.

2. Highlights of Morocco Experience the best of Morocco, starting in the vibrant city of Marrakech. Delve into centuries-old traditions as you explore iconic landmarks such as the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and the ancient medina of Fez. Traverse breathtaking landscapes, from the fertile plains of Meknes to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, where you’ll spend an unforgettable night under the stars. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Berber villages and ancient kasbahs along the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs, before winding down in the serene coastal town of Essaouira. Conclude your adventure in Marrakech, where the bustling souks and lively Djemaa el Fna square offer a fitting farewell to this captivating country.

3. Nile Cruise Discover the wonders of Egypt on this captivating journey through ancient history and modern culture. Begin in Cairo, where the bustling streets blend seamlessly with millennia-old monuments. Explore the iconic Pyramids at Giza, the mysterious Sphinx, and delve into the treasures of Tutankhamun at the Egyptian Museum. Cruise the majestic Nile River, visiting the awe-inspiring temples of Luxor, Edfu, and Kom Ombo, and marvel at the grandeur of the Valley of the Kings. Immerse yourself in the vibrant bazaars of Cairo and Aswan, and relax on a traditional felucca ride along the Nile. With each day offering a new adventure, this journey through Egypt promises an unforgettable experience steeped in history and beauty.

4. Treasures of Sicily Explore the essence of Sicily, from the majestic heights of Mount Etna to the charming streets of baroque towns like Noto and Ragusa Ibla, each day offers a new adventure. Explore archaeological wonders such as the Valley of the Temples and Selinunte, and indulge in the rich flavors of Sicilian cuisine through wine tastings and local delicacies. Conclude your voyage in the picturesque town of Taormina, where stunning vistas of Mount Etna and the sea await.

5. Essential Peru Uncover the wonders of Peru on this exhilarating adventure from the bustling streets of Lima to the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Explore the mysterious Nazca Lines, marvel at the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, and immerse yourself in the local culture with a homestay on Amantani Island. With visits to historical sites, scenic train rides, and breathtaking hikes, this journey is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

A wonderful trip highlighting all the best of Vietnam has to offer. A great variety of optionals and activities. Food was amazing. Would highly recommend this trip!! Mikaela Mills Vietnam Adventure

Amazing places, scenery, people and activities Sharon Livermore Discover Sri Lanka

Are culture tours worth it?

Culture tours are incredibly enriching experiences for travelers interested in immersing themselves in different cultures, learning about history, traditions, and interacting with local people. These tours offer convenience and expertise, providing hassle-free exploration with transportation, accommodations, expert local guides, and even some meals and activities included. They also grant access to unique experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations that may be challenging to arrange independently. Traveling with a small group of like-minded individuals can also enhance the experience. For those seeking depth, richness, and expert insights into a destination’s culture, a culture tour is well worth it.

Can I join a culture tour alone?

Solo travelers are welcomed on all Exodus tours. Joining a culture tour alone is not only possible but also quite common and highly encouraged. These tours are designed to bring together travelers of all kinds who share a passion for exploration and cultural immersion. You’ll have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals from around the world, creating a supportive community of fellow adventurers. Whether you’re trekking through stunning landscapes, discovering ancient ruins, or savoring local cuisine, experiencing these moments with others enhances the journey and often leads to meaningful friendships. So don’t hesitate to embark on your solo travel adventure with a culture tour – you’ll find a welcoming group ready to share unforgettable experiences with you.

FAQs on Culture Trips

On a culture-focused trip, you can expect to delve deeply into the traditions, history, and lifestyle of the destination you’re visiting. Depending on your chosen tour, you could have the opportunity to participate in guided tours of historical sites, museums, and landmarks to learn about the local heritage. Along the way, your expert local guide will ensure that you get exclusive access to festivals, cultural performances, cooking classes and more, and will be on hand to offer insights into daily life and customs. Your itinerary could include visits to local markets, artisan workshops, and community projects, providing opportunities to support local economies and artisans.

Flexibility and openness to new experiences are key, as you’ll encounter diverse perspectives, languages, and ways of life. Expect an immersive journey that goes beyond tourist attractions to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the destination’s culture. Check your tour’s itinerary and trip notes for more on what specific adventures you can expect, as each trip is customized to its region’s unique offerings.

Narrowing down which tour to choose can be the hardest part of the planning process! With so many options to pick from, you’ll want to make sure that your chosen tour aligns with your interests, preferences, and travel style. Maybe there’s a bucket-list destination calling your name, or a festival you’ve always dreamed of experiencing. Maybe you want to be at the cutting edge of travel trends, trying one of our newest tours , or maybe you’d rather stick to the tried and true by embarking on one of our bestsellers . Still can’t decide? We’ve compiled some handy collections of trips that let you indulge in delicious food & drink , or experience unbelievable cultural wonders . Ultimately, choose a tour that resonates with your cultural curiosity and offers the right balance of exploration, learning, and enjoyment. Check out our blog for even more inspiration.

Your group on our culture tours will typically consist of 8 to 16 fellow travelers from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, united by a shared passion for discovering new destinations and immersing themselves in different cultures. While each group is unique, you can expect a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with everyone excited to embark on this journey of exploration together.

Our award-winning expert local guides provide valuable expertise and knowledge about each destination, its history, culture, and attractions, offering insights that you might not discover on your own. They can navigate language barriers, handle logistics, and ensure smooth transitions between locations, saving you time and effort. Our guides also offer safety and security, particularly in unfamiliar or remote areas, and can provide assistance in case of emergencies.

Additionally, traveling with a guide allows you to access off-the-beaten-path locations, hidden gems, and authentic cultural experiences that might be difficult to find independently. They enhance your journey by providing context, convenience, and personalized attention throughout your travels.

On a cultural tour, you can expect a moderate level of physical activity. While not as demanding as our hiking or cycling adventures, exploring cities and cultural sites often involves walking for extended periods. The specific level of activity can vary depending on the itinerary and destinations included in the tour. It’s always a good idea to review the activity rating provided for each tour to ensure it aligns with your fitness level and preferences.

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Five Highlights from our Trails of Vietnam Adventure

Meet our culture experts.

Emma Garrick

Senior Product Manager Asia

Jess Dillon

Head of Sales

Rebecca Rayner

Web Sales Consultant

Niraj Shrestha

Customer Operations Executive

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Culture Trip   Reviews

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Reviews 2.6.

Most relevant

It used to be excellent

It used to be excellent, great source of information, background, culture, etc on diverse locations. Then some folks started tinkering with it, now has become useless. Selling travel books and excursions (very expensive ones) , of which there are dozens. I have deleted the app.

Date of experience : June 22, 2023

If It aint broken dont fix it

It used to be pretty good though reviews were a little dated. Now it’s absolutely hopeless. None of the links work and it tries to sell me things of which I have no interest. I have deleted the app and will no longer use it as a reference.

Date of experience : June 23, 2023

Website Reviews for Culturetrip.com

I can trust The Culture Trip website to come through for me every time. The content is informative, substantive and well written. I like their selection of stories, also. They tend to publish cutting-edge stories that you can't read may other places. I like how easy the website is to navigate, too. Great site. Five stars that are well deserved.

Date of experience : May 13, 2018

Everytime I google an info about a…

Everytime I google an info about a specific place, a travel etc Culture trip's articles appear on the first place. So After 10 000 researches on google and seeing 10 000 times Culturetrip's articles pop up, I eventually was curious to see what it was about. What a joke. Poor content but great SEO!

Date of experience : February 06, 2020

"Good idea are bound to get stolen"

Kris Naudt does not create the concept of culture Trip. This is not his idea. Not only he stole the mission, the vision and the all concept but also the credit. In 2018 he re-invented his previous company established since 2011 with this brand new stolen concept but he is not the visionary.

Wonderful informative website

Wonderful informative website, great customer service and really exceptional communication! Thank you!

Date of experience : June 09, 2021

Excellent website and very informative…

Excellent website and very informative articles.

Date of experience : April 24, 2018

Culture Trip: Travel & Explore 12+

The essential travel companion, culture trip.

• 4.8 • 11K Ratings

Screenshots

Description.

Your Getaway to Unique Global Adventures The Culture Trip app is your essential travel companion; wherever you are, wherever you go. Discover nearby recommendations hand-picked by global experts and local insiders, plan unique trips that are right for you, and easily book spot-on places to stay and experiences - all in one app. Travel with Culture Trip and we help you get it right, before and during every precious trip. Because we are your trusted shortcut to travel that’s good, and makes you feel good. THE WORLD’S BEST BITS, HAND-PICKED BY US Our recommendations are hand-picked by a global community of travel experts and local insiders - we know the best when we see it because we’ve been doing this since 2011. Our award-winning travel guides and stories give you an insider perspective on destinations around the world with lesser-known gems and unexpected highlights. EASILY PLAN TRIPS THAT ARE RIGHT FOR YOU My Plans: Wave goodbye to stacks of travel books. Collect trip inspiration in one place. Add your favourite travel guides and itinerary ideas, create wishlists of places to stay, and must-do experiences.

Version 4.0

Guides are now in main focus, trips are now organized in only 3 categories.

Ratings and Reviews

11K Ratings

I don’t even give ratings ever. This is literally my first time giving a review on something in years. I find this app extremely helpful, FULL of information! fun, informative and I don’t know how many times I was just in awe with moments like, “What?!” Didn’t know that. It makes you want to just get up and explore. I’ve been living in Atlanta 2 years and I always wondered how do you find all the good places and fun places when you don’t really know anyone, or when I want to travel to another state over I want to know what’s good there and maximize my time and money. This app solves those issues! Thank you!! Love this app.

Developer Response ,

Hi NiseBaby77. Thanks so much for the great review. We're delighted that the Culture Trip app is helping you to find places you want to go and fun things you can do.

The Best Travel & Culture Site

While this site has articles highlighting “best of” events, sights, etc., which are great, they provide much more detail than other sites about the art, food, culture, history, geography, and people in the area. The writers have usually spent considerable time in the areas about which they write so you can rely on their information. And the pieces are well written. We are traveling in southern France and their articles covered east to west, beaches to mountains and also covered weather & events at differing times of year. I plan on consulting Culture Trip from now on before we travel.

Thank you so much 😊! Really happy to hear you had a good experience with the app and the site. We are here to help you your future travels.

App No Longer Functions

I used to use this app all the time to help with trip planning. Recently it has totally stopped working; I cannot save any posts and cannot even log on the app. I tried deleting the app and reinstalling it to see if it would fix the problem but it has not. I can’t access any plans I made previously either. The problem started around the time they took away the section about hotels/hotel booking. That was always a useful way to find out key details about amenities, neighborhoods, etc. Even without hotel information, the app would still be useful to plan dining and activities for travel. Unfortunately, due to its lack of functionality, the app is close to useless now. This has been weeks or months now.

App Privacy

The developer, Culture Trip , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• Search History

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• User Content
• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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• Sample Arab street food in Amman
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Complete Portugal

Douro Valley, Lisbon, Porto

• Cycle down the Douro River to the Atlantic coast, from Porto to Matosinhos
• Float down the vineyard-lined Douro Valley on a rabelo boat
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• Watch the sunset from the Troia Peninsula
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Ultimate Egypt

Aswan, Cairo, Luxor Temple, Nubian Desert, Pyramid of Giza

• Gaze in awe at the Great Pyramid and Sphinx of Giza
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Seductive Southern Italy

Amalfi Coast, Matera, Naples

• Sample delicious street food on a culinary tour of Naples
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• Explore the ancient hilltop town of Matera, featured in the latest James Bond movie
• Meander through the Itria Valley by e-bike
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Epic Morocco

Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech, Sahara Desert

• Snap photos of brilliantly blue houses in Chefchaouen
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5 Days Xishuangbanna Rainforest & Culture

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Introduction
• Day 1 Jinghong Arrival
• Day 2 Dai Minority Park - Tropical Botanical Garden
• Day 3 Wild Elephant Valley - Manzhang Village - Rainforest
• Day 4 Manting Park - Zongfosi Temple - Nannuo Mountain & Hani Village
• Day 5 Jinghong Departure

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Reviews about this operator.

• Tour Operator Joy Travel 5.0
• Suci · October 26th, 2019 It is a wonderful trip. It is organized professionally.
• usoke · January 9th, 2019 Having corresponded with a number of tour companies, this one not only provided the best rates but customer service... Show more

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• Friday 24 May, 2024 Tuesday 28 May, 2024 English, Chinese Filling Fast Multiple Room Types $935 Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

• Currency ¥ Yuan Renminbi China

As a traveller from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types G, I. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types A, B, I. As a traveller from Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types A, B, G. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B, G, I.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Cholera - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for China. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for China. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for China. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for China. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for China. Ideally 6 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
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How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel

I 've always considered myself a fiercely independent traveler. I've navigated more than 50 countries on my own, and while I have sometimes booked short excursions, usually for a day, it had never occurred to me to book a group tour. That changed when I decided to take two of my children on a family tour with Intrepid Travel . 

I had planned on spending our winter break in the Middle East but changed my mind at the last minute due to safety concerns . Because of the abrupt change, I knew I wouldn't have time to plan an itinerary, book hotels and arrange transportation before our departure date. However, I didn’t want to let that stop me from having an adventure. I'm glad I took a chance on a group tour because it changed the way I travel. Here's how.

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The trip planning was stress-free

I spent a little time comparing tour companies but quickly honed in on Intrepid. The company offers a variety of itineraries for families at different price points, and a few of my friends had been on its tours and had a good experience. I also liked that Intrepid offers specialized tours for different types of travelers, including family tours . 

At first I planned on an "original" style family tour but upgraded to a "comfort" tour, which included more activities and meals along with upgraded accommodations. Although it cost more, the company's 10-day Morocco Family Holiday tour was still within my budget and looked like a good value. 

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Once I committed to a tour, my planning was essentially done. That was a huge relief. I normally spend hours searching for hotels , figuring out some must-do activities in every location along with some off-the-beaten-track attractions, researching transportation options, and gathering restaurant recommendations. Although I often find it's fun, it’s also time-consuming and can become draining for trips that involve several stops.

Even though a group tour was not exactly what I would have planned on my own, Intrepid's Morocco itinerary was fairly close. I thought giving up some control was well worth the trade-off of not having to do all the planning on my own. Because Intrepid uses local teams based at its tour destinations to plan trips, I also hoped having a local involved would bring me to places I never would have found on my own. 

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Instead of reading hotel reviews and booking entry tickets, I spent the weeks leading up to my family vacation learning more about Moroccan culture. I knew this would enrich my experience more than figuring out all of the details for a trip abroad to run smoothly. I'm usually a mix of excited and stressed in the week or two leading up to a big trip. This time I was mostly excited, and my stress was at a minimum. 

Though I won’t stick exclusively to group tours in the future, this trip taught me to not sweat the small stuff so much. I don’t need to spend so much time finding the perfect hotel or restaurant to have a great trip.

Group trips are fantastic for solo travelers and parents traveling on their own

Before I had a family, I often traveled on my own. Though I enjoyed solo travel , it was lonely at times, even more so when I stopped staying at youth hostels and lost access to the fantastic communities they provide. Now I frequently travel with my two younger children. They are fantastic travel companions, but on longer trips I sometimes find myself longing for adult interaction or an extra pair of hands. Additionally, even though my kids usually get along well, they sometimes get sick of each other in the absence of any other playmates. 

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On my Intrepid trip, I had other adults to talk to throughout the day. That was a refreshing change from my usual experience of going a week or more without speaking to another adult for more than five minutes, usually for transactional matters like checking into a hotel. My kids also quickly made friends with the other children on the trip. Not surprisingly, all of the families on the trip had similar interests and an adventurous spirit. My children and I were the only Americans in the group, and it was interesting learning more about life in New Zealand, Canada and Australia from the other families.

The parents in the group quickly started leaning on one another for support. One mom, also traveling alone with her children, asked me to take one of her daughters on an outing so she could get some one-on-one time with her other child. I asked a different mom to keep an eye on my son while I packed our things for the next day. It was nice not feeling as if I was on my own. 

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This "it takes a village" spirit is something I want to bring with me in my future travels. Although it’s not possible to replicate the experience of traveling with other families, it is possible to seek out connections away from home. For example, on a recent trip, my son wanted to play soccer with local children who lived near our hotel. Instead of rushing him away so we could squeeze in another activity, I let him play. He wound up meeting up with the other kids every night we were there, sharing candy and communicating with an app. The nights playing soccer were a highlight of that trip for him and something I probably would not have let him do before my experience with a group tour.  

I appreciated a slower pace

I have serious FOMO and often pack too much into my days when I travel. When I first reviewed the itinerary, I noted right away that it had downtime and even an entire free afternoon built into the trip. Though I know many people enjoy that balance, I was worried I would feel bored and come away feeling as if I had traveled halfway around the world and missed seeing all there is to do. 

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The reality is it’s impossible to do everything. Trying is exhausting and impossible. There is always something left on the to-do list at the end of the trip. It was refreshing to go into a trip not trying to see an entire country in two weeks and being OK with that from the outset. 

Though there were a couple of other things I would have liked to have squeezed in, I was very happy with the balance of activities and downtime. Other than all-inclusive family vacations and trips to family resorts , I normally don’t schedule time to just relax while I am traveling. It was really nice to have time to read and play UNO with my kids. I also liked that Intrepid had a couple of optional activities for those of us who didn’t want quite as much downtime as others. 

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I do still feel pressure to see and do everything when I travel, but going on a group trip helped me see the value in traveling at a slower pace. Some of my favorite moments from my Intrepid trip happened during scheduled downtime; they gave me and my children time to just enjoy being with one another without the pressures of work and school. It’s a lesson I’ve tried to carry with me as I’ve planned future trips. 

Learning from a local is invaluable 

One reason I chose Intrepid is the company uses all local guides, and most tours use the same guide throughout the trip. It may sound obvious that learning from locals is the best way to get to know a country, but I had underestimated just how valuable traveling with a local guide would be. 

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I learned much about Moroccan culture through our tour guide, who was always willing to answer questions about his life and traditions. He even brought us to his family home to meet his parents and niece, which was a very special experience. Aside from being able to share the history of everywhere we visited, I also liked that our guide warned us about scams to watch out for, shared the tipping culture and gave advice on bargaining. He was also helpful when it came to practical matters like finding an ATM.  

For future trips, I will be more open to taking guided tours with local guides, even if it’s just for a few hours. I will also make it a point to try to talk to more locals, as long as I can do so without bothering them too much. 

Even though it wasn’t what I had originally planned, not only did I have a great experience on my trip with Intrepid, it has also forever changed the way I plan to travel.

How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from TourScoop:

• 9 best travel companies that specialize in women-only tours
• 8 best senior travel tour companies
• 4 great tour companies with independent tours

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations .

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel

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Naples, Amalfi Coast & Campania Tour

84022 Campagna, SA, Italy

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Small group luxury tour of 9 days and 8 nights, through culture, coastline, cuisine & wine.

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Double Occupancy for Naples, Amalfi Coast & Campania Tour April 4-12, 2024 . Tour itinerary here

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Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour, review: one of the BBC’s odder travelogues turns out to be a tonic

Rob Rinder and Rylan Clark proved entertaining – and informative – company on their trip to Italy

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Lord Byron ’s death, and what more appropriate way to mark it than by sending Rob Rinder and Rylan Clark to relive his Grand Tour days in Italy? This must be one of the BBC’s most random commissioning ideas.

It works, though. And it ends up being a show that is difficult to categorise. Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour (BBC Two) begins in Venice, and does all the things you would expect of a celebrity travelogue. They take a gondola, look around the Doge’s Palace, visit Murano to see some glass-blowing. But at the same time, the programme functions as a kind of self-help session for these two presenters who have been through bruising divorces. I know, on paper that sounds like ghastly self-indulgence, but the pair address their issues with honesty, humour and a big dollop of joy.

A third strand is Clark discovering high culture with the help of his more learned friend. “I wouldn’t say art intimidates me. However, people talking about art can intimidate me,” he admits. “I come from quite a working-class background and art wasn’t the thing that we had hanging up in our houses – it would be fake chandeliers from down the market.” Rinder is a taxi driver’s son who was raised by a single mother, but somewhere along the way he discovered classical music and Renaissance painters, and is now delighted to introduce both subjects to Clark.

As well as the art, there’s the subject of sex. Eighteenth-century aristocrats on the Grand Tour enjoyed plenty of both. Rylan put it this way: “They came back changed men – independent, educated, with a bag full of keepsakes and often a dose of the clap.” We don’t reach that stage here, although Clark says with postcard sauciness: “I’m willing to try anything, or anyone.” Rinder is a good deal more shy.

The pair have great chemistry, although Clark could generate chemistry with a pedal bin. He’s such a tonic. Towards the end of the episode he explains that “Rylan” is a construct; his real name is Ross, and that’s how his friends and family know him. “Everyone knows me as Rylan, as a laugh, big teeth… that idiot off the telly.” He wears the persona as armour, and if he gets any public criticism – well, that’s all aimed at Rylan, and Ross is unscathed. That’s the theory, anyway.

Give the series a chance (future episodes take them to Florence and Rome) and you may come away with a little more knowledge – not just about art, but the art of friendship.

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Meghan Markle Embraces Quiet Luxury in a Peach Maxi Dress and White Pantsuit on Her Nigeria Tour

The Duchess of Sussex began her day in Heidi Merrick and vintage Lanvin and finished it with Altuzarra.

The couple first visited Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria, for its inaugural mental health summit. Meghan wore a peach-colored maxi dress by Heidi Merrick with vintage Lanvin earrings, Emme Parsons sandals, an Ariel Gordon bracelet, and an Aurate necklace, per the Meghan Markle fashion account, @whatmeghanwore . She accessorized with a Cartier watch and bracelet.

Harry spoke to students at the school about the importance of discussing mental health, leading Meghan to tell them after, “You see why I’m married to him?”

He told them:

If I say mental health, do you know what it means? In some cases around the world, in more than you would believe, there is a stigma when it comes to mental health. Too many people don’t want to talk about it ‘cause it’s invisible. It’s something in our mind that we can’t see. It’s not like a broken leg, it’s not like a broken wrist. It’s something that we are still relatively unsure of. But guess what? Every single person in this room, the youngest, the oldest, every single person has mental health. So therefore, you have to look after yourself to be able to look after other people. And other people have to be able to look after themselves, to look after you. That’s the way it works. And there is no shame to be able to acknowledge that today is a bad day, okay? [If] you woke up this morning feeling sad, [if] you left school feeling stressed, [if] you’ve lost a loved one in your family, and you don’t know who you talk to or who to speak to, all of these things you may be led to believe are not for conversation. We are here today to tell you that that is not the case. Every single one of those things is completely normal. It is a human reaction, whether it’s grief, stress, whatever the feeling is, it comes from an experience that you have had. You can have it. She can have it. I can have it. They can have it. Every single one of us is likely to have that on any given day. So if, if you take anything away from today, just know that mental health affects every single person in the entire world. And the more you talk about it, the more you can kick stigma away, far, far away into long grass, and then everybody will have the opportunity to be able to share how they’re feeling, how they’re coping, and then you can help other people. So will you promise to us that after today, no more being scared, no more being unsure of mental health? If you are unsure, then ask. Ask your teachers. Ask your friends. Be there for one another. If you see your friend in your class not smiling, what are you gonna do? You gonna check in with them? Are you gonna ask him if they’re okay? ‘Cause it’s okay not to be okay.

Meghan and Harry then went to the Defense Headquarters , where Chief of Defense Staff Christopher Musa formally welcomed the couple to the country. Meghan changed into a white Altuzarra pantsuit for that meeting.

The couple signed the visitors book there, and Meghan paid homage to her Nigerian heritage, writing, “With gratitude for the support of the Invictus [Games] community. And for welcoming me home.”

Harry admired her calligraphy and said, “She has beautiful handwriting,” per the trip’s pool reporter.

Tomorrow, Meghan and Harry will attend a training session for the organization Nigeria: Unconquered, according to People . Meghan will co-host a women in leadership event with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director general of the World Trade Organization, in the afternoon. In the evening, the couple will attend a reception hosted by the chief of defense staff to honor military families.

On Sunday, the last day of the trip, the duke and duchess “will attend a basketball clinic with Giants of Africa, a cultural reception, and a polo fundraiser for Nigeria: Unconquered,” People wrote.

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Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour review: Not your average celebrity travelogue

Real-life friends rob rinder and rylan clark’s trip to venice is more believable than other forced celebrity trips.

My first misapprehension on encountering Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour was that Rob Beckett had ditched his usual TV travelling companion, Romesh Ranganathan , and paired up with Rylan Clark instead. But it quickly transpired that this “Rob” was the altogether less geezerish barrister-turned-broadcaster Robert Rinder.

The second misapprehension was that this was going to be another of those mildly entertaining but generally vapid two-celebs-on-a-jaunt shows. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by these odd-couple travelling companions.

Their relationship seemed warmer and more genuine than most purported celebrity “friendships”. Rylan – such is the power of his persona that calling him Clark doesn’t feel right – called Rinder “babe”, and they weren’t shy of a hug. And their type of “grand tour” was very different to the Jeremy Clarkson variety of landing in various locations to stage motoring challenges.

This was an attempt to recreate the cultural odyssey undertaken by aristocratic young Britons of the 17 th and 18 th centuries, when youthful toffs would be packed off to Europe in the company of a tutor to immerse themselves in classical antiquity and the Renaissance.

There was no doubt about who was going to be the tutor here, for as Rinder quipped about Rylan: “He doesn’t know his arts from his elbow.” Their first stopover of three was Venice (with Rome and Florence to come) , where the pair’s respective roles were established as Rinder gently glided to his 16 th century palazzo by gondola, while Rylan, all dark glasses and whitened teeth, roared in by motorboat.

Their first cultural immersion was the Doge’s Palace, where they were afforded a private view of Tintoretto’s enormous painting Paradise – and Rinder became quite tearful at his protégé’s appreciation. Rinder continued Rylan’s education (and indulged an apparently long-held ambition) by conducting an orchestra in Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons in the church in which it was first performed.

Why Britain started taking Rylan seriously

This Pygmalion-like relationship could have become tiresome, but the roles were neatly reversed when it came to less arty activities. The series marks the 200 th anniversary of the death of Lord Byron, whose escapades in Venice were more licentious than cultural. “Why should Byron have all the fun?” asked Rylan, who had already been eyeing up the passing gondoliers.

“I want to unbutton you and maybe you could just do one of my buttons up,” Rylan suggested after Rinder admitted to being uptight (“We could form the perfect shirt,” Rinder shot back). It was one of several insights into the presenters’ lives and characters. While visiting a shop selling carnival masks, Rylan admitted that his persona was a mask. “At home I’m Ross [he was born Ross Clark], while Rylan’s my job. Ross isn’t bruised… Rylan takes the battering,” he explained.

But it was Ross who took a battering in 2021, to the point of attempting suicide, he said, after the breakdown of his marriage. Rinder also underwent a painful divorce. Determined to move on, they each went on a blind date – Rinder’s date, Fabio, turning out to be a drag queen.

And having been saddened by his friend’s need for a mask, Rinder now found himself liberated when persuaded they should camouflage themselves in drag (he looked like Pauline Fowler, said Rylan, who had transformed into a dead ringer for Eurovision’s Conchita Wurst). They then joined Fabio and his friends on a sashay down to St Mark’s Square.

Far from being a cosily inclusive RuPaul-esque experience, in the atmosphere of Georgia Meloni’s hard-right governed Italy, it was a small act of defiance. “Queer life in Venice is extremely reduced,” explained Fabio – and indeed one onlooker shouted homophobic slurs. Most applauded, however. Just this one short sequence alone provided more realism than most other celebrity travelogues combined.

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