Whether you’re craving community, comfort or cultural immersion, G Adventures’ small-group trips offer transformative travel experiences that go far beyond the typical vacation.
Whether you’re craving community, comfort or cultural immersion, G Adventures’ small-group trips offer transformative travel experiences that go far beyond the typical vacation
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By Kristen Cerney
Thirty-five years ago, Bruce Poon Tip set out with a big idea: that travel could be more than a passport stamp and a photo album. It could be a force for good. Today, G Adventures is proof of that vision in motion. What started in 1990 as a bold experiment in community tourism has grown into a global movement, with more than 1,000 small-group trips spanning 100+ countries and all seven continents. Along the way, millions of travelers have discovered something life-changing: the real magic of travel isn’t just in the places you visit, but in the people you meet and the relationships you help sustain.
At G Adventures, every itinerary tells two stories—yours, and the community’s. Through initiatives like its Ripple Score™, which ensures 92% of traveler dollars stay in local economies on average, and its 130+ Planeterra community projects worldwide, travel dollars ripple outward, empowering local entrepreneurs, supporting families and strengthening cultures. Add to that three million trees planted (and counting) through its Trees for Days program, and it’s clear: the impact lasts far beyond the trip itself.
As G Adventures celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, it is once again proving that travel can change the world, one community, one traveler and one shared experience at a time.
G Adventures improves the world
One such example of G Adventures positively impacting the world is a trip to Tanzania, where travelers heading out on safari also help sustain the clean cookstove initiative in the village of Mto wa Mbu. The program provides safer, more efficient stoves for families, reducing smoke-related health issues and lessening the pressure on local forests.
In Peru, those who trek to Machu Picchu with G Adventures don’t just check a world wonder off their list—they also visit a women’s weaving co-op, where local artisans use traditional techniques to create textiles that support their families and preserve culture. That visit isn’t a side note, it’s the heartbeat of the journey, connecting travelers to the people who call these landscapes home.
And then there’s Nepal, where the Sisterhood of Survivors project offers travellers a meal with women who have overcome human trafficking. It’s a moment that turns dinner into dialogue and cultural exchange into lasting solidarity. These are the experiences that define 35 years of G Adventures: travel that stretches far beyond the itinerary, deep into the communities that welcome us, shaping lives—both theirs and ours—in ways no map could ever capture.
With styles like Geluxe, Solo-ish, and National Geographic Journeys, G Adventures invites travelers to go beyond the guidebook, and come back changed.
“At G Adventures, we have a trip style for every traveler. It’s about more than just matching travelers to their perfect trips, it’s making sure that we build community amongst the group members too, resulting in a more fulfilling and memorable experience,” said Alexandra Sanchez, U.S. consumer marketing manager for G Adventures. “Because the trip is about the connections we make as much as (if not more than!) the sights we see.”
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Geluxe
G Adventures now offers an upgraded experience with their new Geluxe Collection of itineraries. These premium-active trips immerse small groups into local communities while prioritizing comfort. There are now 54 Geluxe trips available across 26 destinations worldwide. The one-of-a-kind-stays are especially great for travellers looking for intimate group sizes and luxurious accommodations, while keeping their experiences exciting and energetic.
“Geluxe is an elevated experience, offering travelers a bit more comfort and inclusions than our classic styles. These trips are filled with OMG moments, one-of-a-kind accommodation and more dining experiences built into the itineraries. They tend to skew slightly older, but they are by no means only for the 40+ set,” said Sanchez.
Geluxe trips are led by Chief Experience Officers, who live locally and know the ins-and-outs of what makes travel a life-changing experience. CEOs are the face of G Adventures, helping travelers of all ages connect with our world.
With Geluxe, there’s no stress on where to stay and how to get there. They’ve got you covered with pre-planned accommodations, covering hotels, transportation, and everything in between. Each trip itinerary provides a comprehensive review of when and where you will be located, as well as a sprawling list of tour details to best prepare you for the trip. Questions regarding what to pack, meals included, group notes and solo travelling, money exchange, and more are addressed on their website.
Each Geluxe trip includes one “Your OMG Stay,” a one-of-a-kind property chosen for its unforgettable history, design, or the experience it offers. Some standout locations include Casa das Penhas Douradas, known for the outstanding views from the top of the Burel Mountain, unique cottages resting beside the Chambal River in Dholpur, India, and The Brown, Guatapé overlooking a crystal clear lake in Colombia.
Paired with “Your OMG Stay” is “Your OMG Day,” a customizable option for travelers to choose between two different experiences. Take a hike around the rim of the caldera in Greece, enjoy a safari drive around the Maasai Mara in East Africa, or strap on your crampons to explore the outlet glacier of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. No matter what you choose, you are bound to have an unforgettable experience rooted in broadening your horizons.
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Cruise Down the Nile with these Fabulous Tours
Immerse your travelers with the legends and histories of ancient Egypt on G Adventure’s “Egypt: Ancient Wonders & Temples of the Nile.” On this seven-day trip, marvel at the impressive Great Pyramid of King Khufu and Sphinx of Giza, explore ancient temples, and sail across the Nile to visit the beautiful island of Agilkia. On the third day, the “OMG Day,” group members can choose between two experiences: visit the Abu Simbel Temple, constructed during the reign of Ramses the II, or visit the Temple of Philae, built as a dedication to the Goddess Isis. Near the end of the week, tour participants will have the opportunity to dine with a local family outside the Valley of the Kings, who have been hosting groups with G Adventures for 15 years. Lunch will be served as the family shares the importance of their garden and how they prepare the food.
12 Days in Bali and Komodo
No stranger to hosting dreamy vacations, Indonesia effortlessly combines relaxation and adventure into one trip. On this 12-day getaway, visitors will travel to the best of Bali–sacred temples, monkey forests, and misty mountains. The “OMG Day” in Ubud offers white water rafting through the Balinese jungle or taking a Balinese cooking class with produce from the local market. Spend the “OMG Stay” at Mundak Moding Plantation Nature Resort, nestled within a working coffee plantation and offers stunning views from their infinity pool. On day six, head to Komodo to find rugged landscapes, vibrant coral reefs, and the legendary Komodo dragons. While there, visitors can snorkel through the turquoise water and spot giant reef manta rays at Manta Point. End the trip on the golden sand of Candi Dasa, the smell of frangipani blossoms lingering in the breeze and vibrant fishing boats wading in the horizon.
Blending Modernity With Ancient Traditions in Japan
G Adventures offers an 11-day trip, “Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail,” where guests can discover the delights of Japan’s past and present. Explore the stunning landscape while learning about the diverse culture. Upon arrival, visitors will take a one-hour walk around Kyoto with their Chief Experience Officers as they explain the historical and cultural significance of the surroundings. The rest of the week will take you through the Kitayama mountains, small samurai villages, beaches, and the deepest lake in Japan, Lake Tazawa. On day nine, travel to Japan’s most populous city, Tokyo, to see the delights this metropolis has to offer. For the “OMG Day,” choose between hiking around the Kawaguchiko area to take in captivating views of Mount Fuji, or take a food tour around the local shopping street, Yanaka.
Travel group sizes can vary, but typically max out at 16 members and average around 12, allowing individuals to get to know their fellow travelers on a deeper level and even make life-long friends.
Solo-ish
Prefer to solo-travel but don’t want to be entirely alone? That is where G Adventures’ Solo-ish Adventures comes along. These trips allow solo travellers to make life-long friends with their group-mates without sacrificing alone time. With the first three days of the trip focused on connecting with your fellow group members, then the rest of the trip offering more independence, you will feel connected to a community with the option of peaceful solitude.
“Solo-ish was created for travelers who are on their own, but don’t want to travel alone. Maybe their partner couldn’t get time off, or maybe they were just craving an adventure. Regardless of the reason, we designed the trips to blend alone time and time building bonds and connections with fellow travelers,” said Sanchez.
While the itinerary for each trip has exciting pre-planned adventures, it also has plenty of built-in free time. The trip is yours to do what you please, it just comes with an optional structure for those who may want more guidance.
The first three days of Solo-ish traveling are about connecting with fellow group members. On day one, a dinner party will be held to welcome you to your destination. Meet the other solo travellers and enjoy a meal authentic to the location. Day two offers a “We Day,” where group members go on an adventure together with the Chief Experience Officer at the helm. The third day is your “G Day,” with the entire day planned with epic activities and even a surprise.
With 68% of solo travelers being female, all Solo-ish trips are led by female-only Chief Experience Officers. G Adventures recognizes the value of women finding meaningful work in developing countries, especially in an industry that is predominantly male. Thus, all of the trips are planned and guided by women who live and work locally and have a deep connection with the region.
Traveling alone can be a life-changing experience, but it can also come with a reasonable amount of anxiety regarding safety. That is why G Adventures prioritizes all safety measures on each Solo-ish trip, including a complimentary arrival transfer to the hotel upon arrival, and the “My Own Room” option at a discounted rate.
Solo-ish trips are ideal for those looking to learn about a region’s culture through a combination of guided tours and self-discovery. Many of these adventures include light activity.
Solo-ish in Japan
The trip begins in Tokyo, where group members get to know each other while cooking Japanese egg omelets, onigiri, teriyaki and seasonable vegetables for dinner. Japan is renowned for having some of the best food around the world, so what better way to start the trip than to learn how to cook it. The “We Day” is spent exploring the neighborhoods of Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya. These locations have some of the most iconic elements of Japanese city life and culture. The next day, the “G Day,” starts with a special surprise that is sure to bring you luck on this trip. Your Chief Experience Officer will then take you on a tour to the Senso ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. There will be plenty of free time given to explore more of Asakusa, and the remaining locations for the rest of the week. On day eight, enjoy your “Me Day” solo adventuring in the incredible city of Kyoto.
Solo-ish in Portugal
From the moment you land, Portugal greets you with warmth, flavor, and old-world charm. Your journey kicks off in Lisbon, where cobblestone streets, soulful fado music, and unforgettable bites set the stage for a week of connection, culture, and coastal beauty. As soon as you arrive at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel where you will attend a welcome briefing, then set off with your Chief Experience Officer and travelling companions to the streets of Lisbon. Get a taste of the exquisite cuisine and wine in Portugal’s thriving culinary scene through an interactive tour. The second day, your “G Day,” will take you to the westernmost point on the European continent, Cabo da Roca to soak in the ocean views and hike along the coast to Praia da Adraga. End the day in the district of Belem for your G surprise before heading to Lisbon in the evening. The next day, “We Day,” take a walking tour of Lisbon with a local guide from a non-profit organization to learn more about the socio-economic state of the country’s capital. On day seven, relax on your “Me Day” in Porto while exploring the city’s World Heritage-listed Ribeira district and their historical locations.
Solo-ish in Costa Rica
Begin your trip with a hands-on cooking class to learn how to make tortillas, then enjoy them for dinner with a Costa Rican’ ‘picadillo’. Spend the “We Day” exploring the tastes and flavors of the Arenal Region. Following a trip to Mi Cafecito, you and your group will learn the ins-and-outs of creating delicious cocktails with fresh fruits and native herbs and spices. True adventure begins on day three, “G Day,” at La Fortuna where you will rappel down a flowing waterfall, walk through rippling rivers, and spot local birds and wildlife. Continue the excitement on your “Me Day” with endless experiences in your grasp in the evergreen Monteverde. Some of these options are ziplining, attending a hanging bridges tour, and trekking through the trails of “La Raiz”. This trip is rooted in connecting visitors to the serene and colorful wildlife of Costa Rica.
While the size of the group can vary, there are typically 12-16 members on these Solo-ish trips. Those interested must be aged 18 and up and solo travelling. As each trip is distinguishable from the next, make sure to double-check the tour details on the website page.
National Geographic Adventures
G Adventures and National Geographic have paired up to create National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures, worldwide experiences that positively impact the places they visit, as well as advance the work done by National Geographic’s scientists, explorers and educators. Across the board, these trips are focused on connecting you with the land as much as the community that lives there. The Chief Experience Officers for Journeys have specialized National Geographic training and a deep understanding of the destinations they call home.
“Our partnership with National Geographic continues to flourish, with over 100 trips on offer (including both our National Geographic Journeys and National Geographic Family Journeys),” said Sanchez.
The trips are carefully curated to ensure each activity is taking the adventure to the next level. Each trip comes with optional activities, where you can venture out and explore the region solo. If not, no worries. Fellow travellers in the small group are likely to stick with the Chief Experience Officer as well to get first-hand knowledge of the must-sees on the trip.
With National Geographic Journeys, G Adventures is taking accommodations up a notch with perfectly selected locations that best represent the destinations. Some of these include the Rahayed Desert Camp nestled between towering sandstone formations in Wadi Rum, Jordan; a rural hacienda surrounded by mountains at Hotel Museo Cayara in Potosi, Bolivia; and a luxurious tent hitched in Serengeti NP, Tanzania. These destinations are not your typical tourist attractions–they go deeper into the local history and community than the average vacation. Meet the friendly locals, learn of their customs, lifestyles, and experiences.
Journeys: Highlights of Bolivia
The ever-growing country of Bolivia will take travellers on an otherworldly experience as they explore the incredible landscapes and rich culture. Settle in on your first night and meet your fellow travellers and prepare for the upcoming adventures. The next day, relax at a local cafe and explore the city of La Paz, or opt to take an immersive guided tour of Sucre with a local expert. There, you will learn about the capital’s intriguing history and culture as you walk past beautifully preserved colonial buildings. Enjoy “Your Journeys Highlight Moment” at the tranquil Bolivian Hacienda. Take the winding path through the Southern Highlands to this historic “working” farm where you will meet the resident family. Through the rest of the week, visit museums, salt flats, and the base of the Tunupa Volcano. Bolivia seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, making for a vibrant and lively location.
Journeys: Wild Encounters in Rwanda
Witness nature’s magic on this unbelievable expedition following wildlife in Rwanda. This trip will take visitors to vibrant neighborhoods to lush rainforests and volcanoes. This diverse landscape is home to some of the most incredible animals in the world: mountain gorillas, buffalo, golden monkeys, big cats, giraffes, varying bird species, and elephants. See them up close and personal at the Volcanoes National Park. Trek through the jungle with a park ranger to seek out the highland gorillas and, once you find them, spend an hour observing them with the rest of your group. On the fifth day, you will head to Akagera National Park for “Your Journeys Highlight Moment”. There, you will take a behind-the-scenes tour of the African Parks headquarters and learn about the complex issues modern wildlife conservation faces, the day-to-day process of managing a protected zone, and the importance the community has on the park.
Journeys: Southern Italy, Naples to Rome
Spending a week in Southern Italy promises days full of sunshine, exploring ancient cities, and eating delectable cuisine. Start the trip with a Naples Food Tour, where you will eat famous local dishes of the Spanish Quarter. Next, visit one of the most infamous cities of all time–preserved for centuries in ash and volcano debris from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79–Pompeii. Walk in the footsteps of those from the first century as you visit the preserved forum, baths, and houses. Finish the trip with an evening walk in Rome, where you can visit high-end boutiques and cafes, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and soak in the romantic ambiance of the city.
Whether you’re chasing once-in-a-lifetime moments, craving meaningful connections, or simply looking for a better way to see the world, G Adventures proves that travel can be more than just a trip, it can be a turning point. With their thoughtfully designed tours, passionate local guides, and a commitment to community and sustainability, every journey becomes a chance to experience the world more deeply and return home transformed.
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For more information, visit gadventures.com.
