Adventure travel, or how to make your dream trip without worrying about planning
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Your dream trip doesn’t need a Hollywood budget or years of planning
“Adventure travel” or “adventure tourism”: these terms often evoke a vague idea for most travelers, without having concretely explored what this type of organized tour offers.
This article is for those who dream of admiring the wonders of this world: Petra in Jordan, the pyramids of Egypt, the Mayan temples… and setting foot in lands that are more or less easily accessible: the Amazon, Tibet, Antarctica, the Sahara…
Such a journey requires a lot of preparation. Planning this kind of trip solo can take years, generate significant stress, and still miss several important details once you’re there.
This is where adventure travel companies come in. They offer small group tours (6 to 15 people, generally) that target various types of travelers.
Among companies of this type, G Adventures stands out with tours adapted to more types of travelers, and not just young adults. The company has also created its own charitable organization, Planeterra (presented below).
This article is not sponsored: milesopedia.com is affiliated with G Adventures and receives a commission if you book a tour with G Adventures via one of the links on this page.
G Adventures
G Adventures, a Canadian company founded in 1990, prides itself on being the leader in small-group adventure travel.
How did it get there? By listening to its travelers and giving them what they want: flexible itineraries, the freedom to explore in small groups, safety and peace of mind, and local guides who show you your destination in a way you would never see if you traveled otherwise.
It is a so-called “social” company that bases its activities on sustainable tourism. For G Adventures, the planet is the raw material, and its social and ecological balance is of fundamental importance.
G Adventures offers escorted adventure travel itineraries for all ages and tastes, in about a hundred countries. The company now has over 2,200 employees in 28 offices worldwide.
Planeterra
Planeterra, G Adventures’ non-profit partner, is dedicated to ensuring that communities affected by tourism benefit from the opportunities related to this activity. Planeterra helps local populations develop their communities, preserve their cultures, and create human and supportive systems for their initiatives. It manages over 50 social enterprises across seven continents, benefiting women, at-risk youth, and rural and indigenous communities.
Do you have to be an adventurer to love it?
Adventure travel is certainly more than just a vacation. It’s an opportunity to get to know the world better by allowing you to be in direct contact with people, places, and everything that makes a region worth exploring. But most tours do not require a particular fitness level. They are also classified on a scale of 1 to 5, from the easiest to the most intense.
The world opens up a little more to small groups than it does to a solo traveler or a large bus of tourists. By choosing an adventure trip with G Adventures, you help populations who rely heavily (or entirely) on sustainable tourism for their livelihood. No need to wait to plan your dream trip! From “wellness” trips to active adventures, including National Geographic tours, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.
This article briefly presents some of the most popular tour types.
Classic Tours
Looking for the right balance between independent backpacking and organized groups? Congratulations, you’ve found it. Classic-style tours combine the support and security of group travel, unbeatable variety, and the flexibility not to follow the schedule to the letter when destiny has something else in store for you.
For experienced travelers, it’s not enough to simply “see” a destination. They want to dig deeper, go further. This is the mindset that drives every Classic tour; a delicious blend of must-see highlights and many experiences you didn’t even know you could have, all organized and managed by a local expert.
Who are these tours for?
These tours are for:
- For everyone (18+ if solo traveler; 12+ for a child with an adult)
Examples of tours
Here are examples of tours:
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $150 | |||
| $191.88 |
National Geographic Tours
National Geographic tours with G Adventures are a collection of unique visits designed to introduce you to the cultures and habitats of the places we explore.
They offer more inclusions than other G Adventures travel styles, more direct explorations, interactions with local experts, and the freedom to move around, all within the structure and safety of a small group.
These trips include more luxurious accommodation, more comfortable transportation, and more inclusions than other G Adventures travel styles.
As you prepare for your adventure, you’ll receive pre-departure articles from National Geographic to learn about your trip.
This type of tour is more expensive than the others.
Who are these tours for?
These tours are for:
- For everyone (18+ if solo traveler; 12+ for a child with an adult);
- For those with a slightly more flexible budget than average.
Examples of tours
Here are examples of tours:
Active Tours
Why just see the world when you can hike, mountain bike, kayak, or swim through it? Those who love to exert themselves need look no further.
G Adventures Active tours bring you closer to the destination by allowing you to hike, bike, and do various sports. G Adventures provides the equipment and experts; you provide the energy.
Sports enthusiasts can have experiences that engage muscles as much as mind or heart. Whether it’s a bike ride through remote villages, a hike to the summit of Kilimanjaro, or physical activities like rock climbing, zip-lining, or dog sledding, these tours offer as many activities as you desire.
Who are these tours for?
These tours are for:
- For those who are already in good physical shape and wish to be active during their trip;
- For thrill-seekers and lovers of landscapes not everyone gets to see.
Examples of tours
Here are examples of tours:
- Everest Base Camp Trek
- The Lares Trek and Machu Picchu
- Multisports in the Galapagos
- Cycling and Hiking in Bali
18 to Thirtysomethings Tours
G Adventures 18-to-Thirty somethings tours are designed for young adults looking for experience rather than comfort. They offer a mix of camping, hostels, homestays, etc., depending on the destination.
For example, the same itinerary might be offered in a Classic tour format and an 18 to 39-year-old format – the Classic version will be a bit more expensive and offer hotels, while the one for young adults will involve a little less privacy.
These tours include plenty of free time, time to socialize and meet other like-minded travelers. All on a tight budget! They feature a good portion of culture during the day, before letting you sample local bars and restaurants after dusk.
Who are these tours for?
These tours are for:
- People aged 18 to 39;
- Those who don’t mind sleeping in a tent or a dormitory;
- Those who want unique experiences and to meet people from all over, while sticking to a small budget.
Examples of tours
Here are examples of tours:
- Cape Town and the Dunes by Road (Namibia + South Africa)
- The Canadian Rockies, East to West
- From Medellin to Bogota: Coffee and Salsa
Other tours
Other types of tours are also offered: Marine, Family, Wellness, Local Living, Solo-ish Adventures, or the new high-end Geluxe collection. There is certainly no shortage of choice!
You could find yourself sailing the Maldives, island hopping in Greece, or exploring Dubrovnik like a local!
Benefits of adventure travel
As you can see, whether your dream is to explore the Brazilian jungle, see penguins in Antarctica, or hike the Canary Islands, it’s possible.
Just choose the tour that suits you!
G Adventures also provides you with a list of things to bring for your trip, adapted to the destination. You just have to follow it to create memorable memories. Don’t forget your camera!
In summary, here are the advantages of a tour booked with an adventure travel company:
- The itinerary is made for you
- Small groups provide flexibility
- No need to spend hours planning accommodation
- You benefit from expert advice on site, without the “guided tour” atmosphere
You can book your next G Adventures trip via our affiliate link, which directly supports Milesopedia’s work.
It’s also possible to pay with American Express, which is another way to accumulate points in the Travel category.
Or use them since G Adventures falls into the Travel category of credit cards: convenient for your NBC, HSBC, American Express Membership Rewards or Scotia Bonus Points.
Conclusion
For travelers eager to start exploring the world again, this type of trip is the stuff of dreams.
G Adventures also offers a lifetime valid deposit on all departures. So you have nothing to lose by booking: if your plans change, simply apply it to another adventure.
