Top Adventure Travel Companies For Your Next Trip

There are many adventure travel companies to choose from, each offering unique experiences to various destinations. Whether you're looking for a small-group tour, a solo adventure, or a family-friendly trip, there is something for everyone. Some companies focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, while others offer luxury experiences or outdoor adventures.

Some of the best adventure travel companies include Intrepid Travel, which offers small-scale sustainable tours to over 100 countries; Exodus Adventure Travels, a Certified B Corp that organises small group tours to minimise environmental impact; and Wilderness Travel, an award-winning company offering innovative trips to fascinating corners of the world.

Other notable mentions are Bindlestiff Tours, specialising in small group adventures in the American Southwest, Alaska, and western Canada; Adventure Canada, offering Arctic and Antarctic excursions; and Explorer Chick Adventure Co., catering to women-only groups with tours spanning five continents.

With so many options available, it's best to research and choose a company that aligns with your interests, budget, and travel style.

Best adventure travel companies for families

There are many adventure travel companies that cater to families, offering trips that are both fun and educational for children. Here are some of the best ones:

G Adventures

National Geographic Adventure magazine has included G Adventures in its "Do It All" outfitter list. The company offers more than 1,200 adventure travel trips to all seven continents, including Italy, India, Egypt, Costa Rica, and Peru. These trips offer a mix of family and kid-oriented experiences, such as crafting bento boxes at a Japanese cooking school or trying archery at a Scottish estate.

Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures keeps groups small, aiming for a 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, and vets their guides for charisma, ensuring they have personalities that kids will want to follow. They offer a variety of family trips to destinations such as Europe, New Zealand, Latin America, and North American national parks. Austin Adventures excels in outdoorsy outings such as horseback riding, glacier trekking, kayaking, and bicycling. They also add excitement with "wow moments," like serving ice cream and brownies after a hike to the top of Angels Landing in Bryce National Park.

REI Adventures

REI, the popular sports store, has a division offering weekend and longer adventure trips, including several designed for families. They offer family-friendly hiking trips through Brice and Zion Canyons in Utah, sea kayaking, cycling, and hiking in the San Juan Islands, and even hiking, kayaking, and zip-lining in Thailand. REI provides a list of what's needed for the various activities, making it easy for families to prepare.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is a Toronto-based company that offers small-scale sustainable tours to more than 100 countries. They provide itineraries for accessing some of the most remote corners of the globe, such as lemur-spotting in Madagascar or cultural immersions across the Middle East. Intrepid Travel also suggests that it would be fun for a group of families to vacation together. They offer family vacations around the globe, including Peru, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, and Singapore.

Thomson Family Adventures

Thomson Family Adventures creates a special connection for kids with their Friends Across Borders program, a digital pen pal initiative. Kids correspond with local children before the trip and then meet them during their journey. Thomson offers immersive cultural activities such as swimming with whale sharks in Baja, sailing in Ireland, or hiking in the Andes. Some trips cater to families with teens or multigenerational groups, and they always have one driver and one guide.

Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney offers more than 50 itineraries in over 40 countries, providing hands-on local experiences, guides with storytelling gifts, and time for parents and kids to be together and apart. Families might try hurling in Ireland, sample wines in Tuscany while kids pick herbs for infusing olive oil, or enjoy Disney movie nights. Daily activities focus on local culture rather than Disney characters, although there may be some surprise appearances along the way.

Best adventure travel companies for women

Adventure travel companies that cater to women offer a range of exciting experiences, from hardcore outdoor adventures to luxurious wellness retreats. These companies foster camaraderie and empower women to challenge themselves and discover new places and activities. Here are some of the best adventure travel companies for women:

Adventures in Good Company

Adventures in Good Company has been organising adventure trips for women since 1999. They offer a wide range of active vacations, including hiking, kayaking, and island-hopping in various destinations across the globe. The company is committed to sustainability and contributes 15% of its revenue to non-profit organisations annually. They also practice a leave-no-trace principle on all their trips. Adventures in Good Company welcomes women of all ages and life stages and offers flexible itineraries in a supportive environment.

AdventureWomen

AdventureWomen is a women-owned and women-run company founded in 1982 by travel pioneer Susan Eckert. They have been organising life-changing trips for over 40 years, offering almost 50 tours in more than 65 countries. Their tours encourage female travellers to actively explore the world and experience different cultures. AdventureWomen's trips range from wildlife cruises in the Galapagos Islands to exploring the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia and viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland. The company's small group sizes, averaging 12 to 15 women, foster conversation and camaraderie.

Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions has been organising trips for women for over 30 years, offering tours in more than 30 countries on all seven continents. Their tours include trekking, cycling, horseback riding, and sailing, as well as yoga retreats and surfing lessons. Wild Women takes a shared leadership approach, encouraging travellers to participate in decision-making. Their tours are also environmentally friendly and sustainable. One of their unique tours is the "Goddesses, Queens, and Heroines Tour of Egypt," which celebrates the strength and resilience of women in ancient Egypt.

REI Women's Adventures

REI, a well-known outdoor gear retailer, has expanded into the women-only adventure market with their Force of Nature campaign. They offer various female-only travel itineraries, including exploring destinations like South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, and Greece. REI also provides women-only mountaineering expeditions and backpacking trips, ensuring that women have the gear and advice needed for their adventures.

Damesly

Damesly creates memorable trips for women while also fostering connections and offering skill-building workshops. Their tours take women to amazing destinations like the Grand Canyon and Colorado, with a focus on creative pursuits such as photography, writing, and public relations. Damesly keeps its groups small, with a maximum of 12 participants, to ensure an intimate and meaningful experience.

These companies offer a range of exciting adventures for women, catering to different interests, activity levels, and destinations. They provide opportunities for women to challenge themselves, connect with like-minded individuals, and create lasting memories while exploring the world.

Best adventure travel companies for solo travellers

There are many adventure travel companies that cater to solo travellers. Here are some of the best ones:

G Adventures

G Adventures is a popular small-group tour company that offers a range of itineraries to suit solo travellers. They tend to attract like-minded participants, creating a good environment for solo travellers looking to meet new people. The average group size is 12 people, and the price range is moderate. Accommodations and some meals are included, but airfare is not. Their trips are suitable for adults aged 30 to 55 and cover more than 750 trips in 100 countries on all seven continents. They also have a range of small-group trips designed specifically for solo travellers, with no single supplement as long as you are willing to share a room with someone of the same sex. They also offer single rooms at reasonable prices. The itineraries for G Adventures trips tend to have more free time than some of the other tour companies, which is great if you are someone who likes to have some time to yourself.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is a not-for-profit organisation that prioritises responsible, experience-rich travel. More than 50% of their customers are solo travellers. They offer small group tours of around 10 people, and the price range is economical to moderate. Accommodations, local transport, and some meals are included, but airfare and travel insurance are not. Their trips are suitable for solo travellers and adults aged 25 to 40, and they offer more than 1,000 trips to 100 countries across seven continents. They also have a range of trips designed specifically for solo travellers, with no single supplement if you are willing to share a room. You can also choose to have your own room for a small extra charge.

Exodus Travels

Exodus Travels offers self-guided and guided excursions around the world for every type of traveller. They have a wide range of trip styles, including walking holidays and surfing trips, and they cater to all age groups, from families to seniors. There is no single supplement fee when you room with a fellow traveller, and you may even end up with your own room. They also offer a full refund if they need to cancel your trip and a complimentary trip transfer to another tour or traveller up to 21 days before the scheduled trip. They work to curate trips that align with a number of United Nations sustainable development goals, and they were awarded Best Operator in National Geographic Traveller’s sixth annual Reader Awards in 2021.

Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions is perfect for boundary-pushing women who want to travel independently and enjoy the safety and support of an organised tour. They offer outdoor adventures for women of all ages and identities, with a range of physical abilities. Most guests are solo travellers, and there is no single supplement as accommodation is typically in a shared room or cabin. Group sizes are kept small and social, with between six and 14 women. They also curate trips that avoid or minimise the disturbance of wildlife, support environmental education and advocacy projects, and partner with social justice and women’s rights organisations.

El Camino Travel

El Camino Travel is perfect for solo travellers aged 35 to 50. Their guided, small group trips have a maximum of 12 participants and are curated with an ethos of preserving and protecting local culture, the environment, and communities. For example, some of their partners include the Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville in Tobago and La Sierra Artist Residency in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Best adventure travel companies for small groups

Group travel is a great way to explore new places and meet new people. If you're looking for the best adventure travel companies for small groups, here are some excellent options:

Exodus Travels

Exodus Travels is a well-known and award-winning group travel company, offering trips to various destinations worldwide, from popular spots like the Amalfi Coast to off-the-beaten-path adventures in Tajikistan. Their small group tours typically have 8-16 people and are led by experienced local leaders, providing unique insights into the destinations. Exodus caters to different travel styles and types of travellers, including families and specific age groups. They also offer curated collections like "coastal" and "away from it all" and self-guided options for those who want the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group.

World Expeditions

World Expeditions is ideal for adventurous travellers seeking remote locations. They offer active itineraries on every continent, including mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. Their trips are capped at 16 people, and they aim to leave a positive impact on the communities and places they visit. World Expeditions' Thoughtful Travel Charter emphasizes sustainability, respect for the environment, and positive contributions to local communities.

G Adventures

G Adventures is perfect for budget-conscious travellers, offering cheap group tours to dream destinations like the Galapagos, India's Golden Triangle, and Bali. They are also great for solo travellers, as most trips don't have a single supplement fee. G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for more affordable options, such as cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional. They offer a range of travel styles, including basic and luxe tours in partnership with National Geographic.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is the world's largest travel B Corporation, known for its commitment to sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and community support. They offer small group tours that attract a wide range of travellers, particularly younger ones, with many trips designed for people aged 18-35. Their itineraries focus on authentic experiences, and they have their own charity, The Intrepid Foundation, which has donated over $10 million to community organizations.

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.)

O.A.T. specializes in small group travel, with a maximum of 16 travellers by land and 25 by ship. This allows them to take you off the beaten path and provide intimate lodgings, local transportation, and immersive cultural experiences. Their itineraries offer a balance of guided activities, interactions with locals, and flexibility for independent exploration. O.A.T. also emphasizes the importance of "one-on-one" time with their local Trip Experience Leaders, who cater to your needs and provide valuable insights.

Best adventure travel companies for sustainability

Sustainable travel is becoming increasingly important as the world grapples with the climate crisis. Tourism can have a profoundly positive impact on both the traveller and the destination, but it is essential to do it responsibly to avoid causing harm. This includes reducing carbon emissions, supporting local economies, and respecting local cultures. Here are some of the best adventure travel companies that are leading the way in sustainability:

• Intrepid Travel: A well-known adventure travel company that has been carbon-neutral since 2010 and B Corp-certified. They offer 1,000+ adventures in over 100 destinations, focusing on authentic experiences with local guides.
• G Adventures: A social enterprise that provides responsible and sustainable small-group tours worldwide. They work with local businesses, promote animal and child welfare, and support community development projects through their non-profit partner, Planeterra.
• Byway: A UK-based company specialising in flight-free, slow travel adventures across Europe by train, bike, ferry, and foot. They focus on authentic and sustainable experiences with local accommodation and dynamic trip-building.
• Adventure Alternative: A UK-based company offering remote and rugged adventures worldwide, such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or trekking to Everest Base Camp. They are committed to responsible tourism and invest in local communities and supply chains.
• Undiscovered Mountains: A sustainable tourism company specialising in activity breaks in the French Alps that have a positive impact on local people. They offer a range of outdoor adventures, including skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and wildlife holidays, all with local guides and suppliers.
• Natural Habitat Adventures: The world's first 100% carbon-neutral travel company and the conservation travel partner of World Wildlife Fund. They offer eco-conscious expeditions worldwide, focusing on nature destinations and conservation through exploration.

These companies are leading the way in sustainable and responsible travel, ensuring that travellers can explore the world while minimising their environmental and social impact. They demonstrate that it is possible to have authentic and rewarding travel experiences while also caring for the planet and local communities.

Frequently asked questions