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The Best Places for Your First Trip Abroad

For most Americans, their first trip abroad will be over a neighboring border—on, say, a family trip to Toronto, or maybe spring break to Cabo. You don't even need a passport to swing that. (Don't get too excited: You need a passport card still.) No matter where you go, you'll be out of your comfort zone—and that's half the fun, right? How far do you want to push it? We canvassed our network of editors and international contributors to get their best recommendations for your first trip abroad, whether you're on a budget and want to stay close(r) to home; you're ready to blow some hard-earned cash; or you want to get as far away as you possibly can. Here's a little inspiration.

File under: Passport With Training Wheels

When you visit Canada, it’s kind of like you’re going to Europe or Asia without leaving the continent. Montreal lives "la belle vie" in French and English, with Francophonic sidewalk cafés, boho enclaves, Gothic architecture, and decadent cheesy dishes (bonjour, poutine). Vancouver has a Hong Kong-esque skyline and some of the best Chinese (and Vietnamese, and Malay…) food in the region. And then there's the conversion rate—it's hard not to love Canada. —Megan Spurrell, community editor

Costa Rica manages to feel both safe and thrilling: There are plenty of expats, so you barely need to speak Spanish, and everyone’s there for the outdoor adventures (surfing! zip-lining!). Plus, it's not too far from the U.S. and flights tend to be affordable. —M.S.

Hear me out on this one: Ecuador is a great gateway trip to South America. Reasonably inexpensive to visit (both on the ground and with flights), it attracts lots of young professionals from Europe to Australia who are on a quarter-life crisis escape. It's also culturally and linguistically familiar (especially its Old Town) yet plenty different, and will keep you on your toes. Fly into Quito and take easy-to-use buses to explore the surrounding areas, like the cloud forests of Mindo and waterfalls of Baños. It's just the right amount of adventure. —Meredith Carey, assistant digital editor

File under: I’m Not Totally Broke—Let’s Go to Europe!

You'll live out every cinematic travel fantasy on a first trip to France, taking leisurely walks around Paris —breaking for goûter, a must for anyone with a sweet tooth; diving into the opulence of nearby Versailles ; and indulging on a tour of the historic, and very romantic, neighboring Champagne region . —Corina Quinn, senior editor

The U.K. feels like such an obvious suggestion—but for good reason. Aside from the added bonus of not having to grapple with a new language, you have grand old towns like Bath and Edinburgh that feel like movie sets, dramatic countryside to explore, and the whole of Europe just a low-budget flight away if you want to tack on a weekend somewhere else. Sure, London is expensive, but the free museums , booming food scene , eclectic markets, and easy-to-navigate Tube system more than make up for it. —Lale Arikoglu, digital lifestyle editor

I have a hard time imagining the drawbacks of making Italy your first destination abroad. The natural and manmade beauty, the warmth and hospitality of the people, not to mention the food (comfort in a bowl: pasta! risotto! gelato!)—Italy has a way of making you feel right at home. For a first-timer, do the Grand Tour: Rome , Florence, Venice, and Naples if you have time. You can save deeper exploration of the regions and coasts for a return visit. You'll most certainly be back. —C.Q.

Melbourne, Australia

File under: Get Me As Far Away As Possible

For my first solo international trip abroad, I packed up one giant bag and moved to Melbourne , Australia for six months. (I'm a risk-friendly overachiever.) Despite the distance, many college kids will feel at home in the laid-back, flat white-loving, easy-to-navigate city (that comes with its own trolly!), which is also full of artists, comedians, musicians, and creative restaurateurs making the city hum. It's a bit like Boston in that regard—but with a better accent. —Laura Dannen Redman, deputy digital director

Southeast Asia

Is there anything that screams “first big trip” more than a month spent backpacking Southeast Asia? Countries like Thailand and Vietnam are primed for young travelers—and young budgets. You can work your way through the best street food of your life in Bangkok for just a $1 a plate, or rent a motorbike for the equivalent of $10/day in Sa Pa and get your adrenaline pumping as you zip around rice paddies (just please, please wear a helmet). I felt incredibly safe traveling with just one friend, and there is such a well-established backpacking trail you're never really alone. —M.S.

Intense, colorful, and totally unlike anywhere else, Morocco has a huge range of places to visit—cosmopolitan Casablanca, heady Tangier—and is affordable enough that you can take your time exploring. —Paul Brady, articles editor

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How to Plan a Trip Abroad (20 Tips From a Pro)

Posted on Published: November 28, 2022  - Last updated: August 21, 2024

Planning a trip abroad, especially for the first time, is no easy task.

Booking flights, shuttles, rental cars, hotels, activities and making sure you’ve packed everything you’ll need for the trip can be overwhelming!

Not to mention all of these things tend to add up in cost very quickly. With so many things that can go wrong what’s a savvy traveler to do? Read this post that’s what!

For this reason I’ve put together a list of 20 tips to help you plan a trip abroad.

You’ll notice some links and advertisements from partner or affiliate sites throughout this post. I typically earn a small commission on any purchases made through those links at no additional cost to you. If you check those out, great. If not, I’m still happy you’re here!

Make an itinerary

Some people hate scheduling out their trips, some people love it.

I tend to fall into the latter camp.

Is this surprising? I mean, I do have an entire website dedicated to travel idea inspiration and planning trips.

There are some activities you need to plan in advance. Why? Well, a lot of popular activities in touristy areas tend to sell out. You literally won’t be able to do them if you don’t plan ahead of time!

Even if a particular activity doesn’t require you to make a reservation in advance, putting together an itinerary can help you budget out your time more effectively.

If you’re strapped for time having an itinerary can help you visualize a plan of attack to hit everything on your agenda.

Grouping together activities that are in close proximity to each other can save you time on logistics.

Other activities can be seasonally dependent. Let’s say you’re planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in October.

Chances are the main road will be closed and you won’t be able to experience much of the park. Shoulder season, in situations like this, can ruin a hastily planned trip if you don’t spend time on the details!

Don’t feel obligated to stick to your itinerary

The most important thing to keep in mind when putting together an itinerary is that you don’t actually have to stick to your original plan!

If you end up too tight on time, exhausted, or find something more interesting to do you can always switch up your schedule.

Avoid falling into the mindset that you have to do certain activities when traveling. It’s your vacation, enjoy your time as you see fit!

Carry copies of important documents

The further away from home you’re traveling the more important this tip becomes.

Make copies of important documents such as:

• Passports or travel visas
• Driver’s license
• Insurance cards
• Credit or debit cards
• Print off reservations for hotels, cars and activities
• Trip itinerary

Keeping a folder with hard copies of these documents is not only smart in case you lose something, but it’s also a great way to stay organized.

While you’re at it, snap photographs of these documents as well and keep them stored on your mobile device for an extra layer of protection!

Spend time researching flight options

Booking flights can be one of the most stressful parts of putting a trip together. Often times airfare is the single biggest expense that travelers must shell out in order to reach that dream destination.

Striking a balance between a cheap tickets and good flight times can be more challenging than it sounds.

Fortunately I’ve put together a full guide on the topic you can read that will take you through all of the tips and tricks I use to save on airfare without compromising on convenience!

Visit popular tourist attractions at non-peak times

The Louvre in Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and I had heard stories about waiting in mile long lines for hours just to get in.

There are two ways to avoid spending half your day sitting in mood killing lines like these.

First off, buy your tickets in advance! It sounds simple, but even I’m guilty of dropping the ball on this one from time to time.

Putting together that trip itinerary? Use it to be diligent about buying any tickets you’ll need in advance.

The second way to avoid these lines is to visit at non-peak times,. Visiting early in the morning, around lunch or late in the day are great ways to cut back on long lines. This applies to really popular hikes, lakes and outdoor areas as well.

When visiting the Louvre we arrived 20 minutes before they opened and pretty much walked right in. Once inside it took hours for the museum to fill up, so not only did we skip the lines but we also didn’t have to contend with hoards of tourists for most of the morning!

Search for food off the beaten path

If you want to maximize your dining experience when traveling you’ll need to get creative.

Often times this involves focusing your search for food towards areas that don’t cater to tourists.

Searching for local restaurants with consistently high review scores on the usual websites like Google or Yelp is always a reliable strategy.

But here are two more ways you can dig a little deeper and find some real local gems.

The first tip is to read plenty of travel blogs like these. Whenever I travel I like to use a mix of popping into restaurants we stumble upon by foot, places we find online with solid reviews and my next method.

Ask locals where to eat! They live there after all and can usually point you to places that tourists often overlook. Most locals love the opportunity to suggest their favorite restaurants or bars to visitors.

Not sure who to ask? Tour guides, coffee shop baristas and bar tenders are all great places to start. Don’t be shy!

Try local cuisine, including street food

This travel tip is an extension of finding great local restaurants.

Keep an eye out for street food stands as you wander around the streets of new places that you visit. One of my favorite memories from Valladolid, Mexico was wandering around the town square eating marquesitas, cheesy buttered corn on the cob and bags of Tostitos walking tacos.

But choose carefully and don’t force the issue. While I haven’t personally experienced it, you might be at slightly higher risk of running into a bout of food poisoning when eating from open air foodie stands in crowded areas.

Don’t eat out every meal to save cash

This is more of a budget travel trip. Don’t forget that you can still feed yourself by making meals back at your Airbnb or grabbing a sandwich at a local market.

Buying fresh fruit and bread from a local market can be a budget friendly alternative to eating lunch out at a restaurant. Just one more option to keep in your back pocket! Be mindful that if you plan to cook back at your room you’ll need to book accommodations with a kitchen.

Utilize public transportation

There are a few reasons it makes sense to utilize public transportation when traveling.

The most obvious one is that it will often times be cheaper than renting a car or taking taxis and Ubers. A lot cheaper! Often times a subway or bus ticket will only cost a couple bucks and take you across an entire city.

I’ve found that buses can be a little harder to navigate outside of your home country, but subways are generally pretty easy.

Some cities will even have bike rental stands which is another great way to explore new areas.

Utilizing the public transportation of destinations you visit is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture as well!

Knowing what options are available to you ahead of time is key to actually being able to utilize them.

Travel with a reusable water bottle

This is a good idea for so many reasons.

First off, you’ll save money by not having to constantly purchase bottled water. This can become particularly expensive in airports! Many major airports and public transportation hubs have water bottle refilling stations.

If you invest in an insulated water bottle it will also keep colder longer. That’s a nice perk when traveling to hotter destinations

Hydro Flask 32 oz Reusable Water Bottle

Traveling internationally to a country where you can’t drink the tap water? You may end up needing to purchase bottled water in these situations. But having a reusable water bottle handy can help you take advantage of the occasional refill opportunity.

Take a walking tour to get acclimated

Not only is this a great way to learn the layout and history of your destination. But it’s also a great way to get a local’s perspective for what’s going on in town.

Many walking tour guides will also know the best bars and restaurants where you are staying. Befriend these people! Ask them any and all questions you might have.

Walking tour not your cup of tea? You can usually find equally useful activities done via bus, boat, ATV, E-bike, etc.

Don’t forget to barter at markets

Depending on where your travels are taking you there may be opportunities to shop local markets that are likely to require some degree of bartering to get a fair price.

If you’re like me (tall white dude with a ginger beard) you probably stick out like a sore thumb on a local’s tourist radar. In certain parts of the world this means vendors will attempt to charge you a higher price than locals.

On the surface, this seems unfair. But depending on where you’re visiting keep in mind that your standard of living and annual income is likely much higher than the locals selling goods at a small market.

Ultimately those people are just trying to put food on the table.

Find a balance when it comes to bartering. You don’t want to get ripped off but if you can afford to pay a bit more than the local price just remember that you’re helping a small business owner provide for their family.

Connect with local tourism boards

Admittedly this is a strategy that I often overlook. A big reason for that is that I typically have a jam packed itinerary before I even land wherever it is that I’m traveling.

A good example of this strategy paying off was during a trip to Switzerland where we planned to visit Jungfrau Mountain aka the Top of Europe. It was an incredible mountain experience but the logistics of getting there can be quite challenging.

Not only that but the view up top can be completely obscured by dense cloud cover since you’re at such a high altitude.

Luckily the town we were staying in had a local tourism office. We popped in and they helped us with all of the logistics and even pointed us to a weather camera located on the mountain. With this webcam knowledge we were able to time our visit perfectly to avoid poor visibility.

Had we not checked in we would’ve gone a day earlier and had zero visibility due to the weather!

Put credit card points to work

You can also reach out to tourism boards in advance. They usually have a packet of information about their city that they’re happy to provide travelers over email.

I do love credit card points. To me they’re like a travel piggy bank. As a I travel I slowly accumulate points that can be used on free flights, cars and hotels. Not only that but a good airline credit card can also reward you with tier status. Free first class upgrades? Don’t mind if I do!

Ultimately credit cards are a zero sum game. Credit card companies dish out huge sign up bonuses and credit card points for your daily spending to incentivize you to use their cards for purchases.

They fund these bonuses and point perks through the fees they charge merchants and the interest they collect from users who don’t pay their bills in full each month.

Some people hate the idea of credit cards. I mean, I get it, to an extent.

But it’s also a reality of the world we live in.

If you aren’t taking advantage of these perks then you’re just losing out to the people who are.

A generic travel credit card from the likes of Amex or Chase will offer flexibility in terms of what you can spend your points on so that’s a great starting point if you’re n the market for a new card.

Additionally I’d recommend credit cards tied to the major airlines. Usually you earn points at a decent rate and you’ll usually get free checked bags if you book your plane tickets on that card.

Avoid branded credit cards that will overly restrict your ability to redeem points. Make sure the airline card you pick up is one that offers plenty of flights from your home airport!

Redeeming points for a free flight or hotel stay is a great way to turn that bucket list trip into reality without crushing your bank account.

Ensure your target activities are in season

You need to be careful when booking discount vacation packages, super cheap flights or deals that otherwise sound too good to be true.

There are definitely real deals out there to be had. But a lot of the time these hard to beat rates won’t be for peak season. Don’t get tunnel vision when you find a cheap rate, make sure the dates work for your target activities.

Are you a sports fan? Don’t forget to check out the local team schedules early in the planning process! I’m guilty of looking into sporting events late in the planning process. Sometimes I could have easily flexed my dates to catch a game if I had done the research.

Check multiple sources before booking

This tip can be a bit of a Pandora’s box when you really dig into it.

There are nearly endless options for where you can book your flights, hotels, rental cars and activities.

When it comes to flights I always like to start with Google Flights since you can easily scan across different airlines and nearby airports. If you have the luxury to flex your dates around a bit that can also help you save on airfare.

Once I have a general feel for what airlines are offering the best flights for my destination I usually head over to that airlines website to see how the costs compare to what Google was showing.

From there I usually check at least one discount travel website (like Kayak, Expedia, Travelocity or others).

If you have a travel credit card (think Amex or Chase) be sure to check the credit card programs travel booking website as well.

It isn’t uncommon for the cost of a particular flight, hotel or rental car to vary widely depending on where you look. Part of why prices can vary so much across websites is because many people don’t check different sources before booking.

Don’t bounce around too quickly

I break this rule all the time and every time I do I regret it.

It’s easy to get excited when planning a trip, especially somewhere new or far away.

Often times when visiting a new country or geographic region I start trying to hit everything within a stones throw of where I’m staying.

This can lead to burn out and fatigue which will end up doing more harm than good, no matter how badly you want to squeeze an extra city into that European getaway!

Putting in place proper travel logistics and accommodations can be expensive so we naturally want to maximize the value we’re getting when spending our hard earned cash.

Trust me, I get it!

Not only can trips be expensive, but securing enough time away from work and life can also be a challenge.

Avoid stretching yourself too thin during the planning stages. Have some activities (or day trips) in your back pocket and make the decision once you’re already on the road. I promise you’ll still find plenty of ways to fill your time.

Bring proper electrical adapters and converters

If you’re traveling internationally be sure to spend some time researching how the electrical outlets are configured where you’re staying.

You need to check if an adapter and or converter is required and be mindful that these are two very different things.

An adapter will allow your devices to plug into outlets that are different shapes than what’s in your native country.

A voltage converter will ensure your devices are compatible with the type of voltage coming out of the wall outlet. Usually higher end electronics (laptops, cell phones) can automatically convert the voltage on their own and will only require an adapter.

Below is a link to a combination converter and adapter available on Amazon:

BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 100-220V to 110V Voltage Converter

Less sophisticated devices (such as hair dryers) will require an adapter that can also convert the voltage. If you try plugging these devices in they could be damaged and ruined.

Bring backup cards and emergency cash

Sometimes people lose things.

And just because I have a travel blog doesn’t mean I’m any better at not losing things than the next person.

One time I left an iPad in the back of an airplane seat pocket. D’oh.

I never saw that thing again, despite my best efforts nagging the airline.

In the same way you‘d buy insurance to protect your car against an unexpected accident, having a backup form of payment is insurance against losing your wallet.

Having credit card information stored digitally or through a system like Apple Pay is also a smart move.

But it can never hurt to take it a step further. It’s a good idea to keep an extra debit or credit card separate from your wallet or purse. Leave a copy back in your suitcase at your hotel.

Also consider keeping some emergency cash in a separate place as well. Some parts of the world (even the developed ones) prefer cash. If you lose your wallet you’ll need some cash for food and transportation while you figure things out!

Consider purchasing travel insurance

This tip is especially relevant in a post COVID world.

Old me turned down every opportunity presented to insure any part of my travels. I had always been comfortable with the risk that if something went wrong I could figure it out or that it wouldn’t be THAT expensive.

Back in March of 2019, I had a 2-week trip to Europe scheduled that spanned multiple countries. COVID had other plans. The night prior to departure was when the United States announced it would start shutting down international travel.

Since it was so close to travel time, the vast majority of my plane tickets, lodging reservations, train tickets and so forth were rendered useless.

Recovering fares from smaller European airlines that would eventually go bankrupt was a losing battle.

I never heard back from the hotel I booked in Amsterdam and I was only able to salvage around 25% of the money paid to Airbnb.

I figured the only way a trip like that would turn into a complete loss was if I was on my death bed in the days leading up to it. Lesson learned.

Do I insure every part of every trip I take? No. But I’m much more sensitive to picking up insurance for the pieces I can’t afford to lose out on or if I think any aspect of my trip is higher risk for cancellation.

Hopefully this list of tips and tricks helps inspire you to plan a trip abroad this year!

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4 Amazing Trips Abroad

Passport-touting travel writers recall their favorite international destinations.

What comes to mind when you think about traveling abroad? An unforgettable adventure you had with loved ones? A bucket-list destination you’ve always wanted to visit?

According to AAA, bookings for international travel were up 40 percent from 2022 through May 2023. If you’re considering a trip abroad, we have some inspiration for you.

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Here, four travel writers recall their favorite international trips and why these destinations leave a lasting impression.

Svalbard, Norway

​I can’t believe I’m still up. As a kid, I used to rail against my 9:30 bedtime. As an adult, I’ve increasingly leaned into it. Even New Year’s Eve rarely gets more than one sleepy-eyed nod from me before I roll back over to continue my slumber. So the fact that I am standing on the deck of a cruise ship well past midnight, having just crossed the arctic circle — and am grinning from ear to ear — is nothing short of a miracle. But this is an occasion that has to be marked. 

​I’m on board the MS Trollfjord where leisurely days sauntering in and out of ports led to this moment. Hurtigruten’s ships have been transporting people and goods up the Norwegian coast for 130 years on its Coastal Express routes. But this Svalbard itinerary is an upgraded revamp of a more utilitarian route that ran from 1968 to 1982. The Svalbard Express takes passengers in premium comfort from Bergen to Honningsvåg (the northernmost city on the mainland) before dashing across the Barents Sea to Spitsbergen, Svalbard — the largest island in a Norwegian archipelago that is about 850 miles from the north pole and is home to the northernmost populated community in the world. 

Over the course of our 10-day northbound cruise, we’ll stop in one port per day, leaving time to dip my toes in arctic chilled waters or wander through a UNESCO-celebrated community. I’ll stand in awe of the majesty of towering fjords, shiver in the presence of blue-tinged glaciers and spot young reindeer, fuzzy and white on the mountainsides. 

​The moment I’ve been waiting for happens as we approach Svalbard. It’s the night when the midnight sun — an April to late-August experience — will combine with crossing the arctic circle. 

​Cruise lines that head this far north mark the crossing in different ways. On Hurtigruten, there are toasts with aquavit, storytelling from a crew member dressed like a Norwegian prince ... and a ceremonial soup ladle full of ice water down your back. 

​It’s a rollicking time on board, but the most memorable moment has yet to come. At midnight, I wander out to the deck with my husband at my side, and we stand in complete silence, looking out at the water shimmering in the sun’s golden glow, awestruck by the beauty of the moment. 

​Not since childhood has staying up past midnight felt so magical. ​

Heather Greenwood Davis is a frequent contributor to Travel + Leisure , Conde Nast Traveler and Afar magazines. She lives in Toronto.

​ Odense, Denmark ​ ​

Consider this: For more than a century, parents have been putting their kids to bed with the story of a little mermaid who wished to leave the sea and live on land. Years later, when those kids struggled with their appearance, they were told the story of an ugly duckling that became a swan.​​

My children are growing, with the first duck about to fly the coop for college. I wanted an experience that would touch our hearts and make us reflective of the path we’ve taken.​

​I chose Denmark to be our swan song family vacation. To be clear, we are not Danes, nor do we have friends to visit. The choice was made because my parents told my sister and me Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. A generation later, I told those same tales to my two daughters. A trip to Denmark — the birthplace of Andersen who created some of the most famous fairy tales — would commemorate two ends of time neatly tied: the generational passing of the torch, as it were.​ ​

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We arrived at Copenhagen Airport after 9 p.m. to a sun that was still on high, as the summer months produce more than 17 hours of daylight. From the airport, we jumped on a Eurail train to the city of Odense on the island of Fyn and checked into Hotel Odeon , a glass, brick and steel structure with sweeping views of the surrounding churches in the city, as well as the many grassy roofs, a sustainable form of architecture ushering in the next generation of green living.​ ​

We spent the next two days walking in the footsteps of one of our favorite writers. Literally. Andersen’s footprint begins at the house he was born in and can be followed throughout the entire city past many of the famous cathedrals that inspired his fairy tales, such as the gothic St. Canute’s Church and cathedral, which was built in the 1300s and stood sentry in Odense throughout Andersen’s life.​

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​From there, we strolled through the Fairy Tale Garden . Surrounded by spring dahlias, bulbs and perennials, my wife, daughters and I watched the ducks and their reflections in the river. ​

​The most exciting part of the trip was a walk through the Hans Christian Andersen museum where we saw a re-creation of the pea and mattresses from the story “The Princess and the Pea.”​ ​

On our last night, we had family dinner at Storms Pakhus , a huge street food market. I reminded my princesses that although these travel moments would be fewer and further between as they started their own journeys with their own families, the moral of Andersen’s fairy tales would apply to their children, just as it applied to me and to my parents before me.​ ​

And to think, we all got to walk in his footsteps together as a family. ​ ​

Adam Pitluk is an award-winning journalist and book author. He is the group publisher of Midwest Luxury Publishing and Groom Lake Media. ​ ​

Marshall Islands

​I’m hovering in gin-clear water just off tiny Bokanbotin, one of more than 1,200 palm-dotted spits of land that make up the Marshall Islands .

​Beneath me, a carpet of pale, rust-colored anemones undulate in the current. A dozen thumb-sized clown fish — just like the orange and white star of Finding Nemo  ​— ​nestle in the safety of the anemones’ protective fingers. 

​It’s mesmerizing and beautiful — and a sharp contrast to the tragic past of this remote string of islands about midway between Hawai‘i and Australia. 

​In the 1940s and ’50s, U.S. military officials tested nuclear weapons on these islands, and people are still dealing with the repercussions. Today, residents of the low-lying chain of islands are grappling with new issues: Sea levels are rising, flooding is more frequent and freshwater supplies are being inundated with seawater. Some experts say part of the islands could be uninhabitable in 30 years.

​I wanted to visit the islands, among the least visited countries in the world, before I couldn’t anymore.

​It’s surprisingly easy to get to the Marshall Islands, scattered like glinting coins over 750,000 square miles of ocean. Most flights travel from Honolulu to Majuro, a 25-mile-long island where about half of the country’s population of about 55,000 people live.

​Leave the airport and you’ll immediately pass a gigantic trash dump. Cinder blocks and abandoned cars line much of the main roadway, and you won’t see glistening resorts or sandy beaches. 

​Don’t let that dissuade you. During my trip, I discovered that lush, hardly touched islands — including Bokanbotin — still exist in real life. 

​I stayed at the no-frills Hotel Robert Reimers in Majuro, but for a more luxurious stay, visitors can rent a small bungalow on what was once a coconut plantation at Bikendrik Island , a short boat ride away. 

​One day, I skimmed across the bay in an outrigger canoe made by students at Canoes of the Marshall Islands . Another, I listened to music and watched fishing boats drop off their catch during the annual Fishermen’s Day celebration. I ate coconut cooked in banana leaves made by locals. I ate fresh-caught fish grilled on the beach. I swam in a lagoon, wearing a skirt and shirt (swimsuits are not considered appropriate attire outside tourist areas), while raindrops pelted my forehead.

​I met kind people doing good work. I met with members of a local women’s organization called Kora In Okrane , who teamed up with an American company called Sawyer to deliver water filters to residents who rely on rainwater catchment systems for their daily needs. Their work has lowered rates of waterborne illness.

​That reminded me that travel is not about fancy hotels or high-thread-count sheets. It’s about meeting people from different cultures, learning about their viewpoints and going home with a new appreciation for what we have.

​ Pam LeBlanc is an Austin, Texas-based freelance adventure writer and former staff writer at the Austin American-Statesman . 

Bavaria, Germany

​​Two of my favorite things in the world are bicycling and beer, so in August 2015, my wife, Dee, and I traveled halfway across the world to visit a place that excels at both — Bavaria.

​Dee and I started our adventure in Munich, where we borrowed cruiser bikes from our hotel and headed to one of the city’s most historic beer halls. Sitting in the original Hofbräuhaus , we swigged substantial steins of hefeweizen surrounded by other tourists, while a brass band bellowed tune after rollicking tune. Seeking a little more quiet, we pedaled to the Englischer Garten (English Garden) , Munich’s largest park, echoing New York City’s famous Central Park, where we, you guessed it, sought out its famous beer gardens. We sat at a table overlooking one of the lakes, downing dunkels and watching visitors toss bits of pretzel to the swans.

​It wasn’t until we left Munich and traveled into southern Germany’s gorgeous countryside that we truly felt we were in Bavaria. We rented a car and drove to Hotel Kaufmann in Roßhaupten, which became our base camp for the next two days. The hotel was stunning, its modern architecture contrasting beautifully with timeless views of the lush countryside.

​The next morning, we headed west toward the Alps and hamlets of Oy-Mittelberg . Dee was on her custom road bike from home, while I’d been forced to rent a rickety hybrid. The first few miles were a bit rough, my frown deepening with every spin of the creaky crank, but my foul mood didn’t last. Riding a bike is supposed to be fun after all, and our surroundings were just too beautiful.

Imagine a bicycle highway, separated from vehicle traffic, with smooth pavement and plenty of signage directing you to your destination and dozens of others. It’s nearly impossible to get lost. We grinded up a few rolling hills, but for the most part, the road grades were fairly flat. Pedaling in the shadow of the Bavarian Alps, surrounded by forests and farm fields, we took in the scenery and chatted easily. The hills were alive with the sounds of serenading songbirds and clicking derailleurs. We rode past (or were passed) by dozens of other riders — some day-trippers like us, others long-distance tourers weighed down by overflowing panniers (baskets/bags) — but nearly all of them with the same look of glee as our own. 

​Every few kilometers, we’d roll into a picturesque village that looked as if it were ripped from another century and frozen in amber. Our one rule for that trip was that we had to stop in every town’s brewery. As soon as the waitress handed us our mugs of beer and perhaps a plate of schnitzel, we’d instantly be struck with the feeling of gemütlichkeit or good cheer. 

​I studied German for two years in high school, and I was confident that I knew enough to get by, as long as we stuck to ordering more beer or finding the direction of the nearest bathroom. Luckily nearly everyone we came across spoke much better English than I did German.

​On our second day, we rode south along Forggensee lake to the Romantic Road , which spans 354 kilometers (220 miles) from Wurzburg to Füssen. We only pedaled a fraction of that amount though; Dee wanted to see what may be the most-famous castle in the world (the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland), the legendary Neuschwanstein Castle . It was as beautiful as the pictures suggest. Standing on the Romantic Road and looking up at the picturesque castle, I put my arm around my wife and drew her in for a quick kiss. 

​On the way back to the hotel, we rolled into another beer garden, where we recounted our trip highlights over several steins filled with schwarzbier and pilsner. We may have drank our weight in beer over those few days, but all the bike riding canceled out all those calories, right? I’d done much harder bike trips, but this tour through Bavaria was undoubtedly the most fun I’d ever had on two wheels.

​​ Robert Annis is an award-winning outdoor-travel journalist. His byline has appeared in numerous publications and websites, including National Geographic , Outside and Travel + Leisure .​​

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2024

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2024 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Adventure Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Adventure Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten-path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Adventure Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 8-16 people and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Adventure Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Aventure Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Adventure Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Adventure Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,014 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $799 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $749.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 10 million dollars to over 160 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-35 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience foodie trip of a lifetime Intrepid Travel’s South Korea Real Food Adventure , which includes time in three cities and an overnight temple stay.

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination. For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina).

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $6,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to closer destinations like Mexico or Costa Rica—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife & Nature: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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I’m Going Hiking in Norway Next Month — Here’s Everything I’m Packing for the Trails

From breathable clothing to a compact first aid kit, these are my 12 hiking essentials from $16.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

Growing up in New Hampshire, I’m lucky that I’ve been hiking for the better part of my life. But while I’m accustomed to taking on the trails of the White Mountains , I have a new challenge ahead of me as next month I’m traveling to Norway to explore another corner of the world — and bag some peaks along the way. While the trip is still weeks away, I’ve already begun to prepare my trail packing list to get a jump on my preparations, and since I’m flying across the ocean to get to the trailhead, my must-haves are significantly pared down.

From my favorite Patagonia pull-over to a surprisingly spacious sling bag from The North Face, I’ve compiled a list of the 12 essentials I’ll be taking with me for my international hiking trip to remain comfortable and well-prepared . While some items may be a splurge, prices start at just $16 for these outdoor necessities.

Teva Grandview Gore-tex Hiking Boots

It stands to reason that if I’m going to be hiking in Norway, I’ll need to pack the right shoes for the job, and I can’t think of any better option than these unbelievably comfy boots from Teva. The best-seller seamlessly marries support and style into one packable shoe with waterproof leather exteriors accentuated by breathable mesh panels. Their spacious toe boxes never leave my feet feeling cramped, and ultra-grippy outsoles will keep me safe and secure regardless of the terrain I encounter during my Norwegian excursion. Whether we’re met with a surprise September snow, a pop-up rain shower, or blue skies, these shoes are the perfect companions.

Vuori Villa Wideleg Pants

Lightweight, breathable pants are at the top of my packing list for early fall hikes, and this breezy, elastic-waisted pair from Vuori earned an instant spot in my suitcase since I can layer them over shorts or wear them on their own in accordance with whatever temperature we encounter on the trails. The wide waistband doesn’t dig into my skin so I can focus on the hike ahead, and the breezy cut is undeniably flattering. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a priority to look cute while hiking, and these pants help me do just that without sacrificing functionality. Best of all, they have pockets.

Atumtek Bluetooth Selfie Stick Tripod

My family loves a good photoshoot, but when we’re on the trails it’s markedly more difficult to set up the camera and get the perfect shot. So, we’ve found that selfie sticks (while perhaps considered antiquated by some) are one of the handiest accessories to pack. With it, we can capture our favorite memories without needing to bother other hikers on the trail. This particular set can be used as both a selfie stick and a tripod, and it comes with a wireless remote that subtly captures photos with the press of a button. Our impending holiday card is in need of a family photo, and this compact device will surely help us get the shot.

Zomake Lightweight Packable Backpack

I swear by traveling with a backpack as my personal item, but since I’m going on a hiking vacation, I want to have a separate bag ready to bring with me on the trails. My favorite solution? A foldable backpack that packs down into its own compact carrying pouch. While my go-to packable backpack from Away is no longer available on the site, this similar option from Zomake is currently on sale at Amazon for $20 and has many of the same features with a lower price tag. It features a multitude of convenient pockets that will stow snacks and other hiking essentials, and it’s even designed with a water-resistant fabric that wicks away sweat as well. 

Supergoop! Glow Screen

Just because I’m traveling doesn’t mean I’ll allow my skincare to fall to the wayside, and if there’s one product I’m adding to my toiletry kit, it’s Supergoop’s Glow Screen. The lightweight, vegan formula offers SPF 40 protection which is essential for long days in the sun, but I especially love how it leaves my skin with a glowy sheen that has effectively replaced all my face makeup during the summer. It reapplies smoothly, is the perfect size to travel with internationally, and is ideal for my dry skin that’s often zapped of its hydration while I’m on the go. 

Patagonia Better Sweater Quarter-zip Fleece Pullover

Layers are the key to remaining comfortable while hiking, and for years now, my trusty Patagonia quarter-zip has been my go-to. The fleecy interior is so cozy and gentle against my skin, making it a welcome addition to my pack. A built-in phone pocket on the arm keeps my devices easily accessible for photos along the way, and the fit is flattering and relaxed. This top has never let me down before, and it only makes sense that it’s my first choice when packing for this upcoming trip — especially considering it’s a top-rated product at REI, as well.

90 Degree By Reflex Power Flex Raceback Tank Top

On the theme of layering, I always like to build my hiking outfits from a base of shorts and a tank top — no matter the time of year. I’ve had this form-fitting racerback tank for years now, and it’s my favorite to pack for active vacations since it’s comfy, flattering, and doesn’t roll up underneath other shirts. The sweat-resistant fabric keeps my body temperature regulated even when I’m working up a sweat, and I can confirm it’s made with the utmost quality as it’s been in my closet for nearly a decade. To top it all off, a two-pack of these tanks is just $23 at Amazon.

Aritzia Golden Butter New Cheeky Hi-rise 5-inch Shorts

If I could only pack one pair of shorts to hike in during this trip, there’s not a doubt in my mind that my first choice is these high-rise biker shorts from Aritzia. Wearing fabrics that don’t display sweat stains is a priority for me, and after much trial and error I’ve found that the brand’s Golden line is the best for the job — plus, they’re ideal for layering beneath sweatpants or hiking pants without feeling bulky. These shorts sit right around my belly button, and the wide waistband has never once dug into my skin. They’re even so lightweight that they feel like nothing more than a second layer of skin.

The North Face Borealis Sling Bag

Being the overpacker that I am, I love having options when I arrive at my destination. This philosophy covers everything from footwear to clothing, and in this case, it also includes hiking bags. If I’m not in the mood to wear a backpack during my time on the trails, this surprisingly spacious sling bag from The North Face is my other favorite selection since it’s comfortable, adjustable, and yes, stylish. The roomy main compartment easily holds a water bottle, snacks, and even some spare layers. The exterior features a water-repellent finish that’s vital when you’re spending time outside. Why should I be weighed down by a heavy bag when I can instead opt for this travel-friendly pouch that will carry me from the trails to the airport with ease?

Altra Outroad 2 Trail-running Shoes

Sure, hiking boots are already taking up valuable real estate in my suitcase, but these Altra trail running shoes have also made the cut. On this trip, I’ll use them for shorter hikes and runs while I’m in Norway. Since they’re much lighter than a hiking boot, they leave me feeling more nimble on my feet, and I may opt for them if we’re hitting the trails on a day when the temperature doesn’t lend itself to wearing heavy boots. These trusty shoes have carried me across a wide range of terrain since they landed in my collection more than a year ago, and it’s the wide toe boxes and sturdy outsoles that elevate them above the rest of my footwear. 

Anker Portable Charger

Since I’ll be hiking in a foreign country, it’s especially important that I have access to my phone at all times for navigation purposes and in case of an emergency. The Anker portable charger is slim enough to slot into any pocket of my hiking sling bag with room to spare for my other must-haves. It holds nearly three full charges worth of battery life, so I never have to worry about falling off the grid. It also has rapid charging capabilities, so even if my phone battery does dip, it won’t take long to get it back to 100 percent. I’m sure it will be an asset for the rest of my trip, as well — especially with the amount of pictures I’m expecting to snap along the way.

Protect Life First Aid Kit

Due to the isolated nature of the activity, it’s always better to err on the side of caution while hiking. With that in mind, I’ll be adding this best-selling first aid kit into my pack during every outing. While it may contain 100 pieces of essential equipment, it’s compact enough to take up minimal space in my bag. From bandages to antiseptic, this unassuming pouch contains everything I might need to tend to potential minor injuries until we’re able to get help, and right now it’s even on sale for just $16 at Amazon.

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• Adventure Travel

19 Best (and Most Thrilling) Adventure Trips in the World

Kaila is a recent graduate from the College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota, where she earned her ...

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If the thrill of adventure travel can be heard shouting your name, it might finally be time to answer...for real. But adventure means something different to everyone, which is why we've provided an extensive list of some insanely awesome adventure travel ideas—and the best adventure trips in the world.

With any luck, you’ll swing right into the perfect adventure trip for you.

Some programs combine volunteer work with adventure, while others focus on the exhilaration that can be found through speed and exploration. Whether you only have a few days or as much as a few months, there's something for you!

Are these truly the best adventure trips in the world? Maybe. You will just have to see for yourself!

19 awesome adventure travel ideas

1. go *way* down unda on this australia adventure tour .

Founded by two travel enthusiasts themselves, Welcome to Travel offers affordable 4 or 8-day adventures in Melbourne, perfect for those who love adventure but are short on planning time. The folks in charge have your planning covered...from airport shuttle to accommodations to the tours. All you need to do is bring your sense of adventure and your bucket list. Plus, if you’re looking to stay in Australia and find some work, they’re ready to provide a welcome package for a long-term kick-start to your new life in Australia. 

2. Install clean water filters in Cambodia & Vietnam  

ARCC provides participants with the opportunity to volunteer by constructing and installing clean water filters for Cambodians in need. But that isn’t all you will do. Teach at a local school while helping low-income Cambodian villages. Cross over to Vietnam, where you will get to travel around Halong Bay while taking in the view of the karst mountains. Past participants enjoy the opportunity to help others and experience new cultures of two diverse countries. 

Maybe pop in for a quick swim (or snorkel) at Halong Bay if you have time.

3. Study under a rainforest canopy in Costa Rica  

How does learning about ecology, biodiversity, and sustainability sound? Would it sound even more exciting in a rainforest? CIEE stations participants at a biological station nestled in all the tropics that a living, breathing rainforest has to offer. Take some Spanish classes, delve into biodiversity topics, and make time for some zip-lining on the side. Learning while having fun is just one of the few positive reviews fellow travelers boast about. 

4. Challenge yourself in New Zealand  

Pure Exploration is exactly as it sounds - 12 weeks of intense adventure travel providing outdoor enthusiasts with training and newfound skills to last a lifetime. Past participants rave about the experiences and knowledge gained from this program. Perfect your outdoor survival skills and become a wilderness expert with this surreal adventure program. 

5. Chase—and swim in—waterfalls in Costa Rica  

Sustainable Action Costa Rica provides participants with an intensive 8-day program of putting social and environmental sustainability to use while adventuring with your group through zip-lining, hiking, and waterfall swimming. Join this program during a winter break, gap year, or any other travel excuse you can think of. This program includes opportunities for volunteering and hands-on NGO experiences to enhance your Costa Rica adventure. 

Man, traveling can be so stressful… <3

6. Protect Mother Nature in New Zealand

With over 2,000 ongoing conservation projects, it might be hard to pick just one! A conservation program ideal for nature lovers, GoEco will have you volunteering in habitat restoration, seed collection, tree planting, and heritage restoration for at least four weeks. With a variety of tasks and the chance to hang with the locals, it’s a great way to give back to mother nature while exploring New Zealand.  

7. Become a sanctuary volunteer in Thailand  

Oyster Worldwide is a unique opportunity for animal lovers and conservationists alike. The program aims to conserve and protect birds, monkeys, gibbons, and sun bears (sounds adorable!). You'll gain insider knowledge and hands-on experience with many species that desperately need your help. Bonus: You'll actually live AT the sanctuary with other volunteers, waking up and falling asleep to the sweet call of the wild. Sign us up! 

8. Join a wildlife research expedition in South Africa 

GVI lets you get in the thick of things on a real wildlife research expedition...in South Africa no less! Participate in wildlife monitoring projects and learn how to track animals while living on a game reservation. The research you provide will be used for future conservation efforts in a country working to maintain natural resources and wildlife for future generations. 

Just one of your future coworkers. ;)

9. Wander temples in Thailand

The Experiment in International Living is highly rated by fellow travelers for its cultural experiences in Thailand. Create memories with your travel group while exploring street markets, visiting Buddhist temples, and learning the language. Best of all, you will get to experience life with a local family while living with a host family. Practice your newfound language skills on your new family or while you volunteer with a local NGO. Either way, life won’t look quite the same upon your return. 

10. Road trip through India  

Join GoEco for a road trip through 4 Indian states! Of course, the trip won’t be complete without a stop at the Taj Mahal. Also included is a 2-day mountain trek, camel ride, jeep safari, cave exploration, and a cooking class! Participants also have the chance to volunteer for a week in the city of Goa. Past participants loved being able to see so much of India in only 4 weeks! What more can you ask for while visiting India?

11. History comes to life in Cuba  

Rustic Pathways is the kind of adventure travel we all dream about. Take in Cuba by boat, horse, and foot while traveling to some of the country's most remote areas. For those brave souls, snorkel and take in some history at the infamous “Bay of Pigs”. Take a ride in a classic 1950s car or visit a national park. The experiences are all off the beaten path with a Rustic Pathways adventure. 

Some parts of Cuba are like a blast from the past. Definitely one of the best adventure trips in the world!

12. Volunteer in a wildlife sanctuary in Johannesburg  

GoEco welcomes volunteers for 2-12 weeks of work at a wildlife sanctuary. Help injured or orphaned animals hoping for a chance in the future. Some of the animals at the sanctuary include cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and others. Located just 40 minutes from Johannesburg, volunteers enjoy the ability to learn and work with animals, all while being close enough to explore one of South Africa’s most famous cities. 

13. Salsa the night away in Cuba  

Looking for the perfect adventure, but limited by time? For travelers short on time but still desiring some adventure, Discover Corps has the perfect weekend getaway in Cuba! Take in the nightlife with some salsa dancing and stroll through the Havana city square. Family-friendly trips are available, so bring the whole family along! Past travelers can’t get enough of their well-planned and culture-rich trip to Cuba. 

14. Teen travel, cultural immersion, and dance parties in Nepal  

Embark upon one of the best places to travel for adventure with Putney Student Travel . Take in the Himalayan villages while serving local NGOs and community organizations in Nepal. Participate in a Buddhist meditation retreat and talk to Tibetan refugees about their culture and homeland. Hike the base of Mount Everest, while meeting locals and sampling locally grown teas. With a focus on community service and medication, you are sure to come back home with a newfound sense of self. 

Wouldn’t it be cool to say you “hiked Everest”?

15. You’ll never tire of wine tasting in Argentina  

Mente Argentina is the program to enroll in if you can’t get enough of that merlot. Participants will learn how wine is made, wine-tasting techniques, food pairing strategies, and even some Spanish! During the program, participants will get to taste 50 Argentine and international wines. Choose between the intensive 2-week program, located in Buenos Aires, or the traditional one-month program, with trips to Argentina’s wine country (including Mendoza!) With a focus on Argentine Malbec, participants will come away with a great deal of knowledge and a belly full of wine. 

16. Empower women while volunteering in Nepal  

Empower women in this rewarding community service program through GoEco . Learn about the lives of women living in Kathmandu, where women struggle with daily sexism and inequality. Volunteers have the pick of a variety of programs including teaching women computer skills, English, health, safety, etc. While each of the programs will teach a valuable skill, volunteers are also encouraged to talk to the local women about the rights they have. 

17. Become business savvy in India 

Pave Internships offers a 10-day professional immersion for those looking to explore India’s business side. Learn how India is changing the economy and challenge yourself professionally with workshops, sightseeing, and engaging lessons. Gain in-depth international business knowledge, preparing you for a business career in the global economy. Participants will also visit Indian towns, learn about India’s legal system, and explore India’s vast history. Prepare for an experience unlike any other....and perhaps a job unlike any other.  

You’ll be a business tycoon in no time.

18. Take in the Andes in Argentina 

Say Hueque specializes in adventure travel in all of Argentina’s natural beauty. With flexible packages from 1-18 days, participants will be able to customize the cities and activities to make the most of their trip. It’s hard (but not impossible) to choose between visiting Buenos Aires, taking in the beauty of Iguazu National Park, witnessing the romance of Argentina’s cowboys (gauchos), visiting the famous Perito Moreno glacier, or taking in tango show. 

19. Preserve culture in Cambodia  

Globalteer offers the chance to volunteer with the indigenous people of Cambodia. The Bunong people have been increasingly under threat by the outside world. As a participant, you will get to learn about the issues they face and help preserve their history. Assist local staff to document and record their culture of music, language, and traditions. 

These best adventure trips are just scratching the surface

We hope you found a program that speaks to you.

So, there you have it. 19 amazing trips for the truly adventurous at heart. While we would LOVE to fit all of these trips into our soon-to-be-completed travel itinerary, one may have to do for now. So pick wisely...and remember, you can always revisit this list to find your top adventure trip.  

Use MyGoAbroad to Find & Compare Adventure Trips Abroad with Confidence

Look for the Perfect Adventure Travel Program Now

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Why this savvy traveler is a little nervous about going abroad this fall

• Updated: Aug. 23, 2024, 12:03 p.m.
• | Published: Aug. 23, 2024, 11:17 a.m.

The words "Tourists Go Home" are spray-painted on a wall in the artists' quarter of Vila de Gràcia in Barcelona. Despite high inflation, also and especially in the tourism sector, Spain is facing a record year with more foreign visitors than ever before. At the same time, the locals' annoyance with tourists seems to be growing rapidly. Emilio Rappold/picture alliance via Getty Images

• Christopher Elliott | Elliott Syndicate

Like many Americans, I’m traveling this fall. And like many Americans, I’m wondering: Is it safe to travel this fall?

It all depends, experts say.

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Year of Global Elections

Tim walz made an impression in china, students and teachers say.

John Ruwitch

Democratic VP nominee Walz gets flak from the right for his relationship with China

Democratic vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at the 46th International Convention of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees on Aug. 13 in Los Angeles. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

BEIJING — When Vice President Harris picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate on the Democratic ticket earlier this month, a Chinese woman in Western Australia, thousands of miles away, couldn't contain her excitement, shouting with joy at the news.

“When I realized that he was the Tim that [was] in my memory, I was amazed, and felt so proud of him,” Christy Dai told NPR by phone from Perth.

In 1989, a 15-year-old Dai met Walz, who became her first foreign English teacher at Foshan No. 1 Middle School in southern China. During that school year, Walz taught English and U.S. history to around 300 students, she says.

For Walz, it was an introduction to a country that he would return to about 30 times in the ensuing years, by his own reckoning — a cumulative experience that has come under a spotlight since his addition to the Democratic ticket.

But Walz’s record on China, based on the accounts of people who interacted with him on some of those trips, as well as his own words, is hard to put in a box.

In China, Trump has cachet but few see U.S. ties improving under him or Harris

At the age of 25, fresh out of college, Walz signed up for Harvard University's WorldTeach program and traveled to China, where, according to his online biography , he became part of one of the “first government sanctioned groups of American educators” to arrive after the country opened its doors to the world in the 1980s. The ’89-’90 school year started shortly after the Chinese army crushed pro-democracy protests centered on Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in June 1989.

“It was my belief at that time that diplomacy was going to happen on many levels, certainly people to people,” Walz recalled during a 2014 congressional hearing commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown. “The opportunity to be in a Chinese high school at that critical time seemed to me to be really important.”

People-to-people communication

At the high school in Foshan, Walz made a good impression, according to Dai and a former colleague.

“He was quite lively and very approachable. Whether people understand English or not, he always greets them with hand gestures, appearing friendly and cheerful,” says Lee Nai-Tim, a retired teacher of Chinese language and literature, who was in charge of a class when Walz was teaching there.

Walz was given the nickname “Ah-Tim” by his students and colleagues. In Cantonese, the word “Tim” can be represented by a Chinese character that also appeared in Lee's name. Lee recalled Walz, with a big smile, saying in Cantonese: "Both you and I are named Tim."

Lee says Walz was thoughtful and cared for others. Walz was the only teacher at the school who was provided with an air conditioner, but he often left it off.

Here's why Taiwan is watching the U.S. election closely

“At that time, our electricity supply was sometimes unreliable,” Lee says. “Mr. Walz would turn off his air conditioner because when he used it, the lights nearby would dim. It was very hot in the summer, but he chose to go without air conditioning.”

For Dai, Walz represented one of the first opportunities for a close encounter with a person from the West.

“It was really a fantastic experience for us. And I would say that his time in China, you know, gave us a first glimpse of the outside world. And he was very humble and diligent. He gave us the impression of a Western person that is reliable, that [you] can be friends with,” Dai says.

She says Walz noticed she had a talent in English, and gave her the confidence that inspired her to pursue the language further. She eventually immigrated to Australia, where she has worked as a translator and interpreter for the past 20 years.

“This world needs people like him — people with integrity — to lead,” Dai says.

In the ’90s and early 2000s, Walz deepened his connection with China by leading Minnesota high school students there on summer trips.

Inside the Chinese-funded and staffed marijuana farms springing up across the U.S.

Emily Scott, who participated in one of those trips, says Walz encouraged the students to be open-minded, curious and eager to embrace new experiences. He set the tone for the entire journey.

“I really think he just wanted us to see how far away the horizon actually is,” she says. “He didn't necessarily want us to love it or hate it. He didn't necessarily want us to judge it in any way — the world, other people. He just wanted us to know it was there.”

During the trip, Walz encouraged Scott to learn Chinese, a suggestion that later led her to pursue a career that involved repeated trips to China.

Laura Matson, another former student, also traveled to China with Walz. The trip took place during the summer between her junior and senior years of high school.

She described the trip as an "eye-opening, incredible experience." Matson remembers meeting a group of Chinese girls on an overnight train ride. Matson spoke no Chinese, and the girls didn’t speak English, but they spent a fun evening painting each other's nails and exchanging magazines.

Putin and Xi further their embrace to defy U.S.-led pressure

“We couldn't connect on a verbal level, but we had a great time together and it was a really important moment for, you know, just recognizing that we can connect with anybody on any level if we put some effort into it,” she says.

Walz was "delighted to see his students making the kinds of connections and building the kinds of bridges that he had dedicated his career to fostering," she says.

Republicans are investigating

Altogether, Walz has said he’s made about 30 trips to China.

“I think a lot of people in China feel kind of excited,” says Zhiqun Zhu, a professor at Pennsylvania’s Bucknell University who has studied China-U.S. relations. “Walz had this experience in China, so they assume that he might be kind of pro-China.”

On social media, Republican critics have raised concerns about Walz’s connection with China, with one even labeling him a pro-China Marxist. On Friday, House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., said he was launching an investigation into Walz "following reports detailing the Governor’s longstanding connections to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) entities and officials."

Walz’s team has defended the governor’s record, saying he has stood up to the CCP and fought for human rights throughout his career. “Republicans are twisting basic facts and desperately lying,” Walz spokesperson Teddy Tschann said in a statement. “Vice President Harris and Governor Walz will ensure we win the competition with China, and will always stand up for our values and interests in the face of China’s threats.”

In a 2016 interview with Agri-Pulse , an agriculture information service, Walz said he did not believe the U.S.-China relationship needed to be adversarial.

“I totally disagree [with the idea] and I think we need to stand firm on what they're doing in the South China Sea,” he said, referring to China’s expansion of islands and assertive posture in disputed waters. “But there's many areas of cooperation that we can work on.”

Upon returning to Nebraska in 1990, Walz told a local newspaper that he believed the Chinese people had been mistreated by their government for years.

"If they had the proper leadership, there are no limits on what they could accomplish. They are such kind, generous, capable people," he said in an interview with the Star-Herald .

As a congressman, Walz co-sponsored legislation that took a firm stance on China. He met with the Dalai Lama and Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong, both of whom are viewed with hostility by Beijing.

5 years ago they protested for freedom in Hong Kong. They want us to remember them

Walz also served on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which monitors human rights and the rule of law in the country.

During the hearing on the 25th Tiananmen crackdown anniversary, he said: “If we do not commemorate and we do not remember those who were willing to risk all, it puts all of us at risk of history forgetting the lessons that were there.”

The Picture Show

Rare photos and accounts from china's tiananmen square protests.

Zhu, the professor at Bucknell University, suggests that Walz's firsthand experience with China could be an asset if he were elected.

“I think if we have somebody at the top who had this experience, who really knows China's system, culture, society and who still has some friends over there, this will be very helpful, you know, to smooth the relationship,” Zhu says.

But he notes that Walz might not hesitate to take a firmer stance as the geopolitical competition intensifies.

The Chinese government, however, remained notably silent after Tim Walz was selected as Harris’ running mate. When questioned at a daily press briefing the following day, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson simply remarked that it was a “domestic affair of the U.S.”

For Qiang Fang, a professor of history at the University of Minnesota Duluth, this shows that China wants to “wait and see” who will win the U.S. election in November.

“If Harris and Walz win the election, the Chinese government would not be relieved,” says Fang, “because Tim Walz knows China, he was in China before.”

“I don’t think that the Chinese government has the impression that Tim Walz will definitely implement a pro-China policy under the current political environment in the United States,” he says.

As NPR has learned, Foshan No. 1 Middle School, where Walz once taught, has instructed its teachers not to give independent interviews about "an American who previously worked as a foreign teacher at school," without specifically mentioning Walz by name.

Aowen Cao contributed reporting from Beijing.

• Kamala Harris
• Vice President Kamala Harris

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Putin reignites body double rumours with photo of his ‘fabulous cheekbones’

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Rumours of Vladimir Putin body doubles have been circulating for a while and now speculation is rife about the Russian president again.

Putin visited Baku , Azerbaijan, between August 18 and 19 to discuss Armenian settlement with the President of Azerbaijan.

But some people have noticed there is a problem with Putin’s face in comparison to a meeting he held with the Russian security council just a few days prior.

This includes Anton Herashchenko, a former advisor to Ukraine ’s government , who is convinced Putin appeared as a body double in Baku.

He posted: ‘Putin in Baku looks different from Putin at the Security Council meeting a couple of days ago, doesn’t he?’

Pictures and video of Putin taken at the security council meeting show his normal appearance but in Baku he looks different.

As he steps off the plane he looks like he’s had work done on his cheekbones because they seem plumped up, a visible difference from just a few days prior.

It leaves people wondering whether a body double was sent to Baku in place of the real Putin.

Putin in Baku looks different from Putin at the Security Council meeting a couple of days ago, doesn’t he? https://t.co/7q0jkxaEr2 pic.twitter.com/plY94YqJF8 — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 18, 2024

This is certainly not the first time rumours of Putin body doubles have circulated.

The Kremlin itself has even had to come out in the past and dismiss rumours  Vladimir Putin  has  died and been replaced by one of his body doubles .

It issued the extraordinary statement in November 2023 and insisted: ‘We have only one Putin.’

The Russian search engine Yandex has also seen record numbers of queries as to whether the 71-year-old dictator has died.

It follows a swirl of speculation the president died following a long-term battle with  cancer , with  one – or several – of his doppelgängers  taking his place.

‌A Japanese study using hi-tech AI science even suggested there are several Putins , assumed to be actors who have undergone plastic surgery and training by his ex-KGB secret service.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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