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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures 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 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus 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 Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus 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 Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus 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 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 $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

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 7 million dollars to over 130 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 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

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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). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

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 nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—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 Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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USA Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable USA tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in USA and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 191467 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of USA travel companies & tour operators with 191467 reviews

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,111 reviews for USA tours

the tour itself was amazing. The national parks do not disappoint. The travel accomodations were very cramped and uncomfortable. I am only 5 foot tall and I was cramped in this 14 passenger van. Food opportunities were limited.

Fantastic experience - efficient use of time, great itinerary. Well-informed and interesting guide who is also just a great person.

Bindlestiff Tours

• Excellent - 1,473 reviews for USA tours

Great! Great day trip to Death Valley. It covered all the sights we wanted to see. The tour company was very accommodating and the guide was just perfect. The tour bus was very comfortable. And Death Valley was amazing to see, especially the rare wildflowers and lake!

Wonderfull tour, we had time to visit the national parks, the guide was perfect. I spent 3 days amazing. Beautiful places !!!!!!

• Excellent - 988 reviews for USA tours

1. The bus driver, did an excellent job. 2. We could of used a better bus with a bathroom 3. The tour guides were good, they were very informative about our activities 4. The motels chosen were ver ckean 5. The length of time, was right for the amount of days 6. The travel packet i received needed clearer instructions, the hotel staff were not familiar with this tour operator. nor were they able to help me. 7. The security guard berween the luxor and the excalibur srated "the bus location and pick up tours:, was the place to be. 8. I was in the wrong location, after talking to your customer service, which at first she was hesitating to help me. She finslly was sble to contact me with Patrivia. Whom did not hesitate to contact me via text. Aand pick me up! Patricia's excellent customer service. Changed the entire scenario., and made it possible for me to join this wonderful 3 day tour of sightseeing. Photography. And hiking.

While the Niagara full trip was well-organized and enjoyable, I must express some disappointment with the Washington portion of our journey. During our time in Washington, we felt that our itinerary did not allow us to explore the city's attractions as much as we would have liked. Spending a significant amount of time at the cemetery felt like a missed opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and history of Washington. In future trips, I suggest considering a more balanced itinerary that allows for ample time to explore the various attractions and landmarks that each destination has to offer.

Southwest Adventure Tours

• Excellent - 100 reviews for USA tours

The Mighty 5 Tour was mighty fine! Aaron, our tour guide, was amazing. Seeing 5 National Parks in 5 days is a daunting feat but he did a great job in showing us the highlights and also asking our group if we had any requests. He honored them and was great at tailoring our tour to our group and our hiking abilities. We would highly recommend this tour and guide!

Rachel was an outstanding driver and tour guide. She cared about her guests and made sure our interests were met. She is a great ambassador for your organization. The parks were great and having her in charge of our schedule was a bonus. I would skip the museum stop and consider some other options for meals when possible but the hotels were great. A bathroom on the bus would be nice to avoid a few stops. Wonderful trip!

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,712 reviews for USA tours

We were fortunate to have Claire Kredens as our driver guide. She is a gifted leader and could cope with ant situation. Such a tour is useful to learn which cities you might like to re-visit because our time in each is very short. Four and five hour drives every other day is exhausting and maybe the number of places visited could be edited downward. On the whole, I enjoyed the trip altho the age range 15-99 is unwise. 15-80 would be much more realistic.

My son and I had a great hiking adventure on the Sedona tour! The scenery was stunning, the hikes were fun! Tolman was an excellent guide, who was very knowledgeable about the area, he had great hiking tips, and he picked some enjoyable challenging hikes for us! He was also an excellent cook! He prepared us some great meals! His positive outlook on everything helped the group of strangers on the trek quickly bond which led us all to have a great hiking experience!

BrushBuck Wildlife Tours

• Excellent - 23 reviews for USA tours

Although the tour was very expensive- over $2000 for 3 days is over the top- it wss a great experience, saw lots of wildlife and the guide was outstanding

What an amazing experience this was; from the greeting and pick up by our guide/driver, to the phenomenal sights and the historical references that accompanied them! I am so pleased. This was an exceptionally planned tour that successfully met all of my needs. I would not change a thing and look forward to future adventures with them.

• Excellent - 1,893 reviews for USA tours

Excellent. Great guide, driver, weather, hotels, food. Great itenirary. Love love this trip.

Optional excursions were reasonably priced. Suggest you put together other places in each city as a walking guide or short taxi or uber ride. Example access to close by museums open late and could walk to from hotel. Free time activities and what they are and where located is helpful.tour guide can offer to accompany a group interested to explore more during free leisure tome.Provide more detail info about the logistics of site visits. Niagara falls..suggest more water proof gear clothing and shoe types etc. Terrain to expect when visiting certain sites and possible alternatives.climbing and how difficult-easy or more strenuous or advanced climbing activity. Overall, small groups so much better than filling up bus. Thank you for giving single travelers their own bus space. Would love to watch more travel videos on longer driving distances.

National Geographic Journey…

• Excellent - 258 reviews for USA tours

Good time with lots of riding in the van going to interesting places

We had a wonderful time. The tour was well planned and well managed. The CEO was excellent ..good driver, good communicator, had good knowledge of the local attractions and made great recommendations for restaurants. The group we were with was also a very pleasant group which made the experience that much more enjoyable. That said, would have loved to see the accommodations updated.. most except the Denali cabins were old and "weathered".

Infinite Adventures

• Excellent - 118 reviews for USA tours

It was my first group trip and also my first camping trip. I have to say it was one of the best trips I've been on. It was an adventure! We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights at Remote Camp. Tory and Dave took care of everything and made sure everyone had a great time. No matter what problem you had, they always helped each other! Dave cooked delicious food, we had marshmallows by the fire in the evening and it felt like family. It's a great tour and I can only recommend it to anyone! It certainly wasn't my last tour with Infinite Adventure! Many thanks to Tory, Dave and Natalie (who you could ask any question you wanted to know beforehand) for this unforgettable time! :)

Jump on the bus with Infinite Adventures for a magnificent Alaskan expedition! Dave and Tory are excellent guides and will keep you informed about the areas you visit and give expert advice. I found this to be a truly joyful experience!

• Excellent - 74,885 reviews for USA tours

This was our second trip on Globus and both experiences were fantastic.

I was skeptical of a group tour, particularly by coach. The experienced guide, Jason, along with driver Shauna, changed my view completely.

The Coyote Trip

• Good - 11 reviews for USA tours

This trip was run like a school trip, we were told that we had to stick to the schedule rigidly even though I asked several times to visit a different museum/shop. Free time was limited and it seemed like the guide had specific ideas of what he wanted to do and see. Our guide also left us on a subway in New York to get home close to midnight and then we had issues getting checked into the hostel. FYI most tour guides make sure their group gets to the hotel safely and without hassle. Waste of time and money.

From a speedboat to the Statue of Liberty to fireworks on 4th July in Washington to hiking to Yosemite Falls, this trip showcased the very best the USA has to offer. I went on the 21 day Full Cyote trip from New York to San Francisco with my brother. With such a packed itinerary of included activities, it offered great value for money. The guides in every region we visited were excellent. A particular shout out to Ryan, who added in extra stops and experiences based on the group's interests. Other highlights included the Grand Canyon, Washington's museums, whale watching in Boston, cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge and sunset in Griffeths Park. I met a great group of people on the trip, and I wouldn't hesitate to book with the Cyote Trip again.

Bucket List Group Travel LL…

• Good - 16 reviews for USA tours

leider entsprach der Reiseverlauf nicht ganz der ursprünglichen Ausschreibung. Die kurzen Wanderungen in die Canyons waren gestrichen worden, was insbesondere für das Bryce canyon sehr schade war. Der Ersatz (Death Valley) war dafür lohnenswert. Die Toursprache "only in english" stimmte nicht, Englisch war nachrangig. Ein Großteil der Gruppe sprach kein Englisch, so dass man sich wie ein Aussenseiter fühlte.

Had a wonderful time - a lot of hiking, seeing the sites in Alaska and viewing the Northern Lights.

Insight Vacations

• Excellent - 632 reviews for USA tours

My first experience with an organized tour like this. Expense alone will limit future trips. Much more walking than my wife was prepared for. This alone reduced her enjoyment. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and thorough with his planning and execution. Andrew has a fun personality and very personable. One item that disappointed me was the shuttle from airport to resort at both ends of the

Insights Tours are always amazing and this one was no exception. Nice balance of free time to relax and experience Hawaii on your own with visits to places on the islands to experience the culture. Learned a lot of Hawaii’s history throughout our visit. Overall a lovely experience and would highly recommend if you want to visit Hawaii and learn more about the islands.

Receptivo Aborigen Tours

• Good - 95 reviews for USA tours

Good trip, covered all the main areas. Guides were very knowledgeable and informative. Accommodation excellent and bus very comfortable.

We have chosen the tour specifically because it was in German and also in other languages shown. Also on our voucher was again confirmed the tour with professional, German-speaking tour guide. Unfortunately, the tour guides did not speak German. We were able to help ourselves a bit with the translation app but we also missed a lot of information. We are very disappointed about this and expect compensation. The tour guides have tried and were very nice also the tour was very nice.

Bamba Travel

• Good - 1,690 reviews for USA tours

The itinerary provided by tour radar was not exactly how the tour was set up. One of our stops said we would be doing a cruise on lake Powell. That was not provided with the tour. Also the hotels that they said we would be staying at did not line up.

Overall, the tour was very fun and we'll put together. The tour guides were all friendly, and seemed to work well as a team. Accomodations were not bad, but there were better options directly adjacent. Food options were pretty much all fast food, which makes sense for the tour concept. However, dinner options could have been a bit better. We really would have appreciated a little more hiking and exploring time, and a couple of the guides did the best to accommodate that. However, 20 minute stops are just not enough time to get "out and experience" the areas.

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The Top 15 Tour Operators in 2021

Scott Bay is a magazine editor specializing in travel, architecture, and gear. He was previously an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure . His work has also appeared in Wired , Architectural Digest , Wallpaper , Robb Report , Saveur , Daily Beast , and more.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite tour operators .

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

Linking up with the right tour operator can take an amazing trip and turn it into a trip of a lifetime . This might seem like magic, but their in-the-know expertise and long-standing relationships open the doors for the seemingly impossible — a private Jeep safari with a professional tracking team in the depths of Torres del Paine or one-on-one cooking classes from a chef that runs a Michelin-starred restaurant in the south of France. And if any group has traversed the world enough to discern the best tour operators out there, it's the readers of Travel + Leisure .

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

The companies that made the list have the skills and connections to create itineraries that reflect their clients' personal interests. No. 3 VBT Bicycling Vacations curates two-wheeled trips all over the globe . One reader said, "Their staff make all the difference." No. 2 Mountain Lodges of Peru puts together highly personalized trekking adventures to Machu Picchu. As another reader exclaimed, "This is the way to visit Machu Picchu!"

But at the top of the list is Quasar Expeditions. Though primarily known for its cruises (the company won the small-ship ocean cruises category this year), it also operates a roster of dynamic safari-style excursions in South America. Read on to find out what sets it apart and which other companies join it on this year's list of the best tour operators in the world.

1. Quasar Expeditions

Quasar Expeditions is for adventurers. The highly specialized itineraries are designed to make guests feel like they're James Cook or Charles Darwin. "Quasar Expeditions' guides are the ultimate, passionate gatekeepers to the Galápagos Islands," one reader said. "Their enthusiasm and love of the islands and the wildlife encourages you to share in their passion and desire to conserve the natural beauty and habitat of the area while still allowing low-impact tourism." Another raved, "Excellent isn't a high enough rating to describe our experience with Quasar Expeditions. Extraordinary in every way!" And while Quasar is best known for its Galápagos trips, it gets high marks for its Patagonia itineraries, which takes guests into the best parts of Chile's Torres del Paine and Argentina's Los Glaciares — two of South America's most spectacular national parks.

Score: 99.58 More information: quasarex.com

2. Mountain Lodges of Peru

Score: 98.93 More information: mountainlodgesofperu.com

3. VBT Bicycling Vacations

Score: 98.70 More information: vbt.com

4. Classic Journeys

Score: 98.60 More information: classicjourneys.com

5. TCS World Travel

Score: 97.55 More information: tcsworldtravel.com

6. Black Tomato

Score: 97.25 More information: blacktomato.com/us

7. Inside Japan Tours

Score: 96.84 More information: insidejapantours.com

Score: 96.72 More information: tauck.com

9. Wilderness Travel

Score: 95.71 More information: wildernesstravel.com

10. Trek Travel

Score: 95.71 More information: trektravel.com

11. Geographic Expeditions

Score: 95.70 More information: geoex.com

12. Thomson Family Adventures

Score: 94.89 More information: familyadventures.com

13. Greaves

Score: 94.74 More information: greavesindia.com

14. DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.

Score: 94.64 More information: duvine.com

15. Odysseys Unlimited

Score: 94.39 More information: odysseys-unlimited.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021 .

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Best Online Travel Agencies

Booking.com is our top choice for making your trip arrangements

Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Planning a trip can be easier through an online travel agency than if you handle each aspect of the planning separately. You can book hotels, air travel, rental cars, and more through a single site, and booking everything together sometimes results in discounts. By inputting a destination, a range of dates, and other preferences, you will see a list of options for each aspect of travel.

The best online travel agencies offer options from the largest number of airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and more. Look for sites that offer discounts for combining reservations for different aspects of your trip. For example, the best sites will have lower rates if you book both plane tickets and a hotel through their services. The best sites also provide reviews from customers who actually have booked through the service. These are our top picks.

• Best Overall: Booking.com
• Best Budget: Skyscanner
• Best Price Predictor: Hopper
• Most Innovative: Kiwi.com
• Best for Eco-Conscious: Kind Traveler
• Best for Social Impact: I Like Local
• Best for Design-Forward Homestays: Plum Guide
• Our Top Picks
• Booking.com

Kind Traveler

I Like Local

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Final Verdict

Frequently asked questions, methodology, best overall : booking.com.

 Booking.com

This industry leader offers one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms on the Internet.

Lots of options to choose from

Interface is easy to use

Numerous filters to customize your search

Tricky to tell whether changes/cancellations can be made with Booking.com or the vendor directly

Booking.com was founded in 1996 and has grown into an industry leader that stands out for being one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms out there. From one website, you can compare and book accommodations, flights (including one-way and multi-city flights), sightseeing activities, and even airport taxis. The website lists more than 28 million accommodation options, from hotels, hostels, and B&Bs to vacation homes and luxury resorts—you can browse more choices per destination on Booking.com than other online travel agencies. The website also performs well on cost and typically returns lower-than-average prices for flights and hotels. 

Booking.com's interface is also easy to use. On the home page, search for a hotel by entering your chosen destination and dates. Then, use the extensive list of filters—such as price range and distance from the city center—to narrow the results down and find the best fit. You can also search for a specific hotel, or seek inspiration by clicking through options grouped by destination or property type or by topic such as the country’s best Michelin-starred hotel restaurants or the top cities for vegan travelers. The flights, car rental, and other tabs are just as intuitive. 

Best Budget : Skyscanner

 Skyscanner

You can compare prices across airlines, hotels, and car rentals.

Simple interface

Option to toggle searches between specific dates or by monthly calendars

Search Everywhere button is great for spontaneous planners

Extra clicks are required to make a final purchase

Must read fine print for changes/cancellations—may need to deal directly with the vendor

Ads on the sidebar can be distracting

Find deals on airfare, hotels, and car rentals with an aggregator site like Skyscanner , which uses a metasearch engine to compare prices from all online travel agencies and the airline, hotel, or car rental company in question. Run searches with fixed dates, opt to compare airfare prices month to month, or click “Cheapest Month.” Searches also include options for nearby airports or non-stop flights only. With hotel searches, you can choose to select only from properties with free cancellation, a cleanliness rating of 4.5/5 or higher, or 3- or 4-starred hotels only. Car rental searches include an option to select “return car to different location.”

Once you’ve found the best rate, click on the link to be redirected to the third-party site to make your booking. Feeling spontaneous? The Search Everywhere button on the homepage offers a list of the cheapest flight deals for destinations both locally and across the world—just plug in your departure airport first.

Best Price Predictor : Hopper

The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting when flights and hotel rates will be cheapest.

Color-coded system makes it easy to determine cheapest days to buy

App is easy to use

Option to track flights and receive alerts when the best time to buy arises

Some have mentioned the app functions better as a research tool than a booking tool

Unclear whether Hopper will price match if you find a cheaper flight elsewhere

Hopper is a travel app available on iOS and Android that aims to help travelers save on airfare by usng historical data and their own algorithm to predict when flights will be cheapest. Just type in where and when you’d like to fly and Hopper will present you with a color-coded pricing calendar indicating how much tickets are likely to cost. (Green is the least expensive, then yellow, orange, and red for most expensive.) Hopper will also recommend you either buy now or wait, or you can choose to watch a trip and receive notifications on the best time to buy. In addition, the app has expanded to offer hotel and car rental price predictions, too.

Some newer features since the app’s inception in 2009 include an option to freeze a price for a limited time—for an extra fee—as well as exclusive app-only discounts. Hopper is free to download, and you can choose to book directly through the app, though some users mentioned they use Hopper as more of a research tool before booking directly with the airline or hotel. The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting flight rates up to a year ahead.

Most Innovative : Kiwi.com

This metasearch engine scours the web to piece together the ideal itinerary using planes, trains, buses, and more.

Creative itineraries get you where you need to go, especially if you’ve got a multi-stop trip

Kiwi Guarantee offers rebooking or cancellation protections

Nomad option appeals to travelers with a lot of flexibility

Creative itineraries mean you may not fly out of the same airport you flew into

Kiwi Guarantee has an additional fee

Charges all-in-one fee for booking flights, trains, buses (though you can always purchase a la carte)

Travelers planning multi-city destinations and seeking a bargain, as well as those looking to take planes, trains, and automobiles to get there, might consider Kiwi . Kiwi is a metasearch engine that scours and pieces together itineraries from various airlines (even if they don’t have a codeshare agreement), considers multiple airports (even if your arrival airport is different from departure), and offers booking options, whether you’re looking at very specific dates or more general ones (up to 60 nights).

Some will find the ability to make multiple bookings for a particular trip more convenient than going at it manually several different times, though note that you must opt into the Kiwi Guarantee program to access rebooking and refund protections should your reservation change or be canceled. Kiwi’s Nomad option allows you to plug in a bunch of destinations you’d like to visit and the length of your intended stay, and the website will churn out the most affordable itineraries for review.

Best for Eco-Conscious : Kind Traveler

A give-and-get business model means booking accommodations with exclusive perks, a donation to environmental organizations, and more.

All participating hotels include a local give-back component

Exclusive savings and perks

Participating hotels are located in some of the most beautiful places in the world

Inventory is much smaller compared to other booking platforms

Some of the amenities mentioned are based on availability only

In 2022, Kind Traveler (an online trave agency focused on hotel bookings) announced an increase in environmentally and socially conscious hotels, charity donations, voluntourism opportunities, and additional perks like waived resort fees or a welcome amenity.

Unlock exclusive hotel rates and perks from participating Kind Traveler hotels with a minimum $10/night minimum donation to a local charity. For example, stay at the Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and receive up to $33 off the nightly rate and perks such as a food and beverage credit and an Earth Lab or Alchemy Bar workshop when you make a donation to Manta Trust. The organization funds coastal research to protect the island nation’s large yet fragile population of reef mantas.

Select from more than 140 participating hotels from the Hawaiian Islands to Bozeman, Montana, and the Maldives. Charities include wildlife, human rights, arts, education, and environmental preservation organizations.

Best for Social Impact : I Like Local

Choose from a host of travel experiences with the peace of mind that 100 percent of the cost goes directly to local partners.

Social impact mission woven into organization’s business model

Immersive experiences led by local guides

Range of experiences offered

May not be best fit for those seeking upscale, luxury experiences and stays

Can’t sort experiences by a list of countries (though an interactive map is available)

No experiences outside of Africa and Asia

For an online travel agency with a booking platform designed to route dollars spent directly to the communities travelers intend to visit, consider I Like Local . Visit the website to browse a host of travel experiences in countries including Indonesia, Kenya, and Cambodia. Experiences include homestays and farmstays as well as wellness and culturally oriented experiences—from cooking and cycling tours to weaving classes.

To search for an experience, select from drop-down items like travel dates and experience categories, or view a global map and click on a country to view experiences that way.

The platform got its start in 2014 and has grown to 4,000 local hosts across nearly 20 countries. As a social impact organization, 100 percent of each booking fee goes to local hosts. To date, 16,000 travelers have booked with I Like Local.

Best for Design-Forward Homestays : Plum Guide

Browse and book seriously vetted, design-forward vacation homes.

Highly curated inventory of vacation rentals across the world

Design-forward

Thorough vetting process

Does not publish guest reviews

Other platforms have homes available across more destinations

When it comes to booking a vacation home, serviced apartment, or condo, travelers are spoiled for choice. Plum Guide is an online travel agency that specializes in accommodations—though not just any home makes its directory. The company claims that each potential home listed on its site must jump through 150 hoops to be included, from internet speed and mattress and pillow quality to the showers’ water pressure and the home’s proximity to dining, shopping, and attractions.

Search by a featured collection on the website such as “ pet-friendly homes ” or “one-of-a-kind homes in Palm Springs.” Scroll to the bottom of its homepage to view its top destinations, as well as a list of all destinations where Plum Guide homes are available, including Barbados, Mexico, Portugal, Switzerland, the U.S., and Turkey. Note: From the top right-hand corner of the site, use the dropdown menu to select currency of choice.

As long as you know what you value most out of your travel experience—such as affordability, social impact, or luxe accommodations—there’s an online travel agency to help plan your next trip. Be sure to read the fine print, as some agencies are third-party websites and not direct vendors. If you're not sure where to start, Booking.com is your best bet for a smooth user experience and hard-to-beat offers on flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

What Is the Biggest Travel Agency?

Our choice for best overall, Booking.com, is known as an industry leader with listings for all major hotels, airlines, car rental companies, and more. It boasts more choices for accommodations per destination than any other site, and we found its interface to be user-friendly.

Are Online Travel Agencies Worth It?

This depends on your needs and priorities. The best online travel agencies certainly can save time by booking everything all at once. However, if you're someone who is good at haggling and enjoys the details of planning a trip, you might be able to find better deals by reaching out to hotels or other destinations and speaking to someone personally.

Is It Cheaper to Book Online Than With a Travel Agent?

Not always. A travel agent you know and trust should have the experience and connections to find deals that can match or surpass what you'll find online. Additionally, if something goes wrong, travel agents provide you with an actual person you can use as an advocate to correct the problem . But if you don't have access to a good travel agent, online sites still provide plenty of ways to streamline planning and save money .

We considered dozens of online travel agencies and narrowed down the options based on user experience, volume and quality of inventory, unique offerings and specials, and customer reviews. We also assessed travel companies’ environmentally and socially conscious policies.

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Must-sees to local secrets

Visiting bucket list sites are a highlight of traveling, however, traveling on your own can make them hard work. Don’t queue with other sightseers for hours, with Trafalgar our experts unlock doors –  think exclusive access to the Vatican out of hours or a tour of Versailles and its grounds with an expert. This, coupled with the intimate glimpses and hidden gems our local specialists show you, are the life-changing experiences that make you feel like an insider, not a tourist.

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One-of-a-kind experiences

Thanks to our global network you’ll unlock local access to communities and people around the world. Our 100+ Be My Guest experiences are a signature Trafalgar exclusive, where you will enjoy the hospitality of locals as you are welcomed into their homes to hear their stories and learn about their cultures. In every destination, you’ll also enjoy unique “Stays with stories” accommodation: more than just a place to rest your head, they are part of the heritage and fabric of the communities you visit. 

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When you choose Trafalgar, you are choosing to make your travels a force for good and support our goal to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. We recognize our responsibility to ensure we make a positive impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the rich wildlife we find. We ensure that the impacts of our business and your travels are positive in two ways: through our TreadRight Foundation, and our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right.

Here's what you'll experience

Repeat Guests

Guest Satisfaction

Years Experience

Dolores & Jay

Taking it home. "So many new foods! I love cooking, so have challenged myself to recreate some dishes from memory for friends at home." - Dolores

Craig & Graham

A wedding to remember. "The Trafalgar team on tour pulled out all the stops to create our dream wedding at the drop of a hat. In the most beautiful location, surrounded by our friends, it was perfect." - Craig

Alice & Mary Jane

Looking to the future. "We have a lot of history with one another, and now we'll go home with new special memories, which is exactly what we wanted to create." - Alice

Millie & Ryan

A fresh perspective. "Getting out of your comfort zone always gives a different perspective. Seeing how they live their lives is a big part of it, even those from within our own tour group." - Ryan

Mita & Sribash

Keeping the spark alive. "After 35 years of marriage, to travel with my soulmate, my anchor, my rock, just reminds me of how much in love we are." - Mita

Cassandra & Kristen

Go with the flow. "Whether it was unexpected experiences or unexpected nights out – we just enjoyed every minute." - Cassie

Ashlinn & Edward

Finding her light. "With so many moments to indulge my passion for photography, I’ve captured thousands of picture-perfect memories." - Aishlinn

Lawrence & Avery

Memories across generations. "My grand-niece now knows more about me, and I know a whole lot more about her. Forever in the memory bank." - Lawrence

Candace & Jacqueline

A respect for all. "I come from a small American town, so to experience so many different cultures and religions was really enjoyable, I took a lot away from that." - Jackie

Beautiful souvenirs. "Yes, I've done a lot of shopping on this trip – but the most valuable souvenirs will be the beautiful memories, beautiful photos, beautiful experiences with the locals, and of course, with the friends I've made." - Candy

Leith & David

Have more experiences. "Don't get hung up on possessions. Traveling with Trafalgar has given us so many experiences – memories that we'll cherish forever." - Leith

Madeline & Jascha

Feeling the buzz. "Meeting other people and sharing experiences means we kind of bounced off each other's energy, and I think that makes travel exciting." - Madeline

Sarah & Pushp

Life is precious. "Hearing about the war, what people had to go through, reminded me never to take for granted how lucky we are." - Sarah

Benedict & Twinie

A welcome surprise. "To discover how beautiful Central Europe is as a destination has inspired us to see more. Full of hidden gems, it was the perfect place to celebrate our anniversary." - Benedict

Tracy & Kimberly

Learning new steps. "I never thought I would be dancing in the street! So much fun learning traditional steps, and a first for me." - Tracey

Rochelle & Shayne

Finding a talent. "Who knew I’d be good at coppersmithing? I just picked up those tools and went to work." - Rochelle

See who unlocked their best self in the Balkans

We asked you to share your stories to win a very special trip to the Balkans, and over 10,000 of you did. Our 15 winners had the trip of a lifetime, creating even more magical moments.   From discovering hidden talents to gaining new perspectives, here are their stories:  

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• North America Tours
• Tour Operators

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in North America 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in North America. Below you will find 40 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in North America offering in total 781 tours and holidays through-out North America. Combined they have received 784 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in North America are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Adventure and sport & Wildlife, landscapes and nature.

• Tours in North America
• North America Travel Guide

40 Tour Operators in North America with 784 Reviews

Adventures Abroad

• Address 2148-20800 Westminster Highway, Richmond BC, Canada
• Response Rate 50%
• Response Time 3 hours

Intrepid Travel

• Address 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia
• Response Rate 90%

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

• Address 15/56 Pitt St, Sydney, Australia
• Response Rate 74%
• Response Time 2 hours

MiCuba Travel

• Address Veembroederhof 173, Amsterdam, Holland
• Response Rate 99%
• Response Time 1 hour

Cuban Adventures

• Address Newtown , New South Wales AUSTRALIA, Australia

• Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
• Response Rate 88%

Expat Explore

• Address 10 Merryweather Place, London, England

Travel Talk

• Address 18 Exhibition House Addison Bridge Place, London, England
• Response Rate 96%

• Address 6 Fife Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey,, London , England
• Response Rate 83%

Insight Vacations

• Response Rate 86%

Marvelus Travel

• Address Avenida Santander Zona 2 , Panajachel, Guatemala
• Response Rate 85%

Quark Expeditions

• Address 3131 Elliot Avenue, Suite 250 Seattle, WA 98121, Seattle, USA
• Response Rate 79%

Luxury Gold

• Response Rate 60%

Exodus Travels

• Address Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, England

North America Tour Reviews

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Top 100 companies worldwide: Travel & Tourism

Company Insights data table

The travel & tourism industry includes the activity of selling travel, tour, transportation, and accommodation services to both the public and commercial clients. Additionally, the activity of arranging and assembling tours that are sold through travel agencies or directly by agents, such as tour operators, as well as other travel-related services, such as reservation services are also included. The travel bans and social distancing measures that were put in place during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected worldwide travel and tourism. Due to these restrictions that the industry’s environmental impact declined significantly. Given that the industry is gradually recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer spending on hotels is expected to have an annual increase of 3.7% until 2025.The number of large companies in the travel & tourism industry is an indicator of the overall economic performance of that sector. Not only do these companies provide jobs for the local markets, but they are also able to achieve success in global markets, thus generating greater value.

Reasons to buy This Company Insights data table shows essential KPIs of the world’s leading companies in the travel & tourism industry, ranking them by overall revenue, and includes household names such as Tui and Expedia Group. It is the perfect basis for your sales department when it comes to building a list of leads. Use our data tables as a starting point for conducting comprehensive market research and/or gaining a better understanding of foreign markets.

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• Premium Statistic Gross annual earnings of travel agency employees in Germany from 2010 to 2022
• Premium Statistic Group travel package tour utilization for domestic trips in Japan 2023, by age group
• Premium Statistic Usage rate of group travel package tours on outbound trips in Japan 2023, by age
• Premium Statistic Utilization rate of group travel package tours for outbound trips in Japan 2018-2023
• Premium Statistic Utilization rate of group travel package tours for domestic trips in Japan 2018-2023

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The World’s Leading Membership and Leisure Travel Company

Travel + Leisure Co. is the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, with nearly 20 travel brands across its resort, travel club, and lifestyle portfolio. The company provides outstanding vacation experiences and travel inspiration to millions of owners, members, and subscribers every year through its products and services: Wyndham Destinations, the largest vacation ownership company with more than 245 vacation club resort locations across the globe; Panorama, the world’s foremost membership travel business that includes the largest vacation exchange company and subscription travel brands; and Travel + Leisure Group, featuring top travel content and travel services including the brand’s eponymous travel club. At Travel + Leisure Co., our global team of associates turns vacation inspiration into memorable travel experiences year after year.

Our Mission

We put the world on vacation.

Travel drives our company, our careers, and the lives of our customers. We recognize that vacations deliver some of life’s best memories, and we are here to help customers make the most of this world.

The execution of our strategy is firmly anchored by our culture — the foundation of the shared values, competencies, and spirit of our global team. Aligned with our vision to put the world on vacation, our values are the HEART of our company:

Discover Our World

Get insight into our leadership team, brand portfolio, and charitable efforts.

Creating Our Roadmap to Success

Over time, we have been transforming and acquiring some of the most iconic vacation and travel-related businesses to become the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company. In 2018, we established Wyndham Destinations, Inc. and spun off our hotel business into a separate publicly traded company, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. While they are two separate entities, we have long-term exclusive license agreements to retain our connection with Wyndham Rewards, one of the top loyalty programs in the hospitality industry. Since then, we have also acquired Alliance Reservations Network and the iconic Travel + Leisure brand.

1970s-1980s

Capitalizing on the subscription model trend.

Subscription-based revenue has been on the rise in the past decade 1 . Seventy-nine percent of adults in the U.S. belong to a subscription service 2 . With consumers desiring to travel near and far, we connect people with places they never dreamed of visiting through strategic vacation ownership and subscription-based travel models.

Households of Vacation Lovers

Households of Subscription Lovers

Households of Timeshare Lovers

1 BMC/Mercatus survey, 2 Zuora, 3 ARDA, 4 Timeshare Consumer Guide, 5 Euromonitor

As of Sept. 10, 2021 • Travel + Leisure Co. Investor Day Presentation, September 2021

Our Portfolio of Global Brands

With a diverse portfolio of resort, membership, and lifestyle travel brands within the Travel + Leisure Co. family, we bring people together and inspire them to discover the world’s greatest escapes. We put the world on vacation!

Experienced Leaders at the Helm

Our veteran leadership team provides knowledge that propels the company’s growth while ensuring that our practices align with our values.

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Are you interested in learning more about our brands? Reach out to us today.

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Economic Impact Reports

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the Travel & Tourism sector globally

For over 30 years, WTTC has conducted research on the economic impact of Travel & Tourism in 185 countries and issues such as overcrowding, taxation, policy-making, and many others to raise awareness of the importance of the Travel & Tourism sector as one of the world’s largest economic sectors. As a non-profit membership-based organisation, our members and partners are the core of our organisation and include over 200 CEOs, Chairpersons, and Presidents of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies from all geographies and industries.  

Latest News

Below is some of the latest news from WTTC. Visit our press-release page for more.

Travel & Tourism Injected €215BN into Italy’s Economy

WTTC's Hotel Sustainability Basics Reaches 3,400 Verified Properties

Travel & Tourism in the UAE reaches new heights, reveals WTTC

Research & insights.

WTTC regularly releases new reports on Travel & Tourism and you can find some of our latest reports below. Visit the WTTC Research Hub to find all our reports and factsheets.

Nature Positive in Action

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations

Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) : Overview of AI Risks, Safety & Governance

Navigating the Sustainability Journey: The Impact of Mandatory Reporting on Travel & Tourism

Moscow Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 60 most popular moscow trips. compare tour itineraries from 45 tour companies. 308 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular moscow tours.

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Winter

• Explore the majestic St Petersburg & Moscow on private city tours
• Admire the rich Russian history, art and architecture
• Travel to Moscow on a highspeed train
• Enjoy the local cuisine in stylish restaurants

Lower Volga Voyage

• Visit magnificent Red Square and Kremlin and examine the collection at theKremlin’s State Armory.
• Experience Russia’s diverse musical traditions at lively folk music performances
• Explore Volgograd, the site of the decisive battle of World War II’s eastern front

Volga Dream Russian River Cruise

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Summer

White Russian - 7 days

• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
• Explore the grounds of Moscow's mighty Kremlin, with its numerous governmentbuildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the giant tsar bell
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Moscow!
• Take in the highlights of St Petersburg including a guided tour of the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the remarkable Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace

Vodka Shot - 6 days

• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
• Marvel at the dazzling array of art and exhibits in the world-famous Hermitage Museum, at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg
• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, Russia’s political power house. Stroll around the grounds of this fortified complex, visit the Kremlin's cathedrals and see the mighty Tsar Bell

Route of the Romanovs - 10 days

• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
• Straddle two continents at the famous obelisk Europe/Asia border marker in Yekaterinburg
• Experience the Trans-Siberian railway on an overnight train journey from Moscow to Yekaterinburg

New Year's in Moscow - 9 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo on Christmas Day and marvel at the incredible Amber Room
• Spend a night in Novgorod, an ancient city by the Volkhov River - explore the kremlin, cathedral and other sights and enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

All Moscow , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Moscow

Small Group Moscow Tours

Back in the USSR - 7 days

Russian Revolution - 9 days

• Visit historic Novgorod, an ancient city which straddles the Volkhov River. Explore the attractive riverside kremlin and experience a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

The Snowball - 6 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo and marvel at the incredible Amber Room

Mood for Moscow - 4 days

• Head underground to visit a Stalinist-era Soviet Bunker on an optional excursion
• Stroll to the vibrant Izmailovo Market, which lies behind the walls of an ancient Kremlin, and shop for an array of souvenirs

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Moscow reviews & ratings, capitals of the north.

some hotels could have been better

It was jam packed with every place I wanted to go and see. I especially love my photo of us setting out on the night time river cruise in St Petersburg and the Peter...

I really did not buy much and what I did buy was small gifts for others .

Johanna-Marie

Good hotels, some better than others. Interesting itinerary

Too rushed. Optional tour rather too short

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A technological tool for effective communication between the leading players in the Moscow tourism market and representatives of the foreign/regional tourism industry through online events. OBJECTIVES: • Building long-term cooperation with foreign/regional representatives • Raising awareness among foreign/regional representatives of the tourism industry of the tourism opportunities, measures and attractiveness of the city of Moscow in the field of tourist infrastructure development

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The Tourism Committee, or Mostourism, is the executive body of the Moscow City Government that oversees tourist activities in the capital. The Committee is responsible for legislative initiatives, congress and exhibition activities, and event and image projects. As the brand manager for an attractive tourism image for Moscow, Mostourism constantly analyses global trends, offers Russian and foreign tourists what they want, and also uncovers new opportunities for the capital in terms of interesting and rewarding leisure activities.

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Fact sheet: 2022 national travel and tourism strategy, office of public affairs.

The 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy was released on June 6, 2022, by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo on behalf of the Tourism Policy Council (TPC). The new strategy focuses the full efforts of the federal government to promote the United States as a premier destination grounded in the breadth and diversity of our communities, and to foster a sector that drives economic growth, creates good jobs, and bolsters conservation and sustainability. Drawing on engagement and capabilities from across the federal government, the strategy aims to support broad-based economic growth in travel and tourism across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia.

The federal government will work to implement the strategy under the leadership of the TPC and in partnership with the private sector, aiming toward an ambitious five-year goal of increasing American jobs by attracting and welcoming 90 million international visitors, who we estimate will spend $279 billion, annually by 2027.

The new National Travel and Tourism Strategy supports growth and competitiveness for an industry that, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, generated $1.9 trillion in economic output and supported 9.5 million American jobs. Also, in 2019, nearly 80 million international travelers visited the United States and contributed nearly $240 billion to the U.S. economy, making the United States the global leader in revenue from international travel and tourism. As the top services export for the United States that year, travel and tourism generated a $53.4 billion trade surplus and supported 1 million jobs in the United States.

The strategy follows a four-point approach:

• Promoting the United States as a Travel Destination Goal : Leverage existing programs and assets to promote the United States to international visitors and broaden marketing efforts to encourage visitation to underserved communities.
• Facilitating Travel to and Within the United States Goal : Reduce barriers to trade in travel services and make it safer and more efficient for visitors to enter and travel within the United States.
• Ensuring Diverse, Inclusive, and Accessible Tourism Experiences Goal : Extend the benefits of travel and tourism by supporting the development of diverse tourism products, focusing on under-served communities and populations. Address the financial and workplace needs of travel and tourism businesses, supporting destination communities as they grow their tourism economies. Deliver world-class experiences and customer service at federal lands and waters that showcase the nation’s assets while protecting them for future generations.
• Fostering Resilient and Sustainable Travel and Tourism Goal : Reduce travel and tourism’s contributions to climate change and build a travel and tourism sector that is resilient to natural disasters, public health threats, and the impacts of climate change. Build a sustainable sector that integrates protecting natural resources, supporting the tourism economy, and ensuring equitable development.

Travel and Tourism Fast Facts

• The travel and tourism industry supported 9.5 million American jobs through $1.9 trillion of economic activity in 2019. In fact, 1 in every 20 jobs in the United States was either directly or indirectly supported by travel and tourism. These jobs can be found in industries like lodging, food services, arts, entertainment, recreation, transportation, and education.
• Travel and tourism was the top services export for the United States in 2019, generating a $53.4 billion trade surplus.
• The travel and tourism industry was one of the U.S. business sectors hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent health and travel restrictions, with travel exports decreasing nearly 65% from 2019 to 2020. 
• The decline in travel and tourism contributed heavily to unemployment; leisure and hospitality lost 8.2 million jobs between February and April 2020 alone, accounting for 37% of the decline in overall nonfarm employment during that time. 
• By 2021, the rollout of vaccines and lifting of international and domestic restrictions allowed travel and tourism to begin its recovery. International arrivals to the United States grew to 22.1 million in 2021, up from 19.2 million in 2020. Spending by international visitors also grew, reaching $81.0 billion, or 34 percent of 2019’s total.

More about the Tourism Policy Council and the 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy

Created by Congress and chaired by Secretary Raimondo, the Tourism Policy Council (TPC) is the interagency council charged with coordinating national policies and programs relating to travel and tourism. At the direction of Secretary Raimondo, the TPC created a new five-year strategy to focus U.S. government efforts in support of the travel and tourism sector which has been deeply and disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the full strategy here

ATM 2024: Details of GCC’s unified travel initiative ‘Grand Tours’ visa revealed

The GCC Grand Tours visa will allow tourists to spend more than 30 days in the region

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy, unveiled plans for the introduction of the ‘GCC Grand Tours’ visa, a unified Gulf tourist visa, during the Arabian Travel Market’s (ATM) opening day.

“In a significant move aimed at simplifying travel logistics and fostering tourism, the Gulf Cooperation Council has given the green light to a unified tourist visa that will allow travellers to visit all six countries,” stated Al Marri.

The GCC Grand Tours visa will allow tourists to spend more than 30 days in the region. According to the minister, this will make travel to the region more convenient and affordable for tourists. It will also increase activity and employment numbers in the region, he added.

Rollout and implementation of visa system

While an official rollout date was not provided, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority indicated that the system should be operational by the end of 2024.

“By the end of this year, the whole system should be in place. Many people and teams, led by the Ministry of Economy in the UAE and other ministries in other countries, are working on it tirelessly to make it happen in the best possible way, emphasising digital transformation,” said Al Midfa.

Al Midfa highlighted the collaborative efforts among ministries to ensure a seamless and digitally transformed visa system.

What an incredible day it has been! The first day of #ATMDubai 2024 was absolutely breathtaking, and the exciting part is that it’s only the beginning! If you missed it, don’t worry – you can still join us tomorrow by registering here ➡️ https://t.co/HfUrYegQqZ . pic.twitter.com/PoP52tdYvg — ATM Dubai (@ATMDubai) May 6, 2024

Economic impact and tourism growth

Al Marri emphasised the economic significance of tourism. The minister cited the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) research and stated that travel and tourism contributed 11.7 per cent to the UAE’s GDP last year, amounting to Dhs220bn.

“The forecast is set even higher, with an anticipated contribution of 12 per cent to our GDP, equating to Dh236bn,” he added.

“I believe that our regional ambitions should not be to recover to pre-pandemic benchmarks but exceed them merely,” said Al Marri.

Benefits and prospects

The ‘GCC Grand Tours’ visa aims to simplify travel logistics, making tourism within the GCC more accessible and cost-effective for visitors. This initiative is expected to boost tourist activity and create employment opportunities across the region.

The introduction of the unified visa system underscores the GCC’s commitment to promoting tourism and economic growth, positioning the region as a leading tourist destination on the global stage.

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This year's Voice of Sarasota is Jennifer Rominiecki, of Selby Gardens, The Living Museum

National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual hospitality and tourism industry tradition that celebrates the immense value travel brings to the nation. Visit Sarasota County’s event this year will also serve as the kickoff of Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week.

Each year, the Visit Sarasota County Board bestows the Voice of Sarasota award as part of the celebration. This award is presented to an individual whose exceptional efforts have significantly promoted and enhanced Sarasota County as a tourism destination.

This year the board will honor Jennifer Rominiecki , president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, as 2024 Voice of Sarasota.

Since February 2015, when Rominiecki arrived at Selby Gardens, she repositioned the institution as The Living Museum, securing a trademark from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Enacting this new operating model has yielded increases of 128% in membership and 135% in overall earned revenues.

Rominiecki has also overseen the creation and execution of a five-year Strategic Plan and a new three-year Strategic Plan, as well as an innovative Master Site Plan that included the creation of the world’s first net-positive energy restaurant.

The award will be presented at the National Travel and Tourism Week celebration at the Bird Key Yacht Club on May 14, 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Visit Sarasota County would like to recognize the current sponsors of the event, which include Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Herald-Tribune Media Group, Miles Partnership, Tiger Lily Flowers and Kokomo Charters.

DutchCrafters award goes to rookie

DutchCrafters, the leading retailer of Amish furniture at  www.dutchcrafters.com , celebrates outstanding employees’ achievements all year long, and a special awards ceremony is set aside each year to recognize top performers.

The Rookie of the Year Award was presented by Vice President Linse Miller to Carter Wood , furniture specialist in the Alpharetta, Georgia, showroom.

The award recognizes an employee who joined the company within the last 16 months and is a fast learner and team player who embraces DutchCrafters’ core values and company culture with an ambitious, hardworking perspective.

Law firm adds associate

Meghan E. Griffin has joined Dunlap & Moran as an associate attorney.

Griffin received her J.D. degree along with her Master of Laws degree in Taxation (LLM) in 2023 from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

Her areas of practice at the firm will be tax, estate planning, estate and trust administration, and business law.

Dunlap & Moran, PA, is an AV-rated multipractice law firm with offices in downtown Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.

CEO joins Vistage advisory board

Michael Schwartz , president at Quality Enclosures, Inc., has joined the CEO Peer Advisory Board at Vistage Sarasota.

Quality Enclosures is a family owned and operated business in Sarasota and America’s leading wholesaler of shower enclosures since 1963. 

At Vistage Sarasota, our mission is to enable our members to become better leaders who make better decisions and, in turn, get better results. 

For more information, contact Kimberly Martinez by email at [email protected] or visit  kimberlymartinez.com .

Project Pride hires first director

The Project Pride SRQ board has named  Paul Lotierzo  as its first-ever executive director. He took the helm officially May 1.

In this role, Lotierzo is poised to leverage his wide array of nonprofit networking and development experience to usher Project Pride into the next chapter of its ever-expanding presence while increasing its impact on the Sarasota community, the Gulf Coast region and beyond.Lotierzo recently left a position as chief development officer at Civic Influencers, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to amplifying the voices of young voters. Prior to that, he worked three years as director of development with Athlete Ally, a New York City-based organization dedicated to ending homophobia and transphobia in sports.Lotierzo also spent six years at Immigration Equality, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free legal representation for LGBTQ and HIV+ refugees, where he supported successful fundraising initiatives that increased the organization’s operating budget into the multimillions through strategic corporate sponsorships and major donor support.

Originally from New York state, he attended the University of Tampa, worked in administration at the Florida Department of Transportation in Tampa and volunteered with Equality Florida for LGBTQ+ rights, as well as Clean Water Action to clean up the Hillsborough River.

New VP at Selby Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has appointed Nancy Seijas-Kipnis as vice president for Strategic Communications and Marketing.

Since Kipnis’ arrival in this executive leadership role, her priorities have included implementing strategies for the future expansion of Selby Gardens, which encompass a three-phase Master Plan for its downtown Sarasota campus.

Kipnis led the marketing and communications strategies for Selby Gardens’ Phase One January inauguration, a $52 million expansion that will make Selby the first net-positive energy botanical complex in the world, creating more energy than it uses.

With more than two decades of experience as a leader of communications, marketing and public affairs, Kipnis emerged as the top choice from an impressive pool of prospects. Her experience spans a diversity of industries, including arts and culture, government, urban revitalization, culinary arts and lifestyle brands.

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ATM 2024: UAE’s travel sector gears up for another bumper year as tourists seek longer stays

Travel & tourism.

Hotel room rates are expected to increase by 10% in Dubai

Dubai: The UAE’s travel and tourism sector is gearing up for another bumper year, driven by growing demand among tourists for longer stays and more immersive experiences – all of which the UAE is well placed to provide, according to industry experts.

Buoyed by investments in the hospitality sector and the opening of several new hotels and attractions, experts have said the UAE is also well-placed to achieve its strategic goal of welcoming 40 million hotel guests by 2031.

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“Many travellers are now choosing longer seven to ten-day holidays. Inbound visitors are staying in the UAE longer as well. This is more so the case because business travellers are combining their work trips with leisure holidays,” according to Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, an online travel agency. “Moreover, travellers are booking for their summer holidays months in advance. The frequency of travel has also witnessed a significant uptick, with travellers opting for multiple trips annually.” This goes for both inbound and outbound travel.

On the hospitality front, at least 14 new hotel openings are expected to take place this year, from Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab to Five Luxe. According to the Hotel Monitor, 2024 report by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), hotel room rates are expected to increase by 10 percent in Dubai.

Dubai is at the forefront of the regional hospitality market with a robust outlook for 2024. The city now surpasses major capitals like London, New York City, and Bangkok in hotel room availability, boasting over 150,000 hotel rooms as of this month, according to Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

The optimism from hospitality leaders comes ahead of the 30th edition of the ATM, set to begin on Monday, May 6. Over 41,000 visitors are expected to participate this year.

Demand to remain robust

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths predicts that travel demand will remain robust for the foreseeable future. “I am very optimistic that passenger demand will continue to surprise us every time we revise the forecast. It is always in the upward direction. So, I think that is going to be a phenomenon that we will have to live with for quite a long time,” said Griffiths.

In 2023, Dubai International Airport (DXB) remained the busiest international hub for passengers for the 10th year in a row, according to preliminary data from the Airports Council International (ACI). DXB saw a surge in long-distance travel demand, handling 86.9 million passengers, marking a 31.7 per cent increase from the year before.

Major contributor to GDP

“Last year, the UAE exceeded the 2019 numbers (contribution to GDP) by a quarter. It was 25 per cent bigger than in 2019. That is a massive leap and probably one of the biggest in the world. This year, in 2024, we predict that travel and tourism will represent 12 percent of UAE’s GDP, and it is going to be worth Dh236.4 billion,” said Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council.

She said, “The sector will employ 832,900 people this year. That means over 12 percent of the employable population will be in travel and tourism. In 10 years, there will be a million jobs in travel and tourism, and the sector is likely to be worth Dh275 billion.”

The WTTC chief said international visitors account for nearly 75 per cent, or three-quarters, of all spending within the sector.

“If you look at leisure versus business spending, you can see that leisure is very strong. About 83 per cent of all spending comes from leisure visitors,” she explained.

International visitor spending is forecasted to grow by nearly 10 per cent, reaching Dh192 billion, while domestic visitor spending is expected to increase by 4.3 per cent to reach almost Dh58 billion. Julia explained, “The UAE's travel and tourism sector has not only recovered; it soared to new heights, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the nation's economic landscape.”

UAE’s strategy also aims to raise the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP to Dh450 billion, with an annual increase of Dh27 billion, and attract new investments of Dh100 billion to the sector in the country.

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Local tourism finds boost from Germany's cheap monthly rail pass

Germany's national railway company says it has recorded a 28% increase in regional rail travel since it introduced its so-called Deutschland Ticket 12 months ago.

Describing the pass as "a rocket for regional transport," Deutsche Bahn board member Evelyn Palla said its introduction had seen domestic traveller numbers rise significantly.

The €49-a-month pass allows the bearer unlimited travel on Deutsche Bahn’s domestic network and on most local public transport providers.

"Overall, almost two thirds of the passengers on DB's local and regional transport travel with the Deutschland Ticket, primarily for work commuting," Deutsche Bahn announced on April 30.

While "every second trip" using the pass is to school or work, according to Deutsche Bahn, it is proving popular for weekend getaways, with passengers who use the pass travelling 20% farther than those buying single-trip tickets.

Operators in other nations are emulating Deutsche Bahn, with Portugal's national service last year announcing the introduction of a €49 pass and France's SNCF planning to do likewise in time for Paris's hosting of the Olympic Games.

Deutsche Bahn has meanwhile announced several pass options for football supporters travelling to Germany to watch the 2024 European Championships.

Demand for domestic and international rail travel in Europe appears to be rising as some governments consider expanding curbs on short-distance flights, while several sleeper train routes have been revived, among them a Berlin-Paris overnight route.

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