Budget Travel Transformative Tours & Trip Packages

Budget Travel Transformative Tours & Trips

2,773 Budget Travel trips. Tours from 299 tour companies. 2,875 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

33 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Transformative
Local Living Ecuador—Amazon Jungle
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amazon Rainforest, Quito

Highlights

  • Live like a local in the amazon rainforest
  • Learn quichua traditions by interacting with your local hosts
  • Visit an animal rescue centre and hone your blowgun skills

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Mayan Discovery
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Blue Hole, Cancún, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Flores, Mayan Riviera, Palenque, Playa del Carmen, San Ignacio, San José, Tikal

Highlights

  • Explore mayan temples
  • Spot monkeys in the jungle
  • Chill out on a belizean island
  • Stare out into the caribbean blue from a mayan riviera beach

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Northern Thailand Hilltribes Trek
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Chiang Mai

Highlights

  • Trek through teak forests
  • Learn about medicinal plants
  • Help cook a traditional lahu dinner

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Best Of India & Srilanka
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Negombo, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • Tour the vibrant, historical city of New Delhi
  • Explore the majestic Taj Mahal at sunrise
  • Climb up to the Amber Fort on the back of an elephant
  • See the incredible 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Visit the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings, where many legends and traditions are still lovingly kept alive
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Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

Trip dates & details
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South Africa In Depth
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Table Mountain

Highlights

  • Enjoy a game drive in the internationally renowned Kruger National Park
  • Visit the World Heritage site of St. Lucia on the southern tip of Isimangaliso Wetland Park
  • Indulge in some leisure activities in the awe-inspiring Southern Drakensburg Mountains
  • See the towering rock formations in the incredible Cango Caves
  • Relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere in the beautiful city of Cape Town

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

Trip dates & details
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Best of Peru
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Puno, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • Explore the Sacred Valley and magnificent Cusco
  • See the world-famous Inca ruins at Machu Picchu
  • Visit the unique man made Uros islands on Lake Titicaca
  • Admire the colonial architecture of the capital city, Lima

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

Trip dates & details
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Four Scandinavian Capitals
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm

Highlights

  • Discover the sights of Helsinki, including Senate Square, Parliament House, and Sibelius Park
  • Sail from Denmark's waterside capital, Copenhagen to Oslo, home of Viking kings
  • Visit the impressive Vigeland Sculpture Park, the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist at Oslo
  • Discover the most beautiful and royal Amalienborg Palace at Copenhagen

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

Trip dates & details
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East African Explorer
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Amboseli National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Park, Nairobi, Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park

Highlights

  • Explore the Masai Mara National Reserve for wildlife, one of Africa’s best wildlife reserves
  • Discover the Amboseli National Park with its 400-different species of birds
  • Search for the Big 5, in their natural habitat during several game drives on-board 4x4wd safari land cruiser
  • Admire the breath-taking scenery as you tour the Ngorongoro Crater in search of wildlife
  • Visit the Serengeti National Park and see why this region is truly the game-viewing capital of the world

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

Trip dates & details
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33 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Transformative
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Budget Travel Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
2,875  Reviews
See all Budget Travel tour reviews
Excellent
2,156
Great
539
Average
23
Disappointing
4
Terrible
13
L

Lydia

Dec 2019

Written on

Had the best time.

Travelling alone I was nervous about the trip but I had nothing to worry about and had the best time. Evans as guide and Ernest as our driver could not have been nic...

M

Matthew

Nov 2019

Written on

This trip was amazing

This trip was amazing. It's an experience I will remember forever. Our tour guide, Jay was outstanding and he made every second of the trip better with his great per...

C

Crystal

Nov 2019

Written on

This trip was one of a life time!

This trip was one of a life time! I was a solo traveller and being apart of this group that quickly turned to family helped me grow and of course showed me parts of ...

C

CHRISTIAN

Nov 2019

Written on

An amazing trip

This trip was everything and nothing short of incredible. KB and Aaron were the best guides imaginable and set us up for an amazing trip of animal spotting, enjoy th...

S

Sara

Sep 2019

Written on

An authentic and genuine experience!

There is no question, this trip was incredible! If you’re lucky enough to be paired with the “dream team” Rene and Cosmos you will not be disappointed! Amazing locat...

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Budget Travel Tour Selection Trips

  • Shop around. When paying for anything from flights to accommodation to luggage to a place to eat, the first price you find is unlikely to be the cheapest.
  • Do as the locals do. Eating at local cafes or street stalls instead of restaurants and traveling by local bus instead of taxi will not only stretch your budget further, but will give you a more authentic experience of the country too.
  • Choose your destinations wisely. Obviously traveling in Southeast Asia is going to be far cheaper than traveling in Europe, but a little research will show that Cambodia is also cheaper than Vietnam.
  • Significant discounts on accommodations and activities are often available during the off season. Student discounts may also be available, especially in Europe and the Americas, and some travel companies issue an intentionally recognized student card (ISIC) for those under 26 (even non-students).
  • If you're trying to stretch your budget, then accept a certain level of discomfort. You may not have a hot shower, or gourmet meals, or a private room, but it's worth it when it means you get to travel longer for less.
  • Have a splurge day every now and again. Treat yourself to a tasty meal, a softer bed, or whatever comfort you have been craving.
  • Consider working or volunteering abroad. It's a great way to travel without having to spend too much. Even if paid employment is hard to come by, you can often find work in exchange for a room or meals.
  • Don't become a slave to your budget! It's easy to fall into the habit of saying "I can't do that, it's too expensive.” But if you say this too often, you may return home having missed out on some once in a lifetime opportunities.

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