Trek America vs Discover Corps - Tour Companies Compared

Trek America (the sister company to Grand American Adventures) has excelled in the small group tour market for 40 years, operating fun, energetic trips for 18-30 year olds in the Americas.

What Makes TrekAmerica Stand Out?

On a TrekAmerica tour, travelers are guaranteed to have a fun, active, and energetic experience. When they started, their goal was to capture the spirit of adventure on cross country American road trips with friends. This idea remains with most groups kept intentionally small, capping at 13, providing the opportunity for you to really get to know your fellow travelers.  

Who Will Enjoy Traveling with TrekAmerica?

Seeking an adventure and adrenaline pumping tour with other young travelers who love being outdoors? You may find your tribe with TrekAmerica.

Their tours are aimed at travelers between the ages of 18-38, a majority of whom are single travelers - they are an attractive option for solos as none of their tours require a single supplement. TrekAmerica was born out of a group of friends going on a cross country road trip - and the sense of excitement that comes with that kind of trip permeates their itineraries and culture.

Unlike some of the more “party” centric youth tour companies, TrekAmerica attracts a wide range of travelers and their focus on adventure travel somewhat weeds out those who might be concerned about not have access to a hair dryer. "Trekkers", as they are known, are friendly, down to earth, open minded, and welcoming.

If you’re not a big talker, there’s more room on a TrekAmerica tour to get to know people on your own time. Most Trek America group trips are kept small - around 18 max - so introverts will feel at home too. A few TrekAmerica tours are larger, with a max of 50, so if you’ve got your social butterfly wings on, there is something for you too at TrekAmerica!

Top Destinations

TrekAmerica operates tours in North, Central, and South America, visiting everything from major cities to small towns and villages. Off the beaten track attractions are a major highlight.

TrekAmerica Travel Style

If you travel with TrekAmerica, be prepared for an active tour! Activities range from cycling to hardcore hiking to whitewater rafting, and the focus is on enjoying the outdoors. Be prepared to embrace whatever the weather happens to be, and go with the flow whether it be wet, muddy, or dusty.

On a TrekAmerica North America tours, you will travel in a small private vehicle, comfortable but not luxurious in true road trip style. Don’t worry, there’s wifi on most buses - so your selfies can be uploaded in [almost] real time. Days start early, so get ready for some sunrises!

In South America, many TrekAmerica tours take public transportation.

On overland trips, you’ll set up and break down your own tents and enjoy community meals around campfires. When not participating in the days planned activities, most “trekkers” enjoy seeing the local sites.

Guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and fun - usually in the same age range as the travelers themselves.

Why Choose a Tour With TrekAmerica?

If you want to get off the beaten track, are adventurous, and interested in meeting young, similar travelers, TrekAmerica would be a great option. These tours are great if you want an exciting break, where you can stretch your comfort zone and get back to nature. You will definitely not have a dull moment with a TrekAmerica tour.

San Diego based tour company Discover Corps is a leader in the rapidly growing field of volunteer vacations. Operating since 2004, Discovery Corps trips average one to two weeks and focus on volunteering either with children and schools or with animals and wildlife conservation.

What Makes Discover Corps Stand Out?

They are focused on providing travel experiences with a wider humanitarian purpose - and help you put your tourism dollars to good use on the ground. The world of “voluntourism” is a sticky area, and has been met with some criticism over the years, so traveling with a reputable and transparent company has become super important.

With Discover Corps, volunteering, responsible tourism, and giving back to local communities is their entire brand - not just a buzzword on the “about us” page. So for those travelers who truly want to make their vacation about volunteering first and tourism second, Discover Corps is a great choice.

Discover Corps trips are all inclusive, and while volunteering is the primary focus, sightseeing and cultural activities are also included. Their trips are very popular among families, friend groups, and solo travelers.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Discover Corps?

These tours are best suited to travelers who want to have a humanitarian focus on their next trip. And if this idea is new to you, but you are interested in getting involved, Discover Corp is a great way to start.

The average age on a Discover Corps trip is 45-65 except in summer, when families with children as young as 10 are welcome on “family friendly” trips.

Wildlife lovers as well will love the opportunities available on Discover Corps Nature & Wildlife conservation tours. You’ll have a chance to get up close to some amazing species, learn about their habitats, and get to participate in various initiatives designed to protect these habitats.

Top Destinations

Discover Corp travels around the world, in rural villages, beach locations, and rainforests. Popular destinations are primarily in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Discover Corps Travel Style

Their all-inclusive trips combine light volunteer projects with sightseeing and cultural immersion. They also offer support while you’re on site – from building classrooms to improving water systems to creating eco-friendly homes. The ideas come from the local communities themselves, and local staff plan everything in advance.

Why Choose a Tour With Discover Corps?

If you’re the kind of person who likes being actionable and getting involved with protecting threatened cultures, wildlife, and contributing to growing communities in need of schools and homes, then Discover Corps would be a great choice.

Volunteer vacations are one of the best ways to get to know the local people on a different level than many tour companies provide. Rather than simply enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, you’re out in the neighborhoods meeting everyday people.

“Traveling with a purpose” might seem like a thrown around phrase these days, but it is the entire philosophy around every Discovery Corps trips. So when you join one of their tours, you’ll be surrounded by guides and other travelers for whom this isn’t a buzzword - it’s an important and meaningful mission.