G Adventures

Specializing in small-group, multi-day adventure tours and expeditions, Toronto-based G Adventures has been a pioneer in the field since 1990. Founded by entrepreneur Bruce Poon Tip after a backpacking trip to Asia, the company fosters sustainable and environmentally sound tourism practices -- giving back to the communities they visit -- and considers its business “changing people’s lives,” not just offering a vacation. It’s since grown to become the world’s largest independent adventure travel company, with more than 1,350 employees, many of them professionally trained guides.

What Makes Them Stand Out? 

G Adventures has a long history of providing culturally immersive, small group active tours let by local experts and guides. On a G Adventures trip you'll have a large variety of excursions and additional activities you can choose from, as well as enjoy a nice balance of free time.

G Adventures strives to create unique experiences for its travelers that start even before the trip itself. The company provides trip inspiration through their Looptail blog and you can connect with fellow travelers via the ‘Departure Lounge’, which is part of G’s ‘Watering Hole’ travel forum.

Once on your trip, you will meet your ‘CEO’ or ‘Chief Experience Officer’ who is “responsible for enriching your journey, offering local insight, and pursuing great experiences as they happen.” Most groups average around 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 on most trips.

Who Travels With G Adventures?

While its target market has traditionally been younger travelers, G Adventures now offers a broad range of trips that can appeal to adventurous-minded, culturally curious people of any age. Groups are geographically diverse, with a higher proportion of North Americans than some other operators.

G Adventures is also especially welcome to solo travelers, with no single supplement on any of their tours, provided you are willing to room-share. They are a great travel company for singles and independent travelers to meet like-minded souls!

Where Do They Operate? 

You can find G Adventures trips in most parts of the globe, including 32 countries in Europe, 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, 21 countries in Asia, 10 countries in South America, 12 countries in Central America and the Caribbean, five countries in North Africa and the Mideast, plus the U.S., and Canada. A number of destinations are well off the beaten track, from Sao Tome and Principe in West Africa to Borneo in east Asia to the Maldives in the Indian Ocean and both polar regions.

How Does it Work?

Pricing is competitive (cheaper), largely by using “grassroots” approaches: local transport and a mix of privately-owned accommodations, perhaps including homestays and camping. Efforts are made to focus on authenticity with both culinary choices (locally-owned restaurants) as well as transportation methods. 

G Adventures truly offers something for everyone, with trip styles such as Comfort, Active, Rail, and YOLO (You Only Live Once - for 18-39’s) -- so whether you're looking for Switzerland trips to trek through the Swiss Alps or relaxing cruises along the Danube River, G Adventures has got you covered.

While prices are designed to be mid-budget friendly, look carefully at what's actually included. Many G Adventures tours will offer special add-ons for additional fees, and these generally take place during free days. Meaning you'll have to balance how valuable you find the free time vs spending more for another activity with the group.

Why Travel With G Adventures?

G Adventures is a good choice if you are looking for an authentic, if not luxury, guided travel experience. Some features especially stand out. Lifetime Deposits allow passengers who have to postpone a trip the chance to use their initial deposit at a later date and at no extra charge. Departures are guaranteed once you’ve paid (barring significant weather or safety issues). And they don’t charge single supplements. In short, G Adventures wants you out there with them.