There’s something fun about pulling out that luggage to pack the night before a trip, or dusting off that passport to check off another country on a bucket list. Traveling is a great way to unwind and see the world through a new perspective. Sometimes, however, the logistics of getting from here to there is overwhelming. From navigating visas for international destinations to simply managing hotel reservations, flights and ground transfers, it can be a bit much for some people to handle.
If this sounds familiar, then a tour or travel company is a great solution. These organizations manage all of the booking and logistical details on behalf of their customers. Essentially, travelers only need to show up and bring the necessary documents — often with must-haves like visas or paperwork already managed by the company.
Whether traveling domestically or abroad, here are 8 popular travel companies to consider.
Best Travel Companies for International Trips
When traveling abroad, one of the best ways to check off multiple “must-see” spots in one trip is with a tour package. Whether within one country or with pit stops through multiple countries, this can be a great way to see a multitude of places within one itinerary and price.
Most international tour operators manage tours across several continents and may even offer packages for the US. The biggest concern will be finding a tour operator that offers accommodations to fit the traveler’s style as well as determining group size and if a local guide is provided.
Perillo Tours
Perillo Tours is probably best known for its advertisements boasting about immersive trips through Italy. However, the company offers a range of options that include Spain, Greece, and Hawaii. Along with pre-set itineraries across Italy, travelers can also request a custom itinerary that’s designed to specifically cater to the needs of the group.
The company started operating tours in 1945, making them one of the oldest options in Europe. Meanwhile, larger group functions like companies, churches or even clubs can also request custom bookings with Perillo Tours.
G Adventures
G Adventures is a Toronto-based travel company that offers a variety of trips for both international and US domestic excursions. The organization launched in 1990, making it a fairly established operator. For travelers that don’t want to get stuck in massive group trips, G Adventures is a solid choice.
The service promises to keep the groups small, with no more than 12 individuals. Key guarantees include local guides, flexibility for solo time, the option to be a single add-on to a tour, and the promise of immersive lodgings that allow participants to “live like a local.” With a wide array of itineraries that are as varied as Antarctica, Japan, and across the US, this is a great go-to for anyone that doesn’t want the hassle of creating their own itinerary.
Kensington Tours
If money is no object, opting for a private tour will always be preferable to group travel. Kensington Tours boasts access to tours in over 100 countries across the world, and private guided tours if budgets allow. Along with international destinations, the organization also breaks US itineraries further into categories such as the lower 48, the US National Parks with the West, and Alaska.
Likewise, Kensington Tours also has premium options like a villa experience and voyages which includes river cruises. Key features of a tour with this operator include personalized journeys, local guides, and 24/7 support.
National Geographic Expeditions
It only makes sense that an organization that’s made a name for itself on immersive historically and geographically accurate media would also be a solid choice for a tour operator. National Geographic Expeditions is the travel arm of the same company that has a magazine and channel with documentaries dedicated to everything from wildlife to history.
While this is probably a better pick for couples, solo travelers or non familial groups, there are specific upsides to traveling with National Geographic. Not only will guests have access to global tours, but they’ll be joined by scientists, photographers, and historians. Plus, participants can see experts working on NatGeo projects and research. Note that National Geographic’s tours are very popular and the site is currently booking for 2025.
Best Travel Companies for Domestic Trips
Prefer to stay local for the next trip? Here are 4 travel companies that make domestic travel easier. However, note that in the US, tour operators are often regional given the size of the country. This means that many may only provide tour services for specific parts of the country or even a single city.
So, when looking for a tour operator, it’s always a good idea to start a search with a visit to the local tourism board’s website for the intended destination(s) to see if there are any approved local operators serving that location.
Southwest Adventure Tours
Active travelers that want to explore the national parks through the American Southwest will love Southwest Adventure Tours. The organization exclusively focuses on tours throughout the Golden Circle region which is the four corners where Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico meet. This includes Mighty 5 national parks like Zion, and Bryce Canyon.
Choose from 12 available tour packages with lengths ranging from five to 12 days. Everything from accommodations to national park entrance fees are included in the tour packages.
Adventures by Disney
Who doesn’t love the mouse and his house? Beyond the parks and cruise ships, Disney actually operates a tour company called Adventures by Disney. Yes, people can absolutely book domestic trips which can include park admission or cruise ship itineraries. But this tour operator also manages international tours.
What sets Adventures by Disney apart from other operators? How about having Mickey himself driving the tour bus and other costumed characters from shows and movies popping up along the way? Additionally, a tour managed by this company can even include private access to coveted places like the Sistine Chapel. And of course, the white glove service that is renowned by Disney’s hotels, cruises, and parks is also available on its tours.
Insight Vacations
The US is a big place and that means there’s a lot to explore. It’s unlikely anyone can truly see the country in just one trip, but Insight Vacations offers a wide range of tour options covering popular cities as well as national parks. Likewise, there are even seasonal options such as fall foliage tours for the New England region.
Note that the operator also offers tours to international destinations. Key features that make Insight Vacations a nice option is that the operator offers “business class” tours. These packages prioritize small groups, only book four and five-star hotels, include top-rated dining, and offer an expert travel director along with insider access.
Get Your Guide
This final entry is better suited for independent travelers who might need just a bit of help to build out a day or two of their entire itinerary. Get Your Guide is ideal for booking a day trip while already in town. Along with getting great deals, the process is easy and a traveler can book tickets for excursions or local tours with their mobile phone while on the go, or a laptop in their hotel.
Get Your Guide covers activities around the world, but is great for the US since travelers can filter by city and find activities for same-day entry that are affordable and available. If hanging with a multi-day group tour is unappealing, then this is a smart alternative.
Which Travel Company is Right for You?
Some people prefer to be hands-off with travel planning and let someone else manage all of the logistics. If this sounds familiar, then most of the tour groups listed above are going to be incredibly appealing. Meanwhile, more independent travelers that simply need to round out an existing itinerary will appreciate the flexibility of a service like Get Your Guide.
Whichever one a person chooses, always be sure to understand what’s included in the tour fees, that the operator is authorized and accredited to work in the jurisdiction, and what refund or cancellation policies are in place for the “what ifs” of travel.
