1 - Pakistan 2 - Bosnia 3 - Tibet 4 - Thailand 5 - Morocco 6 - Philippines 7 - South Africa 8 - Greece 9 - Portugal 10 - Japan   G Adventures has dusted off its crystal ball, crunched its booking data, tracked the latest travel trends and scoped out the hottest upcoming events to serve up its annual ‘Where to Travel’ list, highlighting destinations that are - or should be - top of travellers’ wishlists for 2025.   Having seen bookings rocket through October and November, combined with over 200 new trips launching and number of exciting new destinations joining the G Adventures product offering, it’s clear that 2025 is going to be a big year for travel. In line with the global small-group adventure operator’s commitment to community tourism, many of the ‘Where to Travel’ destinations include brand new itineraries that bring travellers to remote communities that haven’t yet had the chance to access the benefits of the tourism chain.   1 - PAKISTAN   A brand new destination for G Adventures in 2025, Pakistan has shot onto the traveller radar in recent months, with its offer of incredible hiking, untouched landscapes and deep history. Working hand in hand with local communities, G Adventures has launched three new trips in Pakistan, focused on bringing tourism to the ancient Thallay La Trail. Having been the only link between the ancient kingdoms of Khaplu and Shigar for centuries, the trail was vital for the trading and survival of these communities throughout history. With the introduction of modern day roads, the trail was deemed redundant, used only by a handful of hikers each year, leaving many communities cut off and unable to access sustainable income. Celebrating the ancient history of the trail, the new trips will offer travellers the unique opportunity to spend the night in the original castles and forts of Khaplu and Shigar while hiking through mountain passes, past glaciers and through communities who, until now, have been unable to access the tourism chain.   GET THERE: G Adventures’ brand new Pakistan: Hike the Karakoram Mountains trip starts from £1,879** per person for a nine-day active adventure. Highlights include hiking alongside the villagers of the Thallay Valley through meadows and mountain passes, nights spent in Bukhma campsites, enjoying hearty home-cooked meals under the stars, relaxing stays in the historic Shigar Fort and joining locals for a game of cricket!   2 - BOSNIA   Rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, delicious food and a refreshing lack of crowds: this is just the start of a compelling list of reasons to visit Bosnia. Add in the fact that travellers can make a real impact in helping to boost this nation’s recovery, just by visiting, it’s clear that Bosnia should be high on any where to travel wishlist. And thanks to a new visa-free travel policy, passport holders from 50+ nations no longer need a visa to enter Bosnia, making it easier than ever to plan a holiday there. This year, G Adventures collaborated with the Resilience Council and USAID Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) to introduce new trips designed to create jobs, raise awareness about the region’s rich history, and encourage cultural exchange - a prime example of tourism supporting locals and assisting the recovery and sustainable development of a nation.   GET THERE: The new seven-day Bosnia and Herzegovina Uncovered trip starts from £1,179** per person and includes visits to a female-run apiary, local cheese farms, UNESCO World Heritage sites, hikes to ancient fortresses, visit Tito’s Bunker and explore the underground complex from the Cold War era and a graffiti art tour in Sarajevo.   3 - TIBET    There’s no place like Tibet—a spiritual haven with breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and the warm hospitality of its people. While travellers must join a group tour or book a guide to visit, recent easing of visa restrictions by China is making it easier than ever to explore this extraordinary region. Now is the perfect time to get immersed in traditional Tibetan life, take in stunning views of Mount Everest, and marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage site Potala Palace as G Adventures re-enters the destination for the first time since 2020.   GET THERE - G Adventures’ Essential Tibet itinerary is priced from £2,229** per person for a 12-day trip exploring the best of the Himalayas from Chengdu to Kathmandu. Travellers will discover sacred temples, camp in yak hair tents at the base of Mt Everest, and learn how to make Tibetan momos on a journey that offers incredible vistas at every turn.   4 - THAILAND   This fan favourite is a favourite for good reason: incredible food, warm hospitality, beaches, mountains, cities and a vibrant art scene. Thailand is no "undiscovered" secret, but its ongoing allure lies in the fact that the second, third and even tenth-time visitor will always be able to discover something new and surprising. Hit TV series, White Lotus, returns to screens in 2025 with a third series, and will see everyone’s favourite hotel opening its doors in Koh Samui, while Jurassic World Rebirth will hit the big screens with dramatic scenes filmed in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.   GET THERE: Travellers can experience these filming locations for themselves with G Adventures’ new eight-day Thailand Island Hopping - East Coast trip, launching in spring 2025. Starting from £1,149** per person, the trip offers the chance to meet local families, snorkel in crystal clear waters and see a more local, serene side to these ‘party islands’.   5 - MOROCCO   New direct flights, the launch of remote active adventures and booming booking stats - Morocco has a lot happening right now. Whether it's winter sun, a long weekend from Europe or an adventure that offers beach, desert and mountains all in one - there’s a long list of why travellers are opting to travel to this North African gem. G Adventures has launched 13 new trips in Morocco for 2025, from four-day Marrakech city breaks, to hikes in the high Atlas Mountains, that take a step away from the usual hiking trails and instead, visit rural communities, desert gorges and the Berber oasis of Amtoudi. The new Geluxe collection, which launched in 2024 and offers upgraded active experiences for more mature travellers, has seen Morocco take top spot on the most popular destination list. Plus, in 2025, solo travellers who may have been nervous to travel to Morocco solo in the past can take advantage of the new Solo-ish Adventures - a new collection of trips designed specifically for solo travellers, led exclusively by female Chief Experience Officers (tour leaders).   GET THERE: The eight-day Southern Morocco: Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains & the Sahara trip, as part of the Geluxe collection, starts from £1,649** per person. Travellers will enjoy incredible hiking, food experiences and OMG Stays, including a desert camp, with air conditioned tents, king sized beds and beautiful seating areas where travellers can relax under the stars.   6 - PHILIPPINES   While tourism to the Philippines has been slower to recover compared to some of its Asia neighbours, the expansion of international flights is expected to bring pre-pandemic traveller numbers back to the islands in 2025. G Adventures will be relaunching in the Philippines next year, offering young, solo and culture-seeking travellers the opportunity to explore these unique islands with nine new trips, each heavily focused on interaction and supporting local communities. Often celebrated as a backpacker haven, the new trips will showcase the incredible nature, jungles, people and culture that make the Philippines an incredible destination for not just young, but all travellers. Focused on showcasing more than just picture-perfect beaches, experiences include visiting the new G Adventures-supported Dumagat Indigenous community project, where travellers will learn about Indigenous food and culture, natural medicine, trek to waterfalls and, on Roamies itineraries, even spend the night with the community.   GET THERE: The new 10-day Best of the Philippines trip starts from £1,499** per person and includes exploring Manila’s food scene with a walking tour through Chinatown, trekking with Indigenous communities and learning about traditional cooking techniques. They’ll also spend the day island hopping around El Nido, spotting turtles, rays and eels and visiting secret coves and watch fireflies illuminate the night sky in the mangroves of Puerta Princesa.   7 - SOUTH AFRICA   Southern Africa is emerging as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking incredible value, especially for those with a passion for wildlife. Recent data shows a growing trend among older travellers seeking affordable safari experiences. To meet this demand, G Adventures has expanded its offering, making its fully refurbished fleet of ‘Lando’ overland vehicles available to all age groups in 2025. Previously exclusive to its youth tours, the Landos offer a comfortable and inexpensive way to explore the region’s wildlife-packed savannahs.   GET THERE - The unforgettable 15 day Southern Africa Overland Safari is priced from just £1,949** per person and explores the wilderness of South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe from the vantage of an overland safari vehicle. Highlights include spotting the "big five" in Kruger National Park, exploring the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro and a visit to one of the largest waterfalls in the world - Victoria Falls - with a traditional lunch at the Lusumpuko Women's Club, which helps to provide support for local women.   8 - GREECE    Although Greece remains a perennial favourite among travellers, exploring its quieter islands is becoming a rising trend. Smaller islands like Paros, Antiparos, and Naxos are stepping into the spotlight, offering a tranquil alternative to their busier neighbours. G Adventures travellers have realised that one of the best ways to avoid the crowds, support local communities and bypass the increasing tourist tax is by exploring by small boat. With numbers up 31% since 2022, G Adventures has introduced five state-of-the-art custom-built yachts for the 2025 sailing season, which visit lesser-known islands with flexible itineraries tailored to the group's pace.   GET THERE: An eight day Sailing Greece - Santorini to Mykonos is priced from £1,049** per person with time for hiking, snorkelling and relaxing around the southern Cyclades including Sifnos, Ios, Antiparos, Paros and Naxos. On-shore experiences include exploring ancient archaeological sites and taverna-lined harbours whilst tucking into fresh seafood.   9 - PORTUGAL   Defending its place on the Where to Travel list for a second year running, traveller interest in Portugal shows no signs of slowing down, with G Adventures seeing over 50% growth in the past two years. While beaches, charming streets and a buzzing culinary scene may be the first thing that comes to mind for Portugal, for those willing to look a little deeper, the lesser-visited mountain villages close to the Spanish border are one of Portugal’s best kept secrets. G Adventures’ new Geluxe collection gets travellers off the tourist trail and into the historic Schist villages, which are like portals back in time, with stone-crafted houses, castle ruins and historic trails, connecting the villages that travellers will hike. Plus, with new direct flights into Porto with TUI will make it even easier for Brits seeking a short haul break.   GET THERE: The new eight-day Portugal: Village Walks & the Douro Valley trip, as part of the active upgraded Geluxe collection, starts from £3,149** per person with daily hikes between ancient villages and an OMG stay in a mountaintop Casa, where travellers can take in the views from their outdoor Nordic bath and firepit.   10 - JAPAN   With the World Expo 2025 taking place in Osaka next year, eyes will be on Japan as they tackle questions around how we can better preserve and protect wellbeing and the environment. Having seen bookings for Japan sky rocket 150% over the past two years, G Adventures has super-charged its Japan offering with the introduction of 12 new trips for 2025, which are closely aligned with the World Expo theme, focusing heavily on physical activity, active experiences and lesser-visited, remote regions. From trekking the rugged peaks of Hokkaido's Shiretoko National Park, where travellers can get their hands dirty digging their own onsen, stay in a traditional ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), hike through primaeval forest areas, to visiting often-overlooked islands in the south, where sea kayaking, days aboard a ‘sabani’ (traditional Okinawan sailboat) and hiking waterfalls are all on the agenda.   GET THERE: The new 20-day Active Japan: Hokkaido Highlights & Okinawa Island Hopping starts from £7,349** per person and includes hiking Mt Fuji, visits to popular Tokyo and Kyoto as well as hikes in northern national parks and time on the tropical southern islands.

 

15 spots for UK & IRE agents at GX Summit in Jordan in 2025

  G Adventures has announced the return of its celebrated agent reward programme, Change Makers, offering 15 travel agents from UK and Ireland the chance to earn spots at its next GX Summit, which will be taking place in Jordan in September 2025, in partnership with the Jordanian Tourist Board and Royal Jordanian Airlines, with added support from USAID Jordan.   The incentive connects agents with the power of community tourism, bringing together a group of 75 winners from around the world who have earned their space and will see firsthand how their work directly impacts local communities in the places they send their travellers to.   The Change Makers Challenge will run from now until 31 May 2025 and encourages agents to focus on changing people's lives through travel by booking G Adventures trips.   Each ‘life changed’ by making a booking earns agents one entry to qualify for the GX Summit. The top 10 sellers per region will secure their spots, with five additional ‘wildcard’ spaces for agents.   The wildcard challenges for 2025 include fundraising for G Adventures’ non-profit partner, Planeterra and completing G-Learning training modules, plus there will be opportunities for ‘first time’ G Adventures bookers and a reward for the agent who’s changed the most lives in total from 01 June 2024 to 31 May 2025.   For the first time, agents will have the opportunity to sell tickets to GX Jordan and there will also be one place available in each region for the agent who has booked the most travellers to attend. More details will follow to help agents make the most of this opportunity to invite their customers into the GX community for this special event.   The Change Makers agent event will be once again incorporated into G Adventures’ World Community Tourism Summit, GX, which brings media, agents, suppliers and travellers together to see firsthand how community tourism has the power to change people’s lives for the better. In September 2024, G Adventures held its GX Summit in India, where over 500 attendees had the chance to learn more about Planeterra-supported social enterprises and hear from a line-up of influential speakers on how community tourism can shape the future of travel.   “The experience allowed us to witness firsthand the difference that our industry makes to marginalised communities,” says Elliot Rouse, a 2024 Change Maker who attended GX India. ‘It really made me step back and value the impact that we personally have on these communities with the bookings we make for our clients.”   In addition to celebrating agents and their hard work, the GX Summit will offer the chance to explore Jordan’s sights, sounds, and community tourism highlights.   Brian Young, Managing Director EMEA at G Adventures, shares his excitement about the return of Change Makers for another year,   “We’re proud to stand as our agency partners’ strongest supporters, so there’s nothing more fulfilling than watching our global community of agents come together to celebrate our successes and the impact we all make in transforming lives in the destinations we take our travellers to.   “GX Jordan will also be a celebration of G Adventures’ 35th anniversary and promises to be bigger and better than ever. These spots are the hottest tickets in town, so I wish all of our agents the best of luck and I hope to see you all in Jordan next year.”   The 2025 Change Makers Challenge is live now and runs until 31 May 2025. Agents can log into Sherpa, or speak to their regional Global Purpose Specialist for more information.

 

Fleet of five purpose-built boats set to launch in Greece for 2025

  Travellers will soon be able to leave the masses behind in the Greek Islands, sailing away on board a new state-of-the-art yacht, as G Adventures announces the launch of five vessels that have been purpose-built for the small group adventure operator’s 2025 European sailing season in Greece.   Each sailing adventure is led by a qualified G Adventures ‘Skipper CEO’ (chief experience officer), who knows the islands like the back of their hand, and is passionate about sharing hidden spots that are far away from the well-known tourist spots. The shoreside excursions are all quintessentially local and ensure travellers interact with local people and support local communities that may not usually see a lot of tourists on their shores.   At nearly 57 feet in length, the five boats are spacious and stylish with each vessel carrying 10 travellers in five cabins that can be configured to be either twin or double, and are all equipped with bedside reading lights and USB ports. The vessels also feature a fully-equipped galley, a comfortable communal area designed to build connections with fellow travellers, and a sun-drenched deck perfect for lazy sea days, which is also fitted with an outdoor shower to hose off after swimming.   Vince Donnelly, director of global sailing at G Adventures, says the new vessels also embody G Adventures’ commitment to sustainability and community tourism.   “All five boats have been fitted with solar panels and state-of-the-art engines and generators that minimize environmental impact without sacrificing performance. Recycled and natural materials have been prioritized in the boats’ construction, ensuring all materials used are free from harmful substances.   “This commitment to the environment and spreading tourism dollars to lesser-visited communities on smaller Greek Islands really sets the bar high for operators in the region, and ensures we’ll deliver an incredible experience for our travellers that is simultaneously kind to our planet and its people,” says Donnelly.   The five boats will be deployed in Greece between now and June ahead of the 2025 season running from April to October.   Trips travellers can book to experience the new boats in the Greek Islands include:

• Sailing Greece - Santorini to Mykonos - Priced from £1,229pp for an eight-day trip.
• Sailing Greece - Mykonos to Athens - Priced from £1,199pp for an eight-day trip.
• Sailing Greece - Santorini to Santorini - Priced from £1,669pp for a 10-day trip.
• Sailing Greece - Santorini to Athens - Priced from £2,379pp for a 15-day trip.

  While the new boats are joining the European Sailing programme in Greece, the wider G Adventures ‘Sailing’ travel style also includes sailing trips in the Canary Islands, Croatia, Italy, the Maldives, Montenegro and Thailand. For more information or to book, please visit: https://www.gadventures.com/travel-styles/cruising/sailing/.  

 

Solo-ish addresses 'loneliness epidemic’ with trips curated to help travellers travel for themselves, not by themselves

  G Adventures has been a champion of solo travel for over 30 years, with more than 50 per cent of its global travellers opting to join a small group adventure on their own. Now, the pioneer of community tourism is taking its solo offering to the next level with the launch of Solo-ish Adventures - G Adventures’ first travel style created exclusively for solo travellers.   Acknowledging the ongoing ‘loneliness epidemic’ and celebrating travelling solo as a mindset, Solo-ish caters to travellers who have a desire to go at it alone, and are seeking personal growth, connection and safety as they travel. Available to book now, Solo-ish features 13 trips in some of G Adventures' most popular destinations, including Costa Rica, India, Peru, South Africa and Vietnam. All trips will harness the power of community tourism, ensuring local interactions and maximum benefit to local people in terms of money staying in the destination.   Yves Marceau, VP of product at G Adventures, says solo travel has gathered huge momentum in recent years, with over half of G Adventures’ global travellers currently booking as solo travellers.   “The barrier to travel for a lot of solo people was the fear of being bored or alone, surrounded by other couples as a third wheel, or a general fear of travelling solo in a new and unfamiliar location.   “Traveller mindsets are changing, however. We’ve seen a rise in the more mature traveller, who is no longer willing to wait for a partner, friends or family to book an adventure. Whether it’s a life-changing event, a desire for something new, or just an itch to go out and experience the world, solo travellers are one of the fastest growing demographics in the travel industry.   “Many are still seeking the connection that comes with a group, and this is where Solo-ish shines. With no upper age limit, Solo-ish is open to everyone who wants to experience the adventure of a lifetime, while making some truly special friendships and memories along the way.   “The team has drilled down into the mindset of solo travellers to create itineraries unlike anything else currently on offer. Fun-filled dinner parties and surprise experiences help bring the group closer together in the first few days of the tour, while respecting solo travellers’ desire for free time and space. With safety front of mind for many solo travellers, especially our solo female travellers, Solo-ish trips go above and beyond to ensure people feel safe and supported so they can focus on exploring and making local connections to a country and its people,” says Marceau.   Kicking off with a dinner party and culinary experience on day one, the group will bond and get to know each other over some delicious local dishes. A ‘We Day’ on day two focuses on driving connections between travellers, the CEO and local communities with experiences such as a Taekwondo lesson in South Korea, a visit to a G Adventures supported cafe in Athens that supports the homeless community and a morning spent whizzing around the streets of Hanoi.   The third ‘G Day’ cements friendships with incredible ‘pinch me moments’ only available on a G Adventures trip including kayaking with penguins in Cape Town, a dinner in Jaipur’s Amber Fort and ziplining through the forests of La Fortuna in Costa Rica. For an extra splash of purple, a surprise experience is added to every G Day, pushing travellers to embrace the unknown and step out of their comfort zone.   Setting itself apart from other solo offerings in the market, unique highlights of the Solo-ish travel style include:

• Itineraries crafted to drive connection quickly among the group and local communities, with the first three days ‘front-loaded’ with experiences designed to turn a group of strangers into a close-knit crew.
• Free time to recharge, including a ‘Me Day’, giving travellers the freedom to explore on their own.
• Female-only CEOs (chief experience officers) who are dedicated to creating a safe, fun and empowering environment for all travellers, at the same time promoting more opportunities for women in travel.
• Complimentary arrival transfers to help travellers feel taken care of from the moment they arrive in their destination.
• Trips designed for solo travellers aged 18 and above, with no upper age limit, meaning travellers are just as diverse as the places they visit.
• Up to 50 per cent off ‘My Own Room’ for travellers wanting their own space, with no single supplements as standard for those who are happy to share with a traveller of the same gender.
• Trips will harness the power of connection via communal cooking to drive friendships, with hands-on culinary experiences and dinner parties included on the first day of every itinerary as well as a surprise moment along the way.

  Solo-ish itineraries available to book now include:

• Solo-ish India - Take a walk on the wild side with this 12 day adventure through the heart of Rajasthan. Tracking wildlife in Jhalara Reserve and Ranthambore National Park, cruising along the Chambal River spotting Indian wolves and crocodiles, marvelling at iconic sites including the Amber Fort and Taj Mahal and getting to know local communities in Jaipur, this action-packed adventure is perfect for solo travellers wanting to see as much of the Golden Triangle as possible in a short space of time. The Me Day in Jaipur offers solo travellers the option to take a hot air balloon ride over the pink city, visit local temples, witness locals and monkeys washing in one of the seven holy springs or kick back in a local cafe with a cup of chai. Priced from £1,099 per person*
• Solo-ish South Africa - For solo travellers eager to discover the incredible wildlife, landscapes and food that South Africa has to offer, this 10 day trip has it all. From sunrises over Table Mountain, full days exploring the backstreets of Cape Town, time to sip a glass of wine at a local vineyard, and three full days in Kruger National Park with safari, ziplining, horseback riding and bush walk on offer, plus plenty of free time included, travellers can opt to be as social or as solo as they want on this epic African adventure. Priced from £2,489 per person*
• Solo-ish Vietnam - Arriving in Hanoi, travellers will hop aboard a cyclo and zip around the city before enjoying a hands-on cooking class together, rustling up some local favourites including Vietnamese rice pancakes, spring rolls and the famous Pho dish. The G Day sees travellers cruising through stunning Ha Long Bay on a traditional junk boat, tucking into fresh seafood and spending the night anchored under the stars. Journeying down the coast, the group will explore historic sites in Hue, take a noodle making class with the G Adventures-supported Oodles of Noodles project which supports former street youth in Hoi An and cruise along the Mekong to the local Cai Thia community where they group will stay in a local homestay, learn to make rice paper and tuck into a delicious meal cooked by their hosts. Priced from £1,149 per person*

  For more information on Solo-ish Adventures, please visit: www.gadventures.com/solo-ish

Incredible India is unveiled as headline sponsor for the upcoming G Adventures’ GX World Community Tourism Summit. The global gathering takes place from 24 - 28 September, 2024. G Adventures and non-profit partner, Planeterra have unveiled four new social enterprises that have been developed for travellers to India that GX guests will experience. Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures and Planeterra, says both organizations are grateful for the support of India’s Ministry of Tourism. “Community tourism is an increasing focus for Incredible India, so sponsoring GX is a natural fit as tourism returns and builds back in a better way.” “These are all designed to give back through travel and help change the lives of local people through the economic support of tourism.” While attending GX, guests will either have the opportunity to experience the project firsthand, or to sample it during a “Planeterra Marketplace” which will showcase the projects and people running them. The four new initiatives are as follows: Anoothi India - Annothi offers a deep dive into the local culture through a textile workshop led by women from marginalized communities in the Jaipur region. Travellers will interact with the women and learn about their experiences, at the same time gaining insight into this fine craft. Pink City Rickshaw - Pink City Rickshaw in Jaipur offers women from low-income households in Jaipur sustainable livelihoods as they drive designer e-rickshaws, taking tourists to iconic landmarks. The initiative promotes eco-friendly transportation to help reduce pollution. Sheroes Hangout - Sheroes’ Hangout in Agra is a café that offers acid attack survivors livelihoods and support. It challenges stigmas and helps women from disadvantaged backgrounds find opportunities for personal growth and recovery. Sunder Rang - The arts and crafts centre based in Chandelao, Rajasthan, provides training and a platform for rural women to showcase their traditional handicrafts. Travellers can join the artisans, participating in beading and other hands-on activities to learn the techniques behind fine crafts. These enterprises join G Adventures’ and Planeterra’s long-standing community tourism experiences that have been delivered to travellers for many years, including Women With Wheels’ airport transfer service, and Salaam Baalak Trust’s Delhi City Walk. Both will also be experienced by GX attendees during the 2024 summit. 

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G Adventures has added a selection of new 'Classic' trips to its portfolio of adventures for 2025, with expanded Asia tours. The tour operator has brought back tours in Tibet and expanded its itineraries in China and South Korea to meet demand. There is also new value-for-money safaris in Africa and multi-country trips in Central America that were only previously available to travellers aged up to 39. Yves Marcaeu, VP of product at G Adventures, says the expansion of trips for all ages in Africa and Central America is a result of market research identifying an increasingly older customer segment. "We could clearly see the time is right to open up longer, more basic itineraries to an older crowd looking to see and do as much as they can.” "We certainly have a segment of customers who are growing older, yet still looking for a more exploratory style of adventure.” G Adventures is bringing Tibet back for the first time since before the pandemic, as China relaxes its visa policy. The company is introducing a new Classic tour that can also be combined with Japan, which remains extremely popular. In Africa, the new Classic trip will feature G Adventures' fully refurbished fleet of 'Lando' overland vehicles. In Central America, accommodation will remain basic, but the expanding of the age ranges means travellers older than 39 will now be able to explore deeper. This includes new options for older travellers in El Salvador and Honduras. New trips now available to book include: Johannesburg to East Africa Overland Safari - Lasting 27 days through seven countries on an epic overland journey from Johannesburg to Nairobi. Korea and Japan Encompassed - Two weeks through South Korea and Japan visiting iconic destinations.   

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A group of 21 members of the UKs travel industry recently completed an epic adventure through the Colombian jungle to the Lost City. In a bid to raise money for local communities and fellow travel industry members in need, the third 'G Trek for Good' was completed. The initiative developed by G Adventures, saw the group raise a total of £31,651 for Planeterra and ABTA LifeLine. Often compared to Machu Picchu, the trek is one of South America's most challenging routes. Covering nearly 30 miles across five days through jungle and river valleys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, all 21 members of the group made the final 1,200 stone step climb to the Lost City site. Half of the money raised will now be used to support Planeterra's work to help vulnerable communities access tourism, including a new project in Colombia. ABTA LifeLine will get an equal half share to provide support to travel colleagues across the UK in their time of need. Brian Young, MD EMEA at G Adventures, said: "This initiative is invaluable for both Planeterra and ABTA LifeLine as the funds raised will transform lives.” "Each of our trekkers has shown unwavering commitment to the challenge. I am in awe of their relentless fundraising efforts.” Combined with a hugely successful trek in 2022, which saw a group summit Mt. Toubkal in Morocco and previously Mount Kilimanjaro in 2019, G Trek for Good has now raised over £130,000 for the two causes. Trudie Clements, Director at ABTA LifeLine, added: "The funds raised through G Trek for Good will be of immense help in our work supporting the most vulnerable in our travel community.” It helps travel industry professionals struggling with the cost of living, a relationship breakdown, or illness among other issues. "The money we raised will mean that we can help even more people through some of the lowest and darkest points in their lives," Clements added. Planning for the next G Trek for Good is already underway for 2025. Travel industry members can register their interest at: [email protected] For further donations, the G Trek For Good Just Giving page will remain open until 9 June 2024.

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G Adventures is boosting its new collection of Geluxe premium active adventures. There are 17 new trips in 10 countries added, bringing the total number of Geluxe adventures tours available to book to 45 itineraries in 26 countries. The Geluxe Collection focuses on being physically active in the outdoors with unique accommodation and elevated dining experiences. The new adventure tour locations include Argentina / Chile (Patagonia), Ecuador (Galapagos), Iceland, Ireland, India, Kenya, Portugal, Spain, Tanzania and Turkey. Departures are available from October 2024. The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 10-12 people per departure. Yves Marceau, VP of Product, said: "Travellers booking these trips are slightly older than our usual demographic. It's especially appealing to female travellers, a high proportion of whom are travelling solo.” "We've taken a lot of care with this collection, curating every experience in a way that provides a balance of activity and cultural immersion.” Highlights on each Geluxe trip include at least one "Your OMG Stay" and one "Your OMG Day" on every trip. "Your OMG Stay'' is a stand-out style of accommodation selected for its impressive history, design, or surrounding experiences. These include stone cottages at Narsingh Bagh in Dholpur, India, and a stay at Il Ngwesi, Nanyukia - a Maasai community owned and operated lodge in Kenya. "Your OMG Day" gives travellers the opportunity to personalize one of their days by picking between two different travel experiences on each trip. Examples include a yoga class on an organic farm in Pushkar, India, a river cruise with port tasting experience in Porto or the opportunity to explore the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia in Turkey by e-bike. The Geluxe adventure tour collection was first announced in November 2023. It launched with trips in Botswana, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam and Zimbabwe. Departures for these trips start in May 2024.

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  2023 can safely be called the year that travel came roaring back, with bookings for certain destinations superseding pre-pandemic numbers. Community tourism pioneer, G Adventures, this year reveals the places that are seeing the most traction in terms of forward bookings thanks to exciting new reasons to visit.   What’s most exciting is that people are looking to travel to some more ‘traditional’ destinations in a new way - a way that gives back to local people and communities, and gets them closer to the culture and tradition of a place.   G Adventures’ founder, Bruce Poon Tip, says travellers have changed over the past three years and are now looking for deeper, more meaningful experiences.   “What we’re seeing is that people want to stay longer and go deeper into a destination. They’re travelling less frequently; instead of taking three one-week trips a year, they’re staying longer in a single destination. And while they are there they want to connect with local people and their cultures, and to experience community tourism in its purest form.   “We’re also still seeing a lot of travellers checking off those big ‘bucket list’ trips, with many still making up for lost time, and they’re keen to stay active when they travel - that’s why we’re seeing such huge growth in some of our most iconic locations,” says Poon Tip.   Packed with the best destinations travellers can enjoy in 2024, the Where To Travel list focuses not just on meaningful community tourism experiences, but also places which have new and noteworthy reasons to visit.  

1. JAPAN - Travellers can’t get enough of Japan since it reopened, with the land of the rising sun also seeing rising bookings. G Adventures reports a 134 per cent increase in bookings for 2024, and this trend is set to continue with the launch of the small group adventure operator’s Geluxe Collection of premium active trips. The new Japan itinerary includes hiking the remote Michinoku Coastal Trail, which was constructed after the tsunami to bring community tourism back to Iwate. G Adventures is the first major operator to offer this  hike.

  GET THERE: G Adventures’ Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail trip is priced from £5,999pp for an 11-day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Travellers will discover villages outside Kyoto by foot, as well as hiking up to the Unotori shrine in Fudai, Iwate, to witness a unique cultural performance that has all but died out in other parts of Japan.  

2. PORTUGAL - The numbers don’t lie. Portugal has seen stand-out growth with traveller numbers tripling since 2019 and up 33 per cent compared to 2022. Affordable and accessible, with fantastic food, culture and history, there are plenty of reasons to want to visit this European gem. We say go before it gets even more popular, as its star looks set to continue to rise.

  GET THERE: G Adventures’ Highlights of Portugal itinerary is priced from £1,029pp for a seven-day trip from Lisbon to Porto. On this trip, travellers will sit down to a traditional meal to the sound of a Fado performance by Portuguese folk music artists in one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods, and immerse themselves in history and culture at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Monastery of Batalha, Coimbra University, and the picturesque town of Sintra.  

3. UZBEKISTAN - Uzbekistan - and the ‘Stans in general - have become quite the hotspot as people look to check off big ‘bucket list’ destinations and get further afield to lesser-known countries. Uzbekistan has seen a 53 per cent increase year over year, also usurping 2019 by 16 percent. The stunning Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent is set to open its doors in April 2024, and joins the Center for Contemporary Arts, which was opened in 2019, as two new cultural hubs set to attract the attention of travellers.

  GET THERE: G Adventures’ Highlights of Uzbekistan trip is priced from £1,199pp for a 10-day trip from Tashkent return. During the trip, travellers will head out into the desert to visit Chashma Complex, a pilgrimage site in the territory of Nurata, dominated by ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress, visit the remote Aydarkul Lake for a swim before continuing on for an overnight stay in a local yurt camp, where they enjoy an authentic Uzbekistan dinner and an evening Kazakh singing show.  

4. INDIA - India has picked up the pace in the past year with bookings doubling between 2022 and 2023. G Adventures partnership with National Geographic means exclusive experiences are built into every itinerary. From the UK, Virgin Atlantic has announced a new direct flight from London Heathrow to Bengaluru, opening up the country for travellers looking to explore beyond their G Adventures experience.

  GET THERE: A National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures North India Highlights trip is priced from £1,099 per person from Delhi return. In Jaipur, known as the “Pink City,” travellers will meet with a local historian and sociology scholar to learn about India’s complex social fabric and traditions, and discuss a range of topics from the country’s belief systems to its architecture.  

5. MEXICO - Vibrant and colourful Mexico has proven more popular than pre-pandemic, helped by the introduction of new trips to the G Adventures portfolio.These include two new Geluxe Collection premium active itineraries, which put a fresh active spin on what has been seen as a more traditional ‘beach’ destination. Up 24 per cent than in 2019, and 28 per cent when compared to last year, Mexico continues to make consistent gains.

  GET THERE: A 14-day Mexico: Central Mexico & the Yucatan Peninsula trip is priced from £4649pp, travelling from Oaxaca to Tulum. Travellers will wander the cobblestone streets and markets of Oaxaca and devour mole in Puebla, before biking through agave fields and taking a break from the heat with a swim in a jungle sinkhole near Merida.  

6. VIETNAM - Another country that was late to reopen but has doubled its traveller numbers since 2022 is Vietnam, which is also a great value choice for families looking for adventure on their next trip. With tasty food, beautiful sights and friendly people, it makes a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about a different culture in a fun and engaging way. Vietnam is poised to continue its significant growth. Vietnam Airlines also confirmed its return to daily flight frequencies from London Heathrow to Vietnam this winter, with daily nonstop services resuming in October, 2023.

  GET THERE: A 12-day Vietnam Family Adventure is priced from £1149 per adult and £1009 per child, travelling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. This trip visits Oodles of Noodles, a G for Good project supporting former street youth where travellers help prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles.  

7. GREECE - As travellers have started flocking back to Europe, Greece has seen huge growth, up 90 per cent from 2019 numbers and 24 per cent year on year. One of the best ways to avoid the crowds and get amongst it with locals, is by boat. Taking travellers to remote islands to enjoy local cuisine and culture, G Adventures’ Sailing programme epitomises community tourism, making sure wealth is distributed to lesser-known locales while still taking in the highlights of the islands.

  GET THERE: A 10-day Sailing Greece - Santorini to Santorini trip is priced from £1629 per person, travelling from Santorini return. On-shore experiences include strolling through the markets of Syros, uncovering the beauty of the Venetian ruins in Paros hiking through the trails and paths of Sifnos.  

8. THAILAND - Thailand also continues its epic comeback, and we can expect it to boom even more as travellers head there before the ‘White Lotus Effect’ takes hold, with filming for the third season set to begin in 2024. Up 76 per cent in traveller numbers year on year, Thailand is still a solid choice for young travellers and backpackers looking for an affordable escape.

  GET THERE: The Bangkok to Hanoi: Chiang Mai, Night Markets & Streetside Bars Roamies trip in partnership with Hostelworld is priced from £799pp for a nine day trip from Bangkok to Hanoi. This trip includes a visit to Yimsoo Cafe in Bangkok that offers training and economic opportunities for people living with disabilities.  

9. SOUTH KOREA - With Asia trending since its reopening, South Korea has also proven a welcome surprise in terms of its popularity with numbers doubling in 2023 compared to 2019. Helped by popular culture - K-Pop and K-dramas - South Korea also offers a wealth of traditional culture, incredible food, and exciting experiences for travellers.

  GET THERE: An eight-day Best of South Korea trip is priced from £2149 per person, travelling from Seoul return. Travellers will see the highlights in and around Seoul plus visit folk villages, unique Korean temples, and the bustling markets of Busan, as well as learning about the sombre history of North and South Korea and taking an excursion to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two.  

10. ITALY - Another popular post-Covid destination is Italy, which is up 30 per cent from 2019 numbers, and 24 per cent year on year. With travellers looking to head to their dream destinations, it makes sense that perennial favourite Italy would be high on everyone’s lists. With G Adventures’ Local Living programme, travellers are taken off the road most travelled to really experience what it is like to live like a local.

  GET THERE: An eight-day Local Living Italy—Amalfi Coast trip is priced from £1599 per person, travelling from Naples return. On this trip, travellers live like one of the region’s locals, discovering the small towns, mountain trails, and local customs of this uniquely beautiful place, tucking into bed at a converted 17th-century monastery home base.

As news of the vandalism at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, makes headlines around the world, G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip, has launched a global search for 'Ivan + Hayley.' It is an effort to educate them to be more conscious travellers. Poon Tip has an extended an invitation to the couple to travel with G Adventures. A 'reward' trip is also offered for one person who assists in reaching them. "While it's shocking to see anyone deface an ancient landmark like the Colosseum, it's not as uncommon as many would think,” Poon Tip says. “When filming The Last Tourist, we captured footage of tourists behaving in the most unconscious ways, from spray painting landmarks to bragging about destroying 6,000 year old rock formations.” “Travellers often suspend the values they abide by at home when they step on a plane, and it's this mindset that needs to change." "Rather than condemning Ivan and Hayley, I'm launching an appeal to find them, and to invite them to GX, G Adventures' inaugural annual community travel summit.” The couple would get the opportunity to experience the concept of community tourism, he says. They would learn the value of protecting the destinations they visit." Poon Tip is also the executive producer of The Last Tourist; a new responsible travel documentary which launched in the UK in May. It addresses the impact of mass tourism on destinations, the environment and local communities. The documentary can be viewed on Amazon, Apple TV, Sky, Vubiquity, Google, Microsoft and Rakuten. Anyone who helps bring 'Ivan and Hayley' to G Adventures will be rewarded with their own ticket to the GX Community Tourism Summit, as a thank you. People can email the tip line at: [email protected].

G Adventures has unveiled a new brand campaign - Bring on the World. The Bring on the World campaign is live now, and features a new anthem video that champions real travellers who want to step outside their comfort zone. The video is just one tool travel agents can use to market G Adventures' trips to their customers. It has fun, people-focused imagery, G adventures says, that was captured on recent photoshoots in Morocco and Vietnam. There is also a travel agent tool kit with hundreds of unique marketing assets, including social posts, window decals, and consumer flyers. They are available in English, French, and German. More assets will be added throughout the year. The Bring on the World campaign will run across TV and radio channels across the UK throughout June and July. Bring on the World will be G Adventures' largest scale brand campaign ever, says director of marketing for Europe, Ant Stone. "We're thrilled to introduce our Bring on the World rally cry, which inspires travellers to embrace all aspects of small-group travel," Stone says. "Travel is a privilege and we want to encourage travellers to consciously celebrate all those small moments that happen on a trip." Agents can access assets for the upcoming campaign by logging in to the new brand campaign agent tool kit, or signing up to the G Adventures Asset Library.  

 

Change Makers agent incentive to be hosted during global event

  This September, Peru will play host to the inaugural GX summit - a travel convention unlike any the world has seen before. Agents, suppliers, media and travellers will gather together from around the globe to experience firsthand what an incredible impact community tourism can have on a destination.   The multi-day, mega-event runs from September 22-28, 2023. Each group will have its own dedicated itinerary, and the event will culminate with the first World Community Tourism Summit, to be hosted on World Tourism Day, September 27, 2023. This day will feature a line-up of inspiring speakers and entertainment, which will soon be announced.   Presented by G Adventures, in support of its non-profit partner, Planeterra, GX will be hosted in Peru, a country which has struggled with its return to pre-pandemic tourism numbers due to recent civil unrest. Planeterra will be celebrating its 20th anniversary at the event, and G Adventures will recognise its belated 30th anniversary, which was postponed three years by the pandemic.   GX will be invitation-only, but agents have a chance to be in attendance with the announcement that the 2023 Change Makers event - revealed last month - will be hosted as part of GX. Here, 65 agents who have played their role in changing lives through travel will be brought together from different regions.   Bruce Poon Tip, the founder of G Adventures, says GX will be an event unlike any the travel industry has seen before; a feel-good celebration that has the potential to drive change and make a huge difference to the lives of local people through its concurrent fundraising efforts for Planeterra’s 20th anniversary.   “We’ve thrown lots of great parties and events in our 33 years of operation, but this will be the biggest yet. With Planeterra's 20th and our 30th anniversaries, it needs to be something special and never-done before. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to recognising 20 years of Planeterra, the great work that has been done, and to help raise money to continue the great work they are doing to change lives in the communities we visit.   “There's no better way to show our travel community first-hand how tourism has the power to drive positive change than through experience. We’ve been showcasing the beautiful concept of community tourism to our travellers for years, but wanted to open it up to the industry to experience as well.   “In true G Adventures style, we’re continuing to innovate with GX, which will be a groundbreaking event in travel - it really will be the first of its kind,” says Poon Tip.   Change Makers is live now and runs until June 30, 2023*. The campaign incentivises agents to focus on changing people's lives through travel by booking G Adventures trips. Agents who successfully earn a place at Change Makers will see firsthand how their work directly impacts local communities in the destinations G Adventures takes its travellers to.   Agents can visit: https://sherpa.gadventures.com/change-makers/ and log into Sherpa, or speak to their regional global purpose specialist for more information.   More details on GX and the World Community Tourism Day will be revealed in the coming weeks. For more information on GX, please visit: https://gx.gadventures.com/.