Trafalgar vs Globus

Trying to decide between traveling with Trafalgar or Globus? Both are popular tour companies for older travelers. Their tours go all around the world, groups are on the larger size, and itineraries are designed with comfort yet authenticity in mind.

Our ultimate guide is here to help you decide whether traveling with Trafalgar or Globus is right for you!

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Trafalgar vs Globus - What’s the difference?

Trafalgar and Globus both offer tours around the world, though are especially known for Europe. Their tours appeal largely to older travelers seeking a culturally rich yet comfortable tour, and transportation is primarily via luxury motorcoach.

Globus is going to be slightly less expensive on average, however both tour companies are ideal for the budget minded. Trafalgar offers more “insider” local travel with their “Be My Guest” series, and has a wider audience, also offering tours for the 18-39 crowd.

The utlimate guide to compare Trafalgar vs Globus

Travel Styles, Tour Types, and Brands

Both Trafalgar and Globus have long legacies in the guided tourism industry. Globus’ history dates back nearly a century and Trafalgar isn’t far behind with over 70 years in the business.

Given this history, they have had ample time to hone their approaches to escorted tours, and have solid reputations, especially among older budget-minded travelers. These tours are not overly luxurious, but creature comforts are certainly not ignored.

With Trafalgar and Globus you “travel like a local” but a local who lives well and appreciates things like fine wine and food, art, and culture. Think a white tablecloth meal at a restaurant in Ireland after you’ve spent the day among the elements learning about local produce and farming.

Unlike more adventure travel brands, neither Trafalgar or Globus are about ignoring the classic sites. Rather they invite travelers to enjoy special VIP access and exclusive private tours - skipping the line is definitely one of the high points of guided travel!

Trafalgar is one of several premium travel brands owned by TTC (The Travel Corporation). Their sister companies include Insight Vacations, which is like a luxury version of Trafalgar, Contiki - a partying, singles, 18-30s focused brand, and Uniworld - offering premium river cruises around the world.

The Globus family of brands includes Monograms - which is perfect for travelers who enjoy independent and self-guided journeys, Avalon Waterways - providing luxury river cruises around the world, and Cosmos for the budget traveler.

Age Group

Globus is heavily aimed at retirees in the 50+ range. Their marketing video spends the first three quarters describing the sacrifices made by parents in planning family vacations around their kids desires - but now it’s your turn; let someone else take care of the planning, go where you want to go, with no hassle. There is a sense of focusing on western world travel, particularly Europe, though other regions like Asia and South America are available.  

Trafalgar has a similar message, and speaks to a similar audience, if a bit more broadly in terms of cultural exploration. Their approach highlights meeting and interacting with locals from all walks of life. Almost all of their tours feature a special “Be My Guest” activity. This can involve things like learning to cook in Italy, or enjoying a farm to table meal on a Peruvian farm.

Accommodations

Along your tour with Trafalgar or Globus, you’ll encounter a variety of accommodation styles, but all within a 3-4 star range.

Trafalgar pays particular attention to ensuring they choose accommodations that “tell a part of the story”. These often have unqiue character and are to be considered an integral part of the destination, rather than an afterthought "just a place to sleep". 

Globus favors selecting hotels that are centrally located and nearby the sites you’ll be visiting in a particular area.

Trafalgar vs Globus at a glance

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