Budget Travel Tours & Trips 2020
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DEPARTURE DATES
Style
Style
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Travelers Age
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Theme
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Travel Style
Travel Style
Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Balanced schedule You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Solo Friendly
Solo Friendly
Good for Singles Trips that specifically cater to travelers looking to meet other singles.
No Single Supplement Trips where single supplement is usually not required for solo travelers.
Supplier (Company)
Countries Visited
Continents Visited
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Stride Gives Back Stride Gives Back This trip visits a destination impacted by climate change. When you opt in to the Travelstride Gives Back program, we will donate 10% of our net revenue to organizations that help mitigate climate change in these destinations and across the globe. Learn more
Essential Botswana

- Did you know that rhinos come out to play when the sun goes down? Let us prove it to you during a sunset 4WD through the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
- Try and tell the difference between your buddy’s snores and the sound of wild hippos while camping in the heart of the Okavango wilderness.
- There's nothing more relaxing than feeling the African sun on your face as you lie back in a mokoro, eyes closed while your expert poler propels you through the Okavango Delta.
- Elephants never forget, and you won’t forget them either. Cruise down the river in Chobe National Park, home of the world's highest concentration of African elephants.
- Learn what life is like for the Hambukushu people, traditionally considered masters of fishing, boat building, and making it rain.
Real Big Apple to Big Easy

- Walk through Brooklyn, New York – a vibrant neighbourhood full of restaurants, parks, cafes and plenty of trendy spots. Enjoy views of the Brooklyn Bridge and explore Little Italy and Chinatown.
- Learn how to line dance in Nashville, Tennessee – the home of country music in the USA – then tuck into a Meat and Three lunch of fried chicken and sides (a southern classic).
- Discover the many free monuments and world-class museums in Washington DC – the capital city of the USA – and climb the famed Rocky Steps.
- Take in the incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Shenandoah National Park and look out for deer, birdlife, squirrels and the elusive black bear.
- Stroll down Beale Street in Memphis, Tennesse – famous for its blues clubs and as the birthplace of rock n’ roll.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations help them protect Grand Canyon National Park and support trail restoration, conservation of native plants and wildlife, and educational programs.
Epic Balkans

- Immerse yourself in the edgy street scene of Belgrade's Bohemian Quarter, then dance the night away in one of Europe’s nightlife hotspots.
- Learn about the dark history and rebuilding of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, with a walk up to the White Fortress overlooking the city.
- There is no shortage of medieval influences on this tour. Discover the walled cities of Dubrovnik, Kotor and Stari Bar, teeming with history from a bygone era.
- Descend into one of the world’s most peculiar contemporary art museums in Tirana, housed in an underground bunker built for the Albanian political elite.
- Lay by the shimmering Adriatic waters and soak up the sun in Croatia, on the Albanian coastline and off the island of Corfu.
Epic African Adventure

- Ge ready to spot lions, cheetahs, zebras, elephants, hippos, gazelle, giraffes, ostriches, wildebeest – pretty much every character from the opening scene of the Lion King.
- Hang with the red-clad Maasai folk. A local elder will explain to you what the tribe is all about, and they'll even show you around their house.
- The rolling plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti are quite simply epic. They also make for fairly unique environments in which to pitch a tent.
- Ever helped save a Rhino? Make that a yes during a visit to Botswana’s Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where the last of the world’s black and white rhinoceros live.
- There's nothing more relaxing than feeling the sun on your face as you lie back in a mokoro (dugout canoe) while your expert poler propels you through the Okavango Delta.
Essential Borneo

- This is one of very few places in the world where you can see orangutans in the wild – observe these gentle giants living their best jungle life in the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre.
- Keep your eyes on the shoreline and the forest canopy to spot troops of monkeys, abundant birdlife and – if you’re lucky – pygmy elephants as you cruise along the Kinabatangan River.
- Tackle a challenging but scenic trail to reach the summit of the mighty Mt Kinabalu in time to catch a spectacular sunrise.
- Spend a night at a family homestay in a village along the Kinabatangan River to experience what local life is really like.
- Take in the sights, sounds and smells of the Bornean rainforest and spot tropical birds from your treehouse-style hut at a small community-run eco camp.
Essential Western Balkans

- Enjoy plenty of free time with your group to discover the communist past and modern progressive vibe of Budapest: the 'Pearl of the Danube'.
- Immerse yourself in the edgy street scene of Belgrade's Bohemian Quarter, then dance the night away in one of Europe’s nightlife hotspots.
- Learn about the dark history and rebuilding of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, with a walk up to the White Fortress overlooking the city.
- Cover a lot of ground in Montenegro, meeting up with the Adriatic coast in beautiful Budva along sandy beaches and shimmering waters.
- Visit Mostar’s famous Old Bridge and witness a traditional bridge jumper hurl themselves into the icy waters below.
Epic Morocco

- Enjoy sunset from the unique vantage point of a camel’s back – and ride far out into the Sahara Desert to camp beneath a blanket of North African stars.
- Set off on a tour of the senses in the Marrakech medina, through the bustling souks of the city, stopping at the famed Djemaa el-Fna Square to sample some sweet and savoury specialities with a local expert.
- Stay in the old fishing towns of Essaouira and Taghazout, where the medinas brush up against the Atlantic Ocean and take the chance to catch waves, bliss out and practice your yoga skills.
- Explore the unique, blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, where you get loads of free time to hike, meet locals, take photos and recharge amongst the mountains – there's lots of cats to pat along the way, too!
- Prepare for the best mint tea of your life on a visit to the Tawesna teahouse. This experience is more than just a cuppa, it’s about discovering authentic culture and contributing to the economic inclusion of women.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Education for All. Donations help them support girls in the High Atlas Mountains through secondary school, bringing a generation of women out of the cycle of illiteracy, poverty and early marriage.
Essential Bali & Gili Islands

- Float in the ocean, bake on the beach, and conquer a volcano: the island landscapes of Bali and Gili T are epic.
- Your leader will reveal the best of Gili Trawangan on a bike tour of the island, giving you insider info on the best nightlife and snorkeling spots.
- There's nothing like waking up at 3 am to climb a mountain, eh? Watching the sunrise from Mt Batur is worth every minute of sleep you lose.
- Let a local show you their favourite dishes, from nasi campur to all kinds of other delicacies during a street food tasting in Seminyak. We know you didn’t come all the way to Bali to eat spaghetti.
- Make like a sponge and soak up every drop of Ubud's relaxed atmosphere. A walk among the bright green rice fields is as Bali as it gets.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Coral Triangle Center Foundation. Donations help expand their coral restoration project and support their educational outreach activities for local schools in Nusa Penida.
Essential African Safari

- Discover the stunning cascades of Victoria Falls whichever way you please, with so many options to choose from – helicopter, anyone?
- Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about the rehabilitation of wildlife from conflict and poaching and have the possibility of meeting some rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care.
- Pay the famous elephants and lions of Hwange National Park a visit from an open-air 4x4 vehicle on an exciting overland adventure.
- Take your safari game to the next level by tracking rhinos on foot with an expert local guide in Matabos National Park.
- What is the sound of a roaring lion if not a sweet soothing lullaby? You'll be camping right in the grounds of Kruger National Park, so you be the judge.
Essential Egypt

- Witness some epic sights in Cairo, like the mysterious Sphinx and one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Great Pyramids of Giza. Maybe even learn how to spell your name in hieroglyphics!
- Take a memorable kayak along the Nile with a unique active experience, paddling through ancient landscapes.
- Spend a night cruising the Nile in a traditional felucca boat (a bit like a floating living room) stopping at colourful villages and temples by day and stargazing by night.
- Discover the Valley of the Kings with a tour through three burial sites of ancient Pharaohs and the option to check out the fascinating lost tomb of Tutankhamun.
- Squeeze between stalls at an Aswan bazaar and discover the open-air museum of Luxor with loads of free time to see the sights at your own pace and a local leader with all the hot tips.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Animal Care in Egypt. Donations help them care for sick or injured working animals, like horses and donkeys, and help empower local communities with the knowledge and training to better care for their animals.
Essential Cambodia

- See the sunrise over the incredible Angkor complex and take a guided Tuk-tuk tour of all the best sites (including Angkor Wat and jungle-covered Ta Prohm) with a company focused on employing local women in the community.
- Immerse yourself in local culture with a homestay experience in Banteay Chhmar (the Citadel of the Cat), putting you right in the heart of everyday village life in Cambodia, and enjoy a home-cooked dinner from your hosts.
- Learn more about Cambodia's confronting but important history with visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
- Take a sunset cruise on the Mekong River of Phnom Penh and raise a glass (the drink is included) to one of the most serene settings in the country. Maybe keep the vibes going at a hip rooftop bar.
- Experience the bustling markets of thriving Siem Reap with a street food breakfast, then enjoy some free time to check out this gorgeous region at your own pace.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Friends International. Donations help vulnerable youth in Southeast Asia build a brighter future with vocational training and employment readiness programs.
Five Days in Cappadocia

- The weird and wonderful world of Cappadocia might be the most unusual place in Turkey. Learn all about its fairy chimneys and sprawling rock formations from your expert local leaders.
- Cappadocia’s wonder is beautiful at all angles, but none more so than from on top. Consider the chance for a sunrise hot air-balloon ride, giving you the ultimate view of this awesome landscape.
- Get a dose of good old-fashioned Turkish hospitality, having dinner with a local family and enjoying some home-cooked delights.
- Exploring the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli is mind-blowing – head four levels underground and discover where thousands of people used to live.
- The thriving metropolis of Istanbul is where East literally meets West. With the option to extend your stay here, you’ve got the power to continue your Turkish escapade right away!
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey.
Real Turkey

- Eat, swim, sunbake, repeat – that’s what will happen when you get cruising along Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline. The choice is yours if you’d like to go exploring, or just relax on deck.
- The weird and wonderful world of Cappadocia might be the most unusual place in Turkey. Learn all about its fairy chimneys and sprawling rock formations from your expert local leader.
- Thought all the best Roman ruins were in Italy? Think again! Turkey is home to one of the best-preserved classics of Ephesus – so discover it just like Anthony and Cleopatra did 2000 years ago.
- Take a group hike from the deserted ghost town of Karakoy over the hills to check out the stunning Blue Lagoon – your group leader will know all the spots to go to get the best vantage points.
- The thriving metropolis of Istanbul is where East literally meets West. With the option to extend your stay here, you’ve got the power to continue your Turkish escapade right away!
Epic Bangkok to Singapore

- Get your street food fix in bustling Bangkok and hit the nightlife in cruisy Chiang Mai, where the Nimman area is swarming with hipster bars and lounges.
- Trek deep – super deep – into the northern Thai hinterland staying in a traditional hilltribe village, eating and laughing with the locals.
- Learn the art of Muay Thai with a class in Chiang Mai. You’ll be defending yourself in no time!
- Khao Sok National Park is like stepping into another world. Cruise along the Cheow Lan Lake and spend a night on the banks in a rafthouse.
- How about jumping on a long tail boat and heading into the spectacular limestone cove of Railay Beach? It’s only accessible by water, but is definitely worth the trip.
- Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic urban centre to dig your teeth into. Master the metro, tackle the Petronas towers and explore the colourful Batu Caves.
- Eat on the roadside in Penang and get a taste of everything delicious in one of Singapore’s hawker centres.
Real Canada

- Keep your eyes peeled for moose and woodland caribous among towering cedar trees in the fairytale forest of Mt Revelstoke National Park.
- The spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies makes for the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner Nat Geo photographer. It’s really hard to take a bad picture here.
- From rafting trips to glacier treks, this trip is packed full of optional outdoor activities, giving you the perfect chance to get your hands and boots dirty.
- Spend a few days seeing what all the fuss is about in Whistler, North America’s premier outdoor adventure hotspot (and a very quaint village to boot).
- As a small group travelling in a private vehicle, we can be flexible depending on your preferences. Want to make a detour? If the group agrees, go for it!
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Top Budget Travel Attractions & Experiences
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