Topdeck vs Geckos Adventures - Tour Companies Compared

Founded in 1973, Topdeck has been providing fun, adventurous trips around the world for 18-39 for over 40 years.

What Makes Topdeck Travel Stand Out?

Topdeck tour focuses on providing friendly and authentic guided group tours where like-minded 18-39 year old travelers can have amazing group experiences. There are several trip types to choose from, from camping, to immersive, to multi destination, to sailing.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Topdeck?

Sociable, adventurous, budget conscious 18-39 year olds are the kinds of traveler who will gravitate to Topdeck. Though they offer a few different distinct travel styles, there is definitely a sense of an ongoing party, with travel as the conduit and underlying shared interest.

If the idea of being around a group of similarly aged people - many of whom may be exploring internationally for the first or second time - being spontaneous, and meeting locals (often in the environment of bars or clubs) is unappealing, then Topdeck may not be your cup of tea.

Introverted travelers, or those for whom an extensively planned itinerary including many museums and historical sites is ideal, may want to hunt around before choosing a Topdeck tour.

That is not to dissuade the more observational traveler - who may very well find a group they gel with perfectly on a Topdeck tour. Only to caution that you will be surrounded by several extroverted personalities.

The bottom line is if you are game for anything, are traveling on a budget, and don’t mind fairly basic but comfortable accommodations and inexpensive meals - sometimes on the go - then you will enjoy the Topdeck tour experience.

Top Destinations

Topdeck has tours throughout the world, in Europe, Australia & New Zealand, North America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Topdeck Travel Style

The Topdeck travel style is tied quite specifically to their audience. These tours are great for youthful and energetic 18-39 year olds looking for a good time and to make new friends.

In the interest of keeping their tours affordable, travelers with Topdeck will need to make a few allowances. For example, hostels and hotels may be situated quite far away from the city centers. You can also expect some long travel days. The more of a good sense of humor and adventure you have, the more you’ll enjoy the experience.

Why Choose a Tour With Topdeck

Feeling the urge to connect with travelers in your age group, have fun, and make lasting friendships? Topdeck has over 40 years of experience in adventure travel, which has helped them create epic low cost trips for 18-30 somethings.

These tours are certainly not for those who prefer to take things slow. You will be running around, moving between a lot of places - which in some cases means very long bus rides - going out a lot, meeting new people, and staying active throughout your tour.

If your ideal travel experience is more methodical and planned out in nature, Topdeck may not be for you.

But if you are an adventurous and social travelers eager to absorb a new culture and make new friends, then hop on board!

Geckos, a sister company of Intrepid Travel, focuses on the “young, adventurous, and penniless.” They say they do the “hard haggling” for you so you can save money and enjoy yourself more on your trip.

What Makes Them Stand Out? 

Geckos is adventure travel for the young, budget-minded traveler, with an eye toward responsible travel. This means traveling in small groups, mostly averaging 9 passengers, and never over 15. With Geckos Adventures, you can really ‘run wild’ as you explore a destination in a small group environment.

Who Travels With Them?

Most of Geckos’ small-group trips are now strictly for 18-29 year olds who are willing to step outside their comfort zones. Namely, they’re happy to ride public transport, bed down in family-run places, and want plenty of free time. Geckos stresses that their trips are for “travelers, not tourists.” Some “All Age” trips are offered for those who are “young at heart” but over 40. Groups are somewhat geographically diverse, but the majority of travelers hail from Australia and New Zealand.

Where Do They Operate? 

Geckos offers a huge variety of exciting global destinations, with 200+ trips across all seven continents. The company is perhaps best known for its South-east Asia trips to places like Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.

How Does it Work?

Geckos aims to keep its prices on the lower side, but this doesn’t mean skimping on experience. Accommodations are all locally owned and can range from shared guesthouses, to homestays, to an overnight train. As Geckos says, its hotels are always “cheap and cheerful” and “clean, comfortable, and centrally located.” Prices include some meals and some activities, a knowledgeable local guide, and all forms of transport (usually local, and anything from buses to bikes, trains to ferries, cable cars to camels).

Why Travel With Them?

Geckos is a good choice if you’re between the ages of 18-39 and looking for a fun, cheap, no-frills, and authentic adventure. Geckos itineraries provide plenty of free time and flexibility, plus the ability to budget more on the ground instead of paying for activities ahead of time. Additionally, Geckos will arrange a private tour geared to your own interests. Repeat customers get discounts on subsequent trips – and if you turn 40 in the meantime, and are no longer eligible for Geckos, you can apply the discount to an Intrepid trip.