Embarking on a round-the-world (RTW) trip is an exciting and ambitious way to explore the globe. However, planning a journey across multiple countries and continents can be complex. Thankfully, several companies specialize in curating RTW tours that take the stress out of planning and booking, offering well-organized itineraries and unique travel experiences. Here’s a list of some of the best RTW tour companies that can help you turn your dream adventure into reality.
1. Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is one of the most reputable tour companies for those looking to experience a round-the-world adventure with a focus on sustainable, responsible travel.
- Specialties: Intrepid offers small-group tours that focus on immersing travelers in local cultures while minimizing environmental impact. They provide trips for all types of travelers, from those looking for adventure and outdoor activities to those seeking cultural immersion.
- Tour Options: Intrepid’s RTW trips range from short regional adventures to longer global explorations. Some popular tours include multi-country journeys across Asia, Africa, and South America. They offer both fully guided and self-guided options.
- Why Choose Them: Known for their commitment to responsible tourism, Intrepid allows travelers to experience the world in a more meaningful and sustainable way. They also focus on supporting local communities and reducing the environmental impact of travel.
2. G Adventures
G Adventures is another leading provider of group tours, offering a wide variety of round-the-world itineraries that cover multiple continents.
- Specialties: G Adventures offers small-group tours that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural exploration, or wildlife experiences, they provide trips to all corners of the globe.
- Tour Options: They offer several RTW tour packages, such as The Ultimate Africa (a tour through Southern and East Africa) or the G Adventures 60-Day RTW Tour, which covers key destinations across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
- Why Choose Them: G Adventures is known for their diverse itineraries, which allow you to choose a tour based on your specific interests. Their commitment to responsible travel and community-based tourism is a big plus for travelers who want to make a positive impact on the destinations they visit.
3. Contiki
Contiki is a great option for younger travelers looking for a fun and social way to explore multiple destinations around the world. Contiki tours are designed for people aged 18-35, and they offer a lively and energetic group travel experience.
- Specialties: Contiki focuses on providing exciting and immersive travel experiences that combine sightseeing with social activities. Many of their tours include included meals, accommodations, and transportation, making it easy to focus on enjoying your trip.
- Tour Options: Contiki offers a range of RTW options, including a 49-day World Traveller Tour that covers North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Their tours are designed to give you the opportunity to explore major cities and off-the-beaten-path locations alike.
- Why Choose Them: Contiki tours are known for being fun and fast-paced, perfect for travelers looking to meet new people and explore the world in a vibrant group setting. Their itineraries are often geared toward socializing, so you can make lasting memories with fellow travelers.
4. Topdeck Travel
Topdeck Travel is another tour company that focuses on young travelers (18-39 years old) and offers a variety of group tours across the globe. Their RTW packages are perfect for travelers who want an adventurous, social travel experience.
- Specialties: Topdeck’s tours are designed for those who want to explore the world in a relaxed, yet adventurous way. The company is well known for its well-curated itineraries and a strong focus on providing an inclusive and fun group experience.
- Tour Options: Topdeck offers both short and long-term RTW options. One of their standout options is the 40-Day European Adventure, which takes you through key destinations in Europe, or the Ultimate USA Tour that covers some of the most iconic American cities and landmarks.
- Why Choose Them: Topdeck offers a great balance between structured itineraries and free time, so you can enjoy both planned activities and spontaneity. They also focus on providing affordable, budget-friendly options for young travelers.
5. Busabout
If you’re interested in more flexible, independent travel while still benefiting from organized routes and services, Busabout could be an excellent choice for your RTW adventure.
- Specialties: Known for their hop-on, hop-off style of travel, Busabout allows you to create your own itinerary as you travel. They provide a network of buses that connect major cities and landmarks across Europe, Asia, and Australia, making it easy to explore multiple destinations at your own pace.
- Tour Options: Busabout’s network covers a wide range of regions, including Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Their most popular passes are the European Loop and the Asia FlexiPass, both of which allow you to hop between destinations and spend as much time as you’d like in each.
- Why Choose Them: Busabout is ideal for those who want flexibility in their travels but still benefit from a structured route and reliable transportation. This is a great choice for independent travelers who want the freedom to choose when and where they travel, without the hassle of planning every detail.
6. Exodus Travels
Exodus Travels is known for offering active and adventure-filled RTW tours, ideal for travelers who want to explore the world through hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
- Specialties: Exodus provides small-group tours with a focus on outdoor adventures. If you’re an active traveler who loves to explore through trekking, cycling, or wildlife safaris, Exodus is a great option. They also provide cultural experiences to complement the active nature of the trips.
- Tour Options: Their RTW options include The Ultimate South America Tour, a hiking and cultural adventure that takes you through Peru, Argentina, and Brazil, or their Classic Africa adventure that combines wildlife safaris with cultural exploration in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.
- Why Choose Them: If you’re seeking more than just sightseeing and want to engage in physical activities during your RTW trip, Exodus offers a fantastic selection of adventure-focused tours. They also place a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism practices.
7. Adventure Life
Adventure Life specializes in custom-designed, luxury, and adventure travel that focuses on cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
- Specialties: Adventure Life creates tailored itineraries based on your interests, whether you’re looking for wildlife, hiking, cultural experiences, or historical tours. They offer RTW packages that can include a mix of guided activities, luxury accommodations, and local experiences.
- Tour Options: Adventure Life provides highly customizable RTW trips. They offer everything from multi-country South American adventures to African safaris and Southeast Asian explorations, all tailored to your preferences.
- Why Choose Them: Adventure Life is ideal for travelers who want a personalized RTW experience. If you’re seeking a more bespoke, luxury, or adventure-focused tour with a focus on local culture, Adventure Life’s expertise in crafting custom itineraries will meet your needs.
8. Flight Centre (Round the World Flights)
Although not a traditional tour company, Flight Centre offers customized RTW flight packages that include multi-destination airfare and can be combined with other activities or accommodations.
- Specialties: Flight Centre specializes in creating flexible flight itineraries that take you across multiple continents at a competitive price. They work with major airlines and alliances to offer discounted RTW tickets and provide access to a wide range of accommodation and tours to complement the flights.
- Tour Options: While they don’t offer structured tours, Flight Centre can design a flight path that covers all the destinations you want to visit. This gives you flexibility in planning your activities, while they handle the logistical details of your flights.
- Why Choose Them: Flight Centre is perfect for travelers who prefer to design their own itinerary and activities but want professional help arranging the flights and connections between multiple destinations.
