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What to Expect from a G.A.P Adventures Trip
The most important advice we can provide about a G.A.P Adventures trip is to expect the unexpected! For the most part, you will be travelling in developing countries in areas very different from home. So, the best approach is to just let go and keep an open mind. You could find yourself getting covered in coloured paste in Holi festivities in India or getting invited for a traditional dinner with a friendly local family in Guatemala. You might get soaked by a mid-afternoon monsoon rain, but then you'll realize that it's one of the most delightful showers you've ever had. Whatever happens, it's best to remember that it's all part of the experience.
Why Travel with G.A.P Adventures?
Daydream a little ... or maybe daydream a lot. Where do you want to go? There are 100s of destinations that will take you across all 7 continents and beyond. Some trips will provide serenity and peace in exotic locales and some will shake the very foundations of your being. How far do you want to go? It's up to you. Whether you dream of lazing in a hammock under a coconut tree, trekking 4 days on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu or zipping off in a jet to space, we can take you there.
Authentic Experience
Bursting the tourist bubble
Our style of travel is one of authentic experience. That means we burst the tourist bubble and show you the real world. You could find yourself onshore with thousands of King Penguins, darting around food stalls in a Beijing night market, on the back of an elephant in the wilds of northern Thailand or camping out in the savannah and falling asleep to the distant roars of lions.
Value for Money
Experience doesn't have to be expensive
The nature of our accommodation and authentic grassroots style of travel makes traveling our way interesting. Lucky for you, that's also what keeps our prices low.
Group Size
You didn't travel this far to be herded like cattle
This is why we keep our group sizes small. On most G.A.P Adventures trips, you will be travelling with an average of 12 like-minded people from all over the world. This means that at any given opportunity, your small group is able to pick up and go, blend in with the crowds or visit small communities with ease.
International Groups
Great minds think alike
On any given G.A.P Adventures trip, you will be travelling with like-minded individuals from all over the world. This means that not only will you be exploring the country in which you are travelling, but you will also learn about the world, from your fellow travel mates.
It's all about CHOICE
Choose your destination
The universe is full of so many fascinating places that we couldn't possibly narrow your choices to a select few continents, even if we tried. This is why we provide a larger spectrum of adventures of any tour operator. Whether you're dreaming of sailing a yacht in the Greek Islands or sitting in a teahouse at Everest Base Camp, we can make it happen.
Choose your comfort zone
Maybe you're a hardcore traveller looking for just the essentials and some friendly faces to share the experience, or maybe you're looking for a softer landing at the end of a long day. We recognize that everyone has different comfort zones, so we've created 9 different styles of travel for anyone looking for a bit of adventure. Whatever your preference, we've got a style for you.
Choose your departure
We've got the widest range of departures in the business. We know that's a bold statement, but it's true. You figure out when you want to go, and we'll have a date to fit your schedule.
Choose your activity
We don't want to cramp your style. So, our trips are created with flexibility in mind. While we include the must-sees and must-dos, we leave plenty of room for you to explore on your own or to participate in the optional activities. This gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility to do as much or as little as you want on any given day.
Local Transportation
Mixing it up
We try to mix it up to give you the best cross section of culture. One day you might find yourself jumping on the back of a motorbike taxi in the chaotic streets of Hanoi, the next you could be sitting in an air conditioned private van driving along the coast. You might be riding a crowded Indian train or plying the icy waters in our Expedition ship. Whatever the transportation, you can be sure it will be more than just a way to get from A to B.
Unique Accommodation
Capturing the local essence
Often you'll spend the night in a hotel, but sometimes we spend the night in a hammock on the River Kwai, at a small family hotel, camping at high altitude, at a home-stay in the Amazon, sailing between islands, or even under the night sky in Africa. Your accommodation will reflect the local flavour. Rooms are usually based on twin-share but not to worry, the majority of our trips don't charge a single supplement. Single travellers will be paired with a roommate of the same sex. See individual trip styles for details.
Diverse Food
A big part of the travelling experience
Sampling the local cuisine is a big part of the travelling experience. We realize that everyone is different, and when it comes to food there are varying degrees of adventure! Most of our trips include some meals, but we also leave plenty of room for you to explore the local cuisine on your own. However, when in remote regions such as on an expedition cruise, aboard one of our yachts, or on safari in Africa, we include most meals. The food we include is hearty and fresh and most people are amazed at what our cooks and chefs can achieve onboard or at camp. Meal inclusions are indicated on the relevant trip summary pages.
Your Trip Leaders
All of our group trips are led by one of our group leaders, a G.A.P Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the trip leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling, make suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. For specific areas such as cultural sites or jungles, you will also have a local guide or area expert to impart their knowledge.
For our expeditions and marine voyages, we have highly experienced shipboard staff and crew, including experienced and knowledgeable guides in the Galapagos.
