Responsible tourism is one of the driving principles of Explore. We care deeply about travelling in a way that positively impacts the people and places we visit.

Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The goals define a common framework of action and language to address the world’s most urgent challenges, and whilst all of the goals interweave to underpin sustainable development, we have chosen five where we can have the biggest impact.

Our primary focus will be on climate change. We have a comprehensive carbon strategy and have detailed more about our commitments below. This will be supported by continuing and elevating our attention on education and training, without which long term change would not be possible. We aim to be single use plastic free across all trips by 2021, we have a new robust animal welfare policy and crucially we will be transparent, honest and collaborative in our efforts to lead our industry in responsible travel. ....less

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At Explore, we do everything we can to ensure responsible travel.

Covid-19 refund promise
10 Days no-fee flexibility
Financially Secure
Full refund if the trip doesn't run


All travellers vaccinated or COVID-Negative
Detailed protocols for hygiene; Social Distancing and robust Safety Standards ....less

On our trips you'll see a mix of famous sights and hidden gems that others miss, or don't even know about. As travellers, we want to experience a country, not merely observe it. We'll take you closer to the country, its culture and people, often in unscripted, spontaneous, impossible-to-replicate ways. You'll come home having seen and experienced the country in a way that other travellers might never have.

If you book a guided trip, like one of our small group tours, your guide (or tour leader) will use their expert insider knowledge and local connections to make the most of unexpected opportunities. You might be invited to watch the sunrise from a lighthouse or to join family Diwali celebrations. They'll be on hand to make sure your trip goes smoothly, taking care of logistics. Our tour leaders are all hand-picked and trained by our experienced team to ensure consistently high standards.

Our average group size is just 12; big enough to meet like-minded people but small enough to get to the heart of a destination. All sorts of people travel on our trips; groups are usually a mix of solos, couples and friends united by an adventurous spirit and a sense of fun. You can call us to learn more about the group already booked on a particular trip (age range, solos vs couples etc). ....less

Since launching in 1981 with only six tours in a four-page brochure, Explore has grown to offer over 500 trips; from classic ‘discovery’ group tours, solo traveller holidays and active family adventures, to walking holidays and cycling trips. Choose from over 120 countries and explore cultures, landscapes, wildlife and communities from Asia to Africa, the Arctic to the Americas. ....less

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We've been named a Which? Recommended Provider of escorted tours in July 2022. ....less