World’s Best Tour Operators of 2018

Traveling with a comprehensive tour operator can bring any trip to the next level. These expert-led companies can curate itineraries based around your interests, unlock experiences that aren’t available to the general public, and perhaps most important, save you mental energy.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated tour operators on their staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and overall value.

Active and Adventure Travel

The tour operators on our list offer experiences and itineraries of every type imaginable, but one increasingly popular category is active and adventure travel. Three of the Top 10 focus on cycling — a sign that our readers enjoy staying fit while exploring the world. Here are a few highlights:

• VBT Bicycling & Walking Vacations (No. 9): Organizes bike trips along the vineyard-studded Chilean coast.
• Trek Travel (No. 6): An offshoot of the bicycle brand, offering mountain biking on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.
• DuVine Cycling & Adventure Co. (No. 5): Arranges chef- and sommelier-led gastronomic cycling tours in France, Italy, and Portugal.

Expanding Global Adventures

The other honorees also focus on adventurous options such as trekking, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, and climbing. Several have a special emphasis on Asia, including:

• DuVine: Recently announced its first tour in Japan, with cycling trips starting in September.
• ATJ: Formerly Asia Transpacific Journeys, curates diverse experiences across Asia and South Pacific island destinations.
• Journeys Within: A Wild Frontiers Company exclusively focusing on Southeast Asia.

One satisfied traveler, having journeyed with Journeys Within in four different countries, commented, “We have lifelong friendships with people around the world who work with Journeys Within.”

Top Companies for Hassle-Free Travel Planning

For hassle-free travel planning with an expert touch, these are the companies you need to know. Explore the ultimate adventure and enjoy tailored itineraries with the best tour operators in the world.