Adventure travel with OAT is a journey beyond the familiar, one that takes you into the very heart of a destination—to meet people where they work and live. OAT invites you to explore the meandering routes, the intriguing detours, the slower paths where you can breathe deeply, absorb new sensations, encounter authentic cultures, and make new connections. What you’ll discover is not simply a destination, but a joyful awareness of the moment that reminds you, “This is not just an ordinary trip—it’s a true adventure.” We’ve been creating those moments for more than 31 years. Here’s how …
Discover the wonder of the road less traveled
The Taj Mahal. Machu Picchu. The Great Wall of China. After 31 years of helping travelers discover wonders like these, we certainly understand why these are “musts” on your itineraries—they are marvels that every traveler will thrill to behold. While you can journey with OAT to many of the world’s top travel destinations, we also take you to many lesser-known locales—unique and wonder-filled destinations where few Americans go. But we also know that sometimes, the most extraordinary travel experiences occur in the most ordinary places—the unassuming villages, family homes, schools, churches, and farms that comprise the heart of a nation. OAT can transport you off the tourist path over land, and by sea. Once you arrive, we’ll invite you to participate in local life. Perhaps you’ll find yourself reciting a lesson in a local elementary school, admiring the handiwork at a women’s weaving cooperative, or lending a hand during the local rice harvest. Through unique activities that are built into your trip, you’ll enjoy personal connections that might only take a moment to form, but can last a lifetime in your memories.
Small groups provide the most personal and rewarding experience
When you travel with OAT, you’ll travel in a small group of 10-16 travelers, guaranteed, on our Land Adventures, and between 16-25 travelers, guaranteed, on our Small Ship Adventures. Slipping into the flow of local life without disrupting it, you’ll get a more authentic view. And as you explore natural habitats, you’ll tread softly, getting as close as possible to native wildlife. Your Trip Leader will be able to focus on your needs and give you the personal attention you deserve. Plus, you’ll revel in a level of spontaneity and camaraderie that just isn’t possible in big groups.
Meet local people where they live, work and play
Most travelers rarely get to know local people beyond the hotel staff or local merchants. But with OAT, you’ll meet people from all walks of life, visiting them where they work, where they worship, where they learn, and where they live—frequently right in their own homes. Sing a song with Chinese primary school children. Enjoy a private cooking lesson with a Thai chef. Take part in a Peruvian curandero ceremony with a traditional Quechua healer. Thanks to the individual relationships OAT has developed over the years with so many local families, you will be welcomed as an honored guest, enjoying a rare opportunity for real cultural exchange.
Resident Trip Leaders share their world
Our staff in Boston and in our 35 regional offices around the world work hard behind the scenes to provide a standout experience for you. But we know that the real standouts of any OAT experience are our dedicated OAT Trip Leaders, who will open the doors to new cultures for you. These exceptional men and women are all English-speaking residents of the countries you will visit, because we feel strongly that no one can show you the true soul of a place better than an insider. Your Trip Leader’s wonderful command of local history, culture, and nature will enrich your experience, and you can also depend on their resourcefulness and skills in group dynamics. But what you will love about them is their sense of caring, their good humor, and the way their passion for their homeland enhances your own appreciation for it.
Travel safe, confident, and carefree
We like to think of our trips as adventures of the mind, body, and spirit. So while you should be in reasonable health to fully enjoy your trip, you needn’t be an athlete or rugged outdoorsperson. What can you expect with OAT? Accommodations that are pleasant and comfortable. Experiences that are unusual and safe. Destinations that are exotic and welcoming. And choices for everything you do. We’ve inspected and tested everything, so all you have to do is relax, explore, and enjoy the time of your life.
Giving back to the world we travel: You help us make a difference
Our special brand of travel would not be possible without the cooperation and good will of the communities we visit, and to that end, OAT is dedicated to giving something back to the world we all share. So a portion of the profits of every OAT trip is donated to our nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation, which supports cultural, community and educational causes in the places you visit. Learn more about Grand Circle Foundation.
Are you fit for an OAT adventure?
We work closely with our local Trip Leaders and regional associates to identify the aspects of our adventures that you should be aware of when deciding whether or not to join us, from physical requirements to cultural factors. All adventures are not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. As a general guideline, you should be able to walk 3 miles unassisted over the course of each day, exploring on foot and standing for up to a half hour at a time. You must also be comfortable participating in, on average, 3-5 hours of daily physical activities. We often travel over some rugged paths, as well as bumpy, unpaved, dusty roads, both by bus and on foot. You’ll find more details in the “Is this adventure right for you?” section for each adventure.