Experience Life as a Mongolian Nomad

Mongolia is known for its beautiful and varied landscapes, nomadic culture, and rich history. On this trip, travelers. From the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, this trip takes travelers from the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar through the Mongolian plains, from steppes to the Gobi desert by horseback or oxcart to the realm of 21st century nomads. Within Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, nomadic families continue to live in gers, a round, portable dwelling, ride horses and make their own garments. The group will experience these parts of life in the steppes, living with a local host family and get a taste for nomadic life on the Mongolian plains. Travelers will visit a natural history museum to learn about the natural environs, hike through sand dunes, listen to Mongolian throat singing, and visit monastery ruins while immersing themselves in a different way of life.

This is a 14 day trip and costs $2,699. This trip is led by the sustainable travel company G Adventures. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community.

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Escape To The Landmarks of Greece

Greece is home to the longest coastline in Europe, filled with pristine beaches, Mediterranean forests, and rugged mountains. The country is also home to a myriad of prominent archeological sites from its ancient civilizations; these include the monasteries of Meteora, the mystical Delphi Archaeological Site, and above all, the city of Athens, home to the world-famous Parthenon, the incarnation of millennia of philosophy and culture. Travelers will follow the coastline from Corfu to Athens, the opportunity to visit these landmarks and take in the beauty of this unique nation. From the hanging monasteries of Meteora, to the ancient city of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose structures include ancient buildings like the treasuries, an altar for animal sacrifices, the trip will immerse participants in the deep history of each remarkable site. In Athens, travelers will continue to embrace classic architecture through the city’s many archaeological sites before visiting Shedia Home, a non-profit cafe which provides purpose and employment to over 150 individuals undergoing homelessness in Athens.

This is a five day trip and costs $489. This trip is led by the sustainable travel company G Adventures. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. This trip is a Roamie, a hostel-based trip style geared towards 18-35 year olds looking to explore iconic destinations through an immersive, small group experience.

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Journey through Vietnam by Train

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country replete with beautiful beaches and bustling cities, where history mingles with modernity, forging a unique culture evinced in everything from its architecture to its rich culinary traditions. To maximize their time in the country, travelers will head down the coast of central Vietnam by train, starting in the Ancient Town of Hôi An and hitting two beachside cities before concluding their journey in Ho Chi Minh City. In Hôi An, besides exploring its Ancient Town, one of the best-preserved and oldest Southeast Asian trading ports, travelers will also experience a cooking class at the Oodles of Noodles training school, where they can learn more about the local cuisine while preparing their own lunches. From there, the group will board an overnight train to Qui Nhon, a coastal city with an exquisite beach, before departing for Nha Trang, another coastal resort city, the next day. At Nha Trang, travelers will experience the famous 100 Eggs Mud Baths, where they can spend the day soaking and relaxing in the egg-shaped mineral and mud pools. The bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh city will be the final stop on the journey, where travelers will be able to explore Ben Thanh Market, widely regarded as the city’s largest and most authentic market, as well as the Reunification Palace, which served as the home and office of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu during the Vietnam War.

This 7-day experience starts at $452 per person and includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and local guides. A part of G Adventures’ and Hostelworld’s Roamies collection, this trip involves plenty of hostel-hopping across Vietnam in addition to the two overnight train journeys. 

Adventure Along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

The Yucatán Peninsula, lying between the Gulf of Mexico to the west and north and the Caribbean Sea to the east, is renowned for its lush rainforests, tropical beaches and ancient Mayan ruins. On this experience, travelers will hop from one hostel to another as they journey from Mérida to Tulum. To start off their adventure, the group will explore some of the many cenotes – enormous sinkholes resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock – in Mérida; travelers can hop on a bike to cycle between a few of them and then swim in the turquoise waters to evade the heat. From there, the group will head into the jungle to take a guided tour of the Chichén Itzá, one of the most famous ancient Mayan ruins in the world, home to a number of architectural and natural wonders including the Temple of Kukulcán and the Sacred Cenote. Then, at Tulum, the site of an ancient Mayan port city, travelers will be able to explore and admire some more majestic Mayan ruins before heading to the beach to relax. The final day will be spent in Tulum where a variety of activities will be on offer, including snorkeling at the natural waterpark of Xel-Há and visiting some more cenotes. 

This 6-day experience starts at $443 per person and includes accommodations, transportation and 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner. This trip is part of G Adventures’ and Hostelworld’s Roamies collection: a series of immersive small-group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travelers.

Explore the Coast of Peru

Peru, located in western South America, is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with habitats ranging from the barren plains in the west to the lush Amazon rainforest in the east. On this experience, travelers will journey along the Peruvian coast, discovering small coastal towns, desert oases, islands and bustling bohemian neighborhoods along the way. Starting off in Lima, the capital city, the group will then head south along the coast to a small fishing town to experience a fresh seafood lunch and learn how Peruvian ceviche is prepared. Then, travelers will head inland and zoom around the sand dunes on dune buggies before trying out sand boarding and taking a swim in the desert oasis at sunset. The next day will be spent in Huacachina, another desert oasis, where activities like kiteboarding classes and pisco distillery visits are all on offer. To conclude this adventure, travelers will hop on a bus to the nearby town of Paracas for a boat excursion out to the Ballestas Islands, which are home to penguins, sea lions and all kinds of seabirds. 

This 5-day experience starts at $450 per person and includes accommodation, transportation, 4 breakfasts and 1 lunch. This trip is part of G Adventures’ and Hostelworld’s Roamies collection: a series of immersive small-group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travelers.

Adventure Through Costa Rica

Costa Rica, a country in Central America with coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific, is renowned for its lush rainforests and rugged volcanoes. During this experience, travelers will hop from one hostel to another in search of greater and more thrilling adventures. After a relaxing first day in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, the group will travel to La Fortuna, a small town putatively considered the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. Along the way, travelers will stop by the Poás Volcano, an active stratovolcano in central Costa Rica, and visit a community coffee project to learn about coffee production. Once the group arrives at La Fortuna, the real adventure will begin. From rappelling down waterfalls to whitewater rafting and paddleboarding on Lake Arenal, there is no shortage of adrenaline-inducing activities for travelers to experience. From La Fortuna, the group will then head to the cloud forest of Monteverde, where they will fly across the canopy on ziplines. Other activities on offer include visiting the butterfly garden, horseback riding and checking out the hanging bridges in the canopy to look for birds and other wildlife. 

This 6-day experience starts at $391 per person and includes accommodation, 5 breakfasts and 1 lunch and transportation. This trip is part of G Adventures’ and Hostelworld’s Roamies collection: a series of immersive small-group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travelers.

Explore 20 European Cities in 34 Days

Composed of 44 sovereign nations, Europe is home to a wealth of diverse cultures and histories. During this experience, travelers will have the unique opportunity to explore 20 different European cities in 34 days. Beginning in Amsterdam, the group will meander through Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Innsbruck, Venice, Florence, Rome, Split, Korčula, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Tirana, Saranda, Corfu, Meteora and Delphi, before ending their journey in Athens. Hopping from hostel to hostel, travelers will be able to soak up the art scene in Berlin, admire the clock tower in the main square of Prague, tour some of the world-famous museums in Vienna such as the Kunsthistoriches Museum, discover the birthplace of Mozart in Salzburg and take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice. Other highlights include basking in the grand architectural masterpieces of the Duomo in Florence, strolling along the Riva Promenade in Split, touring UNESCO-protected Kotor, learning about bees and honey production in Corfu and exploring the magnificent monasteries of Meteora. 

This 34-day experience starts at $3,628 per person and includes accommodations, 28 breakfasts, an overnight ferry, and all other forms of transportation. This trip is part of G Adventures’ and Hostelworld’s Roamies collection: a series of immersive small-group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travelers.

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Experience the Amazon with a Host Family in Ecuador

The Amazon Rainforest, the world’s largest tropical rainforest, is home to over 3 million species and covers much of Brazil and Peru, as well as Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and Ecuador. During this experience, travelers will have the unique opportunity to live with the Quechua people, the Indigenous people of South America who speak the Quechua language, and learn more about both the rainforest and the people themselves. Beginning their journey in Quito, Ecuador, travelers will go by bus and truck into the Amazon Rainforest where they will spend the next four nights with a local Quechua family in the small town of Tena. In the town, travelers will be able to learn about medicinal plants as they explore the rainforest, go on a canoe ride to the amaZOOnico Animal Rescue Center, experience a shamanic healing ceremony and participate in a blowgun contest. Other activities include a natural mud face mask treatment and a cacao culinary experience and tasting. At the village, travelers will get to know the Quechua people on a personal level, sharing meals with them and learning about the secrets of the rainforest with local community members as their guides.

This is a seven day trip and costs $559. This trip is led by the sustainable travel company G Adventures. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community.

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Take a Trek with Northern Thailand’s Hill Tribes

Thailand is celebrated for its unique mix of modern culture and historical roots. Take part in this hands-on immersion experience by spending five days with members of the Black Lahu and Karen tribes. Thailand’s bustling cities will seem far away as visitors take part in the daily customs and rituals of the country’s northern hill tribes. Those enrolled on this trip can learn about traditional farming techniques, sample regional delicacies, explore stunning jungle scenery and test their artistic abilities through bamboo weaving. The cost of this trip includes all scheduled activities and accommodations along with most meals and in-country transport. This five-day experience starts at $369 per person. 

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Quest to the Antarctic Circle From—Argentina to Antarctica

Antarctica, the “White Frontier,” is known for its vast ice sheets and frozen landscapes. Despite being covered in ice, the nation is considered the world’s largest desert because of its incredibly low precipitation levels. The continent is home to many species of cold-resilient fauna, including several species of penguins, like the Emperor penguin, Adèle Penguin, and Gentoo penguin. The ice is a hub for scientific research due to its unique environment, offering insights into climate change, glaciology, astronomy, and more. Travelers will start their journey in Ushuaia, one of the southernmost cities in the world. On the way to Antarctica, travelers can observe the landscape from the shore to see icebergs, whales, albatross, and more. The group will have several days to take in our planet’s southernmost ecosystem before returning to Ushaia. In Antarctica, the group will get the chance to visit penguin rookeries, get a glimpse of a variety of seal species, and keep an eye out for whales.

This is a 13 day trip and costs $7,699. This trip is led by the sustainable travel company G Adventures. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community.

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Sail in Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Explore the wonders off of the southern shore of India, beginning in the scenic Sri Lankan city of Negombo and ending on the sandbars of Malé in the Maldives. The two Indian ocean countries are just over 600 miles apart, and Sri Lanka has significantly impacted  the Maldives’ culture. Travelers can move between the islands in a traditional dhoni boat, a multi-purpose sailing ship used in Sri Lankan and Maldivian cultures for decades. These islands provide plenty of opportunities for relaxing on the beach and enjoying scenic views. Still,  they also offer a great deal of unique cultural experiences. Travelers can visit spice plantations in Kandy and visit the AMBA Estate, an organic farm, guest house and social enterprise in the Uva Highlands of Sri Lanka. Adventurous spirits can also embark on a wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park. Then, snorkel to shipwrecks and coral reefs in the Maldives and enjoy authentic local seafood. All of these adventures and more are included in this 14-day trip which will cost travelers $2,559 per person. 

G Adventures is a sustainable, small group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Trek the Golden Sand Dunes of Morocco

Take a journey through the golden deserts of Morocco, where the sand dunes of the western Sahara transport experience-seekers to an otherworldly adventure. From the lively tea houses of Marrakech, to the historic citadels that tower above the desert, exploring Morocco opens gateways to witness natural wonders and experience the culture with locals over a cup of mint tea. The Todra Gorge, the journey’s first stop, allows travelers to go down winding limestone canyons overlooking the flowing river below. A camel ride near the city of Merzouga transports sci-fi lovers to a landscape straight out of Dune, where one can share stories with locals by a campfire. A drive along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs culminates with a stop at the fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Toubkal National Park, the last stop on the trip, includes views of the Moroccan High Atlas Mountains (snow-capped in the winter) from the Berber mountain village of Aroumd. 

This trip is organized by G Adventures, a travel organization focused on small group adventures that partners with local communities and travel guides. This trip lasts 7 days and costs $620 per traveller.  

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