Choosing the Best Travel Company can significantly impact your travel experience, especially when exploring a region as culturally rich and geographically diverse as the Adriatic. Fresh off my third tour with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), this time navigating the “Crossroads of the Adriatic” through the captivating countries of the former Yugoslavia, I’m keen to share why OAT stands out and could be your ideal choice too. For travelers prioritizing intimate group settings and solo travel ease, OAT presents a compelling option.
One of the most significant advantages of OAT is their commitment to small group travel, typically capped at a maximum of 16 people. This intimate group size fosters a more personalized and immersive experience, allowing for deeper connections with both the destinations and fellow travelers. Furthermore, unlike many travel companies that impose hefty single supplements, OAT frequently waives this extra charge, making solo travel significantly more accessible and affordable – a feature I’ve personally benefited from and highly value.
While I haven’t personally toured with Gate 1, I’ve observed their operations in shared hotels and noted their publicly posted itineraries. Comparing them to OAT, it’s evident that Gate 1 operates with larger groups, often double the size of OAT’s. Interestingly, Gate 1 tours tend to attract a more international mix of travelers, which can be a positive or negative depending on personal preference. OAT, conversely, primarily caters to the U.S. market, resulting in a predominantly American group dynamic. In terms of itinerary pace, Gate 1’s Balkan tours appear to cover more ground in less time, potentially feeling faster-paced compared to OAT’s more leisurely approach. Another key difference lies in included versus optional activities. Gate 1 seems to lean towards more optional excursions requiring extra payment, whereas OAT incorporates a wider range of activities within the tour price. While you always have the freedom to skip included activities, the sense of value is arguably higher with OAT’s inclusive model. Regarding tour guides, anecdotal evidence suggests comparable quality. Our OAT guide was exceptional, and having worked with various companies, including Gate 1, she confirmed that guides often circulate between different operators. However, the undeniable benefit of a smaller group like OAT’s is the increased personalized attention from your guide.
National Geographic tours represent another segment in the travel company landscape, often associated with premium, brand-name experiences. While the allure of a prestigious brand is undeniable, it often comes at a substantial price premium. Reviewing National Geographic’s Egypt tours, for example, in comparison to my previous OAT Egypt experience, revealed a significant cost difference – potentially double the price – for what appeared to be largely similar offerings in terms of accommodation, tour duration, and activities. The justification for this higher cost often includes the presence of a U.S.-based expert, such as a college professor, accompanying the tour alongside local guides. However, in my OAT experiences, the in-country guides have consistently been so deeply knowledgeable and insightful that I’ve never felt the need for, or missed, having a U.S. academic present. Paying a premium for a brand name and a U.S. expert, in this context, seems unnecessary when companies like OAT provide exceptionally knowledgeable local guides as standard.
In conclusion, for travelers seeking the best travel company for exploring destinations like the Adriatic, particularly those who value small group sizes, solo travel options, and in-depth, expertly guided experiences, Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) emerges as a highly compelling choice. While other companies like Gate 1 and National Geographic offer alternatives, OAT’s focus on smaller groups and comprehensive, value-driven itineraries positions them strongly in the competitive landscape of guided travel.
