For decades, outdoor enthusiasts have turned to Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) for gear and guided adventures. REI Adventures, the travel division of the popular retailer, has been a go-to for active explorations, especially in iconic National Parks. However, recent news has shaken up the travel industry: REI is closing its REI Adventures travel business. This announcement leaves many travelers, including loyal fans of Rei Travel Trips, seeking alternatives for their planned outdoor excursions.
In a statement released by REI President and CEO Eric Artz, the company confirmed the immediate cessation of its Experiences division, which includes all guided travel offerings. This decision, described as “difficult,” marks the end of a 40-year chapter for REI in the guided travel sector. Approximately 40,000 customers traveled with REI Adventures in 2024 alone, highlighting the significant impact of this closure on the active travel community. For those with existing bookings, REI has promised full refunds for all costs paid, and will address associated non-refundable expenses as appropriate. Customers can find detailed information and FAQs on the REI Experiences landing page.
Why the End of REI Travel Trips?
While REI’s official statement doesn’t explicitly detail the reasons behind exiting the travel business, the decision comes at a time of significant shifts in the retail and travel landscapes. The active travel market itself is booming, fueled by increasing interest in fitness, outdoor recreation, and experiential travel, particularly since the pandemic. This makes REI’s exit somewhat surprising, given the growing demand for guided adventures. However, businesses constantly reassess their core strategies and operational focus, and REI’s decision likely reflects a strategic realignment towards its core retail operations.
What Made REI Adventures Stand Out in Travel?
REI Adventures carved a unique niche in the active travel market, particularly for those interested in exploring North America’s natural beauty. Several factors distinguished rei travel trips from competitors:
- National Park Focus: REI Adventures heavily emphasized trips within the U.S. National Parks system and Canadian National Parks. For travelers specifically seeking guided experiences in destinations like the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, or Acadia, REI was often a top recommendation.
- Variety of Trip Durations and Styles: Unlike many active travel companies that primarily offer longer itineraries, REI Adventures provided a broader range of trip lengths, including shorter 4-day options, appealing to travelers with varied schedules and preferences. They also catered to different budgets, offering options from camping-based adventures to trips with lodge or hotel stays.
- Women-Only Departures: REI was ahead of the curve in recognizing the growing demand for women-only travel experiences, offering a significant number of departures designed specifically for women.
Top Alternatives for Your REI Travel Trips
The good news for travelers who enjoyed rei travel trips or were planning one is that numerous reputable active travel companies offer similar experiences, particularly in the National Parks and regions REI specialized in. Here are some excellent alternatives to consider:
Backroads: Luxury Active Travel with a National Park Focus
Backroads is arguably the closest direct substitute for REI Adventures, especially for those seeking high-quality, well-organized trips with a focus on U.S. National Parks. Established in 1979, Backroads is a leading name in active travel, known for its exceptional service and meticulously planned itineraries. While positioned as a luxury operator and generally more upscale than REI, Backroads shares key similarities:
- National Park Destinations: Backroads offers a wide array of trips in U.S. National Parks, including many of the same parks featured in REI Adventures itineraries.
- Variety of Activities: Like REI, Backroads provides hiking, cycling, and multi-sport adventures.
- Shorter Trip Options: Backroads also offers shorter itineraries, including 4-day trips, mirroring a popular aspect of REI’s offerings.
- Women-Only Trips: Backroads is also a leader in women-only active travel departures.
For example, Backroads offers a Banff and Jasper cycling tour that serves as a near-perfect alternative to a similar REI trip, even utilizing some of the same stunning luxury hotels in the Canadian Rockies. While potentially at a higher price point, the enhanced level of service and accommodation might represent excellent value.
G Adventures: Budget-Friendly National Park Adventures and Alaska Expertise
G Adventures provides a broader range of travel styles and destinations globally, but they also have a strong presence in North America, including U.S. and Canadian National Parks. For travelers seeking more budget-conscious options or specific destinations like Alaska, G Adventures is a compelling alternative:
- National Park Coverage: G Adventures offers trips to many of the same National Parks as REI, including Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion, and more.
- Alaska Adventures: G Adventures has a particularly strong selection of active trips in Alaska, including Denali National Park, directly overlapping with a key REI Adventures destination.
- Camping Options: Unlike Backroads’ luxury focus, G Adventures offers trips with camping options, potentially appealing to travelers who enjoyed the more rustic side of some rei travel trips.
Country Walkers and VBT Bicycling Vacations: Hiking and Biking Specialists
For travelers primarily interested in hiking or cycling focused trips, Country Walkers (hiking) and VBT Bicycling Vacations (cycling), sister companies, present excellent specialized alternatives. They offer guided trips in many of the same National Parks and regions REI Adventures frequented:
- National Park Destinations: Both companies offer trips to iconic National Parks like Bryce Canyon, Zion, Acadia, and Banff, mirroring REI’s popular destinations.
- Specialized Focus: Country Walkers excels in guided walking and hiking tours, while VBT specializes in high-quality cycling vacations.
Continuing Your Active Travel Dreams
The closure of REI Adventures is undoubtedly a significant change for the active travel industry and disappointing news for loyal customers. However, the market remains vibrant, and numerous excellent tour operators are ready to help you plan your next adventure. Companies like Backroads, G Adventures, Country Walkers, and VBT offer compelling alternatives for rei travel trips, ensuring that your National Park explorations and active travel dreams can still become a reality. Take this opportunity to explore these different operators and discover a new adventure that perfectly matches your interests and travel style.
