Overseas adventure travel: The Great Blue Hole draws divers and scuba enthusiasts from all over the world to its stunning marine sinkhole in Belize. Inclusions vary by tour but generally include round-trip flights, most (but not all) meals, transportation, accommodations, and activities.
OAT offers dozens of small group adventures with no additional cost, single spaces, and women-exclusive departures. From time-tested favourites like Ultimate Africa to new itineraries like Sicily’s Ancient Landscapes and Timeless Traditions.
Getting there
Getting ready for overseas adventure travel requires that you have a sense of adventure and a spirit to embrace different cultures. It also means that you will have to be flexible and adaptable as conditions change. This is why you should always have a sense of humour and be able to think on your feet. Having a positive attitude towards life, a good sense of humor and a willingness to learn are vital for adventure travellers. Lastly, it is essential to have a clear idea of the purpose of your trip. This will help you plan your itinerary and prepare for the activities you will be doing. It is also helpful to have a good understanding of the local culture and the language.
The first step in preparing for a trip is to research the destination and its history. You can do this by reading travel guides, visiting museums, and talking to locals. It is also important to understand the weather conditions and the environment you will be travelling in. This will help you decide what type of clothes and gear to pack. You will also need to know how much money you should carry with you. It is advisable to carry enough cash and credit cards to cover your expenses. You should also make sure you have a map of the region and know how to get around.
Overseas Adventure Travel is a tour operator that specializes in small-group tours for American travellers aged 50 and older. The company offers 67 itineraries across seven continents. Its fares include round-trip airfare, many (but not all) meals, transportation, and excursions. It also includes gratuities for guides, porters, and other service personnel. The company also includes verified guest reviews on each tour page.
OAT’s customers tend to be highly satisfied with their tours. Its tours are moderately active and require walking distances of three to six miles per day. They are suitable for people who enjoy hiking, kayaking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Guests can expect to see wildlife, explore ancient sites, and meet new friends. The company also offers women-only departures and a selection of itineraries that include a small-ship cruise component.
Preparing for your trip
The first thing an adventure traveler needs to do is get his or her physical and mental health ready for the trip. This includes a doctor’s checkup and making sure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date. It’s also important to learn as much about the destination as possible, including climate, language, food, and safety issues.
In many cases, adventure travellers will be travelling to remote areas where medical care may be limited. Weather conditions are unpredictable and communication is difficult. Having an emergency kit in case of an unexpected illness or other mishap is essential. This should include an extra pair of prescription eyeglasses and a supply of allergy and/or antihistamine medication. A first-aid kit and a map or atlas. The CDC provides a list of recommended items to carry, which can be downloaded as a printable PDF.
Many adventure tours involve activities that are physically demanding. So it’s essential to be in good shape and know your limits. If you’re planning to hike, be sure to break in your shoes well before the trip begins and take clothing that can easily be layered in case of cool weather.
Before departing, it’s also a good idea to contact the local consulate and make sure all passports and visas are up-to-date. Travel insurance is another must-have for overseas trips, as is a current copy of your travel documents. For US citizens, registering with the Department of State will alert them if they are in a country that may experience unrest or other security concerns.
Some adventure travellers like to purchase a travel insurance policy that will cover them in the event of an accident or illness while abroad. For more peace of mind, talk to a travel agent about this option before booking your trip. It’s a good idea to leave a copy of your travel itinerary with friends or relatives so they know where you are going. Also, consider asking someone to check in on your house or pets and clearing out the mail so it doesn’t indicate you’re away.
During your trip
Millions of Americans travel abroad each year and engage in adventure activities. Some are looking for mountain biking or bungee jumping, while others just want to experience the culture and cuisine of foreign countries. These travellers need to know what to expect before they leave the country so that they can enjoy their overseas adventure.
Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) offers over 67 tours across the globe, and the company caters to primarily American travellers 50 or older. It has recently seen a huge spike in solo guests. The company’s regional adventure counsellors will work with solo travellers to ensure a seamless trip experience, and many tours can be combined to maximize your time away.
OAT’s Tour Guides, called Trip Experience Leaders, are fluent in English and have a wide range of skills, certifications, and experiences that are specific to each destination and trip. They help to connect OAT travellers with their destinations by sharing firsthand insight that brings a place to life. Trip Experience Leaders also act as liaisons between travellers and local guides. Providing tips for navigating popular areas or finding those off the beaten path.
The company gives all of its tours an activity level rating ranging from one (easy) to five (strenuous) so that you can find the right fit. It also has women-only departures and many no-additional-cost single spots on its tours. On its itineraries that include time on a ship, OAT takes extra precautions by requiring COVID vaccinations and boosters for all of its guests. It conducts nightly electrostatic disinfection of public areas and sanitization of high-efficiency air-filtration systems.
OAT’s itineraries also feature a Freedom of Choice program that allows travellers to customize their trip with pre- and post-trip extensions and activities. The company often includes international airfare as part of the up-front cost for each trip. The company is BBB-accredited and an active member of the United States Tour Operators Association. Its website features verified reviews on each tour page so you can see what past travellers have to say about their experiences with the company.
Overseas Adventure Travel Post-trip
Adventure travel is the act of travelling to places where the environment is. Culture is more challenging or a person is exposed to greater physical risk. This form of travel often involves activities that are considered exciting or hazardous. Such as mountain climbing, trekking, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, mountain biking, and caving. Adventure tourism has become a global phenomenon and is expanding rapidly as access to affordable consumer technology makes it easier for more people to engage in adventurous activities.
Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) is a small group tour specialist that offers itineraries in over 60 countries and all continents. OAT’s 2024 adventures include a mix of included tours and free time. The company’s Trip Experience Leaders are on hand to offer recommendations and lead travellers on optional excursions. Some OAT trips also offer COVID-19 precautions such as masks and required vaccinations for the virus. Nightly electrostatic disinfection of public areas on the ships used in ship-based tours.
OAT’s website lists all the included tours, activities and facilities available for each trip. The site also lists recommended restaurants and local shops that you can visit while on a tour.
Travelers can also choose to purchase pre- and post-tour extensions. Giving them more time to explore the destinations they are visiting.
Founded in 1978, OAT is part of the Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation family of travel companies that includes Grand Circle Cruise Line and Overseas Adventure Travel. The company’s owners established the Grand Circle Foundation to support community and cultural projects in the destinations OAT visits.
Solo travel can be freeing, liberating, and energizing. Aside from the fact that you don’t have to worry about accommodating another person’s schedule or interests. It can be a great way to get out of your comfort zone and discover new parts of the world. A study by AARP found that most Americans age 50 and older rank travel among their top three priorities for discretionary spending.
