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Travac , established in 1973 in Ottawa, Ontario, is known for providing high-quality tours at great value. Our attention to detail sets us apart in the travel industry. We carefully select everything for our tours – from deluxe coaches and downtown hotels to local guides and tour escorts – to ensure a worry-free holiday for you. At Travac Tours, we offer a wide range of tours in North America and Europe, as well as specialty tours worldwide.

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2024

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2024 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Adventure Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Adventure Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten-path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Adventure Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 8-16 people and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Adventure Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Aventure Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Adventure Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Adventure Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,014 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $799 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $749.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 10 million dollars to over 160 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-35 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience foodie trip of a lifetime Intrepid Travel’s South Korea Real Food Adventure , which includes time in three cities and an overnight temple stay.

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination. For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina).

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $6,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to closer destinations like Mexico or Costa Rica—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife & Nature: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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Explore Africa

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Expertly Designed

We get it. You’re not the homebody type. We aren’t either. Your passion, needs, and desires have shaped our business. Destination experts hand-craft transformative experiences designed specifically with you – our fellow traveler – at heart. We wouldn't trust your experience with anyone else.

Guided Touring Reimagined

We know you want to explore and also dive in. We’re curious travelers, just like you, so rest assured, you’ll experience must-sees and connect with the people and culture that define the destination. You’ll eat in locals’ homes, take cooking classes, travel by trains and tuk tuks, explore cities with food tours, and stay in igloos, castles, and chateaus.

Value Beyond Price

Your time is one of your most precious commodities, so you should spend more of it in the destination, not driving between places. We design tours that spend the fewest hours on the coach. One-night stays are a rarity. This is your trip, and you shouldn’t feel rushed. With choice, flexibility, and free time, take it all in – this is your tour.

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Travel with trust. Because this is your trip - something you've planned for and dreamed about. You should feel confident in your journey every step of the way.

Industry-Leading Travel Protection

Cancel for any reason (bad hair day applies) up to 24 hours before your tour leaves and get a full money-back refund. Collette issued a record-breaking $185 million cash back to travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experience & Expertise

We've been doing this for a long time. Since 1918, in fact. Collette is the most experienced and longest-running tour operator in North America. You choose...

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Our team is on the pulse of world events and protocols, so you are kept fully aware and feel well-prepared for your trip.

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Why Guided Travel

You're a traveler with places to go. We'll take care of the details. You embrace the journey.

Social Connections

Meet a group of people who share your love of travel. Learn from locals. Forge friendships in the coolest places.

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There's plenty of time built into our itineraries, plus optional tours, Choice on Tour excursions, and more. It's your trip, your way.

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You know what you want to see and do - let a team of experts handle all the details from the must-sees to centrally-located accommodations and local lessons.

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Don’t rush – this is your time to see the world. Get more time in the destination, and enjoy an ideal balance of included excursions and free time.

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Featured Tours

Collette travelers choose from 160 tours across all 7 continents, as well as 5 travel styles including small group touring and destination spotlights. Check out some trending tours for inspiration on your next adventure.

Winter in Croatia featuring Plitvice Lakes and the Adriatic Coast

Explorations

$4,949 pp* $5,399 pp

Icelandic Adventure

$2,699 pp* $2,999 pp.

Costa Rica: A World of Nature featuring Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano & Manuel Antonio National Park

Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside featuring Italy's Charming Hill Towns

African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania

Alaska's Northern Lights

Mediterranean Coastal Journey Spain, France & Italy

Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

The Best of Ireland featuring the Wild Atlantic Way

$3,299 pp* $3,699 pp, historical greenbrier featuring washington d.c. & williamsburg, spotlight on northern italy featuring venice, verona & the dolomites.

Spain's Costa del Sol & Madrid

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If you want to travel further afield, an air vacation package to Europe, Hawaii, California, or somewhere else could be for you. We take care of getting you there, and make sure that you experience the local culture to its fullest extent.

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Fun, Easy & Affordable Group Tours

Choose from more than 80 trips across 50 countries around the world

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We provide unbeatable value on our range of fun and affordable guided tours worldwide

Our family of tour leaders, drivers and local guides are with you every step of the way

Price includes hotels, private transport, a range of meals and unforgettable travel experiences

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With tours to the top travel destinations around the globe, you can truly see the world for less. 

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Discover the countless wonders of Europe, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, the Swiss Alps and more.

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Experience up to five must-see countries included in our unforgettable UK, Great Britain and Ireland tours.

From the canals of Venice and history of Rome to the sunny beaches of the south, Italy will take your breath away!

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With sun, sea and stunning sights, Croatia, Greece and Turkey tours should be on everyone’s bucket list.

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Visit the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria while enjoying ample free time in each destination to explore.

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On our Japan tours, be astounded by Japan’s natural beauty, modern cities, ancient wonders and hidden gems!

From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, journey through the historic sights and breathtaking scenery of Vietnam.

Most famous for the incredible Angkor Wat temple, Cambodia tours offer history, adventure and cultural wonders.

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Explore South America’s top destinations, including Brazil, Peru, Argentina.

Bask in Brazil’s beauty, capture the iconic Christ the Redeemer, and stand in awe at the Iguazu Falls.

Tango to the heartbeat of Argentina! Experience São Paulo, and let Buenos Aires take your breath away.

Soak up the scenery in Peru! Marvel at Machu Picchu, traverse the Sacred Valley, and discover vibrant Lima.

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Travel to the Middle East and explore the ancient history, vibrant culture and awe-inspiring experiences!

Africa Tours

Discover the spectacular scenery of South Africa and the ancient wonders of Egypt on our Africa tours.

Egypt tours offer a fascinating insight into ancient civilization. Visit iconic landmarks, cities and the Great Pyramids!

Encounter the Jordan River Valley, Jerash, Mount Nebo and visit Petra, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World.

South Africa

From safari to surf, scenic drives, adventure and wilderness, allow us to introduce you to South Africa's unrivalled diversity.

Explore Turkey (Türkiye) and be enchanted by Istanbul, Pamukkale, the fairytale Cappadocia, and much more!

USA & Canada

Discover the USA and Canada through city tours, historic sites, nature walks and iconic local cuisine.

2024 Hot Deals

Save up to 30% on selected 2024 departure dates for a limited time only. Book now and experience the adventure of a lifetime!

Travel Inspiration

Get excited to travel! Read stories from our travellers, plus discover useful travel tips, trends and destination information! 

See what other travellers who have been on tour with us have to say about their travel experiences.

Expat Explore offers great value for all they provide on their trips. Some of the nicest people I know I’ve met on Expat Explore tours. The tour leaders are friendly professionals who know their jobs inside and out and are great travelling companions as well. Expat Explore does all the work, including great bus drivers, hotels, breakfasts, and many dinners, while customers like me just sit back and enjoy some of the best experiences of a lifetime!

I actually did a little bit of travelling before the tour began without an organised tour and at times it got really stressful. I was a lot more tired and there is a lot of work to be done outside the sightseeing. I will definitely be back with Expat Explore. I find comfort in knowing I only have to make it to the coach each day. If the rest doesn’t go to plan, that’s ok because I’ll be on the bus experiencing it with everyone else.

Going somewhere new can be scary because you don’t always know what to expect and there may be language barriers. Travelling on a tour just makes the most sense and is also more affordable. To recreate the same itinerary ourselves would have been more expensive. Group rates are awesome! You always have something to do and plenty of free time to do your own thing. You also meet great people along the way. We also felt very safe with a tour leader.

A few years ago, a family member told me the story of two South Africans who had started a travel company together in London with the aim of making travel more accessible. The story made an impression on me and, not long after, I booked my first tour with them. Choosing Expat Explore this time around was a no-brainer. In fact, we’d settled on Expat Explore before deciding on a destination!

I absolutely LOVE Expat Explore for the ease provided in regards to transportation to each and every location. Expat Explore is able to squeeze in the most activity possible for your time there! Forever grateful to Expat Explore for the unique opportunity to immerse into a country’s culture with thoughtful itineraries and memorable experiences that push outside one’s comfort zone.

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Memberships

Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA)

We are a Member of ABTA, membership number Y6593. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. Read More

Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT)

The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Expat Explore Travel, membership number 5517. Read More

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Russia is open for international travelers regardless their citizenship/country of residence. Tourist visas are being issued in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, EU, Japan, and worldwide. Electronic visas (up to 16 days of stay, single entry) are available for the following nationals: Austria, Andorra, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Croatia, Cyprus, China, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Myanmar, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Philippines, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, Vatican, Vietnam.

You can bring foreign currency and exchange money freely in Russia. You can open a bank account and g et a debit card in one hour time, once you will have arrived, we assist.

Medical insurance is available for international travelers through Russian insurance companies.

International flights to Moscow and St Petersburg are available via Tbilisi (Georgia), Yerevan (Armenia), Baku (Azerbaijan), Istanbul (Turkey), Belgrade (Serbia), Dubai & Abu-Dhabi (UEA), Doha (Qatar), Algiers (Algeria),Tehran (Iran), Muscat (Oman), Cairo (Egypt), Astana & Almaty (Kazakhstan), Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Qingdao & Xian (China), Delhi (India), Colombo (Sri-Lanka), Male (Maldives). Information changes frequently, please inquire.

Trans-Siberian travels can fly in/out Vladivostok via Beijing (China), Harbin (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

Trans-Siberians taking off in Irkutsk/Lake Baikal, fly to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Dushanbe (Tadjikistan), Namangan (Uzbekistan), Osh (Uzbekistan), Beijing Daxing (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Ulaaanbaatar (Mongolia).

Explore the best travel destinations in Russia with our wide range of sightseeing tours to Moscow, St Petersburg, Golden Ring, Kazan; Northern Lights viewing tours; wildlife & nature tours to Lake Baikal tours, Altai, Kamchatka tours, Trans-Siberian train tours, and more. Find the best guided trips and expert planned Russian holidays 2023-2024.

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The 10 Best Snowmobile Tours in Colorado

Enjoy spectacular alpine views and a thrilling ride on these top-rated excursions.

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The same weather and terrain that make the Centennial State a skiing destination also make it a popular place for another winter activity: snowmobiling. With the help of traveler input and expert opinion, U.S. News identified the following Colorado snowmobile tours – all of which have knowledgeable and skilled guides – as the best available.

Like Colorado ski resort season, snowmobiling season typically runs from November to April, but specific tour companies' schedules may differ. Be aware that age restrictions for snowmobile operators and passengers vary among tour companies. And be sure to dress for the cold as most companies do not provide boots, scarves, neck gaiters, goggles or other gear beyond helmets.

Vail: Sage Outdoor Adventures – Adventure Snowmobile Tour

Price: Adults from $239; kids from $119 Duration: 2 hours

This excursion on a private course boasts views of several mountain ranges, the Continental Divide and peaks standing 14,000 feet. During the 100-mile ride, participants will climb 2,400 feet to admire the ski areas and alpine ridges below. Snowmobilers rave about both the stunning views and the adept guides. Outings occur daily from mid-November to early April at set times between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Prices include the use of a helmet. Other winter weather gear is available for purchase (and a limited number of snowsuits and boots are available for rental). Kids must be at least 5 years old to participate; drivers must be at least 14 years old.

In addition to private tours, Sage Outdoor Adventures also offers a Performance Snowmobile Tour, which travels a longer distance and costs more. Sage Outdoor Adventures encourages tour-takers to use their own transportation to reach their base lodge in Wolcott (about 30 miles west of Vail), but can provide pickup service in Avon, Beaver Creek or Vail at an additional charge. Note: Anyone younger than 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

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See more of Vail: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos .

Aspen: T-Lazy-7 Ranch – Maroon Bells Tour

Price: From $275 (single rider) or $375 (tandem) Duration: 2 hours

This expedition takes riders to Maroon Lake at the base of the Maroon Bells, dual 14,000-foot peaks just southwest of Aspen . They're often described as the most photographed mountains in North America. Along with the views, you'll also enjoy historical commentary from your guide about the Maroon Creek Valley. Tour-takers consistently describe guides as helpful, informative and friendly. The remarkable views also garner high marks.

From November through April, tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday starting at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Fees include use of a snowmobile and helmet. Drivers must be at least 18 years old with a driver's license; passengers must be at least 4 years old. Longer tours including lunch (featuring hamburgers made with beef from cattle raised on the T-Lazy-7 Ranch in Aspen) are also available.

See more of Aspen: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos .

Winter Park: Grand Adventures – Continental Divide Adventure

Price: From $275 (single rider) or $335 (tandem) Duration: 2 hours

As its name indicates, this tour takes snowmobilers to the Continental Divide. Its trails, which wind through forests and open meadows, approach an elevation of 12,000 feet and provide views of the Fraser Valley and Winter Park Resort.

Trips run Thursday through Sunday from November to April. There are numerous start times, with the earliest at 8:15 a.m. and the latest at 2:30 p.m. Travelers regularly call this expedition great fun and gush about both the unrivaled mountain scenery and the attentive, personable tour guides.

In addition to this excursion, Grand Adventures offers one- and three-hour snowmobile tours. On all guided tours, drivers must be at least 15 years old with a valid driver’s license or permit; those younger than 18 cannot drive with passengers and must have a legal guardian present. Passengers must be at least 4 years old. Grand Adventures is based in Winter Park, about 65 miles west of Denver .

See more of Denver: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos .

Steamboat Springs: Thunderstruck Adventures – Pro Ride Adventure

Price: From $499 Duration: Full day

The Pro Ride Adventure Tour offers a full day of snowmobiling on a private mountain with a guide. Riders of all experience levels report that this outing lives up to its name as being truly adventurous and praise the helpful, professional guides.

The fee includes the use of a snowmobile and helmet, as well as lunch. (Discounts are available for participants who have their own machines.) An upgrade to a turbo-charged sled is available for an additional charge, as are two- and three-day packages. Complimentary shuttle service to and from Thunderstruck Adventure's shop in Steamboat Springs from area accommodations is available as well. Tours start at 9 a.m. daily throughout winter.

Note: Unlike with other tours, this one does not permit passengers on snowmobiles (single riders only).

See more of Steamboat Springs: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos .

Leadville: White Mountain Snowmobile Tours – Performance Tour

Price: From $250 Duration: 2 hours

The Performance Tour takes place at elevations ranging from 10,000 to 12,600 feet and offers glimpses of even taller mountains. Tour-takers find the Rocky Mountain scenery remarkable and the equipment top-notch. They also frequently laud the friendly and helpful guides.

Rides depart from White Mountain Snowmobile Tours' Leadville base camp – about 135 miles west of Colorado Springs – starting at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. daily during the snowmobiling season. Passengers are not allowed on this single-rider-only outing (though an alternate tour permitting passengers is available).

The company also offers excursions for more experienced riders, as well as combination snowmobile and zip line tours .

See more of Colorado Springs: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos .

Breckenridge: Good Times Adventures – Guided Snowmobiling Tour

Price: From $240 (single rider) or $330 (tandem) Duration: 2 hours

Take in the scenery of the Swan River Valley and White River National Forest on this outing that crests the Continental Divide at nearly 12,000 feet. Along the way, you'll traverse 40 miles of groomed trails.

During winter, trips take place every day except Monday, with multiple departure times ranging from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Included in the cost, Breckenridge -based Good Times Adventures offers snowsuits and boots for adults who don't bring their own. The sleds, the guides and the views all win enthusiastic praise from past participants.

See more of Breckenridge: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos .

Silverthorne: High Country Tours – Heeney Scenic Tour

Price: From $220 (single rider) or $310 (tandem) Duration: 2 hours

During this tour departing from Heeney (about 105 miles west of Boulder ), you could see views of Rabbit Ears Pass, Rocky Mountain National Park and more. There is even an option for kids to ride their own mini snowmobiles at one stop along the tour. Reviewers often describe this tour as well-suited for families with children. They find the guides attentive and friendly.

Fees increase depending on the number of passengers (up to two passengers can ride with a driver). Trips typically begin at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. daily. You can also select a scenic tour with snow tubing, which splits your time riding the sleds and zipping down a 1,000-foot hill on a tube. Although tour-takers are encouraged to supply their own winter-weather gear, some adult boots, snowsuits and goggles are available for rental.

See more of Boulder: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos .

Red Cliff: Nova Guides – Top of the Rockies Tours

Price: From $329 (half day) or $499 (full day) Duration: 5 to 8 hours

Ride through White River National Forest and reach elevations of around 12,500 feet on this tour, which offers exceptional views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Guides earn accolades not only for their snowmobile-related abilities, but also for their knowledge of the area's history. Full- and half-day outings are available.

Tours begin at 8:45 a.m. daily during winter and may or may not include lunch, depending on the option you select. Prices cover transportation to and from Nova Guides' Camp Hale location in Red Cliff, about 20 miles south of Vail, as well as the use of a snowmobile, helmet and boots. Drivers must be at least 16 years old and passengers must be at least 9 years old.

Crested Butte: Action Adventures – High Adventure Tour

Price: From $139 (single rider) or $109 (tandem) Duration: 2 hours

Take a fast-paced spin through Gunnison National Forest on the two-hour High Adventure Tour. Participants describe the mountain views as breathtaking and the guides as knowledgeable, accommodating and friendly. In fact, reviewers frequently report an eagerness to sign up for another tour.

Trips commence at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily during snowmobiling season. Drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license; passengers must be at least 4 years old. Crested Butte-based Action Adventures also offers private tours as well as unguided rentals of snowmobiles.

Pagosa Springs: Snow Country Snowmobile Tours – 2 Hour Scenic Snowmobile Tour

Price: From $190 (single rider) or $270 (tandem) Duration: 2 hours

The San Juan Mountains and Wolf Creek are famous for their ample snow, and this tour aims to make the most of it. Tours beginning near Pagosa Springs boast unsurpassed views of the Rocky Mountains. Participants recount an optimal mix of exciting activity and striking scenery. They also appreciate the guides' patience and pleasant demeanors.

Drivers must be at least 16 years old and passengers must be at least 4 years old. These excursions run two times daily during winter at noon and 2:30 p.m. (A three-hour version starts at 9 a.m.) Riders must supply their own winter-weather gear.

You may also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in Colorado
• The Best U.S. Mountain Towns to Visit
• The Best Packable Jackets

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This Summer in Paris: More ‘Open’ Signs, Thanks to the Olympics

With millions of visitors expected in the city, restaurant and shop owners are hoping they made the right decision to forgo their cherished annual vacations.

By Lindsey Tramuta

Anyone who’s visited Paris in late July and August knows the word “fermé.” It adorns the darkened windows of chic indie boutiques and cozy bistros whose owners, along with other locals, have fled the city on their annual vacations.

This summer, with Paris expected to draw nearly 15 million visitors between July 26 and Sept. 8 for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, that ritual is anything but certain. Many shopkeepers, bakers, restaurateurs and tour guides — citing patriotism as well as profit — say they’re planning to stay open.

It’s a decision that comes with unpredictability. The 2012 London Olympics have cast a long shadow in Paris. Before those Games, warnings of overcrowded roads, congested transit and security concerns emptied out much of the popular city center and the West End, causing a tourism slump in those areas. Small-business owners in Paris are hoping history does not repeat itself.

The French capital is in a better position than the British capital was, insisted Pierre Rabadan, Paris’s deputy mayor for sports . Most of the events in London were held in one section of the city, he said, while in Paris, they’re taking place all over. “So when businesses have asked if they should stay open,” he explained, “we tell them we’re trying to create the conditions for this to be a real opportunity and for the city to function normally.”

With streets restricted, Metro stations closed and public transportation likely to be jammed, “normally” might be a stretch. But if you’re traveling to Paris for the Olympics or Paralympics, you will most likely find more dining and shopping options than you would otherwise see at that time of year. Here’s what to expect.

Preparations and a few disruptions

“If you want to have your ‘Emily in Paris’ trip to Paris this summer, you absolutely can,” said Olivia Grégoire, France’s minister in charge of tourism . Most popular attractions will remain open as normal, but a few closures could complicate plans.

The Place de la Concorde was set to be blocked off, even to pedestrians and cyclists, as of June 1, and three nearby Metro stations will close until Sept. 21.

The Eiffel Tower will remain open except for the eve and day of the opening ceremony, on July 26. The region’s airspace will also be closed for six hours before and during that event. And because the opening ceremony is set to take place on the Seine, river cruises, among the city’s most popular sightseeing experiences, will stop seven days before the ceremony and resume on July 27 at noon.

Owners of businesses that focus on tours and cultural experiences are banking on early-summer visitors to soften the blow that might come from a drop-off during the Games, after the Paris Tourist Office reported that participation in cultural activities was down 15 percent during the London Olympics.

Fat Tire Tours , a leading bike tour company, will run special Olympics-themed tours in early summer, then pivot to bike rentals during the Games to compensate for an expected drop in tour bookings.

Jane Bertch, a co-owner of La Cuisine Paris cooking school, which offers English-language classes in a location near City Hall, said she had noticed a sharp drop in bookings for late summer, but will “run as many classes as possible.”

Rising to the challenge

The Olympic crowds will bring appetites for Paris’s renowned cuisine, but for months, restaurateurs worried that restrictions on motorized vehicles in security zones around the city’s 25 competition venues could curtail deliveries. City officials have calmed some of those nerves.

“We don’t want restaurants to close during this monumental event because they’re worried about deliveries,” said Grégoire Ambroselli, a co-founder of the food logistics start-up Choco , during an Olympics-related conference in March.

Now, armed with more clarity on how to adapt to delivery challenges, most restaurants and bakeries report they will stay open during the Games, with one big caveat: Many plan to take a break between the closing ceremony, on Aug. 11, and the start of the Paralympics, on Aug. 28.

Maslow , a soaring, centrally located vegetarian restaurant facing the Seine, wouldn’t dream of closing, given its proximity to the Olympic action. But that decision comes with some unease. “We’re staying positive because the energy will be incredible, but we’re a bit worried about how hard it will be for our staff to get to work,” said the executive chef, Mehdi Favri, who is also a co-owner.

Commuting has ranked high among businesses’ concerns. However, locals have faced similar hurdles getting to work before. In 2019, trains across France and public transport in Paris were severely disrupted for nearly two months during a nationwide pension reform strike, forcing workers to walk or cycle long distances.

André Terrail, the owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant La Tour d’Argent , which overlooks the Seine, doesn’t think the Olympic commutes will be quite that complex but admits such challenges, in general, are the price of doing business in Paris. “It’s going to be complicated. We’re all going to be running around. But it’s also going to be amazing,” he said. “If other host cities have found solutions, so will we.”

Etheliya Hananova, a co-owner and sommelier at the contemporary French restaurant Comice , is perhaps the most enthusiastic about the summer ahead — enough to remain open seven days a week for three weeks through Aug. 10. “It’s one of the biggest events in the history of Paris. We’re here to be part of the welcoming committee,” she said.

The scaling-back of the opening ceremony on the Seine has given the antique booksellers, or “bouquinistes,” that line its banks a reprieve, and many plan to stay open. Shoppers will also be able to browse in department stores such as Galeries Lafayette , Printemps and Le Bon Marché . For those seeking something unconventional, the St.-Ouen flea market will sprawl out as usual, offering antiques, vintage clothing and more.

Outside the tourist areas, popular restaurants and bars like Holybelly , Folderol , Kubri , Abricot Le Mary Celeste and Fulgurances aim to draw visitors seeking a break from the crowds. “We’ve decided to open more — six days a week,” said Rebecca Asthalter, a co-owner of Fulgurances . Likewise, independent boutiques such as Landline , which sells home goods in a residential neighborhood east of the Bastille, are hoping travelers branch out to calmer parts of the city.

Back in the thick of the action, Marin Montagut, an artist and illustrator who sells hand-painted table accessories, stationery, silk scarves and candles from an apothecary-style boutique near the Luxembourg Gardens, is planning a Paris-inspired display of his wares. “I’m looking at this like it’s the World’s Fair. I want to honor the city and be open to all,” he said. “If I’m not optimistic during this period, when will I be?”

Amy Virshup contributed reporting.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Inside the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics

News and Analysis

Bill May, the 45-year-old artistic swimmer who was vying for a chance to be the first man to compete in the sport at the Olympics this summer, did not make the U.S. team’s final roster .

Seeking to undermine the Paris Olympics, Russian propagandists  are spoofing broadcasters and mimicking French and U.S. intelligence agencies to stoke fear about security at the Games.

Ahead of the Olympics, the global agency tasked with policing doping in sports is facing a growing crisis  as it fends off allegations it helped cover up the positive tests of elite Chinese swimmers .

A Guide to the Games

More ‘Open’ Signs: With millions of visitors expected in Paris, many shopkeepers, bakers and restaurateurs are forgoing their annual summer vacations .

A New Gastronomic Course: In the Olympic dining hall near Paris, carbon imprint will outweigh cassoulet as chefs consider the environmental impact of French cuisine. There won’t even be French fries .

Escaping the Games: Even if you’re visiting France for the Games, you may want to take a cultural break like a local. Here are some suggestions .

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