Home > Compare Tour & Adventure Operators > Explore vs On The Go Tours
Explore vs On The Go Tours
Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of Explore and On The Go Tours.The Low Down
Explore Worldwide is a UK adventure travel company that has been around since 1981. They run over 500 small group tours in more than 100 countries around the world with an average of 12 guests. Accommodation is often family run lodgings and guides are passionate locals. Itineraries are a mix of must-sees and who-knews, and guests can choose from different trip styles to suit their interests.Explore recognises that adventure is different for everyone, and their trips range from classic discovery group tours to active adventures such as hiking and cycling. They also have dedicated family trips, themed journeys such as those that focus on wildlife or their limited edition Explore Beyond collection which showcases rare one-off events. Explore have an impressive track record with 96% of past travellers saying they would travel with them again.
On the Go are new to Global Journeys in 2019 but have been operating for 20 years. Their range of small group tours have a capacity for 24 passengers but average 14- 18. They welcome an intergenerational, international mix of English speaking travellers. Offering signature, family and festive and festival tours to over 60 countries, On the Go create culturally immersive tours.Expert local guides lead you through the highlights of each destination, you will meet the locals, try different modes of transport and spend your nights in 3-4 star accommodation. Your deposit has a lifetime guarantee in the event you need to change your holiday plans.
Stats
No. of Trips
540
No. of Departures
6,011
Avg. Trip Length
11 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$380
Accommodation
Mixed
Budget
Affordable & Premium
No. of Trips
143
No. of Departures
3,561
Avg. Trip Length
11 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$310
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star
Budget
Affordable
In Their Own Words We asked the travel companies themselves why you should travel with them
Explore has been taking small groups on adventure holidays all over the world for almost 40 years. The expert team, at home and overseas, works together to create itineraries that leave you feeling that you’ve really explored a destination rather than just visited. You’ll see the highlights, the must-sees, of course. But you’ll also get away from the beaten track, and get a different perspective on your destination. You’ll get closer to a place, its people and cultures.
Our small groups are typically 12 people – small enough to get right into the heart of your destination, but big enough to find like-minded people to share your experiences with. And the glue that holds these groups together is our local tour leaders, who are uniquely placed to add individual and spontaneous moments to each trips – moments that stay with you long after you return home. All sorts of people travel with Explore – our groups are usually a mix of solos, couples and friends. What unites them is their adventurous spirit and thirst for real travel experiences.
We provide authentic small-group travel, designed by experts and led by experts, with sustainability at its heart and a common desire for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re on a cultural tour of Lebanon, cycling in Vietnam, walking in Italy or exploring Costa Rica with your family, when you’re travelling with Explore you know that you’re in good hands.
Every holiday experience from On the Go Tours has been carefully designed to ensure that you not only enjoy authentic local experiences but do so while getting the best value for money. Guided group tours are our specialty, with well-planned itineraries balancing the key highlights of each destination with plenty of free time to explore.
Led by expert and passionate tour leaders, our tours attract a variety of ages and are ideally suited to solo travellers as we have very few compulsory single supplements. We use distinctively local means of transport too, with an excellent selection of 3-5-star hotels and boutique properties.
As an award-winning tour operator, we offer a range of trip types from family adventures to tailor-made holidays, so we’re bound to have a trip style to suit you. We're passionate about making your holiday truly memorable, along with Global Journeys, our valued partner, to help you book your next journey with us.
Recent Reviews
4.7
The trip lasted 7 days. For the first 4 days which included 3 days on Gozo and the 1st day in Malta was an absolute shambles. We were not met from the ferry in Gozo, the guide was too busy talking in the bus with the driver and didn’t notice this very big ferry had docked. One of our group decided to do a car park search after waiting for 3/4 an hour ...read more and found them ! The guide was not interested and did it because she had to. A very unpleasant experience. Arriving Malta and checked in to our hotel. A guide took us out to dinner but never saw her again. The next day was a public holiday which saw the group waiting in the lobby with no idea who, what or when we were being met. Phone call made to the local office to enquire what were the plans and that person was spoken to in such a condescending manner and the attitude was unbelievable which prompted another of the group to phone and email the head office in UK and made a complaint.
A guide was produced at 10 am who also did not want to be there, our entire ‘tour’ of Valletta took 2 hours only and then we were told to take the local bus home as the tour bus was leaving at 1pm!! After the complaint was made to the UK office, the next 3 days we had marvellous guides and the best driver ever who virtually saved the trip from total disaster. The accommodation was 3 star at best, however, was clean and breakfast provided. The group was made up of people from USA, UK and AUS. We all rubbed along quite well. From this experience, I have also emailed the UK head office with a more detailed description of the total lack of communication and attitude from the local Maltese office. Would I go on another Explore trip…. I would really have to think about it but at the moment, no.
A guide was produced at 10 am who also did not want to be there, our entire ‘tour’ of Valletta took 2 hours only and then we were told to take the local bus home as the tour bus was leaving at 1pm!! After the complaint was made to the UK office, the next 3 days we had marvellous guides and the best driver ever who virtually saved the trip from total disaster. The accommodation was 3 star at best, however, was clean and breakfast provided. The group was made up of people from USA, UK and AUS. We all rubbed along quite well. From this experience, I have also emailed the UK head office with a more detailed description of the total lack of communication and attitude from the local Maltese office. Would I go on another Explore trip…. I would really have to think about it but at the moment, no.
An excellent tour. Witt our tour guide was absolutely fabulous. He was very knowledgeable, extremely informed on history, architecture, religion, culture and customs. Nothing was too much trouble. He kept us well informed of activities and time schedules on a daily basis. The transport was spacious and comfortable with an esky full of cold water and ...read more refreshments towels. The accommodation was as stated in the itinerary and actually surpassed my expectations. Truly a very memorable holiday. I can recommend Witt as the best tour guide I have ever had. Thank you Witt for an unforgettable experience.
Houn (Tour Guide) and his team were very professional, friendly and attentive to all our needs. All went to plan. Would swap the boat trip experience for an additional 2 days cycling. Most of the group stated that would also be their preference.
This was a busy tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. We had many different experiences. My favorite was the Ben Tre home stay in the Mekong Delta, a long day to get there: 5.30am departure from Hoi An hotel, bus to Danang airport, flight to HCMC, bus to Ben Tre then finally a boat to the home stay with a great seafood lunch onboard. Our overnight train ...read more from Hanoi to Hue was impacted by floodwaters and we ended up travelling the last 3 hours by bus - we arrived safely.
Weather wasn't great, we had a lot of rain and barely saw the sun but it didn't impact on the planned itinerary. Most hotels were equipped with large golf umbrellas which was very handy. Accommodation was very nice. The tour was full: 16 people, all British except 2 of us from Australia and 1 American. 5 couples, 3 solo females and 3 solo men. I enjoyed the tour and I'm looking at travelling with Explore again. Some fellow travellers had done numerous tours with Explore. Booking with Georgie at Global Journeys is always straightforward.
Weather wasn't great, we had a lot of rain and barely saw the sun but it didn't impact on the planned itinerary. Most hotels were equipped with large golf umbrellas which was very handy. Accommodation was very nice. The tour was full: 16 people, all British except 2 of us from Australia and 1 American. 5 couples, 3 solo females and 3 solo men. I enjoyed the tour and I'm looking at travelling with Explore again. Some fellow travellers had done numerous tours with Explore. Booking with Georgie at Global Journeys is always straightforward.
The trip was exactly what was presented in the marketing. The guide was excellent, 25 yrs living in Turkey and therefore knowledge of culture and landscape was a lived, full of real experience. The accommodation was good as was the backup van service. Would recommend.
Unfortunately this trip was a bit of a let down. I couldn’t believe for the price that only breakfast was included not even a welcoming or farewell dinner. After just completing a tour of longer duration for not much more we had breakfast and a main meal, plus drinks included every day, sometimes three meals. The accommodation was very ordinary at times ...read more especially when we were so far out of town that we were dropped in to find somewhere to eat and told to find our own way back by Uber or taxi. Most of us had no phone connection or Uber account. This led to the guide having to use hers. Very disappointing. The walking activities were lovely but a lot of the other outdoor activities were set for the afternoon in free time but we were often too late back to do them. Danielle the guide was very kind and went out of her way to be warm, helpful and informative. The driver Stephan was very competent as well, they did their best on a very poorly put together trip.
4.7
If you go on this trip (hosted by On The Go) with Kien the tour guide, you are in for one hell of a holiday! The activities, locations, transport and hotels are all hand picked for comfort, ease of getting around, location to attractions and amenities! Top activities - - Halong Bay!! Luxury junk boat, spectacular environmental setting, fine dining, ...read more water and cave activities, cocktails and sunsets, need I say more! Hoi An - possibly the most beautiful place I have seen, particularly at night! Night markets, river cruises under lantern lit skies, local shopping and a luxury resort! You HAVE to do the Vespa street food add-on, it was my favourite activity of the whole trip! Vietnam in general was so much more then I expected. It's beautiful country and people, and needs to be experienced! We went in July, it was hot but do-able and quieter then peak time. But if you HATE the heat, go at a cooler time of year.
My recommendations. Book a couple days post-tour to chill out in your own time. You see the entire of Vietnam in 10 days, your going to want to chill after and have some sleep ins. Be prepared for your days to be packed full of activities! There is free time, but your not going to want to miss out on any thing so be ready to hussle at times! Book ALL the add-ons. Every single one of them is worth it. And the Cu-Chi tunnel extra day! It's mind blowing. The Hue Express train is an experience! It's not luxury but it's perfectly fine! Just pack your own TP, wet wipes and snacks/drinks. Its a little cramped and be ready to get social with your cabin buddies, but if you wake up at 5am at sunrise the view out the window is worth it all! KMs of mountain valleys and rice paddies, it's spectacular.
You will be fed more then you expect and way fancier then you expect! If you are worried about fending for yourself at any point, Kien has recommendations and will assist you getting around safely. Highly recommend travelling with Kien the tour guide if you can request, you will be completely spoilt! He goes above and beyond for every minute of the day, take all his recommendations! and follow all his tips and you will have an amazing time!
My recommendations. Book a couple days post-tour to chill out in your own time. You see the entire of Vietnam in 10 days, your going to want to chill after and have some sleep ins. Be prepared for your days to be packed full of activities! There is free time, but your not going to want to miss out on any thing so be ready to hussle at times! Book ALL the add-ons. Every single one of them is worth it. And the Cu-Chi tunnel extra day! It's mind blowing. The Hue Express train is an experience! It's not luxury but it's perfectly fine! Just pack your own TP, wet wipes and snacks/drinks. Its a little cramped and be ready to get social with your cabin buddies, but if you wake up at 5am at sunrise the view out the window is worth it all! KMs of mountain valleys and rice paddies, it's spectacular.
You will be fed more then you expect and way fancier then you expect! If you are worried about fending for yourself at any point, Kien has recommendations and will assist you getting around safely. Highly recommend travelling with Kien the tour guide if you can request, you will be completely spoilt! He goes above and beyond for every minute of the day, take all his recommendations! and follow all his tips and you will have an amazing time!
Very Happy with our tour - hotels were excellent (Hyatt Regency Cairo West, Movenpick Aswan, Sonesta St. George Luxor, Intercontinental Cairo). Guides provided by On the Go were excellent, namely Ahmed Zezo Zidane (Cairo Rep, Aamer Ibrahim Tour Guide.) Accommodation, food and service on the Nile Cruise boat (MS Premium) was very good but we could have ...read more done with more shade over the banana lounge area on the top deck. Access to the pool was difficult due to the poor condition of the pool ladder. Pace of the tours were suitable for us active 70+ year olds. We appreciated the flexibility of our guide in organising the day's activities to take account of the extreme heat. Transfers to and from the airport were well organised and most helpful. All in all we were very happy and would gladly recommend this tour.
Overall tour was very good with the only down point being an over enthusiastic Operations Manager who pushed for our entrance fees etc. as soon as we arrived in Cairo. After a long flight when we were not in the best form to make decisions & organising a meet the group dinner when many of the group had only just arrived & were much more interested in ...read more sleep. The venue chosen for this event was too big & didn't lend itself to interaction between group members. Obviously there were hiccups during the tour but less then we expected considering the country. We would recommend the ' On The Go ' tour.
Popular Trips
