Wilderness Travel Review (2024): Not For The Budget-Friendly?

Venturing into the wilderness ushers in feelings and experiences that can't be matched. Whether you want to go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef or trek through the mountains of Nepal, adventure travel offers lifelong memories. 

Over the past decade, I've dabbled in many heart-racing activities. From snorkeling with stingrays and jumping out of an airplane to surfing with sharks and trekking active volcanoes, exploring the wilderness is one of my favorite pastimes. 

In general, I plan my trips myself. It offers me freedom and flexibility that is unmatched. 

Wilderness Travel claims to be a leader in the adventure travel industry, boasting small group and private journeys. So, is this adventure company worth it for budget travelers? Let's take a look at the type of wilderness vacations on offer!   

What is Wilderness Travel?

Offering more than 200 small group and private tours, Wilderness Travel is pinned as a pioneer in the industry.

Having been around for over 40 years, this company offers active travel experiences in more than 75 countries worldwide. This travel company is proudly owned by its founder, Bill Abbott.

Having been in business since 1978, Wilderness Travel offers trips tailored to varied interests and abilities. The range of experiences makes it an ideal option for seasoned travelers and those just starting. 

Here are some of the different options Wilderness Travel Company has to offer: 

• Hiking and trekking
• African safaris 
• Events and expeditions
• Cultural trips 
• Small ship cruises 
• Family trips 
• Private journeys 

My Initial Impressions

At first glance, Wilderness Travel boasts a lot of variety. 

From top-tier destinations like the Maldives and Europe to classic adventure locations like the Galapagos and Latin America, you can find everything from polar expeditions to Pacific vacations. You can search for the trip type, which helps narrow down the process if you need help determining what you're looking for. This feature can be handy if you're not 100% clear about what adventure you're after. 

Additionally, you can determine your trip based on what type of activity you're interested in doing. Some of the most popular activities include: 

• Hiking and trekking
• Wildlife and natural history 
• Snorkeling 
• Safaris
• Small boat and yacht cruising

After investigating further, I discovered a handful of the most popular adventure trips. Initially, I was shocked at the prices, varying around $4000 - $5000+ for a 9-day trip. 

These experiences are tailored to travelers seeking an all-inclusive experience. Here is a handful of the best-seller experiences, the prices, and trip duration: 

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (9 days) - $5995 
• Everest Lodge to Lodge (14 days) - $4395 
• Namibia Safari Expedition (14 days) - $9995 
• Snorkeling in Raja Ampat (12 days) - $6695 
• Galapagos Yacht Adventure (10 days) - $8995 

One important factor to keep in mind is that the prices do not include airfare. You can find the detailed list of what's included in the base trip cost in the trip's "Detailed Itinerary."

How to Book a Trip With Wilderness Travel

The Wilderness Travel website boasts an easy-to-use format with various sections to book a trip. 

For travel inspiration, you can simply search in the "Our Trips" section or search directly in the "Find a Trip" section. 

If you opt for the latter option, you'll have to enter the following details: 

1. Trip type (journeys by rail, cruise collection, small group adventures) 
2. Region 
3. Country 
4. Activity (archaeology, culinary, eclipse, sea kayaking) 
5. Dates
6. Trip level (easy, moderate, challenging) 

Although the price range can be relatively high, you can find discounts in the "Special Offers" section on the drop-down menu. This is the most suitable option for budget travelers seeking an experience with Wilderness Travel. With hefty discounts ranging between $500 and $1000 per person, It's a steal for budget-conscious explorers. 

Various deal options are available for 2024 adventures, topped with early-bird and safari extension discounts. 

Key Features

Wilderness Travel boasts a simple, straightforward layout, and the drop-down menu makes navigating the site easy. You'll find resources and a travel blog to be the most helpful among the top features. 

You can get more information about this adventure travel company on the resources page. You can answer all your questions about choosing a trip, reserving a place, and find helpful links there. 

Referral Program 

A referral program also allows you, "the referrer," and your friend, "the referee," to get a $100 credit. If you're a budget traveler who's planning a wilderness vacation trip with friends, this is a pocket-friendly offer that's worth noting!

Travel Blog 

Wilderness Travel boasts a travel blog page where you can immerse yourself in fellow travelers' narratives. Book a trip with this company, and you may also get to share your personal experiences and photography on the travel blog! 

Here are some of the top traveler stories: 

• Visiting the mountain gorillas of Uganda 
• A cultural journey in North India 
• Unique desert adventures in Egypt and Jordan 
• Tracking polar bears in Churchill 

Cancellation/Refund Policy

The Wilderness Travel Company's cancellation policy varies depending on the type of trip. Here is the standard cancellation fee schedule: 

• Up to 91 days before departure: No charge 
• 61-90 days before departure: 25% of trip cost
• 46-60 days before departure: 50% of trip cost
• 45 days or less: 100% of the trip cost

What People Are Saying About Wilderness Travel

Most travelers are pleased with the amount of depth and information provided by the guides. People praise the well-planned routes and how the trips steered clear of the typical tourist trail. 

Travelers are happy with the top-quality accommodation, food, and services available too. Wilderness Travel reviews state that these tours are most popular among adults rather than younger travelers. 

Other visitors tend to talk about the high prices and how it's not accessible for those on a tight budget. When you must factor in airfares on top of the base trip cost, it's entirely out of range for backpackers or budget-conscious travelers. 

Benefits & Drawbacks

Booking a trip with Wilderness Travel boasts many benefits, from the detail-oriented tour guides and unique routes to the tasty cuisine and high-end accommodation. 

This is an ideal way of meeting new friends and adventure-loving travelers, especially in small group trips. It's highly agreed that this adventure travel company offers some of the globe's top wilderness adventures for adults. 

The major disadvantages are the cancellation policy and the high prices. 

If you're looking for a pocket-friendly trip, you won't find it here. The trip base costs don't include airfares, meaning you'll have to set aside extra money. 

Other adventure travel companies that offer similar services include G Adventures and Intrepid Travel.

Is Wilderness Travel Worth It?

Wilderness Travel is a suitable choice if you're looking for an all-inclusive, well-planned experience. With experienced guides and unique routes, you don't have to fret over the planning process. 

If you're interested in meeting like-minded travelers, this is one of the top adventure travel companies. On the other hand, there may be better choices than Wilderness Travel if you're looking to save money while traveling. With high prices and costs that don't include airfares, you might save for months or years.

Our Rating: 3.4/5

Pros:

• Knowledgable tour guides 
• High-quality food and accommodation 
• Immersive experiences with like-minded travelers
• Unique routes and activities 

Cons:

• Cancellation policy 
• Base costs don't include airfares 

Wilderness Vacations and Beyond! 

Now that you know more about Wilderness Travel, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.