Small Groups Worldwide View Basket

see the world a better way...

The Imaginative Traveller

When the Imaginative Traveller embarked upon its first adventures in 1991, its goal was to give all our travellers exceptional holiday experiences. The Imaginative Traveller people are travellers themselves, and it shows in their trips - they are just as passionate about travel today as they always have been.

The Imaginative Traveller experience, your value for money

The Imaginative Traveller has extensive experience of operating small group tours in numerous countries around the world. Imaginative Traveller tour leaders and local staff have first-hand knowledge of the destinations, and will share that knowledge to ensure you don't miss a thing, getting value for your money. And the Imaginative Traveller's local payment on each trip ensures that funds remain in the destination and reduce administrative overheads, keeping the overall cost of the trip down.

Authentic travel experiences

For the Imaginative Traveller, travel means getting to the heart of a country, finding out what makes it tick. This means that as a rule, if the locals are doing it, we will be doing it too. Stay with people you never thought you’d meet, see sights you’ve only dreamed of and experience all the adventurous activities you could want.

Make the most of your time

By making all the time-consuming arrangements, the Imaginative Traveller makes sure that you get the most out of your time in a destination. The knowledge of its staff on the ground means that you will see places that aren't in the guidebook, and be introduced to locals as a guest, not a stranger.

Your small group

Your group will usually have an international flavour as our tours are sold across the world, so your fellow travellers could be from almost anywhere. Many people are travelling alone, so if you are, you won't feel the odd one out, and the group will cover a broad range of ages. You'll make new friends and have some unforgettable experiences.

More than just a place to stay

When it comes to accommodation, the aim is to offer you an experience that is unique. You might be staying in a Maharaja's palace in India, a Bedouin tent in the desert or a tree-house in the jungles of Thailand. The level of comfort may vary, but you'll get a genuine insight into a place.

More than just a way to get there

How you get about depends on the destination. Sometimes public transport is the best option, which is always a good way of getting to know the locals. In some places the terrain means the best way to get around is by dugout canoe. In others you could be in an air-conditioned coach or on a bamboo raft, in a tuk tuk or on a camel. Whatever the form of transport, it inevitably adds to the whole experience.

The Imaginative Traveller price promise

The Imaginative Traveller strives to offer exceptionally good value without cutting corners or sacrificing quality to be the cheapest around. Spending your money with the Imaginative Traveller means that you benefit from the experience of its staff, you can be safe in the knowledge that the Imaginative Traveller has a strong commitment to responsible travel, and your time with the Imaginative Traveller will leave you with memories to last a lifetime!

Adventurer - Grass Roots

To the heart of a country

You get a real buzz out of travelling. For you, getting there should be as much fun as being there. You’d rather pay less up front and make your mind up about sightseeing and excursions later, but you still want some amazing experiences. With plenty of free time to explore, an Adventurer trip allows you to get under the skin of some of the world’s most exciting destinations while offering great value for money.

Included:

• Transportation and all accommodation (ranging from jungle treehouses to basic but comfortable hotels).
• Some meals and entrance fees are NOT included.

Single supplement: Now available, but NOT compulsory.

Traveller - more Inclusions

A higher level of comfort

You love to experience the culture and tradition of a destination but with a level of inclusions, comfort and organisation that won't test your endurance, allowing you to relax and enjoy the country. You enjoy the freedom of using privately chartered vehicles but also understand that sometimes the best way to go is 'local'. A Traveller trip gives you authentic travel experiences without roughing it.

Included:

• All accommodation (usually in comfortable tourist-class hotels on a twin share basis).
• Transportation,
• many meals,
• entrance fees for all sites included in itinerary,
• guides at main sites.

Single supplement: Usually available, but NOT compulsory.

Pioneer - Ground-breaking

Challenging trips

You are driven by adventure, always seeking to go a little further. If you are after a challenge, enjoy exploring some of the world’s more rugged places and don’t mind the occasional lack of facilities, these trips take you right off the beaten track. With dynamic itineraries offering extraordinary and unforgettable experiences, this is truly ground-breaking travel.

Included:

• All accommodation,
• transportation,
• meals in remote locations,
• applicable entrance fees.

Meals in larger towns and cities are not included. Single supplement: Not available

Connoisseur - the Next Level

Exotic places in style

You are drawn to exotic destinations and want to appreciate them in style. These trips offer an especially high level of comfort, staying in the finest accommodation. If you appreciate quality and are looking for rewarding experiences, whether you are returning to a place or visiting for the first time, a Connoisseur trip takes you to the next level in style.

Included:

• Accommodation in unique and evocative places,
• transportation,
• many meals,
• entrance fees for all sites listed as part of the itinerary.

Single supplement: Compulsory for all single travellers.

Volunteers - a Helping Hand

A helping hand

You want to totally immerse yourself in a culture, living as the locals do and seeing the country as it really is. As a Volunteer you live and work within a community, becoming part of it, and you develop a unique insight into another society as a result. By combining volunteer work with an exciting Adventure holiday you get incredible travel experiences together with the knowledge that you are helping to make a difference.

Included:

• Accommodation as per Adventurer tours for the holiday section; in local homes or shared rooms on Volunteer section,
• transportation
• some meals

Single supplement: Not available.

Independent tours & extensions

Independent active breaks from 3-7 nights

Adventure, city, beach and wildlife safari breaks Whether you are travelling on your own, as a couple, or maybe with friends, Imaginative Traveller Extensions are specifically designed to give you short breaks in some of the world’s most magical places. Imaginative Traveller independent (non-group travel) short breaks have the ideal blend of activity and relaxation, and with all the time-consuming arrangements made for you, give you more time to enjoy the experience

Imaginative - Family

Looking for a family adventure with a difference? Then you are going to love the Imaginative Traveller family adventures!

Most parents agree that if the children are enjoying themselves then they can too. The Imaginative Traveller has used its experience and imagination to create innovative holidays that will keep ALL ages (from 6 year olds to grandparents) stimulated and involved. Also check out the Imaginative Traveller's fabulous family volunteer trips for unique and rewarding travel experiences. Bring the classroom to life and give your children something really 'WOW' to talk about back home and at school!

Imaginative Traveller operates Family Adventures in Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, China, India, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.

Photographic - special interest tours

Choose from four exciting destinations; India, Vietnam, Tibet or China! These destinations offer hundreds of attractions just waiting to be discovered by the keen photographer, from stunning scenery to beautiful architecture to wildlife and the incredible array of characters you’ll meet while travelling through these ancient and spectacular lands. These tours are designed with the photo enthusiast in mind and will use the services of a professional photographer, who will be on hand to offer advice and tuition in perfecting your photographic techniques.

Cuisine - special interest tours

Imaginative Traveller cuisine tours to Vietnam, Thailand, India and China will tantalise the tastebuds by combining cooking classes with visits to local markets and trips to local eateries to sample regional delicacies and gain an in-depth appreciation of the local cuisine. All of these elements make a fantastic, creatively stimulating holiday that will leave you with new skills and memories to last a lifetime.

Responsible travel

Responsible Travel has always been of huge importance to the Imaginative Traveller, and all of its policies, guidelines and projects have been put in place with the intention of improving both the environment and the lives of people in the countries we visit. With the support of its travellers, Imaginative Traveller has been able to make a huge difference to many great causes. Some projects the Imaginative Traveller has previously supported have now become self-sustaining, which is great news as it enables us to introduce a few more causes to our ongoing Responsible Travel fund.

The Imaginative Traveller's Aims

INVOLVING LOCAL PEOPLE
• It is the Imaginative Traveller's aim to provide journeys that have minimal negative and maximum positive impact on the places we visit.
• The Imaginative Traveller does not believe that, as visitors, we should impose our own cultures on others; rather that we should experience foreign cultures and appreciate them for what they are.
• Whilst it is the Imaginative Traveller's aim to show destinations and cultures in a positive light, it does not believe in papering over the cracks or shielding visitors from the realities of life.

Imaginative Traveller Objectives

INVOLVING LOCAL PEOPLE
• The Imaginative Traveller believes that we will achieve our aims far more effectively if we involve local people and organisations wherever possible.
• The Imaginative Traveller strives to recruit local people in both office and field positions wherever possible. These members of staff are trained by the Imaginative Traveller and receive the same remuneration as foreigners doing the same job.
• Wherever possible, supplies and equipment are purchased locally.
• Wherever possible, the Imaginative Traveller avoids working with large organisations, preferring to work directly with local companies and individuals.
• Small, family-run establishments make up a high percentage of the accommodation the Imaginative Traveller uses and, where it is practical but not intrusive, we also stay as guests of local families. Although generally more basic, home stays provide an invaluable insight into the local lifestyle.

OVERSEAS PARTNERS
• The Imaginative Traveller endeavours to work with enterprises that treat both the traveller and the local community in a fair and just manner.
• The Imaginative Traveller has set up, and continually look to further, its own environmental initiatives, involving local people where possible.
• The Imaginative Traveller endeavours to work with companies that share its commitment to environmental responsibility, with many partners operating their own local initiatives.

GUIDELINES THE IMAGINATIVE TRAVELLER OFFERS ITS TRAVELLERS
• THE Imaginative Traveller tour leaders provide constant direct contact with their travellers and as such their training includes awareness of the company environmental policy. Tour leaders are then responsible for advising their travellers about company policy and encouraging them to support its efforts.
• The Imaginative Traveller actively encourages travellers to act in a responsible manner by including environmental guidelines in pre-departure information. These guidelines aim to help minimise the impact on a destination and provide simple tips on behaviour, dress and conduct. In each of our main destinations a Responsible Travel Officer is on hand locally to support our Responsible Travel projects, providing firsthand knowledge of the programmes and supplying advice on policies and guidelines.

Imaginative Traveller Projects:

Egypt - The Sunshine Project

Sunshine improves the lives of Luxor's orphaned and abandoned children by providing them with shelter, food, education, and most importantly love and affection

Egypt - Qurna Discovery

Qurna Discovery is an exhibition that enables local people and visitors to understand and appreciate aspects of Qurna heritage and society.

Turkey - Bolu Primary School & Barhal Valley School

Qurna Discovery is an exhibition that enables local people and visitors to understand and appreciate aspects of Qurna heritage and society

India - Chandelao Village

Chandelao is a small principality near Jodhpur whose current Rajput ruler, Praduman Singh, is involved in trying to upgrade the life of the underprivileged in the village.

China - Kind Heart Project

This project offers financial support for children from poor families in Yangshuo County to cover their school fees and essential equipment they may need such as computers.

Laos - Water Coolers for Schools

In Laos around 80% of the population does not have access to potable water. When asked what help they needed, the local communities said their biggest need was for clean, cool water, and especially in schools. What more did we need to hear?

Thailand - P.I.G. (Positive Indigenous Growth)

The Imaginative Traveller buys pigs from hilltribe communities and donate them to families who are in need of extra income. Money raised in 2004 alone paid for 30 pigs.

Thailand - Chiang Mai Orphanage

Home to around 45 children, it provides them with shelter, support, food and education. They now have a pig breeding programme thanks to Imaginative Travellers 'PIG' project.

Cambodia - Land Mines Museum and School

Educating local villagers and tourists about landmines, this project helps with 'mine identification' and the impact they have on peoples lives when they are triggered

Bolivia - Fundacion Cerro Rico Mines

The Cerro Rico Foundation aims to provide an education for children living in local mining communities. This will enable them to have the opportunity to seek alternative employment in the future other than mining.

Guatemala - Peten Volunteers

The Volunteer Peten project is based in San Andres. They focus on initiatives that help to educate the local community, in particular about the conservation of their natural environment.