2025 Readers' Choice Awards: Best tour operator

Winner: Intrepid Travel

Why you love it…

Since the late 1980s, this Australian-born company has been operating adventure-based tours with a focus on immersive and affordable travel – two things we appreciate. With more than 1000 trips across all continents, we’re spoilt for choice whether we’re looking to trek through Vietnam’s lush valleys and rice terraces, cruise along the Nile in a felucca or follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin in the Galápagos. In 2018, Intrepid was certified as a B Corp, recognised for creating positive change and benefitting both the communities it travels through and the planet, through experiences such as meeting female weavers in the northern Philippines or tracking wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

Hot tip…

Browse your trip options by budget (from Basix trips, which are the most affordable, to Premium, which feature higher-end accommodation and experiences). You can also filter results by theme, including Family, Cycling, Short Breaks or Women’s Expeditions.

Runners-up

Trafalgar

Guiding coach tours for almost 80 years, Trafalgar clearly knows its stuff, providing stress-free holidays with local guides in 70 countries.

Contiki

A Contiki tour is a rite of passage for many young Aussies, whether it be a bus tour around Europe or island hopping in Thailand: dusty head included.

Scenic

From European river cruises to land journeys in Canada, Australian-founded company Scenic offers luxurious and exclusive tours across the globe.

APT Luxury Travel

Founded in 1927 as Australian Pacific Touring, APT Luxury Travel unveiled its new name in 2025 to complement its curated and refined tours and cruises on every continent.

For all the winners and runners-up, visit our 2025 Readers’ Choice hub.