Each year, Travel and Leisure Magazine announces their much anticipated list of "Worlds Best Awards" covering the top choices for tour operators, river cruises, safari outfitters, hotels and more.
The winners are chosen from a consumer survey sent to Travel & Leisure readers, so this list of tour companies is truly a representation of what real leisure and experiential travelers prefer.
This year, of course, the world of travel and tourism has been turned upside down due to the devestating coronavirus. Travel all but shut down completely between March and August. And while many restrictions and quarantine measures are beginning to ease, there are still several countries that aren't open at all, and the CDC maintains a Level 3 (High Risk) warning for most countries around the world.
Interested in travel during coronavirus?
The survey for the 2020 World's Best Awards closed in March, just before everything shut down. So keep in mind these results reflect a pre-Covid travel perspective.
The top tour operators selections focus on unique and exotic destintions, with itineraries that highlight the local life, and can usually be perosnalized based on the traveler.
Here are the Top 5 Tour Operators of 2020
1. Ker & Downey
Soaring in at slot #1, Ker & Downey is well known for safaris, but their expert travel planners are adept at creating itineraries all over the world. They also have a separate brand, Ker & Downey Africa dedicated fully to their famous luxury safaris. Imbuing all their trips with a "wow" factor is a trademark that keeps repeat customers coming back year after year.
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2. Greaves Tours
Relatively unknown, yet with a strong 40 years in business, Greaves Tours claims the #2 spot for their specialized Asia tours. Their destination expertise is what draws travelers to their custom trips, as well as their knowledgable guides. India is a particular specialization, though they also plan trips in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.
3. Terra Incognita Ecotours
Rising two spots from the previous year we have Terra Incognita Ecotours. Relatively new, they are the perfect choice for travelers seeking an eco-concious experience. Wildlife encounters are a main focus of their itineraries and groups are kept at 16 people maximum.
Because they only run roughly 6 tours a year, you can expect that a great deal of detail and care goes into the itinerary, making sure that the experience is unique and well put together.
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4. Jacada Travel
A consistently popular tour company on the Travel & Leisure World's Best list, Jacada is well known for customized South America itineraries. Their guides and travel planners all have extensive experience living in their respective destinations of expertise, so those travelers seeking a true local perspective will love traveling with Jadada.
Recently, the Jacada brand join forces with Wilderness Safaris.
5. Artisans of Leisure
Another very popular choice among Travel & Leisure readers over the years, Artisans of Leisure is true luxury with an adventurous spirit. Trips are mostly private, so they are a great choice for couples or families. All trips are fully customizable and they have many unique special interests you can choose from, such as LGBT, culinary, or art & design.
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Read the full top 10 list on Travel & Leisure
See the Travel & Leisure World's Best Tour Operators 2019 »
Travel & Leisure Award Winners - full list »
