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Travel Styles
Choose the travel style for your ideal adventure holiday
Click on the links below to learn more about each travel style
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A fun and comfortable way to travel in Latin America and East & Southern Africa
Learn about Discovery Tours | Search for Discovery Tours
Introduction and Suitability
Discovery Tours are suited to travellers of an open age (up to a recommended maximum of 70 years-old) who are keen to see Latin America and Africa with the added security and flexibility that travelling in a custom-made vehicle provides. Our Discovery Tour program gives you the extra comfort of door-to-door travel. There are two crew members on each tour and lunches are generally included on travel days.
Group Size
The average group size is between 15 and 24 although on the busier departure dates there will be up to 34 passengers. In Cuzco and on some included excursions this number may be larger. If you are not travelling with a friend or partner, don’t worry: many of our passengers travel on their own and know that meeting up with a group of like-minded people is all part of the fun. If you enjoy group travel with the added flexibility of being able to travel when and where you want and the comfort and assurance of competent personal guiding, then this style of tour is perfect for you!
Staff
Discovery Tours are accompanied by a Tucan Travel tour leader and Tucan Travel driver. You may be assisted at other times by local guides and local reps.
Accommodation: Comfort Hotels
Our ‘Comfort’ class accommodation comprises of small friendly hotels and guest houses which are usually conveniently located near the town centres and sights. We try to ensure that each hotel has plenty of local character to give you a taste of life in the country in which we are travelling. They are usually family run and are chosen for their location, cleanliness, security and accessibility for our vehicles.
Standards may vary due to local conditions but our preference is mid-range comfortable rooms with ensuite facilities. Please be aware that hotels in this range sometimes have occasional erratic services like lack of hot water or no central heating, and staff members don’t always speak English. In general, facilities are very good but please be prepared for the occasional mishap, which is all part of the travelling experience!
Travellers will share rooms with other group members of the same gender. Mostly this will be in twin rooms although sometimes in triples depending on the group composition and hotel rooming structure. When staying in the Peruvian Amazon Jungle lodge, accommodation will be in rustic ensuite cabins with cold water only and mosquito nets will be provided. On Amantaní Island, we stay in basic mud-brick houses and on the Inca Trail in two-person tents. We also camp in Torres del Paine National Park. All accommodation is included from the arrival day until check out time on the final day of the tour.
Single Supplements
Travellers wishing to have their own room are able to pay a single supplement. On certain occasions it may not be possible to have a single occupancy, for example in the Amazon Jungle in Peru, on the Amantani Island excursion and in Iberá. Single supplements are also available in destinations in Europe and East & Southern Africa. Please contact our reservations team for more details.
Transport
To ensure you get the most from your tour, we will choose the most suitable vehicle depending on the region we are travelling through. This may be either a modern coach or one of our more robust Mercedes Benz expedition vehicles or a combination of both vehicles. Privately hired air-conditioned coaches will be used in Europe and Central America and occasionally in the Cuzco region of Peru. On all Tucan Travel expedition vehicles you will find superior comfort, from our carpeted interiors with curtained and tinted windows, modern coach seats, overhead storage shelves, writing tables, a small library and a stereo player for the group’s use. Most vehicles also have a refrigerator for food and sometimes cold drinks. There will also be plenty of storage space for your luggage and souvenirs as well as kitchen equipment, tables and camp stools carried for picnic lunches. Tucked away will be specialised equipment for the maintenance and upkeep of the vehicle. On rare occasions it may be necessary to utilise a privately hired vehicle for the duration of the tour. Although modern and comfortable, these vehicles may not include all the facilities and equipment listed above.
Food
On travelling days on the Tucan Travel vehicle, we usually provide a picnic style lunch prepared from fresh ingredients purchased at local markets and supermarkets by your tour leader. Our vehicles carry all the necessary equipment required for food preparation as well as tables and campstools for your added comfort.
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Experience Europe, the Middle East & North Africa, Asia & Russia and Latin America
Learn about Adventure Tours | Search for Adventure Tours
Introduction and Suitability
Adventure Tours are designed to suit travellers who love being able to travel on many different forms of transport with local people. There is a certain amount of involvement needed, which will mean carrying your own bags to the bus or train station or even helping the driver throw everyone’s packs onto the roof. The maximum group size is 18 travellers, however on some included excursions these numbers may occasionally be larger. Clients aged 18 to 60 (recommended maximum 65) are welcome. If you choose this style of travel it is important that you are open to travelling with a range of different age groups. You must also satisfy yourself that you are fit enough to complete the itinerary as there are no refunds if you choose to leave the tour. If you enjoy meeting and interacting with local people and don’t mind roughing it occasionally, then these tours will be just right for you.
Group Size
The average group size is 8 to 12 travellers, with maximum of 18, however on some included excursions these numbers may occasionally be larger.
Staff
Adventure Tours are accompanied by a Tucan Travel tour leader. You may be assisted at other times by Tucan Travel reps, local guides and local reps.
Accommodation: Pleasant Hotels
Our ‘Pleasant’ class accommodation is generally the equivalent in comfort and amenities of a 2 star hotel. We stay in small hotels, hostels and guest houses which are usually situated close to the main sights and town centres. They are chosen for their local ambience rather than star rating and we look for attributes like character, location, atmosphere, cleanliness and security. Although sometimes simple, you will find clean comfortable rooms with ensuite facilities (occasionally bathrooms may be shared but this is rare), friendly staff and often a bar and restaurant attached or nearby. Please be aware that accommodation in this range sometimes has erratic services like lack of hot water or no central heating, staff members don’t always speak English and sometimes our reservations are “lost”! In general, facilities are very good but please be prepared for the occasional mishap, which is all part of the travelling experience! When staying in the Amazon Jungle, on the Atlas Mountain Trek, the Annapurna Trek, in the Mekong Delta and in the Mongolian Ger, accommodation is rustic and on a shared basis. On the Yangtze River boat and Halong Bay boat, rooms are clean and simple, whilst accommodation on the Egyptian feluccas is basic. We sleep in tents on the Inca Trail, Jaisalmer Camel Safari and Bedouin camp. All accommodation is included from the arrival day until check out time on the final day of the tour.
Single Supplements
There are no single supplements on our Adventure Tours so you must be prepared to share with other group members of the same gender in twin or triple rooms, occasionally multiple share.
Transport
See the world in an authentic way and travel the way local people do. On Adventure Tours we use a variety of transport depending on the region in which we are travelling and the length of your tour. Vehicles can range from buses filled with local people and their many possessions to private minibuses and comfortable air-conditioned coaches, from a train ride through central Asia, to a motorised canoe journey in the Amazon Jungle. Sometimes you could be travelling on ferries, speedboats or motor launches and at other times take a short flight, a taxi or even walk. Our aim is not simply to get you from A to B, but to help you to experience each destination as a genuine traveller, not as a first class tourist. A word of warning - buses in many countries are modern and very comfortable but please remember that travelling conditions can sometimes be cramped and seating is not always guaranteed, especially in Central America. This may mean having to stand for some time in cramped conditions or share a seat with 5 others! This adds to the experience and is all a part of “travelling with the locals”; if this is not quite you, then please consider travelling on an Independent Travel module or one of our Discovery Tours.
Food
Meals are generally not included on Adventure Tours, so you can get out there and experience the best local cuisine on offer, according to your own tastes and budget. Meals are sometimes included on overnight excursions such as safaris, boat trips and trekking.
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An economical and exciting way to experience East & Southern Africa and South America!
Learn about Overland Expeditions | Search for Overland Expeditions
Introduction and Suitability
Tucan Travel’s Overland Expeditions are the best way to gain a genuine insight into South America or East and Southern Africa. Travelling on a high quality, custom-designed expedition vehicle you’ll travel comfortably through rugged landscape and over a variety of terrain. Clients aged 18 to 45 (recommended maximum 55) are welcome. Please note that camping expeditions can sometimes involve certain hardships not associated with our other styles of travel. Overland Expeditions: A fun, economical and exciting way to travel! These expeditions are popular with younger travellers who are reasonably fit and active so it is important that you are aware you will need to harmonise with this type of group. If you love the great outdoors, like having an input into your holiday and enjoy the rewards that camping offers, then these tours are well suited to you.
Group Size
The average group size is between 15 and 24 although on the busier departure dates there will be up to 34 passengers.
Staff
Overland Expeditions are accompanied by a Tucan Travel tour leader and Tucan Travel driver. You may be assisted at other times by Tucan Travel reps, local guides and local reps.
Accommodation: Camping and Hotels
Our self-contained expedition vehicles carry all the necessary top quality equipment to ensure that camping is well organised and fun. Campsites vary from established sites with good facilities to occasional free-camping in the wild where we are totally self-sufficient. As well as spacious two-person tents, there is a full complement of gas stoves and kitchenware for the group’s use. You are expected to participate in the setting up at each campsite and in the preparation of meals for the group. Your expedition leader will organise groups to do various duties on a roster basis. While much time is spent camping on these expeditions, it is impractical to camp in many major cities and areas where there are adverse climatic conditions or facilities are lacking. On these occasions we use small hotels and guest houses conveniently located near the town centres. There are no single supplements so single travellers must be prepared to share with other group members of the same gender in twin, triple or sometimes mult le share rooms (or share the tents if camping). Mostly there are ensuite rooms, however on some occasions facilities may be shared. At other times you may be sleeping in cabins, in local peoples’ homes or even in hammocks. All camping fees and accommodation are included on Overland Expeditions, unless on optional overnight excursions, from the arrival day until checkout time on the final day of the expedition. The approximate ratio of camping to hotels can be found in the facts box of each tour dossier.
Single Supplements
There are no single supplements on Overland Expeditions so you must be prepared to share with other group members of the same gender in twin or triple rooms, occasionally multiple share, and share a tent if camping.
Transport
The majority of travelling time on Overland Expeditions is spent on our custom-built expedition vehicles. Please visit our expedition vehicles page for more information about our modern fleet.
Food
All food while camping is included plus lunches when travelling between hotels. There is always a huge variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and meats which are purchased at local markets and supermarkets by you and your tour leader. Good food is paramount to a successful tour and it is Tucan Travel’s policy to buy only the best and freshest ingredients in generous quantities for each and every meal. This generally means three meals a day and includes a healthy breakfast, usually salad rolls for lunch and often a one or two course evening meal. Meal preparation, washing up and cleaning the inside of the expedition vehicle are all undertaken by group members on a roster basis. When staying in hotels, meals are not included and you are free to enjoy the local cuisine at a variety of enticing local restaurants.
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A great way for young people to see South America without breaking the bank!
Learn about Budget Expeditions | Search for Budget Expeditions
Introduction and Suitability
Anyone aged between 18 and 35 who wants to travel in the company of other young, fun and like-minded people will love a tour in the Budget Expeditions travel style. Nobody wants to see the world on their own, so our tours aim to unite you with other adventure seekers from all over the world who have similar interests and passions. You can rest assured that on a Budget Expeditions style tour you’ll be with a great bunch of people who are near the same age, on the same wave length and are geared up for the experience of a lifetime! Budget Expeditions are all about choice and flexibility. We keep your tour price down because we want you to choose your own activities and create a holiday that suits your personality and budget. You can download the optional excursions guide for your destination on our website. Your tour leader will also give you recommendations and help you make bookings as you travel. Tours are led by an expert tour leader who generally speaks the local language, and a qualified driver.
Group Size
The average group size is between 15 and 24 although on the busier departure dates there will be up to 34 passengers.
Staff
Budget Expeditions are accompanied by a Tucan Travel tour leader and Tucan Travel driver. You may be assisted at other times by Tucan Travel reps, local guides and local reps.
Accommodation: Camping and hostels
Cooking and camping equipment is provided on Budget Expeditions tours (BYO sleeping bag and mat). Our self-contained expedition vehicles carry all the necessary top quality equipment to ensure that camping is well organised and fun. Campsites vary from established sites with good facilities to occasional free-camping in the wild where we are totally self-sufficient. As well as spacious two-person tents, there is a full complement of gas stoves and kitchenware provided for the group’s use. In all destinations you are expected to participate in the setting up at each campsite and in the preparation of meals for the group. Your tour leader will organise groups to do various duties on a roster basis. All camping fees and accommodation are included on Budget Expeditions, unless on optional overnight excursions, from the arrival day until check-out time on the final day of the tour. Occasionally we’ll stay in inexpensive hotels, hostels, guesthouses, on a share basis, usually with a private bathroom.
Single Supplements
There are no single supplements on Budget Expeditions so you must be prepared to share with other group members of the same gender in twin or triple rooms, occasionally multiple share, and share a tent if camping.
Transport
Budget Expeditions tours travel on powerful, comfortable, modern, custom-built overland expedition vehicles with all the essentials such as massive storage space, plenty of leg room and large windows. Please visit our expedition vehicles page for detailed information about our modern fleet.
Food
There is always a huge variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and meats, which are purchased at local markets and supermarkets. Good food is paramount to a successful tour and it is Tucan Travel’s policy to buy only the best and freshest ingredients in generous quantities for each and every meal. Meals when camping and lunches on travel days between campsites or hostels are included. Meal preparation, washing up and cleaning the inside of the expedition vehicle are all undertaken by group members on a roster basis. Other meals are not included, so you can get out there and sample the local cuisine. Please see the facts box on each tour page for a breakdown of included meals (drinks not included).
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Personalised itineraries, stopovers and packages - with your choice of hotels
Learn about Independent Travel | Search for Independent Travel packages
Introduction and Suitability
Independent Travel is for travellers who want the flexibility and freedom to design their own individual itinerary. There are no upper or lower age restrictions (although the recommended max is 70) so if you have children Independent Travel is ideal. This style of travel gives you flexibility to explore various destinations around the world at a pace that suits you with the added benefit of having pre-booked arrangements. Our Independent Travel mini-tours are a great idea if you have spare time with your international flight arrangements and wish to have a stopover for a few days prior to or on completion of one of our organised tours. Most mini-tours depart daily and to create your own tailor-made holiday simply join any of the modules together. Your travel consultant can assist you in booking international and domestic flights. Options available include single, twin or triple occupancy hotel accommodation, airport transfers, city tours and local excursions. All excursions mentioned in the itinerary are included in the price unless otherwise indicated. We can offer excellent value and high quality packages in destinations worldwide. Please use our advanced search to learn about the full range of options available.
Group Size
The group size varies according to how many people you are travelling with, although some excursions are pooled.
Local Guides and Local Reps
In each city Tucan Travel uses English-speaking local guides and local reps who will assist you during your stay with things like sightseeing and restaurant recommendations etc. It must be remembered that our local representatives are not personal tour leaders and usually visit the hotel receptions in the mornings and evenings. On included excursions you will receive detailed commentaries from our English speaking local guides. They are dedicated professionals who have extensive local knowledge that will allow you to learn and understand more about the fascinating regions visited. Tucan Travel has offices in London, Peru, Sydney, Thailand and Africa - emergency contact details can be found in your tour dossier and in the contact us page on our website if you have any serious problems.
Accommodation
This travel style gives you the option to choose from a wide range of hotels offering various standards of comfort. To assist you with your hotel selection, and to enable you to judge the various accommodations by western criteria, we have classed our hotels as Pleasant, Comfort and Superior.
- Pleasant Hotels are generally the equivalent of a 2 star hotel. They are clean and comfortable with ensuite facilities, usually provide hot water, and they are chosen for their security, friendly staff and character. They are usually centrally located close to local attractions, restaurants and bars. A Pleasant Hotel may also take the form of a mountain hut, rustic cabin, lodge, chalet or tented accommodation which offers the same amenities you would expect from this standard of hotel.
- Pleasant Plus Hotels offer a slightly higher level of comfort.
- Comfort Hotels are generally the equivalent of a 3 star hotel. They offer all the attributes of our Pleasant hotels with an added level of comfort. These hotels may include amenities such as cable television, swimming pools, restaurants, elevators, internet access, room service, hair dryers and English-speaking reception staff. A Comfort Hotel may also take the form of a lodge, chalet or tented accommodation, which will be at the same standard as hotels.
- Comfort Plus Hotels offer a slightly higher level of comfort.
- Superior Hotels are generally the equivalent of a 4 star hotel. They offer amenities such as cable television, swimming pools, restaurants, elevators, internet access, room service, hair dryers and English-speaking reception staff. Additionally, hotel rooms and facilities will have a more luxurious ambience and modern feel. A Superior Hotel may also take the form of a lodge, chalet or tented accommodation, which offers the same amenities you would expect from this standard of hotel. The prices shown on each Independent Travel tour page are per person and include local taxes and breakfast. Hotel check-in time is generally 14:00 with check-out at 10:00.
When booking please advise what type of room you require. Two single beds are classed as a twin or one double bed is sometimes known as a matrimonial room. At peak season or during local festivals many hotels increase their prices. Tucan Travel will endeavour to keep prices as advertised, however, if these prices change we will inform you when you request the service. Should our advertised hotels not be available, an alternative hotel of the same star rating and similar price will be used and you will be notified of any changes.
Transport
Our aim is to offer you safe, comfortable and reliable transport. We use a variety of transport including minivans, taxis, coach, economy class flights and trains. The Jungle lodge is visited by motorised canoe and boat journeys are taken when visiting the Ballestas and Uros Islands. Some of the transport used will be a private service however on some excursions a pooled service is used. If you have prepaid for an arrival transfer, or if an arrival transfer is included in your tour, please look for your name to be displayed on a welcome board held by our local driver once you are past customs at the airport.
Excursions
Excursions are generally guaranteed with departures based on a minimum of one person booking (this varies, please check individual package for details). To offer more competitive prices many excursions operate on a pooled service. This means clients are collected from several hotels around the city and travel as one group for the duration of the excursion. These groups will vary in size and can sometimes have mixed nationalities so it may be possible that your guide will commentate in more than one language - however these group excursions are an ideal opportunity for individual travellers to meet new friends.
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Explore the wild areas of the Amazon rainforest, Galapagos Islands, Patagonia, Arctic Circle and Antarctica, and get in touch with nature.
Learn about Expedition Cruises | Search for Expedition Cruises
Introduction and Suitability
Expedition Cruises are perfect for adventure travellers who are looking for a way to experience remote areas of the world in comfort and style. Forget about casinos, cabaret shows and ‘floating hotels’, Expedition Cruises offer you the chance to delve deep into rainforests, extreme polar environments and enjoy close encounters with unique wildlife in marine reserves and volcanic islands. If you’re interested in walking across diverse and fascinating landscapes, snorkelling and swimming activities, lectures by knowledgeable naturalist guides and meeting local people, Expedition Cruises are for you.
Expedition Cruises suit people aged between 11 and 65 (recommended max 70) who are relatively fit and healthy, comfortable negotiating rocky or slippery terrain and enjoy getting close to nature. Itineraries can vary according to local conditions so we recommend that you take a flexible approach to maximise your enjoyment of Expedition Cruises.
Group Size
The group size varies according to the destination and capacity of the vessel, and is indicated on the particular ship page and on the tour dossier. The maximum capacity of the largest vessel that we represent in this travel style is 136, however most ships are significantly smaller.
Local Guides and Local Reps
Local representatives will assist you with accommodation, flights and transfers (if included). During your cruise you will be looked after by expedition leaders such as naturalist guides who will share their extensive knowledge of local flora and fauna, geology and history, and maritime safety with you during on-board lectures and/or onshore excursions. Emergency contact details can be found in your joining letter and in the contact us page of our website.
Accommodation Onboard
Cabin styles vary according to the vessel. Generally the cabins feature air conditioning, port holes or windows, twin or double beds, ample room for storage and private bathroom facilities. Detailed information about cabin facilities can be found on individual ship pages and picture galleries on our website.
Learn more about our Expedition Cruises vessels
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Pre and Post Cruise Accommodation & Transfers
We have packaged some cruises with pre and post cruise accommodation where necessary to coincide with early ship or flight departures. These packages include a high standard of accommodation. All hotels are centrally located in the joining / departing city and are Superior Hotel standard, generally the equivalent of a 4 star hotel. They offer amenities such as cable television, swimming pools, restaurants, elevators, internet access, room service, hair dryers and English-speaking reception staff. Additionally, hotel rooms and facilities will have a luxurious ambience and modern feel. A Superior Hotel may also take the form of a lodge or chalet which offers the same amenities you would expect from this standard of hotel. If your Expedition Cruise does not include pre and post cruise accommodation and/or you would like to spend more time in your arrival or departure port, our reservations team can make a booking for you.
Transport
All the vessels that we represent in the Expedition Cruises travel style have been selected on the basis that they all provide a high level of service, excellent facilities, a responsible approach to the environment and a strong emphasis on value for money. Boat types and sizes vary according to the destination – specifications are available on individual ship pages on our website. Landings will be made by smaller vessels such as zodiac style boats or dingys. Some itineraries also require short flights. Transfers may be made in private cars, minivans or coaches. If you have prepaid for an airport arrival transfer, or if an arrival transfer is included in your Expedition Cruise, please look for your name on a welcome board held by the local representative in the arrivals hall at the airport.
Learn more about our Expedition Cruises vessels
Compare vessels by their specifications
Food
Most meals are included during cruise days. The cuisine provided during your Expedition Cruise will be delicious, nutritious and prepared by professional chefs to high standards. The food will vary according to your destination but international styles will generally be available. Meals will generally be held at set times. Vegetarians and those with special dietary requirements can be catered for if advised at the time of booking.
Excursions
Although an itinerary outline is given, Expedition Cruises are anything but exact and days can change depending on local circumstances such as weather conditions, national park policies and regulations, opportunities to see wildlife, seasonal changes or safety matters. Excursions may include walks across diverse landscapes, snorkelling and swimming activities, lectures by knowledgeable naturalist guides, visits to particular places of interest and meeting local people.
Landings are not set in stone and the frequency, location and duration will vary depending on the situation on shore at the time. Your expedition leader will aim to land where the best weather conditions, the most abundant wildlife and the most stunning scenery can be found. Landing times will also be determined by your expedition leader.
Landings are made by smaller vessels such as zodiac style boats or dingys. A dry landing allows passengers to step from the dinghy onto the rocks or a dock. Wet landings are as the boat edges onto a sandy beach; passengers step into knee-deep water and wade ashore. The group will be accompanied by an expedition leader.
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