How to Choose the Right Small Group Tour Company: G Adventures vs Intrepid vs The Adventure People

When it comes to planning an unforgettable holiday that goes beyond the ordinary, small group tours are one of the best ways to travel. They blend cultural immersion, convenience, and the camaraderie of like-minded travellers. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right small group tour company?
Two of the best-known names are G Adventures and Intrepid Travel, both offering expertly curated trips around the world. But there's a third option savvy travellers are increasingly turning to: The Adventure People. We work with the top global operators—including G Adventures and Intrepid—but offer better prices, exclusive deals, and the ability to package tours with flights thanks to our UK ATOL protection.
In this post, we’ll break down the differences between G Adventures, Intrepid, and The Adventure People to help you make the best choice for your next adventure.
G Adventures: Small Groups with a Big Social Mission
Founded in 1990 in Canada, G Adventures has become one of the world’s largest adventure travel companies. They focus on authentic, community-based tourism and run over 1,000 trips to 100+ countries. Their small group tours are known for offering local guides (they call them Chief Experience Officers), grassroots travel, and a strong social impact ethos.
Key Highlights:
Social Impact: Their non-profit arm, Planeterra, supports over 50 community-based projects worldwide.
Tour Styles: Classic, Active, National Geographic Journeys, 18-to-Thirtysomethings, Wellness, and more.
Solo Traveller Friendly: Share a room with a same-sex traveller or pay a modest supplement for a private room.
Trip Sizes: Average 12–16 people.
Example Trip:
Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Adventure – a 7-day Peru tour including Sacred Valley, Cusco, and a guided hike to the world-famous citadel.
Intrepid Travel: Responsible Adventure With Comfort Options
Another heavyweight in the small group travel world, Intrepid Travel is also Australian-founded and shares a similar ethos to G Adventures. It offers over 1,000 tours, with a greater emphasis on carbon-neutral travel and female-led initiatives in local communities.
Key Highlights:
B-Corp Certified: Like G Adventures, Intrepid prioritises responsible travel.
Tour Styles: Basix, Original, Comfort, and Premium (offering different levels of inclusions and accommodation quality).
Diverse Destinations: Strong in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Antarctica.
Trip Sizes: Also 12–16 people on average.
Example Trip:
Morocco Uncovered – a 13-day adventure from Casablanca to Marrakech, including Fes, the Sahara, and Todra Gorge.
You can view a wide selection of Morocco tours here:
👉 Morocco Small Group Holidays
The Adventure People: The Smart Way to Book G Adventures & Intrepid Trips (for Less)
Here’s where The Adventure People comes in—not as a competitor to G Adventures or Intrepid, but as a trusted partner and licensed UK travel retailer offering all their trips for less.
At The Adventure People, we feature hundreds of tours, often with exclusive discounts, special offers, or added value. What sets us apart is:
✅ Better Prices
We frequently sell trips for less than booking direct. As an authorised agent, we have access to special net rates, promotions, and can pass the savings on to you.
✅ Flight + Tour Packages
Unlike most tour companies, we’re ATOL certified, which means we can book your flights along with your land tour—giving you a full financial protection package. No need to juggle different bookings or worry about being stranded if something changes.
✅ UK-Based Support
We’re a UK company with local support, travel expertise, and zero complaints on any G Adventures or Intrepid trip sold to date.
✅ Exclusive Tours
We also offer our own curated small group adventures, like the Nepal Family Adventure – 14 Days or Active Thailand – 12 Days, which blend handpicked itineraries with outstanding value.
Choose The Adventure People if:
You want the same great tours at better prices.
You’d prefer a flight-inclusive package with full financial protection.
You value expert guidance and the flexibility of having more than one operator’s trips in one place.
You like the idea of exclusive small group tours curated by real travel pros.
Real Talk: Are There Any Downsides?
We’re glad you asked.
Booking with The Adventure People still means you’ll be travelling with G Adventures or Intrepid, so you're not compromising on quality or experience.
With packages you can be ATOL protected.
You'll get the best price.
Final Thoughts: Choose Smart, Travel Better
Whether you go for the global giants like G Adventures or Intrepid, or book smart through The Adventure People, small group travel is all about enriching, authentic, and community-based experiences.
So if you're after great trips with even greater value, plus the safety of flight packages and ATOL protection, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Explore our small group adventures now at theadventurepeople.com or search tours by destination here.


