Planning a trip can be exciting yet overwhelming, especially when choosing a tour operator for your next adventure. Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), known for its small-group travel experiences, has garnered a lot of attention in recent years, not all of it good. Currently OAT has 114 trips scheduled in 2025 and when operating at that volume, it’s no surprise that there are mixed reviews. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve analyzed reviews from multiple sources to give you a balanced view of OAT’s offerings, customer satisfaction, and areas for improvement.
What is Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)?
OAT specializes in small-group tours for travelers aged 50 and older, including specialized services for solo travelers. Offering adventures across six continents, the company is known for its focus on cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path experiences. From walking tours in Europe to wildlife safaris in Africa, OAT promises unique and enriching travel experiences.
Positive Feedback from Overseas Adventure Travel Customers
Immersive Itineraries: Many travelers praised OAT’s ability to provide authentic cultural experiences. A reviewer on TripAdvisor highlighted their Japan tour, mentioning, “Meeting a geisha and attending a sumo wrestling practice made this trip unforgettable.”
Knowledgeable Guides: Customers frequently commend OAT’s local guides for their expertise. On Travelstride, one traveler said, “Our guide in Morocco was a walking encyclopedia. His insights brought the country’s history to life.”
Small Group Sizes: The intimate group size (typically 8-16 travelers) is a major selling point. A ConsumerAffairs reviewer noted, “Traveling with a small group made it easy to bond with others and enjoy a personalized experience.”
Unique Destinations: Many reviewers appreciated OAT’s focus on less-touristy locations. A traveler on Road Scholar shared, “The trip to the Balkans took us to hidden gems that I wouldn’t have found on my own.”
Local Connections: OAT’s trips often include interactions with local families and communities. On Cruise Critic, a customer raved, “The home-cooked meal with a local family in Peru was the highlight of our trip.”
Negative Feedback from Overseas Adventure Travel Customers
Customer Service Issues: Numerous complaints revolve around poor customer service, particularly related to refunds and cancellations. On Better Business Bureau (BBB), a reviewer shared, “It took months and countless emails to get a partial refund after my trip was canceled.”
Unexpected Fees: Hidden costs and unclear pricing have been a recurring issue. A TripAdvisor user noted, “I was shocked to find additional fees for optional excursions that were not mentioned upfront.”
Flight Coordination Problems: Several customers reported dissatisfaction with OAT’s flight arrangements. On ConsumerAffairs, one reviewer mentioned, “The flights they booked had ridiculous layovers, making the journey unnecessarily long.”
Inconsistent Quality: While some trips are highly praised, others fall short of expectations. A reviewer on Travelstride commented, “The accommodations in Southeast Asia didn’t match the quality promised in the brochure.”
Lack of Flexibility: Complaints about rigid policies are common. On Trustpilot, a customer shared, “They wouldn’t accommodate a change in travel dates even after I explained my medical emergency.”
Employee Perspectives on Overseas Adventure Travel
While customer reviews provide insight into the traveler experience, employee feedback can shed light on the company’s internal operations. According to Glassdoor, Grand Circle Travel, OAT’s parent company, has a mixed reputation among employees.
Employees rate the company 2.9 out of 5 stars, with only 44% willing to recommend it to a friend.
Management practices and work culture are areas of concern, with managers rating their experience 2.3 out of 5 stars.
These internal challenges may indirectly impact customer service and trip quality.
Should You Choose Overseas Adventure Travel?
OAT clearly excels in providing culturally immersive and small-group travel experiences, but it has notable drawbacks, especially concerning customer service and logistical issues. If you value unique itineraries and local connections, OAT might be a good fit. However, the mixed feedback from travelers and employees suggests caution.
Reading some detailed reviews by OAT guests is highly recommended. This Review by GC Journeys provides insights into a Tanzania-Serengeti Tented Safari trip, discussing the quality of the safari experience, interactions with local communities, and the effectiveness of OAT’s tour guides.
A traveler shares their experiences from a Baltic tour, detailing the itinerary, accommodations, group dynamics, and the flexibility offered by OAT in their “Review of my first trip with Overseas Adventure Travel – The Baltics”.
Consider These Alternatives
Before committing to OAT, explore other tour operators that may align better with your travel preferences:
Intrepid Travel: Known for its sustainability and wide range of adventure options.
G Adventures: Offers tours with a strong focus on cultural immersion and responsible travel.
Road Scholar: Ideal for educational travel with expert-led programs.
Odysseys Unlimited: Specializes in small-group tours with high-quality accommodations.
Natural Habitat Adventures: Perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking wildlife-focused experiences.
Conclusion
Overseas Adventure Travel offers unique experiences for adventurous travelers but has significant areas for improvement, particularly in customer service and transparency. Before booking, take the time to compare OAT with other tour operators. By considering alternatives, you’ll be better equipped to choose the travel company that best fits your needs and expectations.
