Encounters Travel

Encounters Travel

Headquarters in Leeds, England

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Number of tours
81
Age Range
5-99
Number of reviews
896
Rating
4.5/5
Response rate
100%
Response time
within 1 day

Encounters Travel Reviews (897)

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Accommodation
4.5/5
Transportation
4.5/5
Meals
4/5
Value for money
4.5/5
Guide
5/5
  • EL
    Written on November 30th, 2024
    A marvelous way to be immersed in the life and culture and experience of being in Morocco. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff who were always there just…
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  • Petra and the Nile reviewer 2
    Written on October 28th, 2024
    We have the best guide & Driver in Jordan. I met new friends in our group tour. The Hotel in Amman is not comfortable, same in Wadi Rum. The cruise was cheap …
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  • JJ

    Classic Greece

    5.0Excellent
    Written on September 14th, 2024
    Excellent introduction to Classical Greece. Our guide, Georgina, was super knowledgeable , capable, and friendly.
    Encounters Travel commented on this review
    Hi Jamie, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. We're so glad you were satisfied with your trip. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality tours, and your feedback greatly encourages us.
  • Exploring South Korea reviewer 4
    Written on August 9th, 2024
    Amazing guide! Very fun, helpful and informative. Well organized itinerary.
    Encounters Travel commented on this review
    Hi Bethany, your review means a lot to us. We always strive to give our best to help our travellers and we're happy that we exceeded your expectations. We hope to see you again soon!
  • SS

    Temples & Spices

    5.0Excellent
    Written on July 25th, 2024
    ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
    Encounters Travel commented on this review
    We’re delighted to hear you found your trip to be excellent! Our top priority is providing exceptional experiences, and your feedback motivates us to exceed expectations. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
  • M
    Written on June 17th, 2024
    BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything with Encounters Travel, be SURE to read all of the fine print. This is especially important regarding their cancellation…
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    Encounters Travel commented on this review
    Dear Melissa G, We want to take the opportunity to respond since we don’t feel your review is entirely fair - a member of our Reservations team explained the booking conditions to you regarding cancellations by travellers for trips scheduled to depart. As we have explained, many financial elements are covered in the deposit amount – many of which are non-refundable to us as well. These include non-refundable card fees, non-refundable financial protection fees, agent fees (since you originally enquired via an agent), and the work and time put into processing a booking and making the arrangements. We may be able to fill the places on the trip that you have released, but also, we may not. This is why all tour operators have very similar cancellation policies, which work on a sliding scale with the penalty getting higher the closer you get to departure. We don't think it is fair to expect a full refund for a trip that one has booked and received a confirmation for, but no longer wishes to take.
  • MR

    Golden Triangle

    3.0Average
    Written on May 9th, 2024
    Bus used on trip was old, bad suspension and rattled. Windows old style. So uncomfortable and not conducive to taking photos while on bus. Paid for a varanasi e…
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    Encounters Travel commented on this review
    Hi Mary, It seems as if you have booked a tour with an Australian Company called Encounter Travel - https://www.encountertravel.com.au/. We are a UK company and really value our feedback as do our actual travelers and we would really appreciate it if you removed your review and posted it to the company you actually booked with. You can do this here - https://search.app.goo.gl/TGR48vh The Encounters Travel Team
  • GC

    Jordan Express

    5.0Excellent
    Written on April 2nd, 2024
    Cannot say enough good things about the tour and our guide, Amer. An amazing experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives.
    Encounters Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. We're so glad to hear that you had a memorable trip with us. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality service, and your feedback is a great encouragement to us.
  • BF

    Petra and the Nile

    5.0Excellent
    Written on March 20th, 2024
    Overall, the tour was exactly as advertised - from airport pickup, exellent guides, good vehicles and good hotels.
    Encounters Travel commented on this review
    Thanks so much for your feedback! It makes our day to hear about how much our travellers love our tours and the great service they’ve received from our team. We have passed on your review to our team and look forward to you travelling with us again!
  • P

    Best of Jordan

    5.0Excellent
    Written on December 30th, 2023
    My wife and I previously used Encounters Travel for a vacation to Egypt and Greece and therefore jumped at the opportunity to use them for our journey to Jordan…
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    Encounters Travel commented on this review
    Your review made our day! We’ve passed your comments on to our team so they can enjoy the good vibes too.

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About Encounters Travel

Encounters Travel excels in creating memorable adventures for explorers eager to uncover the world. With an emphasis on forging connections, immersing in cultures, and embracing adventure, we run regular group departures on tours in many destinations and design bespoke itineraries to suit varied interests. We love to make long-term connections with our local partners and guides and to help them grow with us. This approach extends to our customers to ensure every holiday is a special experience to be remembered.

Why Choose Us

Perfect Adventure Mix: Balancing adventure with comfort, iconic sites with lesser-known attractions, and local experiences.
Great Value Tours: Passing on savings to ensure affordable travel.
Responsible Travel: Supporting local partners and minimizing our holiday impact.
Small Team, Small Groups: Delivering consistent personal service and intimate travel experiences.
Flexible Travel: Customizable options for group tours and tailor-made trips.

Our Story

Encounters Travel is the trading name of Uncover the World Travel Ltd. We also trade as ‘Oasis Overland’, offering longer, adventurous overland expeditions. We started running trips in the Middle East and Asia over 20 years ago, and Encounters Travel currently handles around 2000-3000 pax per year and offers 100+ tours to 40+ countries. We are a UK company with a team of around 20 home-working staff.

Highlights

Extensive Experience:
Over 20 years of operating small group adventures.
Personal Connections:
Strong relationships with local partners and guides.
Responsible Travel:
Support local communities, minimize environmental impact.
Flexible Travel Options:
Customizable group tours and tailor-made trips.

Responsible Travel

  • Promoting responsible tourism practices.
  • Thorough research on environmental and socio-cultural issues before launching in new destinations.
  • Minimizing negative impacts and maximizing positive benefits of tourism.
  • Enhancing clients' awareness of environments and cultures.
  • Prioritizing local operators and organizations that meet high environmental and social standards.
  • Favoring land transportation over internal flights whenever feasible.

  • What is the typical group size for tours?

    The company runs small group departures generally ranging from 2-20 travellers, though group sizes can vary between tours. Please see our booking conditions for full details.
  • Are there tours with larger group sizes?

    Yes, shoestring-type tours generally have a larger maximum group size compared to other tours. Please see our booking conditions for full details.
  • Can the maximum group size change after I've booked a tour?

    Yes, the company retains the right to change the maximum group size for any of its tours at any time without prior notice. Group sizes indicated on the website, brochure, and other marketing literature are for guide purposes only. Please see our booking conditions for full details.
  • What happens if I need to leave the tour early for personal reasons?

    If you choose to leave the tour before its completion, you will be responsible for any additional expenses incurred, such as repatriation costs. Unfortunately, the company will not provide a refund for the unused portion of the tour, and any liability for your safety or well-being will cease. Please see our booking conditions for full details.
  • What should I do if I fall ill during the tour?

    If you become ill during the tour, you are responsible for all related costs, including hospital expenses, doctors' fees, and any repatriation costs. The company will not be liable for any refunds or expenses related to your illness. Please see our booking conditions for full details.
  • What should I do if I have issues with my hotel room?

    Please first contact the hotel reception for assistance. If you are still experiencing issues, please contact the local contact number provided in your voucher for the person who is in charge of the trip in the country you are travelling in. It is almost always quicker to ask for their assistance than contacting us in the UK first since they are in direct contact with the hotels.
  • What should I do if I miss my flight or experience a delay?

    If you miss your flight or face a delay of more than 3 hours, contact both us and the airline or transport provider immediately. This will help us assist you effectively. For compensation or refunds, refer to the airline's policies and contact them directly. Please see our booking conditions for full details.
  • What should I do if I encounter difficulties while on holiday?

    If you find yourself in difficulty while on holiday, contact us immediately. We will provide you with information on health services, local authorities, and consular assistance, as well as help with communication and finding alternative travel arrangements. Note that if the difficulty is not due to our fault, we may not cover the costs of alternative arrangements, and you should contact the relevant suppliers directly. Please see our booking conditions for full details.
  • What is the level of physical activity on your tours?

    The level of physical activity varies by tour. Some tours involve more walking and outdoor activities, while others are more leisurely. We recommend reviewing the tour itinerary and contacting us if you have any concerns regarding physical requirements.
  • Is travel insurance required?

    Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all our tours. It should cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, and other potential risks. We recommend purchasing insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed.
  • Can I book a private tour?

    Yes, we offer private tours for those who prefer a more personalized experience. Please get in touch with us directly to discuss your requirements and we can tailor a tour to your needs.
  • What type of accommodation is provided?

    Accommodation varies depending on the tour and destination. We typically offer a mix of hotels, lodges, and sometimes unique local accommodations. All accommodations are selected for their comfort, location, and service. Please check the tour itinerary for specific details.

Encounters Travel Guides

Contact our Travel Experts

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+1 844 311 8331

24/7 Support

Our team of experienced tour specialists have travelled to hundreds of countries around the globe and have decades of first-hand travel experience to share. Contact us now to have all of your tour-related questions answered!