Mindful of the both cost-of-living increases travellers are facing along with the importance of tourism recovery for local destinations around the world, G Adventures’ 2023 ‘Where to Travel’ list is designed to highlight some of the tour operator’s adventures that best combine affordability and added value in-destination with the ability for clients to help give back to communities still reeling from the from the loss of tourism during the pandemic. 

Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, says while 2023 is set to be the year of full recovery for travel businesses, it’s important travel companies still keep their eye on the ball when it comes to sustainability. 

“Our ‘Where to Travel’ list this year focuses on value and giving back to local communities,” he says. “There’s still a lot of pent-up demand in the market, and people have discretionary income saved from not travelling for two years, but economic uncertainty is still present. Travel restrictions have relaxed a lot however, so it’s become much easier for people to get away.”

The ‘Where To Travel List’ focuses not just on affordability, but also added value and “life-changing” experiences that come as part of a small-group trip, all which have strong social impact for local communities in the destination, says the tour operator. 

Here is G Adventure’s 2023 list: 

Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka has been rocked by crises over the past few years with the Easter attacks, COVID-19, and the recent economic crisis all having a devastating impact on tourism. “Could 2023 finally be its year? We hope so, as much for the sake of the people impacted in the tourism industry, as the travellers who come to see its culture and beauty,” says G. The devaluation of the currency has also made it better value to travel to now, and Sri Lanka has set an ambitious target to attract tourists in 2023. 

• Tour option: ‘Sri Lanka Express’ supports two G for Good projects; Sthree Craft Shop and Café, and AMBA Estate organic farm and guest house during the course of the eight-day tour.  

Turkey – Turkey has also been impacted by recent events but is still poised for a strong comeback with G reporting a 139% increase in bookings for 2023 travel. “Affordable, always a crowd-pleaser, and with multiple airlift options, it’s still a great choice for travellers wanting to make their money go further – and to the right places, says the tour operator. 

• Tour option: G Adventures’ ‘Best of Turkey’ trip includes a visit to a handicraft cooperation, where all products are made out of recycled goods. Making a purchase directly benefits the local women who work in the workshop.

Japan – While not typically perceived as an affordable travel destination, the yen has dropped by 25% making it one of the best times to head to Japan to save money on the ground, according to G, which has seen a 65% increase in bookings for 2023. 

• Tour option: G Adventures’ Backroads of Japan trip, 11 days from Tokyo to Kyoto, spends time at Hagi Community Homestay, a G for Good project that connects Hagi’s aging population with travellers to share local history and customs, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with their hosts.

Peru – With Machu Picchu still at only 60% of its pre-COVID capacity, booking early to see this South American treasure is imperative, says G. While many travellers focus on the Inca Trail, there’s plenty of other options for those seeking an alternative. The Lares Trek takes travellers along ancient Andean trails and supports local communities along the way. Plus, with a one-day Inca Trail add-on available, travellers can get the best of both worlds, and still enter Machu Picchu the way of the Incas. 

• Tour option: An eight-day National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures ‘Explore Machu Picchu’ tour (return from Lima) stops at the Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Cooperative, a G for Good community tourism project that supports local women in the Sacred Valley, as well the Parwa Community Restaurant, which helps boost the local economy in the Sacred Valley. 

Thailand – With Asia being late to open following the COVID19 Pandemic, Thailand has been slower to return meaning right now there are less tourists (especially from China) and crowds, and prices remain low as it’s not yet been affected by inflation. 

• Tour option: The nine-day ‘Bangkok to Hanoi: Chiang Mai, Night Markets & Streetside Bars’ Roamies trip includes a visit to Yimsoo Café in Bangkok, whic that offers training and economic opportunities for people living with disabilities.

EGYPT – With hopes that the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo will open in 2023 as currently indicated on its website, more travellers are expected to Egypt, where prices remain very affordable. 

• Tour option: The eight-day ‘Best of Egypt’ trip, travelling from Cairo return, includes a visit to an inhabited island on the Nile, where travellers will meet the Nubian community, enjoy a dinner at a local home and learn about their way of life. 

Morocco – Another destination offering excellent value is Morocco, which is easily accessible from European hubs to add to an extended itinerary, or for a long weekend packed with experiences. 

• Tour option: The four-day’ Mt Toubkal Weekend Trek’ is priced from Marrakech passes through Berber villages, where tour participants can buy handicrafts and textiles and are supported by Berber chefs who cook for the group along the trek. 

Mexico – Another country where G Adventures has expanded its offerings is Mexico with nine new trips featuring undiscovered locations the central American destination.

• Tour option: travelling from Mexico City to Tulum, the 14-day ‘Viva Mexico: Ancient Ruins & the Mayan Riviera’ itinerary visits the Alebrijes Artisan Community to learn more about how Alebrijes figurines integrated themselves into Oaxacan/Mexican folklore. 

South Africa – South Africa is home to some of Africa’s most spectacular parks and wildlife, but the misconception around the high costs of safaris can often put travellers off. G Adventures, however, has a particularly affordable safari offer that means travellers can tick off their long-awaited dream safari trip for a fraction of the regular price, as well as enjoying the great prices on the ground, while still giving back to local communities.

• Tour option: The diverse wildlife of Kruger National Park is explored on the eight-day ‘Kruger in Depth’ trip and includes a local dance activity that supports local communities and schools. Visiting the north of the park, which is often overlooked by other operators, brings much needed income to the communities, with travellers staying in a lodge that only employs local people. 

The Balkans: For travellers looking to head to Europe but wanting to avoid the usual go-to sights, The Balkans provide a European feel at a fraction of the cost. 

• Tour option: Travellers will support local communities in small island villages, contributing to their economic prosperity, on the eight-day ‘Montenegro Sailing’ trip from Dubrovnik, Croatia. Sailing is also a low-impact means of travel.

Costa Rica – Costa Rica has continued to be a popular choice after being one of the first countries to reopen during the pandemic, and with no signs of slowing down, with its mix of nature, activities, and beaches.

• Get there: An eight-day ‘Costa Rica Wellness’ trip travelling from San Jose return calls in the Mi Cafecito coffee cooperative in San Miguel de Sarapiqui, where travellers learn about everything from harvesting, to husking, drying, and roasting the beans before enjoying the best part – a fresh cup. They will also enjoy a typical lunch of plantains, beans, and freshly caught tilapia fish, while supporting a G Adventures for Good project that helps 200 farmers and their families.

Vietnam – Another country that was late to reopen but is quickly picking up speed is Vietnam, which is also a great value choice for families along with great food, beautiful sights and friendly people.

• Tour option: The 12-day ‘Vietnam Family Adventure’ travels from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and includes a visits to Oodles of Noodles, a G for Good project supporting former street youth where travellers help you prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles. 

“Travellers,” says Poon Tip, “have changed what they are looking for in terms of meaningful experiences supporting local people and the environment – travel is building back differently, and better. It’s going to be so important to continue with that focus no matter what happens economically this year.”