Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
They say it’s the tour leader who makes or breaks a trip, and for me, this couldn’t be truer. Luis Flores brought this whirlwind adventure to life with his warmth, kindness, passion for his country, and enduring patience—all matched by his brilliant, boyish sense of humour, which was a bonus. Behind the company logo is a man of immense grace and generosity—a true superstar in countless subtle ways. He’s not just someone who leads you through a place but someone who helps you connect with its soul and its people.
This trip was a vibrant tapestry of breathtaking sights, iconic landmarks, and mouthwateringly delicious cuisine (with portions that were often humongous—wear stretchy trousers!). Add to that the genuine, heartwarming hospitality of the people we met, and it was an experience like no other.
The long, scenic drives became opportunities to daydream out the window, snooze in readiness for the next adventure (or “meditate,” as Luis fondly called these sleepy and quiet moments), or share conversations that added even more richness to the journey—or, occasionally, for me to ask, “Are we nearly there?”
Was it perfect? No. Could some things have been better? Yes, of course. But I came hoping for an authentic, enriching experience—and that’s precisely what I got.
If you’re considering this trip, come with an open mind and heart and be ready to let the magic unfold. Drink in the numerous sensorial moments of wonder. There are so many “wow, wow, wow” moments—turning a corner and seeing something genuinely magnificent alongside enchanting flora and fauna (sadly, no jaguars made an appearance). For me, this was a genuinely enriching and transformative journey.
In all honesty, I was hesitant to book after a really disappointing experience with an Explore guide earlier this year. It felt like a huge risk to trust you again, especially since this was a 2-week trip and tour leaders are beyond your control. But I’m so glad I did and am deeply grateful for the experience.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, Belize City, Palenq
Mexico City, Belize City, Palenque, Flores, Tikal, San Ignacio, Oaxaca, Tehuantepec
The coach, hotels & destinations were all great. The only issue would be to include some form of breakfast every day, even a basic ‘boxed’ breakfast, especially on early start mornings. Eventhough there are multiple stops, a breakfast with a muffin, a savoury item, juice/water & fruit, would ease the pressure on guests to find something nearby, within the time available. I appreciate Costsaver endeavour to minimise costs, but the guests are still having ‘out of pocket expenses’ & trying to find something, with limited time & outlets appropriate to their needs.
Adventure
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Flag
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Flagstaff, Las Vegas, Visalia, Modesto
It was the exact trip I was looking for! Being able to see and enjoy five national parks during one trip with an excellent, experienced, friendly, knowledgeable guide.
Words can’t express how thrilled I was to find this trip.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Las Vegas, Jackson, Yellowstone
Las Vegas, Jackson, Yellowstone National Park, Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon National Park, Williams
A couple of the hotel (motel) selections were subpar and there could have been better choices made.
Otherwise, the trip overall was excellent and our bus driver and travel director were excellent!
AdventureNational parks
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Yello
Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Yellowstone National Park, Buffalo, Rapid City, Denver, Flagstaff, Page, Bryce Canyon National Park, Alpine, Jackson, Cody
Perfect tour for lovers of music and Southern cuisine: Nashville, Memphis, Natchez and NOLA. You'll learn something everyday and you'll enjoy yourself tremendously while learning.
It's my 2nd Expat Explore experirnce. Had a great fun time with the tour. Our tour leader, Larry, always make it a point to address our concerns, and he's very informative. The driver, Leo, also did a great job. Fantastic tourmates as well with no issues. Such an ultimate experience of a lifetime. Highly recommended! ?
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
10-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New York, Philadelphia, Niagara
New York, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Boston, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto
This is a varied and interesting tour with many unexpected cultural experiences.
Ana Davila is an excellent tour leader who brings the archaeological sites, history and her culture to life.
Mexico, Belize and Guatemala all have their own characters and it was interesting to see these differences.
A fascinating and highly enjoyable tour.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Merida, Mexico City, Palenque, F
Merida, Mexico City, Palenque, Flores, Tikal, San Ignacio, Belize City, Caye Caulker, Bacalar, Valladolid, Teotihuacan, Oaxaca, Tehuantepec, San Cristobal De Las Casas, Zinacantán
We’re both in our 60s and loved the concept of seeing iconic cities in one tour. Highlights for us were Cape Town and Agra, very well organized with knowledgeable guides. The early morning flights and long transfers were tiring, and there wasn’t much time to unpack before moving again. That said, we met lovely people and learned so much. We just wish we had more time in Singapore. They handled logistics impressively for such a big tour. Would recommend for flexible, energetic travelers.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort, Tent
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Beijing, Dubai, Cairo, Toronto
Beijing, Dubai, Cairo, Toronto, Athens, Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Singapore, New Delhi
The itinerary was fabulous!!! our tour director could have used a little more help from corporate, however. I understand that our original tour guide got ill right before the trip started.
did an amazing job picking up but there definitely was some confusion.
I highly have recommended this trip to several of our friends and would do it again in a heartbeat. Best vacation we have ever had!!
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Lodge, Resort, Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Calgary, Waterton Lakes National
Calgary, Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier National Park, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Kananaskis Country