Inspiration

The best tour operators in the world: 2025 Readers' Choice Awards

These reliable travel fixers all have years of experience and a vast knowledge of destinations at their fingertips, with accomplished all-rounders alongside more focused experts for spa, ski and specific locations
The best tour operators in the world 2025 Readers' Choice Awards

Like those fortunate individuals who can pack in minutes, it seems many people are getting more blasé about their travel – according to James Bell of Turquoise, who reports a substantial increase in clients booking last-minute big trips. Lucky, then, that the professionals think ahead, with the winning tour operator rated for its first-hand knowledge and planning – essential for those plotting to island-hop in the Indian Ocean, a sweet spot this year. Or a post-GCSE jaunt to Peru, just one adventure offered by Original Travel, which impressed for reliability. When it came to specialist know-how, you reckoned Scott Dunn had the best on-the-ground support, and Intrepid Travel the most varied destinations, from Kazakhstan to Togo. Archaeology expert Andante Travels – a newcomer to the list – dusted off high marks for its experience.

These are the best tour operators in the world, according to the 2025 Readers' Choice Awards. The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.

  • 15. Audley Travel. Score 92.21 14. British Airways Holidays. Score 92.51 13. Jules Verne. Score 93.01 12. Abercrombie...

    The best general tour operators in the world 2025

    15. Audley Travel. Score: 92.21

    14. British Airways Holidays. Score: 92.51

    13. Jules Verne. Score: 93.01

    12. Abercrombie & Kent. Score: 93.43

    11. Trailfinders. Score: 93.78

    10. Kuoni. Score: 94.22

    9. Carrier. Score: 95.13

    8. Cazenove+Loyd. Score: 95.48

    7. Simpson Travel. Score: 96.12

    6. True Travel. Score: 96.67

    5. Mr & Mrs Smith. Score: 98.13

    4. Original Travel. Score: 98.36

    3. Elegant Resorts. Score: 99.14

    2. Red Savannah. Score: 99.85

    1. The Turquoise Holiday Company. Score: 99.90

  • 15. Steppes Travel. Score 96.08 14. Black Tomato. Score 96.17 13. HunterMoss . Score 96.96 12. Mahlatini Luxury...

    The best travel specialists in the world 2025

    15. Steppes Travel. Score: 96.08

    14. Black Tomato. Score: 96.17

    13. HunterMoss (formerly Ultimate Driving Tours). Score: 96.96

    12. Mahlatini Luxury Travel. Score: 97.03

    11. AndBeyond. Score: 97.14

    10. Pelorus. Score: 97.18

    9. Andante Travels. Score: 97.27

    8. Explorations Company. Score: 97.61

    7. Jacada Travel. Score: 97.94

    6. Wild Frontiers. Score: 98.42

    5. Cookson Adventures. Score: 98.46

    4. Wilderness Travel. Score: 98.53

    3. Intrepid Travel. Score: 98.91

    2. Healing Holidays. Score: 99.04

    1. Scott Dunn. Score: 99.10
TopicsInspirationReaders' Choice AwardsAwardsTravel TipsRCA 2025