Explore! Active Deals, Sales & Codes in August, 2026

About Explore

Explore is a UK-based adventure travel company that has been running small-group trips since 1981. With a catalogue spanning over 500 itineraries across more than 120 countries, they occupy a distinct space in the market — neither a budget backpacker operation nor a luxury tour brand, but a middle ground aimed at travellers who want genuine cultural immersion with the logistics handled for them. Their average group size is just 11, and every guided trip is led by a local expert who adapts the itinerary to the group’s interests rather than sticking rigidly to a script.

The range is broad. Classic Discovery tours cover destinations from Morocco to Japan, while specialist options include polar voyages, cycling holidays, walking trips and self-guided tours. Pricing varies by destination and duration — France tours, for instance, start from around £1,520 per person, and Croatia trips from under £1,500 per person. Self-guided options include accommodation, transport and meals as standard, while guided packages add an Explore Leader, local crew, activities and equipment. Flight costs are listed separately, with a toggle on each trip page to show the full guide package price including flights.

A few features stand out. Explore runs a referral programme giving £100 in booking credit to both parties when a referred friend completes a qualifying trip. Their loyalty club offers returning customers up to 10% off bookings, and newsletter subscribers receive exclusive discounts and early sale alerts. Responsible tourism is a stated company principle, with commitments to positively impacting the communities and environments their trips visit. The Explore Upgraded collection adds premium accommodation to their standard itineraries for travellers seeking extra comfort. These savings routes, combined with the deals listed below, make this page worth bookmarking if you’re planning an adventure trip.

Is Explore the right fit if I prefer authentic travel over standard package holidays?

We’d say Explore is built specifically for that preference. Their average group size is just 11 people, which means you’re not trailing behind a clipboard-wielding guide with 40 others. Local experts lead each trip and adjust itineraries to suit the group’s interests — something large operators rarely do. They cover over 500 trips across 120-plus countries, from walking tours through European villages to polar voyages in the Arctic. If you care more about cultural immersion than a resort with a swim-up bar, Explore is a strong match. That said, it’s not a budget backpacking outfit — trips are priced for comfort alongside adventure.

What’s the difference between Explore’s Classic and Upgraded tours?

Classic Discovery trips are the core Explore product and suit most travellers well. Explore Upgraded layers on premium accommodation without changing the adventure itself. If you’re travelling to mark a milestone or simply want better rooms after long days of hiking and exploring, the upgrade is worth the extra spend. For straightforward value, the Classic range is hard to beat.

How can I get the best value on an Explore booking?

Start by comparing the default displayed price (without flights) against the guide package cost shown on the trip page — toggling the flights option in the search filters gives you a fuller picture for budgeting against competitors. Explore regularly runs last-minute deals and seasonal promotions, with discounts of up to £300 on selected trips. Keep an eye on polar voyages too, which periodically see reductions of up to 30%. If you know someone who’s already an Explore customer, ask them for a referral link — both parties receive £100 in booking credit when you complete a qualifying trip.