Other Options...

[*WDW*Groupie*]

See my mom and I are the exact opposite actually. We like to travel as just the two of us and doing the group tour to Southern California with ABD was a huge step out of our comfort zone. We had 24 people on the trip and even that felt too big for us. We have about the same number currently booked on our Central Europe trip in the fall. We've actually done a few tours at WDW where it was just us. I did Mickey's Magical Milestones tour with my girlfriend and we were the only ones on the tour and my mom and I did Wild by Design at AK and it was just the two of us. It was great because we could go as fast or as slow as we wanted, we didn't have to wait on others or feel like we were holding others up. I ended up taking most of the photos on our BSM ABD because my mom is not very fast when it comes to taking photos and she doesn't want to make people upset because she's holding the group up so she can take pictures. This is why I think the smaller groups on Nat Geo and the private expeditions will be good for us.

I'm somewhere between the two. The only reason we went back to ABD was so my daughter could be in the company of others during our travels. I REALLY enjoy traveling on our own (just me and my kids) because we are on our own schedule and can linger where we want and speed through other things that don't appeal to us that much.

I have checked with ABD about the ages and gender of the teens on our trip to China and I am a bit worried since there is a large number of girls in the 12 - 15 year age range. We had a bit of girl drama on our Australia trip last summer and while it by no means took away from our AMAZING trip it did make things uncomfortable and awkward (especially towards the end of the trip).

I am almost certain that for our African safari (2017) we will go on our own. ABD doesn't do a lot of the stuff we want to do (Victoria's Falls is one thing missing for us) and we want to stay at a private reserve that borders Kruger (Kapama is a 134 sq. kilometer private reserve that doesn't border any National Park). We also plan on visiting 2 different parks: one in South Africa (likely Sabi Sands which borders or Londolozi which both border Kruger) and one in either Zambia or Zimbabwe (depending on where we want to see Victoria's Falls from). It's also highly likely we will visit Tanzania to witness the great migration (since we are planning on June we will see the Northern migration) which is a huge 'bucket list' item of mine.

We will also have to do another ABD since I have a credit on file with them that they refuse to apply to our China Trip . Or lose our $600.00 deposit. I'm more than a bit irked at this since I hate people keeping my money hostage.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

I'm somewhere between the two. The only reason we went back to ABD was so my daughter could be in the company of others during our travels. I REALLY enjoy traveling on our own (just me and my kids) because we are on our own schedule and can linger where we want and speed through other things that don't appeal to us that much.

I have checked with ABD about the ages and gender of the teens on our trip to China and I am a bit worried since there is a large number of girls in the 12 - 15 year age range. We had a bit of girl drama on our Australia trip last summer and while it by no means took away from our AMAZING trip it did make things uncomfortable and awkward (especially towards the end of the trip).

I am almost certain that for our African safari (2017) we will go on our own. ABD doesn't do a lot of the stuff we want to do (Victoria's Falls is one thing missing for us) and we want to stay at a private reserve that borders Kruger (Kapama is a 134 sq. kilometer private reserve that doesn't border any National Park). We also plan on visiting 2 different parks: one in South Africa (likely Sabi Sands which borders or Londolozi which both border Kruger) and one in either Zambia or Zimbabwe (depending on where we want to see Victoria's Falls from). It's also highly likely we will visit Tanzania to witness the great migration (since we are planning on June we will see the Northern migration) which is a huge 'bucket list' item of mine.

We will also have to do another ABD since I have a credit on file with them that they refuse to apply to our China Trip . Or lose our $600.00 deposit. I'm more than a bit irked at this since I hate people keeping my money hostage.

You should get in touch with National Geographic Expeditions. They can create an itinerary in Southern Africa that hits all the things you want to do and will create it for however many people you want. I know on their Private Expedition to South Africa, you are staying at 2 National Geographic Lodges, one of which is the Sabi Sands Earth Lodge located in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve which borders Kruger.

I think after the trip to Central Europe, we will pretty much be travelling with Nat Geo, unless ABD can come up with a trip that really appeals to us and has an adult's only departure. We have about 7 or 8 Nat Geo trips that we're looking at doing after our S.E. Asia trip next year. I know if they offered an adult's only trip to Australia that we'd do that one with ABD as the itinerary looks really good but they don't and we don't want to travel with kids.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

You should get in touch with National Geographic Expeditions. They can create an itinerary in Southern Africa that hits all the things you want to do and will create it for however many people you want. I know on their Private Expedition to South Africa, you are staying at 2 National Geographic Lodges, one of which is the Sabi Sands Earth Lodge located in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve which borders Kruger.

I think after the trip to Central Europe, we will pretty much be travelling with Nat Geo, unless ABD can come up with a trip that really appeals to us and has an adult's only departure. We have about 7 or 8 Nat Geo trips that we're looking at doing after our S.E. Asia trip next year. I know if they offered an adult's only trip to Australia that we'd do that one with ABD as the itinerary looks really good but they don't and we don't want to travel with kids.

Oh my goodness Sabi Sands Earth Lodge looks heavenly. I have looked at Nat. Geo. private African safaris but I am still researching times of the year / migration patterns (Tanzania), geography (for ease of internal air transfers because I want to visit 2 or 3 countries) and different parks. I have also been corresponding with 2 amazing private safari operators that have been very helpful. Not ruling out Nat. Geo at this point but it doesn't seem likely for our African trip.

I can't wait to hear all about your S.E. Asia trip. It is one we are looking for 2017 - we are completely open to companies other than ABD.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

Oh my goodness Sabi Sands Earth Lodge looks heavenly. I have looked at Nat. Geo. private African safaris but I am still researching times of the year / migration patterns (Tanzania), geography (for ease of internal air transfers because I want to visit 2 or 3 countries) and different parks. I have also been corresponding with 2 amazing private safari operators that have been very helpful. Not ruling out Nat. Geo at this point but it doesn't seem likely for our African trip.

I can't wait to hear all about your S.E. Asia trip. It is one we are looking for 2017 - we are completely open to companies other than ABD.

Nat Geo will work with you even if you want to visit 5 different countries. Also their private trips go when you want to go. This is the little blurb on their website.

Custom trips: What's your dream trip? We can work with you to create an itinerary tailored specifically to your needs and interests. Call our reservation specialists at 1-888-732-2379 or fill out our custom trip form to get started. - See more at: http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/triptypes/privateexpeditions#sthash.OoOaze5d.dpuf

Yeah, about the S.E. Asia trip report, LOL. I'm actually working on getting a blog page up so that I have some place to post since so many people want to hear about our trip and I don't know if I'll be able to post an actual trip report here on the ABD board of Disboards since it's not an ABD trip. I'm working on getting my Southern California trip up on the site and getting the site the way I want it to look. I'm also going to be posting about my Central Europe trip in the fall.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

Personally I think some of it (if not a large part of it) has to do with the lack of advertising for ABD. I only ever learned about ABD because I was on message boards etc when ABD was first announced over 10 years ago. I never see any advertising for it unless I'm actually at Disney. Also, if it is advertised it's not advertised outside of the US, unless again it's a Disney property (DCL included). Also, I have no incentive to rebook with ABD. Yes I've done one ABD already but that doesn't get me the same "perks" as the other guests because I'm not American, I'm Canadian so I don't get access to the discounts or anything else. And don't tell me I don't get the discounts etc because of Canadian lottery laws. That's a stupid answer and totally inaccurate. If that was the case then I wouldn't be able to get discounts from National Geographic, which is also a US company or buy powerball tickets. The fact of the matter is Disney has chosen to keep ABD insular within the US. I also don't want to hear about how difficult it is for Disney to send stuff across the boarder because again, this is BS. I got my Disneyland package stuff shipped to my office without issue and I've had Disney merchandising send me a replacement item without issue. Disney has chosen to exclude those who are not American which means they are missing out on a lot of people who might travel with them but don't because ABD is not known up here.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

Nat Geo has a great Scotland itinerary! We were going do that one but have decided to do ABD Australia first.

We love the look of the Nat Geo Adventure trip to Scotland. It's on our must do list but we are doing SE Asia next year and looking at Ireland for 2018, both with Nat Geo.

 

[sayhello]

We love the look of the Nat Geo Adventure trip to Scotland. It's on our must do list but we are doing SE Asia next year and looking at Ireland for 2018, both with Nat Geo.

That does look like a great hiking itinerary. But it does seem to lack some of the more cultural aspects of the ABD, like the scone making and the tapestry lessons and the talk at Loch Ness. Those were definitely highlights for me. If the ABD still had the trip to the Isle of Lewis, there'd really be no comparison. I guess it just depends on what you're looking for in a vacation, but this is a bit too much hiking and not enough cultural exploration for me.

Sayhello

 

[Rapunzellover]

I feel that same way about NatGeo, SayHello. For me, Scotland will be ABD or AbercrombieandKent.

 

[acndis]

That does look like a great hiking itinerary. But it does seem to lack some of the more cultural aspects of the ABD, like the scone making and the tapestry lessons and the talk at Loch Ness. Those were definitely highlights for me. If the ABD still had the trip to the Isle of Lewis, there'd really be no comparison. I guess it just depends on what you're looking for in a vacation, but this is a bit too much hiking and not enough cultural exploration for me.

Sayhello

I really liked the family itinerary to Scotland! That's the one I was referencing but I just realized that won't work for either of you because you are looking for Adults Only--sorry! (I also LOVE the family trip to JAPAN!)

The cultural activities were the one aspect of the itinerary that made me not as excited about the Scotland ABD (we already did scone making in Ireland and the tapestry was not a very exciting prospect for my 8 year old). That's one area that I wish ABD would 'spice up' in all the itineraries. It seems there's always a farm day and a craft, etc.

Now, those activities were AWESOME in SE Asia because they were so different (Rice Farm, Mask Painting & Lanterns) but I would opt for something more physical every time. On the Europe itineraries they start to all look the same to me. That's why we are opting for the more active ABDs in the future.

Once again, different strokes! That's what makes these boards so fun and informative.

 

[sayhello]

I really liked the family itinerary to Scotland! That's the one I was referencing but I just realized that won't work for either of you because you are looking for Adults Only--sorry! (I also LOVE the family trip to JAPAN!)

The cultural activities were the one aspect of the itinerary that made me not as excited about the Scotland ABD (we already did scone making in Ireland and the tapestry was not a very exciting prospect for my 8 year old). That's one area that I wish ABD would 'spice up' in all the itineraries. It seems there's always a farm day and a craft, etc.

Now, those activities were AWESOME in SE Asia because they were so different (Rice Farm, Mask Painting & Lanterns) but I would opt for something more physical every time. On the Europe itineraries they start to all look the same to me. That's why we are opting for the more active ABDs in the future.

Once again, different strokes! That's what makes these boards so fun and informative.

I agree, it all depends on what you're looking for. But the NatGeo Scotland family trip is no cheaper than the opening day price for the Scotland ABD, and is the same length, since day 1 & 2 of the NatGeo trip is travel time to Edinburgh. But if you like the itinerary better, I agree, it's the way for you to go!

Sayhello

 

[TXTransplant]

So, I had to buy my son some scouting/camping gear, and I purchased from REI. Now I'm on their mailing list, and I just got an email about their organized European adventures. Turns out they offer trips all over the world. Most focus on hiking and cycling, but they also have a Scotland family adventure. The cost is cheaper than ABD, and the itinerary looks pretty good. They don't specify the hotels, though, so that might be a wild card. But it's definitely another option to look into.

Their trips are fully refundable up to 91 days before departure and require a $400 deposit per person. Kids get a $400 discount and the single supplement for the Scotland family adventure is only $899 (the single supplement seems to vary a lot depending on the specific trip).

Edited to add that the website specifically says they will give you confirmation on whether or not the trip has enough participants before you buy airfare. Doesn't say how many days in advance of the trip, though.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

So, I had to buy my son some scouting/camping gear, and I purchased from REI. Now I'm on their mailing list, and I just got an email about their organized European adventures. Turns out they offer trips all over the world. Most focus on hiking and cycling, but they also have a Scotland family adventure. The cost is cheaper than ABD, and the itinerary looks pretty good. They don't specify the hotels, though, so that might be a wild card. But it's definitely another option to look into.

Their trips are fully refundable up to 91 days before departure and require a $400 deposit per person. Kids get a $400 discount and the single supplement for the Scotland family adventure is only $899 (the single supplement seems to vary a lot depending on the specific trip).

Edited to add that the website specifically says they will give you confirmation on whether or not the trip has enough participants before you buy airfare. Doesn't say how many days in advance of the trip, though.

Thank you for that info! I see a trip to Peru in December that would be PERFECT for us. I'm going to call first thing Monday morning.

If you look carefully they mention a few of the hotels in the descriptions, but usually just one (they stay at the Inkaterra Machu Pichu for one night but the rest aren't mentioned). I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that this works out for us. We would be home just in time for Christmas (Dec. 24th)!

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

Sorry, wrong thread

 

[kaseyC]

Just got a brochure from "Off the Beaten Path". Never heard of them before but they have some very nice itineraries in the Western US. Small group size of 4-16. They offer some family departures. I think I may look into their "Great American West" tour it covers the Black Hills to Yellowstone. Starts in Rapid City, SD and ends in Bozeman, MT. Prices pretty similar to TB and ABD.

http://www.offthebeatenpath.com/tri...at-american-west/pricing-and-terms/?ggjid=136

 

[Calfan]

The previous post reminded me that I did a bit of looking into Trafalgar yesterday. I had received a brochure from a travel agent we've used in the past, and it included a couple of Trafalgar trips. The descriptions sounded pretty good until I emailed Trafalgar to find out the maximum number of guests permitted on their family trips, and the answer came back as 49!

 

[kaseyC]

The previous post reminded me that I did a bit of looking into Trafalgar yesterday. I had received a brochure from a travel agent we've used in the past, and it included a couple of Trafalgar trips. The descriptions sounded pretty good until I emailed Trafalgar to find out the maximum number of guests permitted on their family trips, and the answer came back as 49!

Wow!!

 

[carpenta]

49? Now that would be really tight on any bus.

 

[Ava]

Just got a brochure from "Off the Beaten Path". Never heard of them before but they have some very nice itineraries in the Western US. Small group size of 4-16. They offer some family departures. I think I may look into their "Great American West" tour it covers the Black Hills to Yellowstone. Starts in Rapid City, SD and ends in Bozeman, MT. Prices pretty similar to TB and ABD.

http://www.offthebeatenpath.com/tri...at-american-west/pricing-and-terms/?ggjid=136

Thank you for the link! This looks like an interesting company, and I like the small group size. I don't really consider myself a "group travel" type of person, but I'm also not particularly outdoorsy so I don't feel comfortable planning those types of trips myself.

 

[Jess_S]

Hi everyone! This is my first time posting in the ABD forums, though I'm a regular poster in the DLC and WDW forums.

After reading ABD reviews here, I'm giving serious thought to giving it a try. I am generally not one for group travel. I have explored Europe, America and Canada on my own and like the independence and lack of schedule. Even on a cruise, I'm an on-my-own walking tour or grab-a-taxi traveler.

But I'm now looking at the South Africa and Galapagos trips offered by ABD, which seem wonderful and travel to places I wouldn't feel as comfortable traveling to on my own. When I looked into other tour companies that visit these destinations and are geared towards families, National Geographic Expeditions was the only other company that caught my eye. I'm curious about whether anyone can compare the two companies. Specific concerns are quality of guides, quality of food and whether someone who is used to independent travel would enjoy the trip. The prices for both are pretty darn expensive, so that wouldn't really be a factor.

(Having looked through this thread now that my post was merged, it looks to me like Nat Geo might be a better choice because of group size. Is the 40 person group on ABD standard on all tours now?)

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

Hi everyone! This is my first time posting in the ABD forums, though I'm a regular poster in the DLC and WDW forums.

After reading ABD reviews here, I'm giving serious thought to giving it a try. I am generally not one for group travel. I have explored Europe, America and Canada on my own and like the independence and lack of schedule. Even on a cruise, I'm an on-my-own walking tour or grab-a-taxi traveler.

But I'm now looking at the South Africa and Galapagos trips offered by ABD, which seem wonderful and travel to places I wouldn't feel as comfortable traveling to on my own. When I looked into other tour companies that visit these destinations and are geared towards families, National Geographic Expeditions was the only other company that caught my eye. I'm curious about whether anyone can compare the two companies. Specific concerns are quality of guides, quality of food and whether someone who is used to independent travel would enjoy the trip. The prices for both are pretty darn expensive, so that wouldn't really be a factor.

I have yet to take my first Nat Geo Adventure (SE Asia in February) but I can tell you I already much prefer the experience with Nat Geo than I do with ABD. Nat Geo has been very upfront and open about things like minimum numbers required for a trip to be a guaranteed departure. I'm not sure of the number for the family trips but for mine it's 8 people. Also, shortly after booking I got emailed from my trip coordinator and received a link to my pre-trip website that has all the required information and paperwork on it. My trip coordinator is there to answer any and all questions I have about the trip and she is a dedicated trip coordinator so all questions, requests etc go through her.

With ABD, you are dealing with whoever answers the phone/email so it's never the same person twice. They don't tell you exactly what will make a trip a guaranteed departure and they are not very forthcoming with information. I've heard from my TA once about something ABD informed her of (one of our hotels has changed).

Also, I don't know where you are from but ABD is not very friendly to non-Americans. We don't have access to the same things as American guests are. We can't join Adventure Insiders after our first trip and we don't have access to the same discounts as Americans, whereas with Nat Geo we have access to all the same discounts as anyone else who books with them as a repeat guest.

Again, this is just my experience, I'm sure others will offer theirs.