Explore Worldwide Adds Upgraded Tours in Response to Premium Travel Demand

Explore Worldwide has announced the addition of new 2027 tours to its Upgraded collection, driven by increased demand for premium adventure travel.

Explore Worldwide is a small group tour operator that specializes in active itineraries. Although relatively new in the U.S. market, Explore Worldwide has been operating immersive and sustainable trips for over 40 years in the U.K., where the company is based.

In 2024, the tour operator launched the Upgraded tours collection. This portfolio features itineraries that pair the company’s signature immersive, expert-led experiences with premium accommodations, such as hotels and boutique stays. Wherever possible, these properties are locally owned and reflect the distinct culture and character of the destination.

Explore Worldwide has added four new tours to the Upgraded 2027 portfolio in response to demand: the tour operator has seen a 35% increase in its 2026 bookings for this travel style. Leading this growth are the tours “Discover Northern Thailand,” “Discover Morocco,” and “Discover Turkey.” In total, 2027 will offer a 74% increase in departures year-over-year.

The new Upgraded tours are “Highlights of Mexico,” “Highlights of Nepal,” “Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise,” and “Morocco: Imperial Cities, Mountains and the Sahara Desert.”

The tour operator said additional new tours will be announced throughout 2026, spanning the Upgraded collection, active adventures, and more.

“The numbers tell the story. It’s clear from the performance over the first two years that our Upgraded tours have struck a serious chord with our travelers, and not just first-timers, but those who have been with us for years,” said Katy Rockett, regional director of North America for Explore Worldwide. “As the premium adventure market continues to grow, our Upgraded tours allow us to evolve with it to meet our travelers where they are and where they want to be. All the experiences remain true to what Explore is known for, but with a thoughtful step up in comfort at an attractive price point.”