Explore Worldwide Sees Double-Digit Growth in U.S. Bookings

Adventure tour operator Explore Worldwide is reporting significant growth in U.S. bookings, driven by demand for active small group tours in Europe.

Explore Worldwide is one of the U.K.-based tour operators making a play for the North American outbound travel market. The company specializes in small group adventure tours that are built around active experiences, such as hiking or cycling, and offers over 350 trips in 100 countries.

The company saw a 27% revenue boost year-over-year for March, with U.S. demand concentrated on European walking and hiking tours in Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, and Croatia. Looking specifically at walking- and hiking-based travel, bookings show 55% growth.

“Our active travel itineraries are our biggest sellers right now, and we don’t think that’s a coincidence,” says Katy Rockett, regional director of North America for Explore Worldwide. “A 55% increase in walking and hiking bookings tells us that people are ready to step away from the noise and negative news cycles and into experiences that offer deeper connection to local communities and the natural world.”

The tour operator also noted a trend towards shorter booking windows. Approximately 85% of travelers booked trips departing in 2026, with only 15% looking ahead to 2027. Furthermore, of those 2026 departures, 46% — nearly half — were for travel within three months.

“We’re cautiously optimistic about the remainder of 2026 and will continue to work closely with partners to ensure our travelers and advisors are taken care of and armed with the proper insights, tools, and additional resources like 24-hour support on-trip and fixed pricing upon booking — to help navigate the process.”