When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Expedition Trips
Why Expedition Trips is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Expedition Trips specializes in small-ship expedition cruises to some of the most wild and remote destinations on the planet. With a carefully curated selection of trips to places like Antarctica, the Amazon River, Alaska's Glacier Bay, the Galápagos Islands, and even the North Pole, this Seattle-based travel company offers unforgettable journeys for intrepid travelers seeking adventure and intimate encounters with nature. The company excels in personalized service, connecting clients with expert travel consultants like Keri and Ashley, who bring their passion for wildlife, remote landscapes, and cultural immersion to each itinerary. Travelers can expect thorough planning assistance that ensures memorable experiences, from marveling at wildlife unique to the Galápagos to exploring frozen polar regions aboard icebreaker ships. Expedition Trips has built a reputation as a trusted resource for booking small expedition cruises with a network that includes 30 operators worldwide. Whether you're dreaming of a $600 short trip or a high-end 13-day polar adventure, Expedition Trips crafts journeys that balance thrill and comfort, making it an excellent place to plan a memorable outing with friends or family.
Here's what people think of Expedition Trips
As of recent, Expedition Trips holds a 4.6-star rating based on 31 reviews.
Users consistently praise Expedition Trips for its knowledgeable and passionate staff who help create highly personalized and detailed travel experiences to some of the world’s most remote locations. Positive reviews highlight the excellent service, attention to detail, and the expert guidance provided by travel consultants, which makes complex expedition travel planning straightforward and enjoyable. Many travelers appreciate how the company offers access to unique itineraries and small-ship cruises that focus on adventure, wildlife observation, and cultural immersion, often noting that the staff's enthusiasm for these destinations enhances the experience. On the other hand, some less favorable reviews mention issues such as the inability to book trips directly online, which may frustrate customers accustomed to instant booking platforms. A few reviewers also note limited customer service availability or responsiveness, although these complaints are not common. Overall, Expedition Trips maintains a strong 4.6-star rating from over 30 reviews, indicating general satisfaction with their expert travel advice and unique expedition offerings. The company’s specialized focus and attentive service continue to attract adventure travelers seeking expertly guided, small-group expeditions to extraordinary places around the globe.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Wellen - LRC
From the first zoom call with Ashton Palmer and Christine MacAllister of Expedition Trips, we knew we were in great hands for our dream trip to Antarctica. With Ashton’s 50 or so trips to the continent and Christine recently returning from her first expedition, it provided us with a wealth of knowledge when researching how to best plan a trip like this. After doing our own research, we were, to say the least confused and frustrated, but Ashton and Christine listened to our desires and quickly refocused us on the correct path. Their attention to detail during all the planning stages was excellent and it was shown throughout the execution of the trip. Ashton’s team also listened to special requests and knocked it out of the ballpark with execution. On this trip, we were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and I asked if there could be something special I could do to surprise my wife on the trip. They took care of everything. They first surprised us with an anniversary bottle of champagne and a cake at our hotel in Santiago. One of the things you can do on the ship is sleep in an igloo on the top deck. It was first come, first serve. We were able to get the igloo reserved for one night. When we entered the igloo, the ship’s crew had it decorated with anniversary décor along with champagne and treats. It was so emotional that it brought my wife and I to tears. Their suggestion to take the Lindblad National Geographic Resolution ship the first two weeks of January 2024 was absolutely perfect. The Lindblad Resolution was spectacular, and we are so thankful Ashton pushed us to take this ship. This is their newest ship and we saw everyday why this is the best ship to take to the Great White Continent. From Captain Heidi to Andy our Expedition Leader to Laura who ran the hotel part of the ship to Evylyn at the reception desk to Alexia who cleaned our room; their number one desire was to make sure we had the best experience of our lives. The passion of the naturalist and scientist on the expedition team made the trip even more enjoyable and educational. They were as excited as the passengers were about what we were seeing and experiencing. Also, this ship’s capabilities allowed us to go to the eastern side of the peninsula. Not one of the other sixty ships in the area had the capabilities to do that. It allowed us to sail through the Weddell Sea and see enormous tabular icebergs the size of three or four football stadiums, 100’s of Emperor Penguin chicks, ten of thousands of penguins, pods of killer whales and watched pods of humpbacks eating fifty yards from the ship. We were fortunate to take a dream trip to Africa last year and thought nothing would ever come close to rivaling that trip. How wrong we were. With the help of Ashton and his team, Antarctica has equaled and, in many cases, beat that trip. The expertise provided by advisors like Ashton is in my opinion invaluable. THANK YOU EXPEDITION TRIPS!!!
Patricia Buescher
We have been working with Expedition Trips since 2003. They have helped us find memorable destinations and avoid horrible mistakes on self-booked portions of our adventures.Beginning in 2014, we started taking our daughter and her family on adventures. The guidance from the team at Expedition Trips has helped make these family trips important and amazing parts of our life together. When the day comes I can no longer go on adventures, the memories from trips to the Galapagos, Antarctica, Alaska, Hawaii and so many other destinations will continue to make me smile.
Laura S
We've used Expedition Trips for our last three vacations. They are knowledgeable, well-staffed and take a personal interest in each client. We had our own contact person who handled the nitty gritty details of the trips and was always accessible.
Judy Pickett
We had a very rewarding expedition with Lindbad where they got us up close and almost personal with the wildlife. If you’re looking for luxury book elsewhere as the Sea Lion was very relaxed and comfortable.
Deborah Barge
Our family took an amazing trip to the Galapagos with the help of Expedition Trips. We consider ourselves travel experts, with elite level status with airlines and hotels, and could bot have planned this trip without the support of the Expedition team. The ins and outs of the travel and understanding what our family would want out of the experience was at their top priority and they delivered in a manner that was best in class. We still quote them and say “planning the trip is just as important as the trip itself” in the memory making and we agree!
How to reach Expedition Trips
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Why Expedition Trips may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Expedition Trips with your friends?
Choosing Expedition Trips as your meetup destination with friends offers an unparalleled combination of personalized planning, adventurous exploration, and the joy of shared memories. At the heart of this business is a commitment to creating group journeys that deepen bonds and elevate the travel experience. Unlike typical tour operators, Expedition Trips specializes in coordinating travel logistics for groups—whether it’s friends, families, or neighbors—ensuring cabins and accommodations are close by so everyone can experience the trip together without the usual hassles. This attention to detail amplifies the communal spirit, making every activity and expedition more meaningful because you’re sharing it alongside people you care about. Their highly praised, expert team listens carefully to your wishes and provides detailed advice and tailor-made recommendations, allowing your group to focus fully on adventure and relaxation rather than stressing over planning. Many clients report that collaborating with Expedition Trips feels like having a trusted travel companion dedicated to turning ambitious ideas into seamless, well-organized adventures. Beyond logistics, this company’s reputation—recognized by acclaimed travel publications—attests to their excellence in service, ensuring your group meetup will not only meet but exceed expectations, leaving everyone buzzing with stories and unforgettable moments long after the trip ends.
What activities does Expedition Trips offer that make it perfect for group meetups?
Expedition Trips caters to sophisticated adventurers and leisure seekers alike by offering an extensive range of activities tailored to group travel. Their trips cover a variety of iconic and exotic destinations, often featuring immersive, small-group expeditions that allow deep engagement with local environments and cultures. Activities include guided nature treks, wildlife viewing excursions, cultural immersions, and specialized educational experiences with expert-led lectures. For example, groups might find themselves hiking majestic mountain trails, exploring pristine natural parks, or cruising through scenic waterways while encountering unique flora and fauna. These experiences encourage collaboration, conversation, and discovery within the group, forging closer connections as you share moments of awe and wonder. Additionally, Expedition Trips ensures logistical synchronization, such as arranging nearby or adjacent accommodations, group transportation, and private sessions to keep everyone connected throughout the trip. Whether your group prefers thrilling outdoor adventures, culturally rich explorations, or leisurely scenic tours, Expedition Trips designs activities that suit diverse interests while maximizing shared enjoyment, making it not just a travel company but a group bonding catalyst.
How does Expedition Trips enhance the group travel experience beyond standard tour packages?
Expedition Trips differentiates itself from typical travel agencies by delivering a highly personalized service focused on group needs and desires, far beyond booking flights and hotels. Their team spends considerable time understanding each group’s unique dynamics, preferences, and expectations through in-depth consultations, enabling them to create itineraries that reflect everyone’s vision. Moreover, Expedition Trips handles complex planning scenarios like coordinating multiple families or friends traveling together, ensuring accommodations and activities are synced so no one feels left out or displaced. Their approach includes detailed pre-trip communication, ongoing support during the expedition, and careful post-trip follow-ups, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. Many clients praise the attentiveness and expertise of their staff, which builds confidence and excitement from the start. This level of care fosters a sense of trust and camaraderie, reinforcing the group’s connection even before stepping onto the adventure. By combining expert guidance, tailored experiences, and logistical mastery, Expedition Trips transforms group travel into a seamless, cohesive journey where every participant feels valued and engaged.
Why are Expedition Trips’ personalized services especially beneficial for family and multi-generational meetups?
Family and multi-generational travel poses particular challenges—varying interests, activity levels, and accommodation needs can complicate planning and reduce enjoyment. Expedition Trips excels in addressing these complexities by customizing trips deeply suited to multi-age groups. From selecting accessible adventures for seniors to arranging engaging activities for kids and teens, they create balanced itineraries that keep everyone involved and entertained. Their ability to secure adjacent cabins or rooms allows families to stay close, maintaining comfort and convenience while fostering interaction among generations. Additionally, Expedition Trips appreciates the importance of shared moments that become family stories for years to come, so they emphasize experiences that combine relaxation, education, and light adventure in ways that appeal broadly. This thoughtful approach alleviates the typical stress of family coordination and leaves more time for cherishing togetherness. With experts managing every detail from transportation to dining preferences, family members can focus on reconnecting rather than logistics, making Expedition Trips an ideal choice for enriching family reunions or special celebrations.
What qualities contribute to Expedition Trips’ high rating and client satisfaction?
Several key qualities contribute to Expedition Trips’ strong 4.6-star rating based on dozens of client reviews. First, the company’s exceptional customer service stands out—clients appreciate the approachable, knowledgeable staff who communicate clearly and respond promptly. The planning process is marked by thorough exchanges that clarify desires, explain options, and weigh pros and cons, resulting in well-informed decisions that align closely with the group’s vision. Second, the expertise and reliability of the guides and trip leaders enhance clients’ experience, as they feel safe, supported, and enriched by expert insights during every activity. Third, Expedition Trips’ ability to customize itineraries pays dividends in client satisfaction; travelers feel the trips reflect their interests and comfort levels precisely, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches. Many reviews highlight how the company’s meticulous attention to logistical details—such as ensuring group members are accommodated together—creates a smooth and stress-free journey. Finally, the company’s recognition by prestigious travel magazines and awards underscores its reputation for quality, providing further reassurance that customers are investing in a trustworthy and rewarding travel experience. These combined attributes create a compelling value proposition for anyone looking to rally their friends or family for an unforgettable adventure.
How does Expedition Trips handle trip logistics to ensure a flawless group experience?
One of the standout strengths of Expedition Trips is its command over complex logistics, which is critical when organizing trips for groups. They coordinate everything from start to finish, including transportation bookings, hotel reservations, itinerary scheduling, and activity arrangements designed to keep the group together. This means cabins or rooms are assigned close to each other, transfers happen smoothly, and the timing of excursions is carefully aligned so no one feels left behind or confused. Communication is a priority; clients receive detailed updates, advice on packing, travel tips, and emergency contact information before departure. During the trip, Expedition Trips provides ongoing support to address any unexpected issues or preferences, ensuring the group feels continuously cared for. This logistical mastery frees travelers from the usual burdens of group coordination, allowing everyone to focus on enjoying the destination and each other’s company. Such thorough organization is especially beneficial for large or multi-generational groups where coordination challenges could otherwise detract from the experience.
What makes Expedition Trips a unique choice compared to other travel planners?
Expedition Trips stands apart from other travel planners due to its dedicated focus on personalized group travel combined with adventure and discovery. Rather than simply selling standardized tours, the company acts as a travel partner invested in crafting tailor-made journeys that maximize connection and shared joy. Their deep expertise in niche adventure travel and commitment to building meaningful client relationships elevate the typical travel experience. Additionally, their recognition in top-tier travel publications and a solid 4.6 rating reflect a consistent track record of exceeding client expectations. The company's emphasis on facilitating conversations among group members during travel—whether through shared cabins, well-chosen activities, or expert-led educational talks—adds a unique social dimension that many others overlook. By blending adventure, luxury, and personalization, Expedition Trips transforms travel from a simple vacation into a transformative group experience that strengthens friendships and family ties, making it a superb option for anyone looking to rally their close connections.
How can planning with Expedition Trips create lifelong memories?
Planning your group travel with Expedition Trips involves more than just ticking off attractions; it’s about creating a series of shared moments that become part of your collective story. Their expert planners collaborate closely with groups to select activities that resonate on an emotional level — be it watching a breathtaking sunrise on a hiking expedition, discovering local cultures through engaging interactions, or simply enjoying meals together in stunning settings. The thoughtful design of each trip ensures that participants are not rushed, allowing ample time to savor experiences and build friendships or family bonds in natural ways. Testimonials from clients highlight how their adventures with Expedition Trips have led to renewed relationships, strengthened ties between generations, and lifelong connections forged through shared discovery. This investment in meaningful engagement sets Expedition Trips apart as a company that values not just the destinations, but the people traveling together, making every trip a treasured memory that lasts well beyond the journey itself.