As you know, when you travel it’s all about having the right connections! We’re fortunate to be associated with some fine organizations, and to be recognized by a number of prestigious publications for the way in which we operate our trips. Below is a selection of our alliances and awards.
National Geographic Adventure Magazine recognized Classic Journeys as one of the “Best Outfitters on Earth” in its first authoritative rating of adventure travel companies. The focus was to identify companies that consider their environmental impact a fundamental part of the trips they offer. They sought out companies like Classic Journeys that teach their clients about the places they visit, push the frontiers of discovery and adventure, and give back to the planet. Travel outfitters were scored on the following criteria: education, sustainability, quality of service, and spirit of adventure.
In the 2007 Travel + Leisure Magazine Readers' Survey, voters once again recognized Classic Journeys as one of the World's Best Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters. The magazine's annual poll asks discriminating readers to name the very best in travel, from hotels to cities to islands, along with all of the operators and outfitters who make the journey possible. Tour operators are ranked on the following criteria: staff/guides, itineraries/destinations, activities, accommodations, food and value.
Forbes.com - Best of The Web: Forbes.com’s editors selected Classic Journeys’ web site as a Best of the Web based on its benefits to users in the following categories: Content, Design, Speed, Navigation and Customization. In announcing the award, the Forbes’ editors commented, “Sleek design, easy navigation and amazing pictures. Classic Journeys has organized more than 80 first-class trips from Patagonia to Provence, whether you're traveling with a group or flying solo. Trips are categorized into three areas: cultural walking adventures, family journeys and culinary tours. The site is easily searchable by type of tour, region or date. Prices and detailed itineraries are provided. Packages include hotels, most meals, guides and land transportation. With the goal of making you feel as though you're traveling with 'a well-connected friend,' local guides are well trained and professional.”
The Adventure Travel Trade Association has operated since 1990 as the only international adventure travel trade association. Among its many objectives, ATTA implements industry standards, defines adventure travel, establishes best practices and operating standards for its member companies, and encourages sustainable and environmentally and culturally sensitive adventure travel practices. Condé Nast Traveler has singled out the ATTA for its screening of member tour companies.
The International Ecotourism Society promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people by creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry; educating tourists and tourism professionals; and influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies. National Geographic Traveler has complimented The International Ecotourism Society for setting standards by which consumers can judge tour operators.
ASTA TOP Tour Operators: The American Society of Travel Agents’ TOP program identifies reliable, financially stable tour operators. All members participate in a recognized consumer protection plan, and have met additional standards of reliability
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Transitions Abroad – Best in Class: The Association of International Educators considers Transitions Abroad magazine, "The single most useful and important resource for work abroad, study abroad, cultural travel overseas, and international living.” In concert with the Adventure Travel Trade Association, the Educational Travel Conference and VolunTourism International, the editors at Transitions Abroad selected companies at the top of the field on the following criteria: providing knowledgeable guides who offer excellent interpretation and interactive experiences; managing their business with environmental sensitivity; creating trips that provide for respectful cultural exchange; maintaining small group size; and creating opportunities for authentic interactions, not staged performances.
At Classic Journeys, we also work actively with the tourist boards of each country in which we operate our tours. Among these fine organizations are Switzerland Tourism, the British Tourist Authority, 100% Pure New Zealand, and the Italian Government Tourist Board.
