Get In TouchWe chose the descriptor Forward because it’s the only direction that makes sense for travel – towards places that challenge you, surprise you, and stay with you long after you’re home. We have crossed the Drake Passage to Antarctica, stood in king penguin colonies on South Georgia, ridden jeeps across the Indian Himalaya, and driven red-dirt tracks in remote Australia so that when we plan with you, it’s grounded in first-hand experience, not guesswork.
Forward Travel exists to move you beyond nondescript holidays and into trips that feel genuinely your own. We listen closely to what you care about – wildlife, history, food, remote landscapes, or all of the above – then design an itinerary that unfolds logically day by day, rather than bolting together generic highlights. Every route, lodge, ship, and guide is chosen because it fits your brief and matches what we know works in that region.
Travelling forward means using our experience to give your journey more depth and fewer compromises. We keep groups small, work with specialists on the ground, and negotiate seasons, permits, and local conditions so you can focus on the trip itself instead of the logistics. You bring the curiosity; we bring the know-how – and together, we move your travels forward in a way that feels deliberate, informed, and completely personal to you.
About Forward Travel
"Small group tours" can mean different things. At Forward Travel, we've narrowed it down to two options:
You choose your travelling companions, and we design the trip around your interests. Ideal for couples, families, friends, and workmates who want something tailored just for them.
You join one of our special departures with a Forward Travel escort and a small group of like-minded travellers. Designed for those who like a set itinerary, fixed dates, and exploring places with others who share similar interests.
With years of experience and thousands of satisfied customers, we're your trusted partner for unforgettable travel experiences.

People intimately familiar with the land will accompany and enlighten you about culture, history, and wildlife.
Travel should be thoughtful. Go gentle on the environment and give back to local communities when you do it with us.
1,000+ happy customers, accreditation from ATIA & CATO, plus membership in ATTA, LATA, Safe Travels & Traveller’s Choice.
Every dollar you give us is allocated prudently and conscientiously to give you the best of your chosen destination.
The world is vast. Choose a region and see how many journeys are waiting. We’re always adding to our portfolio. Where will your story begin?
Explore our escorted small group travel packages. Hosted by trusted local guides and, on select departures, a Forward Travel escort, these itineraries are open for anyone to book onto. Book now or enquire early to secure dates that work for your group.

Inside ‘dark tourism’ — the new trend for wealthy boomers vacationing in areas with high travel advisories


Travel stories, tips & experiences from our team and explorers.
Think of a beach that went from local secret to queue for the selfie in about a fortnight. Not because it suddenly got prettier, or because the water changed colour. It was a 12-second video. A drone shot, a snappy song, a caption that implied you’d missed your chance at happiness if you didn’t go this weekend.
Rozhen Monastery lies above the Pirin foothills like a quiet lookout, tucked into the Melnik sand pyramids and a short hike from Bulgaria’s smallest town. It’s easy to come for the view and leave surprised by how much is going on inside; three centuries of frescoes, carved icon screens made with the patience of people who clearly weren’t racing the clock, and a miraculous Virgin Mary icon that draws pilgrims. This article is a guide to visiting Rozhen. It covers where it is, how to get there on foot or by road, what art and craft to look for, and the bits of history that explain why this monastery matters to the region. Come for an hour or build a whole day around it.
Penguins are the poster animals of cold oceans, but they’re also famously one-hemisphere creatures. You won’t find wild penguins at the North Pole. There are no penguins in the Arctic. They live naturally in the Southern Hemisphere, from subantarctic islands up to the coasts of South America, Africa, and New Zealand, and all the way down to Antarctica.
The Arctic and Antarctica sit at opposite ends of the Earth, yet they are often mistakenly viewed as similar destinations. In reality, they offer profoundly different landscapes, wildlife encounters, climates, and travel experiences. Understanding these differences is key when deciding which polar region best aligns with your interests, comfort levels, and sense of adventure.

















