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Why We Travel Forward

We 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
Traveler with backpack overlooking mountains

What Do We Mean by Small Group Tours?

"Small group tours" can mean different things. At Forward Travel, we've narrowed it down to two options:

Private Small Group Tours

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.

  • Your dates, your pace, your wishlist
  • Itineraries customised around your interests and budget
  • Flexibility to adjust sightseeing and downtime along the way
  • Local specialist guides working just with your private group
  • Group size anything from two people up to larger private groups

Escorted Small Group Tours

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.

  • Set departure dates and clearly bulleted highlights
  • Small group size for easier logistics and more time exploring
  • Hosted by a Forward Travel escort plus local specialist guides
  • Good option if you're travelling solo or as a couple and enjoy company
  • Handpicked itineraries created and operated by Forward Travel

Why Do Tailor-Made Travel With Us?

What does it mean to have a journey made just for you? It means no two travellers walk the same path. Your story, your pace, your passions—they’re what guide the way.
Perks of Personalised Packages
 

Why Choose Us

With years of experience and thousands of satisfied customers, we're your trusted partner for unforgettable travel experiences.

Expert Local Guides

People intimately familiar with the land will accompany and enlighten you about culture, history, and wildlife.

Sustainable Practices

Travel should be thoughtful. Go gentle on the environment and give back to local communities when you do it with us.

Trustworthy Services

1,000+ happy customers, accreditation from ATIA & CATO, plus membership in ATTA, LATA, Safe Travels & Traveller’s Choice.

Ethical Pricing

Every dollar you give us is allocated prudently and conscientiously to give you the best of your chosen destination.

Traveller Testimonials

How Far We Go

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?

2026 & 2027 Small Group Escorted Tours

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.

As Seen In

Travel and Tour World

Wealthy travelers fueling the rise of ‘dark tourism’ in risky locations

Travel Bulletin

Dark tourism on the rise

News 18

Australians Willing To Pay Premium For Unique And Risky Travel Experiences

The Senior

Why over-55s are searching for 'off the beaten track' cultural travel

Escape

What's hot and new in the world of aviation in 2025

New York Post

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

Our Philosophy

Forging you own trail

Forward Travel’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that dreams can become a reality. In 2013 this belief sparked the action that brought Forward Travel to life.
Forward Travel provides custom-made travel plans that engage and motivate the refined explorers at a profoundly intimate level, generating feelings through unique encounters and enhancing their lives in a positive way.

Listen to Our Latest Radio Segments

Weekly insights and discussions on all things travel.

Come Wander with Us

Travel stories, tips & experiences from our team and explorers.

Does Media Shape Where and How We Travel?
Does Media Shape Where and How We Travel?

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.

Visiting Bulgaria’s Rozhen Monastery in the Pirin Foothills
Visiting Bulgaria’s Rozhen Monastery in the Pirin Foothills

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.

8 Penguin Species to Observe in the Antarctic Region
8 Penguin Species to Observe in the Antarctic Region

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.

Arctic vs Antarctica " What Travellers Need to Know "
Arctic vs Antarctica " What Travellers Need to Know "

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.

Most Unique Tour Consultants