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Gate 1 Travel Review: Are Their Organized Tours Worth It?

Have you ever wanted to take a trip where everything is planned for you? I was in the same boat when I found Gate 1 Travel, which offers escorted coach tours all over the world. If you're wondering whether this is the route for you, I did all the work to give you the inside scoop!

One of the best parts of traveling is getting to decide where you want to go and what you want to see. However, it can also be the most stressful part of traveling.

How do you make sure you see everything you want to see, get the right hotels, and eat at the right restaurants, all while staying on budget? One option I often think about to help alleviate that stress is to book a tour that covers all the nitty-gritty details!

When you're thinking about organized travel, you'll come across so many tours and guides that'll it'll hurt your brain.

One of those is Gate 1 Travel. So, the real question is does it beat out other options when booking tours?

I wanted to find out so that you'll have the essential info on its tours, prices, destinations, and more! This way you'll be making a decision with lots of valuable knowledge.

What Is Gate 1 Travel?

If you're not a fan of traveling with strangers, my advice is to go with a travel agency or plan your own trip. Don't go with Gate 1 Travel or other travel groups. Plan and go discover on your own instead with Pilot!

That's because you will definitely be exploring with a group if you book with with Gate 1 Travel.

Numbers fluctuate, but if you're keen on staying in a smaller group, be sure to check out Gate 1's Small Group tours . Also known as Discovery Tours, there are no more than 22 travelers on these trips, so you won't have to worry about there being too many people with you.

‍ Discovery Tours also allow you to get up close and personal with the country you're visiting in a way that often isn't possible in larger, escorted tours.

How Large Are Gate 1 Travel Groups?

If you're not a fan of traveling with strangers, my advice is to go with a travel agency or plan your own trip. Don't go with Gate 1 Travel.

Numbers fluctuate, but if you're keen on staying in a smaller group, be sure to check out Gate 1's  Small Group tours . Also known as Discovery Tours, there are no more than 22 travelers on these trips, so you won't have to worry about there being too many people with you. 

‍ Discovery Tours  also allow you to get up close and personal with the country you're visiting in a way that often isn't possible in larger, escorted tours. 

How Do I Book a Tour?

If you're interested in booking a tour with Gate 1 Travel, you'll first need to make an account.

You can head to the login page to do this. Once you've done that, you can start booking!

You'll select your tour region, followed by the country you want to visit and the tour that appeals most to you.

Choose your departure date, and decide whether you want flights included. You can then select those flights and any optional tours you may want to do during your trip.

What's Included in Gate 1 Travel Tours?

When booking a tour with Gate 1, you want to know what's included.

Something I liked to see is that every trip offers a "land only" and "air & land" price, so you can decide whether to have your flights included. Flights do only go to and from select cities, depending on your tour dates.

Escorted tours will include the following:

• Accommodation for the nights of the tour
• Hotel taxes and service charges 
• Transport between cities
• Certain meals (what's included will be outlined in the tour details)
• Sightseeing per the itinerary in an air-conditioned coach with a guide!

Not included is airfare for land-only trips, any visa-related fees, and optional extras you may decide to add to your tour.

Gate 1 Deals

Every traveler loves a good deal, and Gate 1 offers some great affordable vacations. It's actually one of the best bundle travel deal sites out there!

By heading to the company's Featured Specials page, you'll get to see Gate 1's flash deals, as well as any last-minute deals for upcoming departure dates. They also have a featured destination sale which will change from time to time.

To access the deals, you'll need to use the promo code listed on these pages, and then you're on your way to saving on your next trip!

From its website, you can also sign up to receive weekly deals via email. You never know what you'll get in your inbox!

How Do I Contact Gate 1 Travel Customer Service?

Whether you have a question or a complaint, it's never a bad idea to know how to contact customer service.

Gate 1 Travel is currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, but you can still fill out a  form  via the website to send an online inquiry. 

If you're traveling soon, you can get ahold of the team by phone. The company has 24-hour assistance line can be reached in the US by calling 215-572-7676. 

Cancellation Policy

If you find you can no longer join your Gate 1 Travel tour, how can you cancel your trip?

Once you've made at least a partial payment on your trip, you have to submit a cancellation request in writing via the contact us page.

Cancellation fees will then be applied based on how much time remains before your trip and will be applied as a percentage of what has already been paid. 

Customer Reviews

Overall, travelers seem to be satisfied with Gate 1's services and its tours.

Many of the complaints speak to packages booked with flights and how flight cancellations or changes have upheaved entire trips. Others have also mentioned the mismatch of travel credits promised versus ones they actually offer.

Other travelers have complained about Gate 1's customer service as being difficult to reach and not entirely helpful. It sounds like quite a few individuals had a tough time getting a full refund for their trip, even with travel insurance, when booking with them.

Whether it's that explanations can't be given, refunds are not fully issued, or travelers are sent in circles, it sounds like customer service is a hit or miss.

Other complaints have also touched on the itineraries being too packed to truly enjoy what you're seeing or to feel rested enough for them. 

Is Gate 1 Travel Worth It?

After all my reading, my advice is to proceed with caution. Here's why.

My first impression when I got onto the website is that this is mainly targeting an older audience, with their branding outdated to the 2000s. That's not a judging criteria, but just a red flag in my opinion.

While Gate 1 Travel offers a lot of packaged tours, the volume of travelers who have had their trips impacted by flights booked through Gate 1 is concerning.

Instead, I would avoid the flight risks by opting for land-only tours. If you go this route, Gate 1 does offer tours all over the world, so it's a good place to at least browse through when you're trying to make a decision.

They also offer other kind of tours like independent vacations, European river cruises, and customized international vacation packages, but it's honestly not for me. The price is way too expensive and I can frankly plan it myself.

They also seem to charge a bit more than the actual ticket for many attractions, which to me seems like a dealbreaker unless it is actually hard for me to get the travel reservations myself.

In Gate 1 Travel's benefit, they sure do have tons of locations. From Paris to Peru, From Ecuador to Budapest, their tour packages extend to many destinations around the world. They also offer discount travel packages there and here, so that's something to consider for all you deal-seekers.

Keep in mind that some comments were made about the itineraries being a bit packed. So, if you're more of a relaxed traveler, I would be very careful going with Gate 1 Travel.

That being said, if you want to do and see as much as humanly possibly, Gate 1 could be the tour company for you!

If you like the idea of booking a tour but still aren't convinced that Gate 1 Travel is right for you, make sure to also check out companies like EF and Intrepid !

Our Rating: 3.1/5 

• Tours all over the world
• Small group options for more immersive experiences
• Includes accommodation, and guided coach tours
• Options for smaller group tours
• Flight cancellations can result in trip cancellation
• Poor customer service
• Some feedback of packed schedules

Gate 1 Travel FAQs:

Is gate 1 travel still in business.

Yes, very much so. They've been operating for over 40 years and continue to maintain its operations despite its outdated website design.

Is Gate 1 Travel better than Trafalgar Tours?

They both offer the same comparable luxury comfort tours, so it's hard to say. I'd give Trafalgar the edge since they have more experience under their belt, but individual experiences will vary. Read our Trafalgar Tours Review for more detail!

Is Gate 1 Travel an American Company?

Yes, they're an American owned and run company based in Fort Washington, PA!

Who is the founder of Gate 1?

Dani Pipano is Gate 1 Travel's founder.

Ready to Get Traveling?

Whether you opt for a Gate 1 Travel tour, use another company, or decide to freestyle your next adventure, we want to make sure that you have the best time.

Use Pilot so you can keep all the different elements of your travels in one place and easily access them all. Plan your dream vacation today with Pilot!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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A very disappointing and demeaning tour - GATE 1 TRAVEL

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Gate 1 offers the best hotels to stay in, unfortunately some of the guides they use are rude and... read more

I will give the travel part of the tour a 4 star and the shopping and meal a 1 star. We go with... read more

A very disappointing and demeaning tour

My husband and I took two recent trips with Gate 1 Travel, one to Iceland in January and one to Spain and Portugal from March 15 to 25,2023. The first one, to Iceland, was a wonderful experience in every way. The second, to Spain and Portugal, was an awful experience filled with anxiety and needless difficulties. What was the difference between the two trips? It was the tour managers. Our experience with Nico in Spain and Portugal has convinced us that we cannot count on Gate 1 for any future travel. Here’s an outline of why. —I have a condition in which I experience extreme nausea sitting in the middle or back of buses. I actually throw up in such situations. This condition is verified by doctors. —When traveling to Iceland, our tour manager there accommodated my request to sit at the front of the bus throughout the tour. Another member of our group had similar needs and was also accommodated. This accommodation caused no trouble among the rest of the members of our group. —Because I could see that Gate 1’s written policy states that tour members must rotate in their seats and there are no exceptions to this policy, before our next trip (to Spain and Portugal) I contacted Gate 1 multiple times to check whether accommodations could be made for me to sit in front of the bus. I was told that such decisions are at the discretion of the tour manager, and I understood this to mean that accommodations are possible even if not guaranteed. My further inquiries about this were unanswered. —At the beginning of our tour in Spain and Portugal, I told Nico of my needs and offered to show him a medical certificate I brought with me. He did not want to see the certificate, and he told me that he was instructed by the home office that he could not make exceptions to the seat rotation rule and that his directive was to maintain harmony among the members of the group. If he was indeed told this by the home office, it indicates a contradictory policy in the company because the directive doesn’t match what I was told earlier that tour managers have discretion. —In any case, Nico did exercise discretion and did make an exception for me (apparently contradicting the directive he said he was given) and allowed me to sit in the front seat next to him during much of the tour. But he made sure to tell me that he reported the fact that the tour manager in Iceland had made an accommodation for me. Nico told me that that tour manager would be fired for doing so. This caused me great distress and set the tone for the remainder of the tour. —During the tour, Nico told a tour guide not to answer my questions, saying that I ask too many questions. He told the guide this in Spanish. My husband speaks Spanish and overheard it. On another occasion, Nico told another tour guide, also in Spanish, to be careful what he said because my husband could understand Spanish. The fact that such conversations occurred further damaged our trust. —In Barcelona, Nico said I would not be able to sit in the front seat with him during the trip to the Gaudi Monuments — the most highlighted and popular attraction in the city — because he would need the space so he could do paperwork during the journey. As a result, I could not ride on the bus for that trip and missed out. —At another point, we wanted to take a train to a destination but did not want to do so if it would mean taking all of our luggage. Nico told us that he would be able to keep our large luggage on the bus. Because he told us this, we were willing to book the train, and Nico helped us book it. But just before the train trip, Nico told us that he would not be able to keep our luggage for us after all. Later, we met another group that was also on a Gate 1 tour. The members of that group had taken the train to their destination and all of them were able to leave their luggage on a bus. So there was a contradiction between how Nico handled us and how another tour manager handled a separate group. These are just a few points among several that could be made. I have tried to be brief in my description of what happened, and as a result, the full sense of how unpleasant our experience was may not be completely apparent. But it indeed was. The way Nico dealt with us left us feeling demeaned and relegated to nuisance status.

I would give Gate 1 an excellent rating because of the superior service I received on my recent trip to Thailand. I love that they take care of every detail - all I need to do is relax and enjoy my trip. My tour guide Kit was everything you would want in a guide - funny, informative, thoughtful. She was constantly bringing local treats on to the bus to share with us. The hotels we stayed in were top notch. The cities were visited were all really interesting and showed us different aspects of Thailand. I can't say enough about how great this trip was!

We loved Italy with our tour guide Patricia! However, several weeks before our trip we received a call from Gate1 stating that Delta had cancelled our Jacksonville to Boston leg ( which we had paid more for) and they needed to rebook all of the flights to and from Italy as they cancelled the entire flights. They found us new tickets for an extra 2200 plus we would need to pay an extra 220 dollars for a hotel as we would need to arrive a day early. The Affordable Trip to Italy is no longer affordable. I asked for my money back and was told I could only get 50 percent back. My husband found a flight out of Miami for an extra 450 dollars. We had to drive 6 hours to get there but it was more affordable. We have asked to speak to a supervisor several times but have yet to speak to someone. The agent gave us 50 a piece (credit) because someone closed our request to speak to a supervisor. Just know, you do not own the tickets(even though you paid for trips months before) .

Gate 1 has left me stranded in foreign countries 2 times now without any support or assistance getting a new flight home. This happened in Equador and Africa. I had to find my own new flight snd ride to airport, even though everything was originally booked thru and by Gate 1. You cannot rely on this agency to get you home. Horrible service.

Loved Sri Lanka. The tour was very nice and the staff was some of the best I have experienced. Our guide, Shyam was awesome, very considerate and worked very hard to accommodate so many weird request.. always with a smile. His verbal history of Sri Lanka really helped us understand the nature of their country. I will for sure return for the Northern tour. Great choice of hotels, staff and points of interest. Thank you so much for this experience. Judy

I have been on two Gate1 tours, to Mexico in Aug 2022 and to Egypt in Feb 2023. I thought the Mexico trip was a great value for money, the Egypt trip of average value for money. For both tours, I was very pleased with the destination tour manager and local tour companies. The hotels and motor coaches at least met my expectation for quality and sometimes exceeded expectations. Included meals were okay, neither bad nor in any way exceptional. The biggest disappointment is Gate1's US staff's below average customer service. The US office is consistently bad. They are VERY hard to reach by phone and provide no email address. Their website looks to be 15 years out of date and is useless for resolving issues. If you can reach them by phone, maybe they can help, but it's far from assured. For one of the trips, the one to Egypt, the tour price included R/T flights--both JFK to/from Cairo and two flights internal to Egypt. Gate1 bought group tickets on EgyptAir but failed to enter travelers' frequent flier numbers or arrange for specialty meals, despite having the information on hand. EgyptAir, which also has pretty poor customer service, said all this had to be arranged by Gate1, since these were group ticket and, of course, Gate1 doesn't answer the phone. Had to walk to ticket counter in Cairo and walk in to a ticket office in Aswan to get frequent flier numbers entered and meal choices.

Gate 1 Travel   Reviews

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Reviews 2.6.

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Awesome Kenya Safari

Christopher Musyoka was an outstanding tour guide, who went the extra mile for us. We saw all the animals we wanted to see. He was always concerned for our safety and comfort. The accommodations were outstanding! I only wish he would have been accessible during our stay the Ark! Thank you again, Gate 1, for a wonderful experience!

Date of experience : November 12, 2023

Reply from Gate 1 Travel

Thank you for taking the time to share your comments. We truly appreciate the feedback and look forward to welcoming you on your next Gate 1 trip!

Deceiving Prices . Watch out for errors

Deceiving Prices offered . They do not take responsability of errors , even after receiving confirmation of booking . Worst customer service even if you are a long time customer. Be careful when you book with Gate 1 . Book your tour with trust worthy company .

Date of experience : January 28, 2023

Thank you for sharing your comments. We regret that your experience did not meet your expectations. So that one of our representatives can provide additional assistance and try to make this right for you, please submit an inquiry here: https://www.gate1travel.com/contactus

Just finished an amazing safari in…

Just finished an amazing safari in Kenya with Gate 1.This tour was so special due to our Tour Director Christopher Musyoka .He was professional, knowledgeable and very organized with a great sense of humor. He went above and beyond as a Tour guide ( Gate 1 is so lucky to have him). Diane S

Thank you for your kind feedback. We can’t wait to see you again!

Absolutely awful

Absolutely awful. Never ever book with these people. Everyone is so unbelievably rude, we found out days before we did not have everything needed, they tried to to say opening an email counted as a signature, in what world does that count? They won’t even refund us 100%. Just terrible. Save your money and go elsewhere.

Date of experience : July 18, 2023

Vaccination requirement is DISCRIMINATION

I actually planned to come here and give a 4-5 star review. Went to Italy/Paris with Gate 1 a few years back and loved it. However I’m going back to rebook I see they are requiring vaccination when countries and other companies are not. That’s ridiculous discrimination. I’ll take all my future travel elsewhere.

Date of experience : February 15, 2022

Res# 2287535

Res# 2287535 There was no booking on a domestic flight for me from Istanbul to Gaziantep on 10/3. The tour guide, Serdad, insisted that I must pay at the counter of Turkish Air instead of paying from other sources. Later, I got cash reimbursement, but he should be more careful, which could easily be preventable. Serdad did not inform us how much to walk involved at each spot; his time management was poor, and for example, we had two hour lunch break In front of the Zeugma Museum on a hot day without AC. We could enter the museum earlier.

Date of experience : October 03, 2022

Thank you for sharing this feedback. Your comments are very important to us. We regret that your experience did not meet your expectations. We have provided your contact information to our customer service team who will reach out so that we can try to make this right for you.

Cannot get any help with reservation…

Cannot get any help with reservation 2074195. It's an easy fix but no one will step up and change my flight reservation. Instead they want me to have a 20 hour travel day when others in my group have a direct 10 hr flight. It's ridiculous how callous and indifferent this company is. Worst customer service in HISTORY. Travelers beware.

Date of experience : June 16, 2022

Dear Russell, We are sorry you have had such difficulties with your flights, as you can imagine airline and flight options are limited as we come out of the pandemic. We note a member of our service team is working with you and offering available flight options to try to mirror the flights of your travelling companions. We will continue to work to provide the best flight options available.

Very poor customer service of 4 trips…

Very poor customer service of 4 trips with Gate 1, two resulted in canceled return flights, stranded in Ecuador and again in africa. While travel agencies have no control over airline cancelations, they should at least help to get another flight. Both times i was stranded, no one from Gate 1 would assist. I had to find my own last minute flight home, pay for transportation to airport, etc. All my original flights were booked thru and by Gate 1. They have ZERO customer service and do not care if you cannot get home. Burned twice by Gate 1.

Date of experience : March 20, 2023

Southern England

We toured Southern England. Our guide, Mark, was delightful. Our accommodations were awful. In Stratford-Upon-Avon, where it was in the mid-80’s, we had no air conditioning in our rooms. There were major traffic issues. I’d you don’t mind substandard accommodations, go for it.

Date of experience : August 09, 2023

Hotels people steal stuff from Galapagos trip…

I just came back from Galapagos trip Ecuador. I found out the hotels involved not honest they took my blue tooth earbud and my brother family lost some stuff too I can’t point out which hotel but I like yo mention to this review so the future people MUST BE CAREFULLY ABOUT UR BELONGINGS

Date of experience : September 05, 2022

Need help and cannot get it

I booked with Gate1 because I had heard good things but my reservation is a mess and I cannot reach anyone who can help - will not transfer me to a supervisor - instead putting me in hold and coming back w incorrect info. They tell me it will be at least 48 hours to reach a supervisor. In meantime I am fully paid but cannot get my flights ticketed and phone agents don’t know why. Pleased to hear back from Gate1 a couple of days after posting this - my booking has been corrected - hoping that I can now relax and enjoy the trip.

Date of experience : May 27, 2023

Their advertisement says full refund…

Their advertisement says full refund but we paid in full 2 months ago and they dropped the ball didn’t buy the airline tickets, now they want us to pay double to have same itinerary. Waiting for a manager to call hoping he/she won’t be as rude as the last person I talked to. She said Can only refund 50% but they haven’t paid for airline or hotel????

Date of experience : October 25, 2022

We took Gate 1 trip 16 Days Scotland…

We took Gate 1 trip 16 Days Scotland and Ireland on October 2023 and it was outstanding. The hotel were well located and the food delicious. But what made this tour so special was our Tour Director Patrick King, he was professional, knowledgeable and very organized with a great sense of humor. He went above and beyond as a Tour guide ( Gate 1 is so lucky to have him) Our Driver Kevin Nelson was so sweet, funny and an excellent driver, we always felt safe with him. Again, Thank you Gate 1 for giving us a wonderful experience in Scotland and Ireland. Luz Babilonia.

Date of experience : October 09, 2023

We truly appreciate your business and grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us. We hope to see you soon on another Gate 1 trip!

Rude and Unprofessional Customer Service

I have experienced the worst and rudest customer service by Holly. I inquired about possible flight options for booking with my tour and after less than 1 min she started yelling at me when I dared asked about a different airline. Contrary to the options on their website, she kept raising her voice at me that there are no others but United, and that Gate1 is not a flight booking agency. I could not say a word because after her tirade she hung up on me...

Date of experience : December 02, 2022

VERY BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE

Booked a tour online but we wanted to speak with someone - not just click buttons on a computer. This was all too hard for gate1 consultants who were tardy at responding to emails. Whilst waiting for a response about how to make the payment (because it was in USD), our booking fell over (even though we'd emailed the consultant to ask her to hold the booking because we were in the Northern Territory outback without mobile range for 2 days) and then the tour was booked out. We'd already booked our fares from Australia. The consultant called Nicole was most unhelpful throughout the process and is totally unsuited to that type of job. I'd never look at any of their tours because I see the reviews are very negative and I can see why. They need to pull their socks up before they go broke......

Date of experience : August 16, 2023

Hidden gem!

We've done 4 Gate 1 trips in the past and this recent trip to Azores was our first independent one. Our tour guides, Phillip and Hugo were FANTASTIC, making the optional trip experiences amazing. We have always given Gate 1 a 5 star rating, but this time it seems the hotel and hotel breakfasts were just ok... below the usual standards for our previous Gate 1 trips. Guess we should have upgraded.

Date of experience : May 05, 2023

GATE1 customer service is TERRIBLE.

GATE1 customer service is TERRIBLE. Everyone should be aware that if you buy travel insurance on Gate1 site, they do not charge you for the coverage immediately, but place it as a charge on your final bill. So, for a while you are NOT insured, and if something goes wrong before your final charge, you lose your money.

Date of experience : January 03, 2023

Our tour guide Christi was very…

Our tour guide Christi was very personable as well as being very knowledgeable about our stops along the way. She made this whirlwind tour comfortable and enjoyable. Our driver Steve was a steely eyed driver around some pretty tight hairpin switchbacks. We had a wonderful trip experience due to these two wonderful people.

Date of experience : May 03, 2023

Unreliable and unreachable

We have gone on 4 trips and loved them all but we learned the that they own the flight until the flight. If the flight is cancelled, they simply cancel the flights for the entire trip and rebook at last minute rates without any credit for what has already been paid. While in transit, we were denied boarding on our second flight. I called both the US and European "emergency" numbers twice to indicate that we were unable to participate in the tour. NO ONE answered. They are refusing any compensation because I didn't cancel the tour. We couldn't get to the tour; they were unavailable for us to cancel; but they claim they are blameless.

Date of experience : March 25, 2023

Went on a tour of Yelliwstone

Went on a tour of Yelliwstone. We were given very little time at each stop. Spent most of the day on the bus. The driver was not allowed to stop on the road if we saw an animal, which I totally understand, however there was a huge bison lying down in near the parking lot after we boarded the bus and he refused to give us two minutes so we could get a nice picture from the bus window. I was so disappointed. The tour driver said we were behind schedule. What difference would two more minutes have made and we could have had an excellent picture.

Date of experience : July 14, 2023

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Gate 1 Travel Review

Gate1Travel.com is a travel booking website that offers a variety of travel packages and services. It is a one-stop shop for all your travel needs, offering flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages. In this article, we will explore the different ways to use Gate1Travel.com and make the most of its services.

It offers many options for travelers, and as such, its one of the most versatile travel booking websites available to travelers across the world. Some of the many options on Gate1Travel include:

• Book a Vacation Package One of the best ways to use Gate1Travel.com is to book a vacation package. The website offers a wide range of vacation packages that cater to different budgets and preferences. You can choose from pre-designed packages that include flights, hotels, and tours, or you can customize your own package by selecting the components you want. Gate1Travel.com also offers a “Build Your Own Trip” feature that allows you to choose your own flights, hotels, and tours, and customize your itinerary according to your preferences.
• Book a Flight Gate1Travel.com offers flights to destinations all over the world. You can search for flights by destination, date, and time, and filter the results by airline, price, and duration. The website also offers a “Flexible Dates” feature that allows you to search for flights within a range of dates, giving you more options and flexibility. Once you find the flight you want, you can book it directly on the website.
• Book a Hotel Gate1Travel.com offers a wide range of hotels in different destinations around the world. You can search for hotels by destination, date, and price, and filter the results by star rating, amenities, and location. The website also offers a “Best Value” feature that highlights hotels that offer the best value for your money. Once you find the hotel you want, you can book it directly on the website.
• Book a Car Rental If you need a car rental for your trip, Gate1Travel.com can help you with that too. The website offers car rentals in different destinations around the world. You can search for car rentals by destination, date, and price, and filter the results by car type, rental company, and location. Once you find the car rental you want, you can book it directly on the website.
• Book a Cruise If you want to go on a cruise, Gate1Travel.com can help you find the perfect one. The website offers a wide range of cruises in different destinations around the world. You can search for cruises by destination, date, and price, and filter the results by cruise line, ship, and itinerary. Once you find the cruise you want, you can book it directly on the website.
• Get Travel Insurance Gate1Travel.com offers travel insurance to protect you against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. The website offers different types of travel insurance plans, including basic, comprehensive, and cancel for any reason. You can choose the plan that best suits your needs and book it directly on the website.
• Join the Gate1Travel Loyalty Program If you are a frequent traveler, you can join the Gate1Travel Loyalty Program and earn rewards points for every booking you make on the website. The rewards points can be redeemed for discounts on future bookings, free upgrades, and other perks.
• Use the Gate1Travel Mobile App Gate1Travel.com has a mobile app that you can download for free on your smartphone or tablet. The app allows you to search for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages, and book them directly from your mobile device. You can also access your itinerary, check-in for flights, and receive real-time travel alerts.
• Get Travel Inspiration If you are not sure where to go or what to do on your next trip, Gate1Travel has numerous attractive ideas that can help you trim your decisions, and even inspire you to book ideas you’ve never previously considered!

Gate 1 Travel is a broad, do-it-all travel booking website with some of the broadest options for travel of all types, all around the world, of any websites who meet the criteria of truly being a fully-online travel booking company. Unlike most booking companies other than Tripmasters, Gate 1 Travel is fully customizable and offers even a broader scope of travel options from our favorite provider – Tripmasters .

However, there are options on Gate 1 Travel that Tripmasters doesn’t offer, and as a result we’ve used Gate 1 for special deals and scenarios where we wanted to travel somewhere that Tripmasters really didn’t cater to. If you want to find a trip, almost no matter where it is, whether it’s a budget adventure, a luxury river cruise, USA travel, or even an elaborate safari – Gate 1 Travel offers a host of great options to satisfy what you’re looking for.

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How Gate 1 Travel .com Got Started

Gate 1 Travel has an interesting story, and as they say on their website, they were founded in 1981 with the dream to bring the best travel experiences to those who love to see the world, namely by providing escorted tours throughout Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Greece and Turkey. Since that time, they’ve expanded globally, but still offer some of the best value escorted tours not only in these specific regions, but throughout Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and even Oceania.

Gate 1 is the primary brand, but also includes the label  Discovery Tours – a group touring experience that offers you a chance to immerse yourself in culture with a smaller group size of up to 22 people.

Today, Gate 1 Travel  offers trips to 6 of the world’s 7 continents, and remains a completely customizable platform for people trying to book trips. We’ve used the platform to book myriad trips to Colombia, the Yucatan Peninsula, and even Germany. This is a recap of our experiences in an honest review style.

As a disclaimer, we are in no way being compensated for this review of Gate 1 Travel.

Is Gate 1 Travel Trustworthy?

We’ve had nothing but good experiences with Gate 1 Travel, which is why we’ve used the service on more than one occasion. Having originally found Gate 1 through the advice of a friend who loved their affordable booking options and flexible pricing plans, we’ve only been dealt with fairly and honestly with Gate 1.

The prices of trips are accurately represented, as well as the services and all aspects of trips provided. At no point have we seen a compromise of planned itineraries, and any unforeseen changes were taken care of with minimal effort on our part – Gate 1 took care of everything.

One of the most striking things about Gate1Travel is its impressive range of travel packages. They offer tours to every continent, and their trips cater to different types of travelers, including families, solo travelers, and seniors. Their packages include everything from adventure tours to luxury cruises, and they offer packages for every budget.

One of the things that customers appreciate about Gate1Travel is their excellent customer service. They have a knowledgeable and responsive customer service team that is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns that customers may have. This level of customer service is rare in the travel industry, and it’s one of the things that sets Gate1Travel apart from its competitors.

Another aspect of Gate1Travel that customers appreciate is the level of flexibility they offer. Customers can customize their travel packages to fit their needs and preferences, which means that they can create the perfect trip for themselves. This level of flexibility is particularly useful for families or groups of travelers who have specific needs or requirements.

Gate1Travel’s prices are also very competitive, and customers appreciate the affordability of their packages. They offer a Best Price Guarantee, which means that if customers find a lower price on the same package elsewhere, Gate1Travel will match it. This level of transparency and fairness is another reason why customers trust Gate1Travel.

Gate1Travel’s website is easy to use and navigate, and customers appreciate the level of detail and information provided about each package. The website includes detailed itineraries, photos, and customer reviews, which help customers make informed decisions about their travel plans.

However, like any travel company, Gate1Travel has received some negative reviews from customers. Some customers have complained about the quality of accommodations or the lack of free time during tours. Others have had issues with cancellations or changes to their travel plans.

Overall, Gate1Travel has received positive reviews from the majority of its customers. The company’s excellent customer service, competitive prices, and flexibility have made it a popular choice among travelers. However, as with any travel company, it’s important to do your research and read reviews before booking a trip with Gate1Travel.

What Options Do You Have With Gate 1 Travel ?

With Gate 1 Travel, like Tripmasters, you essentially have two different ways to book trips. First, you can select one of their pre-organized, recommended itineraries, or  you can build your own from scratch by using their “Build a Vacation” option, which is about halfway down on the first page.

You can find this option, but it’s one of the things we would like to see more of on Gate 1 Travel – the marketing of the fact that you  can build your own trip from scratch.

What they’re better known for are their pre-selected plans and itineraries, which are actually really great and varied, find an area where you can select specific locations. The top of the homepage gives the broad categories of different trips offered by Gate 1, which goes beyond simply locational options. You’ll see options for travel by region of course, but also by type – including Holiday Travel, special travel deals, and even River Cruise options that go beyond Europe.

You can hover over any of these areas to see sub-classifications, which will help you go immediately to a specific region, country or topic.

Once you select one of these areas and find the prompts to go to the location-specific on the Gate 1 Travel  interface where you want to book, you’ll see all of the suggested itineraries laid out. Sometimes these vacation blocks are aligned with a certain week, or even a specific day, but you can always change the suggested hotels, flight plans, and even days spent per location.

This is the method we’ve used every time we’ve booked a trip through Gate 1 Travel , and the one where we’ve saved the most money in the past. Gate 1 does, however, let you book trips for an unusual amount of money down in some cases, and gives you a tremendous amount of flexibility in their bookings.

Some trips, especially ones with a pre-established itinerary, can be booked for as little as $500 down, as long as the full itinerary is paid off prior to the day the trip commences!

An Example of Gate 1 Travel Value

Since it’s the example that requires a bit more of an example, we’ll discuss for a moment how to actually book a trip from scratch. In this example, we’ll book a trip leaving from Miami, Florida to visit London and Paris over 7 nights during the American Thanksgiving holiday, similar to our example on our review of Tripmasters (just to make sure things are apples to apples).

Using the “Build a Vacation” portal , which we discussed and which is pictured below, we’ve laid out our itinerary by the following terms.

The issue with Gate 1 is that sometimes the options that you want on a Build a Vacation aren’t available, such as this instance where hotels in London aren’t available but hotels in Paris are available, as well as the flights.

However, look at the price of the overall trip…. minus the London hotels.

Do you think you would be willing to find your own hotel for 4 nights if the entire trip was this cheap? Yeah, so would we. $1,500 is an amazing value for international travel round-trip, plus connections between cities and 3 nights of hotel for  two adults . 

Customer Service at Gate 1 Travel

The customer service at Gate 1 Travel is really solid. On some of our previous trips, there were times were flights got moved, or hotel dates become unavailable – sometimes overbookings happen.

Gate 1 Travel notifies you of all these changes, then makes sure you have additional options to choose from without being left without these important aspects of traveling.

The company has been in business for over 40 years and has built a reputation for providing exceptional customer service to its clients.

One of the standout features of Gate1Travel.com is its commitment to providing personalized customer service to each and every client. From the moment a customer contacts the company, they are greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable representative who is dedicated to helping them plan the perfect trip.

Whether a customer needs assistance with booking flights, arranging accommodations, or planning activities, the team at Gate1Travel.com is always ready to assist. They work closely with customers to understand their individual needs and preferences, and then tailor travel packages that meet those specific requirements.

One of the key ways in which Gate1Travel.com delivers exceptional customer service is by providing customers with a range of support options. Customers can reach out to the company via phone, email, or live chat, and can expect a prompt and helpful response to any queries or concerns they may have.

In addition, Gate1Travel.com provides a wealth of information and resources to help customers plan their trips with ease. The company’s website is user-friendly and informative, with detailed descriptions of each travel package and destination, as well as helpful tips and advice on everything from packing to local customs and culture.

Another hallmark of Gate1Travel.com’s customer service is its focus on transparency and honesty. The company is upfront about all costs and fees associated with its travel packages, ensuring that customers are never hit with any unexpected charges or fees. In addition, the company offers a Best Price Guarantee, promising to match any lower price found elsewhere for the same travel package.

Beyond these core principles, Gate1Travel.com also offers a range of additional services and amenities to enhance the customer experience. These include personalized travel documents and itineraries, as well as travel insurance options and 24/7 emergency assistance to ensure that customers feel secure and supported throughout their journeys.

Overall, Gate1Travel.com is a standout example of how to deliver exceptional customer service in the travel industry. By focusing on personalized support, transparent pricing, and a commitment to delivering the best possible travel experience for every customer, the company has built a loyal customer base and established itself as a leader in the online travel industry. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first trip, Gate1Travel.com is a company that you can trust to provide the support and assistance you need to plan the perfect trip.

We’ll continue to use Gate 1 Travel , and believe you should do the same. Stay tuned for specific reviews on our ongoing trips using Gate 1 Travel  and their amazing platform!

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Once the world gets to a more normal place, we want to do all the traveling we can. Thank you for this review, we will be giving it a try! Finding a good travel website is hard with all the competition out there, so I always appreciate it when people talk about the ones they’ve used and whether they recommend it.

Justin & Tracy

It’s a great site – I’m sure you will enjoy it!

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9 Day Douro River Cruise

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• See magnificent panoramic views of Douro River Dock at the historic town of Régua, in the heart of Portugal's famous wine region Visit Salamanca with its ancient sandstone buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage City Stop at the picturesque town of Pinhao, surrounded by terraced vineyards Explore the medieval Guimarães Castle and Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

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• Round trip flights New York-Porto, Porto-New York Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices Airline taxes & fuel surcharges 7 nights outside cabin aboard the MS Douro Cruiser Cruise porterage All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates† 20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners Cruise director throughout cruise Shore excursions per itinerary Entrance fees per itinerary

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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Gate 1 Travel .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Gate 1 Travel Reviews & Ratings

Other gate 1 travel reviews, gate 1 cares about money and not customer satisfaction or safety.

We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however ...

THE ABSOLUTE WORST

THE ABSOLUTE WORST. Dishonest, incompetent, fraudulent. We booked a trip to Europe with them, and it was a mess from start to finish. The flight that we paid extra...

Joyce Toler

Poor customer service

It has been about 7.5 years since I traveled with Gate 1 Travel. In the past, customer service was exceptionally great! Now I am appauded with the unprofessional and...

See all Other Gate 1 Travel reviews

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Tour operator, gate 1 travel.

Gate 1 Travel offers escorted tours, European river cruises, independent vacations and customized international vacation packages for less. Our discount travel packages and tour packages to destinations worldwide provide exceptional value, saving our customers time and money. We have taken care of all the details so you don't have to. Find your dream vacation today.

Company Background & Highlights

Mission: To deliver More of the World for Less by developing quality, affordable vacations for North Americans. To provide exemplary service to our customers and to earn their loyalty. To respect our partners. To invest in our employees, providing a safe and comfortable work environment. To know and understand our products and destinations. To constantly innovate and be a leader in technology.

Founded in 1981 with 3 employees; now with over 200 employees worldwide

Headquarters: Fort Washington, PA (Suburban Philadelphia)

Overseas Offices: Hungary, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Morocco, Argentina, Indonesia, Great Britain, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Peru, Ecuador, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

30+ years of providing travel services to clientèle

Product Types

Escorted Tours - Group Tours

Small Group Tours

European River Cruises

Escorted Bus Tour/Sea Cruise Combinations

Independent City Stays

Independent Fly & Drive Packages

Multi-Destination Rail Packages

Customized Vacations (Vacation Builder)

Custom Groups and Individuals

Target Consumer Market

Gate 1 Travel's target market is a traveler seeking high quality, affordable travel ranging from a superior tourist class to moderate deluxe class level of accommodations with the highest level of service.

Financial Security

Gate 1 Travel is backed by the largest, most well-respected financial institutions and insurance providers, guaranteeing the greatest level of financial security to every passenger. Gate 1 welcomes your inquiries of any of those independent offices.

Gate 1 Travel's active membership in USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association), a professional organization representing the world's leading tour operators, requires that Gate 1 meet a minimum requirement of $1 million professional liability insurance (Gate 1 maintains a $5 million policy).

Additionally , Gate 1 is required to participate in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, requiring them to post $1 million in security, held by USTOA, in the unlikely event of bankruptcy or insolvency.

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