What is Gap Tours Called Now? Your Guide to the New Adventure Brand

Ever tried to Google “Gap Tours” and found...nothing? You’re not losing it. Gap Tours actually doesn’t go by that name anymore. If you loved those classic adventure trips, don’t worry—they still exist, just under a new name: G Adventures.

The switch happened back in 2008. The company rebranded itself as G Adventures after some legal drama with the clothing giant GAP Inc. But don’t stress, it’s the same crew making small-group adventures all over the world—think hiking Machu Picchu, spotting wildlife in Africa, or eating your way through Thailand.

If you used to travel with Gap Tours or just heard stories from other backpackers, you’ll find the style, values, and off-the-beaten-path trips totally familiar under the G Adventures name. You get small groups (usually 12-16 people), tons of local experiences, and guides who actually know their stuff—not some bored tour manager who can’t wait to clock out.

• The Name Switch: Gap Tours to G Adventures
• Why Did the Company Rebrand?
• What Can You Expect from G Adventures?
• Tips for Booking Your Adventure
• Is G Adventures the Right Choice for Your Next Trip?

The Name Switch: Gap Tours to G Adventures

This always trips people up: why did Gap Tours suddenly become “G Adventures” anyway? The change happened in 2008. Before that, Gap Tours had been sending travelers on wild group holidays since the early ‘90s. But when the popular high-street retailer GAP Inc. started getting cranky about the name, the travel company had to pivot.

To keep things smooth and dodge years of legal hassle, Gap Tours became G Adventures. If you dig into old travel magazines or early 2000s backpacker forums, you’ll see people using “Gap” and “G” to mean the same company. The G in G Adventures was meant to keep a link to their past—and sure, some insiders still call it “GAP” by habit.

Besides swapping out their signage and social handles, almost nothing else changed. Same founders, same head office in Toronto, same focus on unique adventure holidays, and most of the same guides. In the travel biz, this is rare—usually a rebrand means new ownership or a totally different vibe. Not here. If you loved what Gap Tours offered before, nothing’s changed but the name.

Quick look at Gap Tours and G Adventures highlights:

The bottom line: if you see folks talking about Gap Tours online, or you’re searching hundreds of pages for their old site, just remember—they’re all talking about today’s G Adventures. No need to worry about missing out. It’s just the same travel magic, brand new sticker.

Why Did the Company Rebrand?

If you’re wondering what made Gap Tours switch to G Adventures, it’s actually a pretty straightforward story. Back in 2008, Gap Inc. (the big clothing retailer) wasn’t cool with another company using “Gap” in their name, even though Gap Tours had nothing to do with jeans or sweaters. After some legal threats, a name change was basically the only option.

This wasn’t just about avoiding a lawsuit, though. The team behind Gap Tours saw a chance to create a brand that fit what their trips were all about—adventures. The new name, G Adventures, gave them a fresh start and got rid of any confusion. The "G" actually stands for "great," "global," "genuine", and "giving back," all things the company lives by.

The rebrand wasn’t just a quick logo swap. They took the chance to refresh their website, booking process, and even launch new types of tours. Instead of it being a headache, it ended up helping travelers find them faster online. For example, internet searches for “adventure holidays” and “small-group tours” started to connect directly to the new G Adventures site.

• Legal pressure from GAP Inc. forced the original name change in 2008.
• The new name aligns more with their mission and style—adventure travel for real people.
• The rebrand included a big digital revamp, making it easier for travelers to discover and book trips.

So if you see old gear or guidebooks with "Gap Tours," just remember: it’s all G Adventures now—and they only grew stronger after the switch.

What Can You Expect from G Adventures?

Booking with G Adventures is all about hands-on travel. The trips aren’t cookie-cutter tours where you follow a guide with a flag. Instead, they focus on real connections—whether that means eating dinner with locals, riding public buses, or learning from actual community projects.

Most trips are for small groups, usually 12 to 16 people. You won’t get lost in a sea of tourists. Plus, there’s a whopping variety of destinations—over 100 countries as of 2024—covering classic hotspots (think Peru, Vietnam, and Morocco) and less-visited places like Mongolia or Antarctica.

Adventures range from easy-going cultural journeys to hardcore physical challenges. Each trip has an “activity level” rating, so you know exactly what you’re signing up for (no surprise 12-hour hikes unless you’re up for that). And yes, they run group trips for solo travelers, couples, or even families.

• Responsible travel: G Adventures is serious about ethical tourism. They work with local guides, stay at locally owned places, and fund social projects through the Planeterra Foundation.
• Flexible options: Some trips are basic (hostels and public transport), while others offer comfort (nicer lodging, private vehicles). Pick what fits your style and budget.
• Expert guides: They call them "CEOs" (Chief Experience Officers) and it’s not just a title. These folks are local experts who actually get excited about their job—no phone-it-in tour directors here.
• Wide range of styles: From food-themed tours to wildlife safaris, there are choices for every interest. There’s even something called National Geographic Journeys for travelers who want deeper dives with more cushy perks.

Here’s a quick look at how G Adventures compares with classic tour companies:

Bottom line: If you want a trip that feels real, supports local communities, lets you travel with like-minded people, and doesn’t herd you around on giant buses, G Adventures brings the same energy Gap Tours was famous for—just with a new look and even more options.

Tips for Booking Your Adventure

When you're looking to book a trip with G Adventures (yep, that's the new name for Gap Tours), a little prep goes a long way. Their trips are super popular, and the good ones fill up fast, so here’s what you need to know to lock down your adventure:

• Book Early: The best departures sell out quick, especially if you want to hit famous places like Machu Picchu or Iceland in summer. Booking a few months ahead is smart, but for some of their top trips, you’ll want to snag a spot six months out.
• Check Trip Styles: G Adventures offers trip types like Classic, Active, Marine, Local Living, Wellness, and 18-to-Thirtysomethings. Each has a different vibe, so read up on the group size, pace, and comfort level before you choose.
• Look for Deals: The G Adventures website has sale sections year-round, with real discounts. Signing up for their newsletter sometimes gets you a promo code or exclusive early-bird deals.
• Understand What’s Included: Not every meal or activity is covered in the upfront price. Double-check the itinerary and 'what's included' tab so you won’t be surprised by extra costs on the road.
• Think About Travel Insurance: G Adventures actually requires insurance that covers both medical and personal stuff. You can book it through them, but compare prices with other providers first.
• Pay Attention to Group Size: Most trips have about 12 to 16 travelers, but small group means more personalized experiences. It’s great for meeting people but not so big that you feel lost in a crowd.
• Check Visa and Entry Requirements: Don’t get caught unprepared at the border. Use G’s checklist tool to save yourself some last-minute panic, and check for vaccination requirements for places like Tanzania or Peru.

Here’s a quick look at what you might expect when budgeting for a G Adventures trip compared to similar adventure travel brands:

Last thing: trips run year-round, but prices and availability can change around holidays or local events. Double-check the calendar if you’re aiming for something special like Carnival in Brazil or cherry blossom season in Japan. Being flexible with your dates sometimes means snagging better deals too.

Is G Adventures the Right Choice for Your Next Trip?

Wondering if G Adventures is really the best fit for you? Here’s what you need to know before booking. The company isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about getting into local life and embracing adventure, whether that means hiking, biking, cooking, or chilling with locals. G Adventures is super well known for its small-group trips, usually maxing out at 16 people, which means you can actually get to know everyone and don’t feel like cattle getting herded from one spot to another.

They offer trips on every continent except Antarctica—actually, that’s old news. Since 2012, they’ve run expeditions to the Antarctic too. You’ll find classic backpacker favorites like Peru’s Inca Trail, but also more laid-back cultural trips, yacht journeys in the Galapagos, and even family-based tours. Their CEO (that’s Chief Experience Officer, aka your tour leader) is usually a local, so you don’t just visit a place—you get inside info, cool side stops, and tips you’d never find on Google.

G Adventures puts a big focus on sustainable travel. They work with local businesses and include Community Tourism projects in a lot of their trips. That means your money goes back into the places you visit, not just a corporate office. In fact, a 2023 company report showed that over 90% of their suppliers are locally owned, and they support more than 50 social enterprises worldwide. That’s rare in the adventure holiday world.

On the downside, G Adventures trips aren’t usually the cheapest option, and there’s plenty of moving around—they pack a lot in. Trip pace can be fast, especially on classic adventure routes. If you love group bonding and a busy itinerary, it can be perfect. If you prefer luxury or lots of solo downtime, it might not hit the mark.

• Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and small groups.
• Super social, but you’ll also get plenty of free time on most trips.
• Options for all travel styles—from no-frills backpacking to upgraded ‘comfort’ tours.
• Great for those who value local experiences and want to support community-focused travel.

If you’re after authentic adventure, up-close cultural experiences, and want your travel dollars to matter, G Adventures is honestly one of the top choices out there—especially compared to big, faceless tour brands.