TORONTO — G Adventures has announced a rebrand of its popular ‘Yolo’ style of youth tours to a new name: ‘18-to-Thirtysomethings’.
The tour operator says the change is intended to help make it clear that the tour style is designed for those between 18 and 39 years of age. It’s also meant to align with a growing segment of G Adventures’ business.
Since its launch in 2012 its ‘Yolo’ trip style saw an increased global passenger growth of 85%, outpacing the small-group tour operator’s eight other travel styles during the same time period.
In Canada, the top destinations among this demographic are Thailand, India, Costa Rica and Australia, says G Adventures. The average trip length booked by this segment is 15.7 days, with an average trip price of $1,987.
“Our younger customers have been telling us that they are looking for more real-life social experiences beyond their digital life, and they love having the ability to share snapshots and stories of their adventures with their social networks,” says Bruce Poon Tip, Founder, G Adventures. “This growing demand for a social-first and affordable travel experiences prompted us to think differently about how we market our youth product. It should be easily discoverable and instantly clear to our customers who we are speaking to.”
As with the former Yolo product, all of the 185 tours in G Adventures’ 18-to-Thirtysomethings portfolio are affordable, says Poon Tip, with the majority priced under $2,500, airfare separate.
The multi-day trips run from less than one week long to more than nine. They are designed to be fun-filled and fast-paced, and include experiences such as the ‘Big Night Out’, for travellers who might be inclined to party well after a full day of adventure with people in a similar age group.
The tours also offer locally-owned accommodation, authentic cultural experiences and professional trip guidance by specially trained Chief Experience Officers (CEOs), all key ingredients of any G Adventures tour.
Canadian Marketing Director for G Adventures, Aizaz Sheikh says, “This social, digital, millennial generation of travellers is fast becoming major drivers of consumer spending and trend setters of popular culture. So, we wanted to ensure our youth product remains in step with their tastes and speaks directly to them.”
To coincide with the product evolution, G Adventures has also announced the launch of eight new 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours for 2018. The new tours include:
- Japan on a Shoestring – Kyoto to Osaka (six days from Kyoto to Osaka, from $1,599): Clients can immerse themselves in the serenely traditional culture of Kyoto before learning about Hiroshima’s fascinating and fraught history. The adventure wraps up in Osaka, known for its delicious cuisine and stellar nightlife.
- Thailand Full Moon Party (eight days from Bangkok to Koh Pha Ngan, from $999): An all-night dance party that takes place each month on picturesque Haad Rin Beach in Kho Phangan, the Full Moon Party draws thousands of people each year to celebrate. Experience bustling Bangkok, enjoy nature at Khao Sok National Park, relax on the white-sand beaches of Koh Samui and Koh Tao, tour Cheow Lan Lake by longtail boat to see limestone cliffs and jungle shores, and stop in at a floating rafthouse for a local lunch. Swimming, tubing, snorkelling and kayak paddling are optional.
- Bali on a Shoestring (nine days from Guta to Gili Trawangan, from $979): Explore rice paddies and bar hop along the beach. The magical reputation of Bali doesn’t have to be held up by incredible water temples or surfing opportunities alone – this chill paradise also has plenty of inland and cultural highlights that will draw travellers in, says G Adventures.
- Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka (18 days from Kochi to Hikkaduwa, from $2,499): Get a taste of the diversity of South India before heading to Sri Lanka, a small island nation that packs a huge punch. In Sri Lanka, discover beautiful ruins, hike through tea plantations, tour a spice garden, and say hello to beachy days on Hikkaduwa Beach. It’s a journey that’s just as much relaxation as it is adventure.
- Indonesia Adventure – Java & Bali (21 days from Jakarta to Gili Trawangan, from $2,599): This tour goes from the frenetic city centre of Jakarta to the undeniably leisurely vibes of Ubud on the famously lush island of Bali. With plenty of free time between various must-sees, travellers can soak up culture and excitement with a group of like-minded travellers.
