Overseas Adventure Travel

Pros: initial price seemed attractive
Cons: an absolute failure to deliver the advertised product

We took OAT's Red Sea trip in December 2008, feeling confident because we had traveled with them many times before.  This trip was a horrible disappointment.  The hotels were mostly 2nd rate (one was absolutely nasty), the trip into Saudi Arabia was a waste of time and money (there was essentially nothing to see with a horrible guide and a filthy raddle-trap bus driven at break-neck speeds), the trip and OAT's description of the trip varied considerably (many broken promises), and they seemed more intent in offering "optional expense items" rather than delivering the promised product.  Even their free gifts to the travelers were nothing but defective cheap Chinese products.  Dealing with their home office was a nightmare; employees who do not know what they are doing, providing wrong information.

They used to be a good company; but no longer.   AVOID this trip!

Pros: Extremely knowledgeable trip leader who communicated her knowledge and enthusiasm to the group.
Cons: We stayed in one hotel in Alexandria where loud bands kept us awake all night.

Just got back from a fabulous trip to Alexandria and a cruise on the Nile. We have traveled with OAT many times and this was one of the best ever. Our trip leader, Heba, was absolutely wonderful and the cruise ship was excellent, much more than we had anticipated. Not only did we enjoy the obvious historical sites which were much more than anticipated, but we learned so much about the local culture. The Egyptians are very friendly people and with the help of our trip leader, they showed us their way of life. We even bartered for vegetables in the market for use in an Egyptian dish we made aboard ship.

Pros: None
Cons: High risk. No such thing as a confirmed reservation.

My wife and I booked, paid for and were confirmed for a trip to the Galapagos, Macchu Picchu and Amazon Rainforest 8 months before the trip. OAT even mailed us our plane tickets. Two weeks before the trip, they notified us that it was "overbooked" and we couldn't go. Of course it was too late to duplicate the trip at that time with a more honest tour operator. It also took a long time to get a refund. I've heard that OAT gives good value for the money if you get to go. But is it worth the risk? "Confirmed" means nothing to them. And it is very difficult to get to speak to a live person or get a straight answer once they bump you.

Pros: Barge trip
Cons: Medical coverage

Don't fall for OATS travel insurance. We tried to get payment for medical costs incurred in France. Must get coverage from your own insurance first and then maybe they will consider picking up the remaining balance. No help whatsoever with translating the bill into English.

Pros: The small group size, amazing guides, going beyond crowded tourist attractions.
Cons: Was so excited I barely slept. You must get rested up for next day's surprises!

We fell in love with the photo of our boat in the O.A.T. catalog. Impulsive, eh? For nine months in 2005 we anxiously waited for this adventure... and it was beyond our most positive expectations!!!! To be sure, we've already reserved our O.A.T. big adventure for 2006!

We wanted to see South American rain forest, Amazon river, wild animals & birds, sunsets and sunrises, (especially unpack only once on the cruise portion), and a completely different exotic part of the world than where we live. All wishes came true... and so much more!! While still at home, we didn't realize we would learn about the people who live along the Amazon River. Each day we stopped to visit another group of people, and I've got to say that was the highlight of my whole vacation. The wonderful friendly children who wanted to walk with me, hold my hand and show me their villages.

Cannot describe in mere words how wonderful this experience was.

Pros: Great guide, affordable,fantastic food,lots of nature,small group
Cons: Older age group if you are younger,long bus rides,little time on the coasts

I took the small group tour having never engaged on a group tour before. Most of the group was seniors that were very well traveled and good company - I am in my mid thirties. The trip was very well organized and our guide Ursula was local, experienced with extensive knowledge of the plants/animals. The tour was busy, up early every day. We moved every couple days so the less packed the better. We visited the rain forest staying in large huts with individual rooms around the outside, expect rain. The food was in abundance the whole trip and fantastic. There is a lot of bus riding through the country. We spent just a day in San Jose and a day on the Pacific Coast on a beautiful island. The trip includes kayaking, rafting and a school visit. The tour is eco based and the company donates to the countries they visit. Very affordable and you won't be hungry! Costa Rica is awesome to visit!

Pros: I can't think of any
Cons: read the letter and you can see why

There are 16 of us that booked a trip to Bangkok in December 2005. Three of us wanted to go Business class. Just found out that Overseas Adventure Travel out of Cambridge, MA only put people in business class when you are traveling overseas and over water, for example LAX to BKK via NRT, LAX to NRT would be business class and NRT to BKK would be coach. The salesperson DID NOT mention this what so ever. I even spoke to a supervisor who said I understand but I CAN'T do anything. Being on 38 I could have been a lifetime client but with this problem I don't think so. I even wrote and faxed a letter to the CEO and owner Alan Lewis who has not responded to date.
Here is a company that says it prides itself on service but NOT. If this was any other business the Attorney General's office would investigate them for Switch and Bait