Winner:SILVER Best Family Travel Brand
Who:Explore
What:Travel brand for small group family adventures
Why:
Explore is an adventure travel company with over 40 years’ experience, planning unforgettable holidays for families with a thirst for activity and discovery. Their small-group trips span more than 100 countries, blending active exploration, wildlife, culture, and quality time together. Whether rafting rivers, trekking mountains, heading off on safari, or exploring historic cities, our judges could see that every trip is expertly designed to spark curiosity, bring families closer, and create lasting memories.
This travel company specialise in putting together well-matched groups of travellers for their trips. Groups are small and sociable, so children make friends quickly, meaning that parents can relax and everyone feels part of a community. The Junior Travel Awards judges liked the fact that guides are from the local area and act as storytellers as much as leaders, bringing wildlife, landscapes, and cultures to life for kids and adults alike, all while handling the logistics of the trip and keeping everyone relaxed.
Explore’s emphasis on sustainability and responsibility also stood out to the JTA panel and the company’s commitment to choosing eco-conscious accommodation and supporting local communities was much applauded. The panel agreed that this family travel brand creates truly authentic, immersive adventures where children thrive, parents unwind, and families return home with shared experiences that inspire confidence, and a deeper connection with people, nature and the wider world.
"Explore’s outstanding dedication to sustainability and ethical travel clearly runs deep. Their community-led initiatives and eco offering is a huge plus. Their passion for creating an inclusive space for all families of all shapes and sizes is wonderful - the perfect fit for families NOT looking for a ‘one size fits all’ adventure."
"Incredible variation of locations, experiences and something for every kind of family - with very family and child oriented experiences."
"Explore stands out for families who want their trips to feel exciting and meaningful, not just relaxing. It’s much more about experiences, culture, and adventure than plush hotels — but that’s kind of the charm. It feels organised and well thought out. Perfect for parents who want their kids to see the world properly… and come home with stories, not just souvenirs."
What makes it Special...
Explore sets itself apart by blending adventure, learning and connection for both parents and children. Families don’t just holiday together—they discover together – from Serengeti safaris to kayaking in Croatia or camping in Wadi Rum. Small, sociable groups allow kids to make friends fast, while parents relax knowing every detail is handled by expert local guides.
Inclusive and thoughtfully designed, trips welcome single parents, solo travellers, and multi-generational families, fostering community and shared experiences. Sustainability is central, with eco-conscious stays, community initiatives, and wildlife experiences that teach children the importance of caring for the planet.
In short, Explore helps families see the world with fresh eyes, share unforgettable adventures, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Ideal for...
Explore is for families who love discovering new places, diving into local cultures, and staying active together. Designed for children from seven upwards, trips run during school holidays and suit every pace—from relaxed to full-on adventure.
Junior Fact File
Explore’s small-group family adventures start from £895 per person. Children aged seven and up are welcome, with the average age around 13. All trips are carefully scheduled to coincide with school holidays.
Families can choose the pace that suits them, from relaxed to full-on itineraries. Flights to the nearest international airports and local transfers are included, making travel simple and stress-free.
