Overseas Adventure Travel
Overseas Adventure Travel
3.5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Established in 1978, Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) is part of Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation's family of travel companies, which also include Grand Circle Cruise Line and Grand Circle Travel. In 1992, owners Alan and Harriet Lewis established the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation to support communities in which Grand Circle works and travels, including some 300 humanitarian, cultural, and educational endeavors worldwide—among them, 100 schools, in 50 countries. The Foundation is an entity of the Lewis Family Foundation, which has pledged or donated more than $200 million since 1981.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Seaport District / South Boston Waterfront
This area has been expanding and becoming more and more popular, for good reason. Not surprisingly, the seaport district of South Boston is located beautifully along the water. The area is designed for easy strolling along the HarborWalk, and there are bars and restaurants for all ages and budgets. The Institute of Contemporary Art is located in this area in a contemporary building with an absolutely stunning deck overlooking the water. In the summer time there are Friday music concerts on the deck of the museum. Nearby, there are many green spaces to enjoy.
How to get there
- Courthouse • 4 min walk
- South Station • 7 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,286 within 3 miles
Attractions
932 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Earl F1 contributionExperiencing Ancient EgyptThis was our first tour with Overseas Adventure Travel and was by all accounts the best we've experienced. Our tour guide Ahmed Badr brought the personal component to a level whereby we felt like he was part of our family. His personal charm and spontaneous humor made each day a delight. He was well organized, very knowledgeable on the history and features of the various sites, the tour was very educational, and was carried out each day spiced with welcomed surprises. We would highly recommend Overseas Adventure Travel to our friends and acquaintances as the agency to consider for their future travel plans.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 3, 2023
- ChesterNonsuchToronto, Canada248 contributionsSmall groups, amazing value for couples or solo travellersI have traveled with Overseas Adventure Travel 6 times and 2 more trips are booked. They have proven to me as Solo-Traveler to be great value and amazing experience. The groups are usually small and allow lots of good interaction and not be waiting for the group. Their formula works :-).Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 3, 2023
- Laura R24 contributionsMagical!All I can say is this adventure is magical! Every time I turned around something was more beautiful than the last. It is very fast paced and would not be great for someone who cannot walk well on uneven ground. We walked alot on very old cobblestone which is uneven and sometimes slippery. For me, it was worth every step!! I would highly recommend this trip for someone who would like the full flavor of Turkey 🇹🇷 I promise you won't be disappointed!Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 3, 2023
- Leslie F1 contributionThe experience of a lifetimeThe tour guide, Filipa, was absolutely wonderful. Throughout the trip she made sure to educate and keep everyone engaged. She was by far, the best tour / trip guide that I have encountered on my travels.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 6, 2023
- Tracy TGalveston Island, Texas56 contributionsScenes from our phenomenal Portugal-Spain Journey! None like it anywhere!We love traveling with OAT! You experience so many cultures, learn about the areas, have local guides that know the area and culture. They are a top knot travel company. US residents only, therefore not having to deal with other languages. We will be starting our 4th trip in December. This adventure was phenomenal! So many countries and the travel, mostly by boat. The food was top notch, made by a chef designed for approximately 92 people. Will never travel with any other company!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 8, 2023
- Carol T2 contributionsFantastic tripThis was an eye-opening journey to beautiful medieval cities that were also modern, clean, and prosperous. The history of the Soviet occupation still weighs on the people we met and their stories were both shocking and inspiring. The countryside was gorgeous and the people were delightful. If you like western Europe, Poland and the Baltic Nations are a much less expensive alternative, with fewer tourists. I am glad I got to go before it got discovered.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten October 8, 2023
- Carol V1 contributionEverything We Hoped For.Both the Kenya-Tanzania Pre-trip and Main-trump were everything we hoped for. Great game viewing drives, impactful visits to workshops, homes, and villages in both countries, and wonderful tour leadership from Fred Tarimo are among the many highlights. Everyday offered a different experience. Especially noteworthy was the time spent in Massai Mara and Serengeti National Park where we observed at close range the never ending migration of multiple species. Our understanding of what we observed was enhanced by the patient and knowledgeable information offered by Mr. Tarimo as well as our drivers (Juma, Robinson, Godfrey, Kilenge, Jeff, and Stephen). Also of note, we found the accommodations to be comfortable, the food plentiful and tasty, and the service by lodge and tent camp staff most helpful. We found some of the guidelines provided by OAT before we began our trip to be inaccurate. For example, all but one of the accommodations offered laundry service and all of those that did, cleaned all types of clothing including underwear. Also, some confusion could be avoided if OAT highlighted in the Final Trip Booklet any change to the information provided in the first, original trip booklet sent when we sign up for the trip. Newness of required currency was one change that some on our trip did not know about. Lastly, we would recommend that OAT provide a guideline for tipping the drivers who we understand are not employees of OAT, but who nonetheless are very deserving of generous tips in reward for all their effort and service.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 8, 2023
- Bob RTulsa, Oklahoma3 contributionsIt was a magical experienceWe're normally more beach vacation goers, so when our friends suggested Patagonia and the Antarctic, we were, well, cautious. But it turned into one of the best experiences of our lives. The OAT personnel were amazing, the ship's crew were not only professional, but by the end of the trip were more like friends than employees. The home dinners, controversial topics, and numerous side trips added so much to the experience. And the scenery...I literally can't say enough. We went walking with penguins, saw majestic mountains, got up close and personal with some of the largest glaciers on earth, and set foot on Cape Horn, a place most people hear of only in legend and adventure novels. It was magical. We chronicled the entire trip on Facebook as we traveled, and had so many people following our journey. And a lot of them have added the Patagonia adventure to their personal bucket list. We've definitely become OAT fans.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 8, 2023
- Mary L WThe Villages, Florida23 contributionsSurvivor for Older peopleThe Galapagos portion of the trip was great except the rooms were awful and I didn't get any notice I'd have a lower level rooms which was tiny and claustrophobic. they claimed I didn't pay extra for a higher level room. The rooms were small, no window to speak of and toilet situation unsanitary. The Other portion in the Amazon was dangerous as no air conditioning and guide didn't provide water in a four hour period other than what we had. I had a near miss of heat stroke. The guide in the Amazon portion was not good with older people, which was the main purpose of OAT...travel for older people. Also we got to 9000 feet three times and I had lung problems each time. We should have gone to Quito and then the Galapagos, instead of four flights in 13 days, changes in temperature and altitude every few days. I will not travel with them again. They have not returned my messages about this situation. I am supposed to be a value traveler. I've been with them 6 glorious times with great guides. Never again,Mary, please accept our apologies for your experience with us. Providing exceptional service to our customers is very important to us, and it is clear we did not meet your expectations. We are taking steps to address the issues you encountered with our regional team and to improve our customer service. We hope that you will give us another opportunity to better serve you in the future. If you have additional concerns, please contact us at request@oattravel.com so we can assist you. Thank you for your patience.Written November 28, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten October 9, 2023
- marianvieriuIasi, Romania85 contributionsThe Andes to Patagonia.This is our seccond time traveling with OAT and from far away, this was our most beautifull trip since we are traveling arround the world. We had very confy hotels in Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Puerto Varas, Chiloe islans, Punta Arenas and El Calafate. Unforgetable places, beautifull nature, culture, people, food and a lot of glaciers. Perito Morreno has been magnificent.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 9, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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houstonsue
Houston, TX220 contributions
Aug 2020
It breaks my heart to give this company a 1-star review. My husband and I have travelled with them for 10 years and have always loved everything about them. Until COVID struck. They cancelled our Israel trip when Israel closed its borders and lied to us about getting a refund. A month later, we got a letter telling us that we could only have a travel credit and told another lie: the letter says that we cancelled, while the cancellation was completely on them. We had paid a lot of money to purchase their traveler insurance, and could have cancelled the trip on our own to get our money back if they had even tried to be honest. Our travel credit expires at the end of this year. Since we are in our 70's, we are unlikely to do foreign travel, or any group travel, this year. As other people have mentioned, there is currently a 2-hour wait on the phone lines for either OAT or its parent company to even discuss the situation. (The trip was scheduled for 4/2020, which is not in the drop-down options!!!!!)
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nica
3 contributions
Dec 2019
I have traveled nine times with Overseas Adventure Travel. In the past few years, I traveled with them twice every year. Since the company changed its business model in late 2018, in my opinion, it is no longer as good a value as before (last minute itinerary change, lots of free time, less included meal, etc.)
Communication was never a strong suit of the company. 2020 was a total disaster! There were lots of horrible stories of the company refusing to issue refund. The company shut down the blog on its website to discourage communication among travelers.
Luckily, my Turkey tour in May was paid with credit card. I got my refund thru the credit card company. My Egypt tour in November was not as fortunate. I was lured by the deep discount offered by OAT to pay in advance and in cash (ACH debit). I paid in full almost a year ago in December 2019. When the company cancelled the Egypt tour on 9/9/2020 and confirmed via email that a refund will be made ASAP but may take up to 60 days, I waited. After two months, there was no refund. On 11/10/2020, I called and was told that refund is now up to 90 BUSINESS DAYS!
In my opinion, how a company behaves in difficult time says a lot about it. Buyers beware! I would not recommend traveling with Overseas Adventure Travel.
Communication was never a strong suit of the company. 2020 was a total disaster! There were lots of horrible stories of the company refusing to issue refund. The company shut down the blog on its website to discourage communication among travelers.
Luckily, my Turkey tour in May was paid with credit card. I got my refund thru the credit card company. My Egypt tour in November was not as fortunate. I was lured by the deep discount offered by OAT to pay in advance and in cash (ACH debit). I paid in full almost a year ago in December 2019. When the company cancelled the Egypt tour on 9/9/2020 and confirmed via email that a refund will be made ASAP but may take up to 60 days, I waited. After two months, there was no refund. On 11/10/2020, I called and was told that refund is now up to 90 BUSINESS DAYS!
In my opinion, how a company behaves in difficult time says a lot about it. Buyers beware! I would not recommend traveling with Overseas Adventure Travel.
Written November 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nica, We appreciate your loyalty over the years and apologize for the frustration you’ve experienced as we work to address each traveler's unique circumstances. Please contact us at request@oattravel.com so that we may review your situation.
Written November 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ernie B
Christiansburg, VA596 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
We just returned from a wonderful 3 week tour called “Ancient Kingdoms of Asia.” The tour included visits to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. OAT made round trip travel arrangements from Virginia to Thailand. And they booked 4 internal flights for our group of 13.
As usual, our tour guide who was with us for the entire tour and 4 local guides were outstanding. We’ve been traveling with OAT since 2015 when we made our first trip with them to Cuba. On every trip we wonder out loud with our fellow travelers how OAT can consistently find such dedicated and professional guides. They are the best in the industry.
Earlier this year we took the OAT tour around Iceland, another excellent experience.
OAT suffered during the pandemic, nearly two years of organized tours had to be abandoned. Staff was laid off. But they are rebuilding with highly trained and dedicated employees. Our longest phone calls, sometimes lasting an hour or more, come while their travel department puts together complicated flight itineraries. But they keep us posted during the long holds and offer several flight options before the final itinerary is completed. We appreciate this detail in planning.
We’ve travelled with Viking and Roads Scholar - but they don’t offer they same quality of travel experiences. Our last trip with Viking was a cruise around England. It started off badly when no one met us at Heathrow Airport and the local Viking telephone numbers were non working numbers. Then a stop at one of the islands off Scotland had to be cancelled because of bad weather in a port, that part of the trip was cancelled and we sailed an extra day with no activity. A year later, on a similar cruise with OAT, a similar situation arose. But rather than sailing on, the OAT staff quickly located a similar excursion on a neighboring island.
OAT tours are pricier than some other companies’ tours. But you always get professional empathetic tour guides.
As usual, our tour guide who was with us for the entire tour and 4 local guides were outstanding. We’ve been traveling with OAT since 2015 when we made our first trip with them to Cuba. On every trip we wonder out loud with our fellow travelers how OAT can consistently find such dedicated and professional guides. They are the best in the industry.
Earlier this year we took the OAT tour around Iceland, another excellent experience.
OAT suffered during the pandemic, nearly two years of organized tours had to be abandoned. Staff was laid off. But they are rebuilding with highly trained and dedicated employees. Our longest phone calls, sometimes lasting an hour or more, come while their travel department puts together complicated flight itineraries. But they keep us posted during the long holds and offer several flight options before the final itinerary is completed. We appreciate this detail in planning.
We’ve travelled with Viking and Roads Scholar - but they don’t offer they same quality of travel experiences. Our last trip with Viking was a cruise around England. It started off badly when no one met us at Heathrow Airport and the local Viking telephone numbers were non working numbers. Then a stop at one of the islands off Scotland had to be cancelled because of bad weather in a port, that part of the trip was cancelled and we sailed an extra day with no activity. A year later, on a similar cruise with OAT, a similar situation arose. But rather than sailing on, the OAT staff quickly located a similar excursion on a neighboring island.
OAT tours are pricier than some other companies’ tours. But you always get professional empathetic tour guides.
Written November 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mbars
Pennsylvania5 contributions
Mar 2020
We are booked for June 26 on a small ship adventure to the Turkey and the Greek Islands. We asked for a refund over the phone for our deposit on March 20. OAT has not gotten back to us. We feel the trip will NEVER depart based on a myriad of circumstances surrounding COVID-19 such as the State Department Level 4 advisories etc.
However, on April 10 the CDC issued a no sail order for cruise ships for 100 days.
OAT's ships are in Europe and Abroad but if they follow the U.S. CDC guidelines none of their small ship adventures should rightly depart until after the 100 day order. Now of course the CDC order most likely applies to US docked ships one would think, but this is an American company that owns those ships.
They keep stalling on cancellations for June trying to get people with deposits to pick other trips down the road. They have lost us after traveling with them 7 previous times.
However, on April 10 the CDC issued a no sail order for cruise ships for 100 days.
OAT's ships are in Europe and Abroad but if they follow the U.S. CDC guidelines none of their small ship adventures should rightly depart until after the 100 day order. Now of course the CDC order most likely applies to US docked ships one would think, but this is an American company that owns those ships.
They keep stalling on cancellations for June trying to get people with deposits to pick other trips down the road. They have lost us after traveling with them 7 previous times.
Written April 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
happypaddler2017
Crystal River, FL5 contributions
Apr 2020
I was scheduled for a trip in April with Overseas Adventure Travel, a part of the Grand Circle Corporation. They cancelled my trip and offered me a full refund in a letter and again in a phone call and an email dated. This is an expensive trip. I wrote a letter requesting a full refund. Now they refuse to refund my money--policy change!! They rebooked me for 2021, billed me for the 2021 trip, and totally ignored my payments for the same trip scheduled for 2020.. In addition, they claim I refused travel protection insurance for the 2021 trip and have electronically removed the fact that I had travel protection on my 2020 trip. Policies change daily and they will not honor anything they have said in writing or verbally. I have been a loyal customer, but do not recomment the company..
Written April 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dannomcg
Maryland4 contributions
Oct 2020
We called to ask about a vacation and were connected to someone with knowledge of our trip. Based on the conversation, October 8, we decided to go ahead and book it. We sent a down payment, then after consideration the next day, decided to cancel. We were told at that point that it would be 90 days to receive the refund. We checked again a month or so later on the progress and we were reassured the refund would be there in 90 days. We called yesterday, beyond the 90 days, and were told it was a new policy that it was 90 business days. I stated the earlier commitment, the reply implied that the people we spoke with were uninformed about the new policy. The website still states 90 day refund. I was told an exception would be submitted and we'll hear back in a couple of days. Customer service turned things around an made it appear this was company policy and they were doing me a favor by refunding my money after the stated date. I had to spend a considerable amount of time on the phone, had my intelligence insulted and still have no idea the resu
Written January 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Please accept our apologies for your frustrating experience. If you need additional help, please contact us at request@oattravel.com so that we may review your situation. Thank you for taking time to write. Your honest feedback will help us understand where we can do better.
Written January 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Trek40211631792
1 contribution
Apr 2020
I had booked and paid in full for a trip to Morocco for this past April with OAT. My experience was exactly as expressed by others ~ trip was canceled by OAT and I received an email with three options, the last one being a full refund in May. When I phoned to say that I wanted the refund, I was told that the policy had changed and no refunds were being issued. I too had been directed to two different supervisors, was given Harriet's email and was told there would be no exceptions for refunds. They then booked me on the same trip for April 2021 without consulting with me. At this time I do not want to make travel plans to Morocco or anywhere else. I have traveled with this company before and was very pleased. However, I would highly recommend choosing a different company with more integrity and higher standards.
My money, $8000 + and monies from several other folks will sit in the bank of OAT when it could go to better use in my hands.
DO NOT PLAN A TRIP with this company.
NOTE ~ I had contacted the credit card company that I used to pay for the trip after all else failed with OAT, and since beginning this review last week, I just received a full refund from them. This was a last resort to attempt getting a refund, and it worked! I'm not sure that all credit cards work the same way, but it's worth a try.
I still stand by my review of recommending traveling with another company. OAT has lost my business along with other friends who have taken numerous trips with them.
My money, $8000 + and monies from several other folks will sit in the bank of OAT when it could go to better use in my hands.
DO NOT PLAN A TRIP with this company.
NOTE ~ I had contacted the credit card company that I used to pay for the trip after all else failed with OAT, and since beginning this review last week, I just received a full refund from them. This was a last resort to attempt getting a refund, and it worked! I'm not sure that all credit cards work the same way, but it's worth a try.
I still stand by my review of recommending traveling with another company. OAT has lost my business along with other friends who have taken numerous trips with them.
Written May 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marjorie A
7 contributions
May 2022
On February 23, 2022, I booked a trip called Undiscovered Adriatic with OATand paid in full $25,206. In the beginning of May I received my final documents with a book that had our names in it along with 47 other travelers. That is 49 people on a 50 person ship. Sold out.
On Monday, 5/16/2022, Casey called to inform us that we were bumped off the trip as our trip was overbooked. How is that possible when we have a list of the 49 passengers that got final documents?
She offered is a trip in July which conflicted with another trip. I called back and talked to John who then offered us a trip for 5/28/23 at the same price including everything we now have and a $6,300 cash refund. He was supposed to follow-up with everything in writing in an e-mail on Tuesday morning and someone was to call us between 9 & 10 am. When I did not get this, I checked my account. There is a trip there for 5/28/23 but it is missing the extra day in Malta and our business class airfare.
I called the next morning at exactly 9:00 am when they opened and was on hold for 1 ½ hours and then was disconnected. I also sent an a-mail yesterday and another one this morning.
At this point I want to cancel the trip completely and get a full refund for $25,206.
They agreed to do this within 45 days. From all the other reviews about refunds I am holding my breath.
On Monday, 5/16/2022, Casey called to inform us that we were bumped off the trip as our trip was overbooked. How is that possible when we have a list of the 49 passengers that got final documents?
She offered is a trip in July which conflicted with another trip. I called back and talked to John who then offered us a trip for 5/28/23 at the same price including everything we now have and a $6,300 cash refund. He was supposed to follow-up with everything in writing in an e-mail on Tuesday morning and someone was to call us between 9 & 10 am. When I did not get this, I checked my account. There is a trip there for 5/28/23 but it is missing the extra day in Malta and our business class airfare.
I called the next morning at exactly 9:00 am when they opened and was on hold for 1 ½ hours and then was disconnected. I also sent an a-mail yesterday and another one this morning.
At this point I want to cancel the trip completely and get a full refund for $25,206.
They agreed to do this within 45 days. From all the other reviews about refunds I am holding my breath.
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Please accept our apologies for your experience. Our records show that we've worked with you to resolve your issues. Thank you.
Written June 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
travel627
wisconsin194 contributions
May 2020
I have traveled with OAT 9 times, but the trip in Jan. will be my last. I have always enjoyed the trip itself and the tour leaders, but the ethics and trustworthiness of the company are very questionable.
They advertise free supplemental rooms. No, they actually put aside a few rooms and once those are booked, they consider the trip full, even if there are several rooms available. This happened on an African trip. I would not go given that I could not get a room, yet, they called me several months later asking me to reconsider and they would give me a single room, because now they had availability (due to not filling their trip with couples).
My trip to Indonesia was cancelled 3 wks. before departure. Why? I was told it was because too many people had been booking their new trip and there were too many problems with the host country, so they were randomly canceling trips every couple of days and I just happened to be one of the unlucky ones.
I was dissatisfied more and more with their trips, as time went on, in that they were adding more "optional tours", to places that are Unesco or other places needed to be seen if going to the country and which the company knew would be something the group would pay extra to see. More time was spent doing what they called "cultural experiences", hours wasted talking to someone instead of taking us somewhere that would have cost money for the company. Less meals were included and more free time implemented, another cost saving measure for OAT.
The final straw was signing up for a Costa Rica trip for June 2020 and being offered a full refund to get me to sign up in case of cancellation. Around March 28, they changed their policy and will not give me a refund, only a voucher for a later date. I need the money now and I don't know what my circumstances will be in the future.
OAT is great when everything goes well and there are no problems. However, I found out, that once there is a problem, it is almost impossible to contact the company by phone or email and for them to honor their promises. It is unfortunate that what started out as such a great company decades ago, has declined so much and become so untrustworthy.
.
They advertise free supplemental rooms. No, they actually put aside a few rooms and once those are booked, they consider the trip full, even if there are several rooms available. This happened on an African trip. I would not go given that I could not get a room, yet, they called me several months later asking me to reconsider and they would give me a single room, because now they had availability (due to not filling their trip with couples).
My trip to Indonesia was cancelled 3 wks. before departure. Why? I was told it was because too many people had been booking their new trip and there were too many problems with the host country, so they were randomly canceling trips every couple of days and I just happened to be one of the unlucky ones.
I was dissatisfied more and more with their trips, as time went on, in that they were adding more "optional tours", to places that are Unesco or other places needed to be seen if going to the country and which the company knew would be something the group would pay extra to see. More time was spent doing what they called "cultural experiences", hours wasted talking to someone instead of taking us somewhere that would have cost money for the company. Less meals were included and more free time implemented, another cost saving measure for OAT.
The final straw was signing up for a Costa Rica trip for June 2020 and being offered a full refund to get me to sign up in case of cancellation. Around March 28, they changed their policy and will not give me a refund, only a voucher for a later date. I need the money now and I don't know what my circumstances will be in the future.
OAT is great when everything goes well and there are no problems. However, I found out, that once there is a problem, it is almost impossible to contact the company by phone or email and for them to honor their promises. It is unfortunate that what started out as such a great company decades ago, has declined so much and become so untrustworthy.
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Written May 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
terrie e
New York City, NY6 contributions
Apr 2020
I too have travelled with OAT several times and the trips have been enjoyable. They recently cancelled my trip to Mongolia in August 2020 and sent an email saying I could have a full refund (see email that says I can get full refund). I called today and guess what: "we changed our policy and no refund, you can only use it to rebook on another trip." Of couse, they didn't have the nerve to send that email to travellers. I still have the email which says I have a full refund coming to me so now I Need to go to a lawyer.
Very disappointed; always had good relationship with OAT and theyv'e been relatively accomodating. Now they are lying and cheating and all the poor young agent can say is "sorry."
OAT: if you survive, you have ruined your reputation: really sad and mad!
Very disappointed; always had good relationship with OAT and theyv'e been relatively accomodating. Now they are lying and cheating and all the poor young agent can say is "sorry."
OAT: if you survive, you have ruined your reputation: really sad and mad!
Written April 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I plan to take my 35mm camera and wonder if there are adequate places to charge both my camera batteries and my cell phone.
Also, what did you take for luggage? I see some of the planes are quite small. Is there a limit on what you can take?
Written May 21, 2024
I take a universal adapter and a short extension cord that also has extra usb’s. Most places I’ve gone generally do have usb’s in the room. Depending on the type of hotel of course. Really low budget may not. I only travel with a carry on so I don’t usually have a problem.
Written December 4, 2024
which OAT COSTA RICA TOUR did you take and why did you chose this one? did you take a pre or post trip? thanks Donna
Written April 3, 2024
Explore38238021135
Carlsbad, California
Hi,
I'm going to Japan and was wondering if you remember what hotel you stayed at in Tokyo or Hakone?
Written March 8, 2024
In Japan and Korea this spring, we did not need chargers (2024). You will be amazed at how many amenities the time hotel rooms in Tokyo & Kyoto contain, though you need to look for those, as they may be in drawers or closets. The washer/dryers are not fast, but do a good job. Follow directions carefully.
Written December 5, 2024
On the ship Clio.
1. Is there a fitness center?
2. Are there PCs available for use by passengers?
Written July 26, 2023
1. Is there a fitness center?
2. Are there PCs available for use by passengers?
Written July 26, 2023
Has anyone else had the experience with OAT that your invoice includes trip insurance that you said several times you did not want?
Written February 9, 2023
I’ve taken several trips with OAT and never taken their insurance, which I find relatively expensive. On my last few trips I haven’t purchased trip cancellation insurance at all, but due to my age and health concerns I purchase an annual travel medical insurance policy which covers medical expenses including flying me back to the US if necessary (my rationale being that cancelling a trip won’t bankrupt me but experiencing a medical emergency might!). I use a company called GeoBlue and it costs me about $250 per year. I’ve never had to use it so I can’t speak to a satisfaction level with GeoBlue.
Written February 10, 2023
Just wanted everyone to know that OAT fixed all my issues and I want to either remove this post or change the rating and text
Written July 7, 2022
I finally got through to them after waiting an additional hour and twenty minutes. After a total waiting time of about 15 hours, OAT has stepped up to the plate and settled all our issues. Understandable that it is difficult with all the changes in airline flights, but they are working at it. The lady who helped me was was sweet and professional, as well as apologetic.
Written July 10, 2022
I am 72 years old, and I still work at McDonald's so this should tell you I don't make a ton of money, nor am I filthy rich to go on a fancy vacation, my dream trip!! . However, I want to go to Vietnam for about 20 days, I am female and don't want to go alone. I met a customer at work who said she went with OAT early 2020 and really like them, had a great time in Vietnam and Ireland. So I was going to take every dime I have saved for my dream trip and go on a tour with this company. Thank you all for the reviews of this company, because I sure won't ever spend a dime on them if this is the type of service people are receiving you saved me from perhaps losing my entire savings on just one little trip of a lifetime. I will go with someone else, or not at all, but at least I didn't lose money on this crack pot company!!! Wendy Flippo
Written May 29, 2022
I can share with you that a close friend took the OAT trip to Vietnam and really enjoyed it. She had zero problems on the trip. I fault OAT on availability by phone or email on the front end of the trip, for example: answering important questions about visas, shot requirements, tipping guidelines, etc., and especially about securing airfare. But once you're on the trip, NO PROBLEMS. As proof, I am taking a second trip with OAT to Patagonia this fall.
Written May 29, 2022
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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