We may use AI to brainstorm our travel plans, but when it comes to putting them into action, real-life tour operators are more appreciated than ever. After all, no one wants to take a wrong turn to Slough on a bucket list safari adventure. You reckoned Black Tomato (celebrating its 21st birthday this year) has it nailed when it comes to trip planning, whether that’s an expedition across the Gobi or island-hopping in the Hebrides, and Scott Dunn and Healing Holidays hold the best address books for accommodation. Jacada and Turquoise rated highly for their variety of destinations, from New Zealand for bird-watching to the Côn Đa o islands and their turtle-gazing opportunities, as did British Airways Holidays. The dependable Original Travel was lauded for its reliability and on-the-ground support. And more votes are going to an increasingly diverse range of specialist outfits, such as the LGBTQ+-led Inclusive Morocco and Linger, which zooms in on ethical sabbatical travel.
These are the best tour operators in the world, according to the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.
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