Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) —
Based in Boston with 35 regional offices around the world, Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) specializes in unique small group tours for Americans over the age of 50. On land adventures OAT guarantees groups of 10-16 travelers, and on their Small Ship Adventures between 16-25 travelers. These small group tours go on—and off—the beaten path, with resident English-speaking OAT Trip Leaders immersing travelers in local cultures, sampling unique modes of transportation, and staying in more intimate and authentic lodgings including smaller family-run hotels that reflect the essence of each destination.
In addition to the world’s top travel destinations, journeys with OAT also explore lesser-known locales—unique destinations where few Americans go. Explore local culture including the unassuming villages, family homes, schools, churches, and farms that comprise the heart of a nation. Meet people from all walks of life, visiting them where they work, where they worship, and where they live — frequently right in their own homes. Sing a song with Chinese primary school children. Enjoy a private cooking lesson with a Thai chef. Take part in a Peruvian curandero ceremony with a traditional Quechua healer.
OAT also promises Solo Travelers will not pay more, offering free single supplements on every adventure and trip extension—which means solo travelers never pay more for their own hotel room or ship cabin.
Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises serves both our GCT and OAT brands with an award-winning fleet known for reasonable prices and high-quality experiences throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Custom-designed for their travelers, their fleet includes 50+ small river and ocean-going ships that they own or privately charter.
OAT was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1978 by a high school teacher, Judi Wineland, who desired a more authentic African travel experience. She targeted unspoiled Tanzania as the first destination for her company, and in doing so, became the first US tour operator to offer tented safaris there. In 1993 OAT was purchased by the Grand Circle Corporation, established in 1958, when it was formed to serve members of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).