Chosen by travelers: Why thousands love Exoticca
Affordability? Expertly planned itineraries? Guides who are part historian, part comedian? Named a 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Winner, Exoticca is enamoring travelers, one trip at a time. So what keeps an average of 25% of travelers coming back for more?
Founded in 2013 and based in Barcelona, we’ve grown into a leading online tour operator. In 2014, passenger numbers were around 740; now, over 100,000 passengers travel with us every year! Travelers love what we’re offering, with one saying, “If 10 stars were an option… I would give it!!”
From our Best Price Guarantee to our expert, in-house Travel Crafters, here’s a look at why Exoticca has become a favorite among thousands of globetrotters.
Unbeatable prices that make your budget stretch further
From the start, Exoticca has aimed to make travel accessible for everyone. Travelers and industry leaders agree that every trip is packed with value for money.
When Terry Dale, president of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), welcomed Exoticca as a member in 2024, he praised the company for its “dedication to delivering quality experiences from start to finish” (Travel Market Report). Dale attributed the success to our “innovative online technology”, making it simple for travelers to book extraordinary trips at “extremely competitive prices.”
Flights, accommodation, activities, and more are included, giving you the most complete travel experience. Whether it’s a cultural escape through storied Italian cities like Rome and Florence, or a full safari adventure in South Africa, you’re traveling at the best price, guaranteed (How do we do it? Find out more!).
Unforgettable experiences travelers can’t stop talking about
On big, complex bucket-list trips, smooth coordination makes all the difference. Travelers like Pamela know that “such easy organisation doesn’t come without a huge amount of behind-the-scenes planning.” It’s things like transfers arriving right on time, having your passport details sent ahead to your hotel for a swift check-in, and itineraries taking you to the most charming corners of faraway places that take the stress out of travel. That way, you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time making memories.
And make memories they have. Thousands of #exoticcatravelers have been hard at work living adventures since 2013, booking nearly 200,000 trips around the globe with Exoticca. Take Scott from Canada, for example. He called his escape “the best vacation I’ve ever had.” Between hiking Kilimanjaro and spotting the Big Five (more than once!) on safari across the Serengeti, Scott’s trip was nothing short of “remarkable.”
But it’s not only about the WOW moments. The real difference is also in the details: a knowledgeable guide by your side, or discovering that perfect little restaurant thanks to a local tip. Just ask Sheilah, who remembers her Portugal getaway with us as “absolutely amazing.”
Yes, based on countless 5-star reviews, it seems we’ve got this multi-day tour thing down to a tee. And that’s mostly true (there’s always room to improve!). Along with a simple online booking process, 24/7 in-trip assistance, and a handy Traveler’s App, we also have a lot of expert travel heads working hard behind the scenes…
Meet our Travel Crafters: fearless explorers, trusted insiders
Who are our Travel Crafters and what do they do? Well, it’s simple. They’re experts whose job is to think of you. They explore the world, with you in mind. They meet the guides, test out the beds, sit on the coaches, and taste the local flavors. It might sound like a vacation, but really… they’re crafting: creating extraordinary trips with only the best experiences.
It’s our Travel Crafters like Elia who bring our itineraries to life. She sailed Norway’s stunning fjords herself and rode the Flåmsbana train, knowing exactly which views are unmissable. She also loved the traditional Nordic sauna, followed by a refreshing dip in the fjord, and insists you try wild-caught salmon at a local spot.
So yes, there are iconic sights to see, but it’s these firsthand experiences and personal tips from Travel Crafters that set our itineraries apart.
Our experts guide the way, and travelers come back with adventures to cherish. Henry described his trip to Norway as “Wonderful…the itinerary was well designed and covered all the major highlights.” Shantay called it “the Norway of our dreams,” spending “six glorious days exploring the cities, rural towns, and endless natural wonders.”
Travel tips and secrets from our experts
As you know, our destinations are explored ahead for you by our experts, which means our itineraries are crafted to be cherished. You can even see our Travel Crafters’ expertise appearing in our inspirational content, like newsletters, blog posts, and Instagram feed.
They have plenty of hidden gems they love to share with travelers. For example:
Japan
Our experts know that the Sihauyra crossing and Nara deer are must-sees, but they also recommend turning your attention to Shirakawa-go, the traditional houses that are “a hidden gem not everyone knows about.”
Uzbekistan
You may have heard of the Silk Road, but our experts highlight off-the-beaten-path spots like the walled city of Khiva and the spiritual city of Bukhara.
The Balkans
Destinations like Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, or Bosnia and Herzegovina may seem less-travelled, but our expert tips are here to help. From discovering Medjugorje to hiking the mountains of Zabljak, you’ll feel like a real explorer.
Spain
In Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia is iconic, but to feel like a local, sipping a vermouth in Gràcia is a true testament to Mediterranean life. And who would miss the Guggenheim in Bilbao? Perhaps only someone busy exploring the colorful Iralabarri neighborhood, also known as “Bilbao’s Notting Hill.”
Portugal
A Tram 28 ride is a given in Lisbon, but Oliver suggests heading up to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for spectacular views. Skip the usual Algarve coastline and watch Atlantic waves crash below the 18th-century lighthouse at Cape Roca.
And while visiting a Porto wine cellar is a must, make time for sunset at Jardim do Morro, a local favorite in Vila Nova de Gaia overlooking the Douro River just across the Dom Luís I Bridge.
Iconic sights
Without a doubt, Exoticca’s Travel Crafters are all over the lesser-known treasures, but that’s not to say the icons don’t get a look in. In fact, quite the opposite. Our experts know that to really discover a new destination, you need to hit the essentials too.
For example, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring landmarks, and no first trip to Peru would be complete without it. That’s why Exoticca trips guarantee entry to the sacred site, unlike many other tour providers.
Cassandra, a #exoticcatraveler, put it very well when she came back from Peru, declaring, “I cannot say enough how wonderful it is to know where you want to go and have a company essentially plan the trip for you, including all the best highlights of the area.”
So if you’re going on an Exoticca trip, you’ll visit the must-see icons, such as giant tortoises in Ecuador, the Great Wall in China, and sacred temples in Thailand, as well as some hidden gems our experts love to share.
How do we know we’re getting it right?
Exoticca is a Travelers’ Choice! Millions of reviews from around the world place us in the top 10%. Being recognized in Tripadvisor®’s Travelers’ Choice® Awards 2025 confirms we’re achieving our goal from the very beginning: making dream trips come true.
