Bas & Catalina** This is NOT a sponsored post. All of the information reflects our own feelings and experiences with Gate 1 Travel **
What is Gate 1 Travel Group?
Gate 1 Travel is a travel company specializing in group tours worldwide. They have been in business for over 40 years.
How many people are on Gate 1 Travel Tours?
Gate 1 Travel classic tours can have up to 40 people. If you prefer smaller groups, you can book a Gate 1 Small Group Discovery Tour with up to 22 people.
On our last Gate 1 Travel to Ecuador, we had 37 people, including us. This was a great size to be able to meet lots of like-minded people that had similar interests to us. By the end of the trip, we created long-lasting friendships and are planning future trips together.
Who is Gate 1 Travel for?
Gate 1 Travel is great for Families, Seniors, Solo Travelers, and pretty much anyone who enjoys exploring the world! Just remember that many tours require hikes, a lot of walking, and some extraneous activities. Most tours have Minimum age Requirements.
I’ve traveled with Gate 1 Travel, loved the experience, and booked a second one. They offer a variety of travel styles to accommodate all types of travelers, and they have a team of experienced travel professionals who are dedicated to helping you plan your vacation.
My first trip with Gate 1 was an escorted tour of Ecuador. I was traveling with my family, and we were all first-time travelers to Ecuador. We were a little nervous about going on an escorted tour, but we were so glad we did. Our tour guide was amazing; she took care of all the details, so we could relax and enjoy our vacation. We visited many cities and towns and important attractions. For the full list, click here.
Why travel with Gate 1 Travel?
Gate 1 Travel is a worry-free travel experience. Gate 1 allows travelers to immerse in the culture, experience the land, and live out travel experiences that create memories that will last a lifetime.
How are the hotels when booking through Gate 1 Travel?
Gate 1 Travel hand-picks its hotels to meet its standards to satisfy the needs and desires of its travelers. Each hotel is unique and portrays the special characteristics of the country or region.
In our experience, we were blown away by the hotels we stayed at while traveling through Ecuador. Each hotel was chosen because of its location, quality, and character.
Transportation on Gate 1 Travel
Gate 1 Travel provides motor coach buses to transport people from location to location. The drivers are incredibly experienced and professional. They make you feel safe even when driving near a massive cliff or super tight spots in city centers.
During our trip to Ecuador, our driver, Roque, impressed us with his incredible navigation skills through the smallest allies and tiniest roads that looked like they could only fit a bike. Roque was able to fit an entire bus that carried 40 people.
Our driver also kept the bus clean, helped sanitize our hands upon re-entry to the bus, provided water, and was super friendly and made you feel welcome.
Meals with Gate 1 Travel
Gate 1 Travel provides many high-quality meals when you take one of their tours.
Breakfast generally takes place at the hotel you are staying in, and it could be buffet style or served as individual plates. Options may vary from country to county and hotel to hotel.
In our experience, the buffets were fabulous for breakfast as they provided various options, allowing us to eat comfort foods while also trying some exotic choices of the region. Coffee, tea, and other beverages were always available. We enjoyed delicious fresh fruit juices at every hotel during our last trip with Gate 1 to Ecuador.
Lunch. Some lunches are included with your Gate 1 tour, but sometimes you may also have the opportunity to try something at a local restaurant. Your tour guide will provide some on-point recommendations of places they like. We were happily satisfied with our tour guide choices.
The lunches that Gate 1 provided were served at beautiful restaurants throughout the country. Gate 1 took the time to carefully vet every restaurant to provide tasty and high-quality lunches for all participants.
When we visited Ecuador with Gate 1, we were given choices on the days lunch was included. We found this very helpful because our tour group had different dietary restrictions such as vegetarianism, no fish, only chicken, multiple allergies, etc. Gate 1 was able to accommodate all of these needs.
Dinner. Most dinners are included in your Gate 1 tour.
When we visited Ecuador, only the first day’s dinner was not included because this was an arrival day, and part of the group arrived after dinner. From then on, dinners were served at the hotel we were staying at. Remember that the hotels were like out of a storybook, so the delicious food and setting provided a fantastic dining experience. We were also offered choices for dinner to accommodate all tastes and preferences. We found a variety of foods that included known dishes as well as local specialties.
During our trip to Ecuador, we also were provided many “technical stops” to allow people to use public restrooms and buy snacks at gas stations, local markets, and street stands. In addition, our tour guide provided a little treat most days for us to taste local specialties.
Activities with Gate 1 Travel
A wonderful thing about Gate 1 Travel is that most activities are already included in the itinerary and price. In addition, you can also add some optional tours and activities depending on your wants, needs, and interests.
During our trip to Ecuador, we added a neck and back massage at the Papallacta Hot Springs Spa and a Canopy Adventure in the Amazon to pump adrenaline while immersed in the rainforest.
Gate 1 Travel for families and children
Yes! Gate 1 Travel is a fantastic way for families to travel. Remember that travelers have some age restrictions and that most of the group will be 40 and above.
According to Gate 1, All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for children on escorted tours for Gate 1 including Deluxe tours is 8. Minimum age on Discovery Tours is 12. Minimum age on Walking Tours is 16. Minimum age for European River Cruise programs is 16. Minimum age for game drives in Kruger National Park (South Africa) is 12. Minimum age for Rwanda and Uganda programs is 15. Minimum age for Antarctica programs is 12. Minimum age for independent Galapagos programs is 8. Discounts for children sharing a room as third may apply to children under 12. Most hotels do not permit children under 18 to occupy a room without an adult. Accompanying adults are responsible for the safety of their children including to provide any necessary safety equipment (such as infant/child seats) where appropriate.
During our trip to Ecuador, we traveled with our 11-year-old son. He was the group’s only child but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The long bus rides sometimes allowed him to catch up on sleep or relax before the next activity. We found this to be very helpful. The itinerary for Ecuador was very packed, and he felt something was going on constantly. The choices in food were perfect for him, and the variety of activities kept him happily engaged.
Remember that you will be sharing a coach bus with fellow travelers, so children need to be prepared and know how to behave with other adults.
Most days had early wake-ups but also early bedtimes, allowing us to get plenty of sleep and avoid moody moments due to lack of rest.
Gate 1 Travel for solo travelers
Gate 1 Travel is a perfect way for solo travelers to meet like-minded individuals while exploring the world.
During our last Gate 1 trip to Ecuador, there were several solo travelers and experienced Gate 1 travelers with many more planned trips.
Gate 1 Travel for seniors
Yes! Gate 1 Travel is for seniors too! Just remember, many tours include hikes, a lot of walking, and some extraneous activities.
What to pack for a Gate 1 Trip?
What to pack for your Gate 1 Travel Trip will depend on the location you are visiting. Some suggestions include sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, raincoats, comfortable shoes, etc.
During our trip to Ecuador, we appreciated having packed our hiking boots, easy dry pants for the Amazon, layers for the change in altitude, a bathing suit for the Amazon, a hat for the intense sun, sunglasses, and a raincoat for unexpected rain.
What is the average age of Gate 1 Travelers?
The average age of travelers on Gate 1 tours depends mainly on the destination. The more active vacations, especially in South America, have a younger average audience, while city tours in Europe seem to have an older average audience.
During our trip to Ecuador, the youngest person in our group was 11, and the oldest was 75 years old. The average age was between 40-60 years old.
Are kids allowed on Gate 1 Travel?
Yes! Kids are allowed on Gate 1 Travel!
According to Gate 1, All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for children on escorted tours for Gate 1 including Deluxe tours is 8. Minimum age on Discovery Tours is 12. Minimum age on Walking Tours is 16. Minimum age for European River Cruise programs is 16. Minimum age for game drives in Kruger National Park (South Africa) is 12. Minimum age for Rwanda and Uganda programs is 15.
Minimum age for Antarctica programs is 12. Minimum age for independent Galapagos programs is 8. Discounts for children sharing a room as third may apply to children under 12. Most hotels do not permit children under 18 to occupy a room without an adult. Accompanying adults are responsible for the safety of their children including to provide any necessary safety equipment (such as infant/child seats) where appropriate.
During our trip to Ecuador, we traveled with our 11-year-old son. He was the group’s only child but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The long bus rides sometimes allowed him to catch up on sleep or relax before the next activity. We found this to be very helpful. The itinerary for Ecuador was very packed, and he felt something was going on constantly. The choices in food were perfect for him, and the variety of activities kept him happily engaged.
Are the hotels air-conditioned with Gate 1 Travel?
Hotels with air conditioning vary by location. In our experience, city hotels tend to have air conditioning, while rural hotels may not.
During our trip to Ecuador, only our hotel in Quito (the capital) had AC. Having said that, many hotels in South America do not have air conditioning (not just Gate 1 choices but most hotels in these countries). Remember that we stayed at hotels at the top of the mountains and in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. None of them had AC; however, they all had either fireplace to keep us warm or fans to keep us cool. In the Amazon, the hotels had screened rooms preventing bugs from getting in.
All in all, we slept wonderfully every single night of the trip.
Will my hotel have Wi-fi during Gate 1 Travel tours?
Most hotels during Gate 1 tours have Wi-Fi. In our experience, some hotels have Wi-Fi in the rooms, while others only have Wi-Fi in common areas.
Can I get laundry done at the hotels on a Gate 1 Travel?
Yes! Most hotels on Gate 1 tours offer a laundry service for an extra fee. We recommend checking the hotel website before you go so you can plan where to do your laundry. I recommend doing laundry on trips 8 days or longer to be able to pack lighter.
What is the check-in procedure at Gate 1 hotels?
Gate 1 Travel has mastered the check-in procedures for large groups in their hotels. In our experience, everything was pre-filled, and an envelope with keys and pertinent information was available to each group.
The check-in procedures took 5-10 minutes for the entire group. Keep in mind our group in Ecuador was 37 people. We were thoroughly impressed at how Gate 1 plans ahead and makes checking in to every hotel a smooth experience. This allows travelers to enjoy every minute at each location.
How to book a Vacation with Gate 1 Travel?
- Go to the Gate 1 Travel website for available trips, dates, and prices. https://www.gate1travel.com/
- Write down the name of the itinerary you are interested in booking.
- Call the Gate 1 Travel booking department at 1-215-572-7676 (the # is also available on the website).
- To receive a discount on your vacation, let them know that we referred you. You can provide my husband’s name and Account ID. His name is: Bas Nijmeijer, and the account ID is: 8585461.
- Get excited and begin counting down.
- We may see you around 🙂
- Tag me on Instagram on your photos and videos! I would love to see your adventures!
What happens on day 1 of my trip with Gate 1?
Day 1 is your traveling day; in most cases, there is not much going on. Depending on the location, some itineraries will have a welcome dinner to introduce the tour manager and everyone in the group.
What happens on day 2 of my trip with Gate 1 Travel?
Day 2 with Gate 1 generally starts with a welcome briefing. This short meeting allows travelers to introduce themselves and the tour manager to set ground rules for a successful trip.
In our experience in Ecuador, Giovanna, our tour manager, explained the expectations (being on time every day) and our plans for the day, and we got a chance to meet everyone in the group.
Can I book flights through Gate 1 Travel?
Yes! You can book your flights through Gate 1 Travel from most airports; however, you will incur extra fees if you don’t fly from their pre-selected departure city.
In our experience from talking to other Gate 1 travelers, we found that most prefer to book Gate 1 Land only and buy their own flights. This also allows them to select flights that suit their schedule and preferences.
Can I book nights before and after my trip with Gate 1 trip?
Yes, you can book nights before and after your trip with Gate 1 Travel. You can add those nights during your booking process.
How much are Gate 1 travel Deposits, and when is the full payment due?
Gate 1 deposits vary depending on the destination. A non-refundable deposit is due at the time of reservation. All reservations (except where specified): $300 per person. Reservations with Antarctica, Armenia, Australia**, Galapagos cruises, Georgia, Greenland, New Zealand, or Norway cruises: $500 per person. Reservations with Uganda: $700 per person. Reservations with Rwanda: $1500 per person.
Full payment for Gate 1 trips is due 90 days before departure. Reservations with cruises to Antarctica, Greenland or Galapagos: 120 days before departure
Does Gate 1 Travel do Airport Transfers?
Gate 1 Travel can provide all travelers with airport transfers. You can book transfers to and from the airport during the booking process. This service requires an additional fee.
In our experience, the transfer is definitely worth it. Once we exited immigration and customs, our tour manager awaited us, and we felt that the Gate 1 experience began there.
What are optional experiences with Gate 1 tours?
Most Gate 1 tours provide optional experiences you can book during your stay. These have an additional cost but may enhance your vacation.
In our experience, we thoroughly enjoyed the optional experiences we booked. They are worth the price, and in most cases, if not booked in advance, you may not be able to book them in person.
How can I book optional experiences with Gate 1 Travel?
Optional experiences with Gate 1 Travel can be scheduled through the booking process of your vacation. You can also add them before you go. Be sure to read each selection and not book overlapping tours.
How much travel money should I plan to bring on Gate 1 tours?
How much travel money you bring on Gate 1 tours depends primarily on your destination and spending habits.
In our experience in Ecuador, we brought around $300 USD in small bills because Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar. This was enough for the meals not included and a little shopping at stores and markets.
Are there any Discounts for Gate 1 Tours?
If you are a first-time traveler with Gate 1, you can get a discount by simply providing my husband’s name and account ID. His name is: Bas Nijmeijer, and the account ID is: 8585461
In addition, we recommend signing up for the Gate 1 travel newsletter. Every week they will email you the deals they have.
What can I bring on the coach bus with me on a Gate 1 travel tour?
When traveling with Gate 1 Travel, your luggage will be stored in the belly of the bus; however, you may bring a small carry-on, backpack, or personal item.
In our experience, the coach bus had plenty of storage for everyone to bring what they needed.
Will I have free time during Gate 1 tours?
Although most Gate 1 tours are carefully planned, Gate 1 has scheduled some free time at different locations.
During our trip to Ecuador with Gate 1, we had free time in Quito to explore the San Francisco Plaza, Otavalo to explore the market, and Baños to explore the surrounding areas. We also had time to enjoy the resort during our visit to the Amazon.
Do Gate 1 Travel coach buses operate seat rotation?
Yes! Gate 1 Travel coach bus operates seat rotation to allow all travelers to experience country views from different angles. Most importantly, everyone has a chance to sit up front.
We found this to be refreshing and equitable amongst all travelers. The night before, our tour manager would pass the seating chart, and we could take a photo. In addition, the seating chart was readily available at the front of the bus.
Is porterage included in Gate 1 Trips?
Porterage is included throughout your Gate 1 trip for your ease and comfort. You only have to bring your hand luggage or personal item daily on and off the bus coach. Your luggage will be delivered to your room upon arrival at each hotel. Every morning, you will be given a time to set your luggage right outside of your door for staff to be able to load it onto the bus.
Your Tour Manager will provide you with a Gate 1 luggage tag, which helps with identification and security.
