Let’s Start from the Beginning
In 1998, Judi Wineland and Rick Thomson looked at their growing girls, and knew they wanted to offer adventure travel for families, a radical idea never even thought of before. That day, Thomson Family Adventures was born, and it opened the world of travel to families of all ages. Now they had a safe, reliable, easy way to explore places they would never try on their own – and not have to lift a finger in the process.
Today, we still take you to the most engaging, culturally diverse regions of the world, for just your family or in a small group matched with similar aged kids. Whether your interest is in high adventure, cultural explorations, or wildlife expeditions, we’ve created a unique way to do it. Our distinctive Friends Across Borders pen pal program and our rafikis – the ones with fun and games for the kids – still set us apart in the travel industry.
All of our adventures are led and guided by our local partners and native to the country you are visiting, who know, love, and respect the heritage of their homeland. This support of the local communities is an important tenet of our core values. We mandate that our partners pay a fair wage to all who work with them, and we support educational and economic opportunities to elevate their standard of living. Your traveling with Thomson supports our vision: the economic stability allows your guides, drivers & rafikis the chance to focus on the preservation of their natural and cultural heritage. Together, we all make the world a better place.
Many established companies, who for years offered adult travel, have tried to copy what we do. With our 20 years on the leading edge of family travel, none other has come close to our exceptional experiences and personal touch. We look forward to another 20 years offering busy families the trip of a lifetime, where parents and grandparents get to have fun too.
Our everyday commitment is to families. Like yours.
Our Core Values
We are Family
We consider every person we talk to and do business with a member of our own Thomson Family Adventures’ family. And we love to have fun—not only among ourselves, but also with our worldwide associates and traveling families.
We are Trustworthy and Reliable
We treat one another with respect and trust, and are committed to extending that relationship to all of our associates, colleagues, and traveling families around the world.
We are Passionate
We care deeply about the relationships we’ve forged with our global associates and share a passion for the places we visit and the people who live there.
We are Global and Sustainable
We touch the lives of countless people around the globe. Knowing that we have an impact beyond what we can imagine, we make sure we give back to each culture and country we work with and visit.
We are Innovative
As a company we continually strive to see our world with fresh eyes and to create new and unique life-enhancing experiences for family members of all ages.
Relax— You’re with Thomson
From the moment you arrive until the day you depart, we’re behind the scenes taking care of every last detail. Our amazing guides, drivers, and staff are there to ensure your family’s safety and comfort every step of the way. Your only job is to show up ready to have a great family vacation!