Are we the right company for you?
Authentic experiences: Down to Earth is a range of holidays brought to you by Tribes Travel. The holidays are all about the love of travel in order to experience the world’s beauty and diversity. We love the feel of the real country beneath our feet, we want to sense everything that is different and special about a place, and we enjoy meeting local people in a friendly environment. We don’t need to be pampered, but like good hospitality. Our type of travel is about fun and adventure, about being inspired, awed and sometimes moved by what you see and experience. It is about the joy of living.
Responsible travel: Enjoyment at the expense of others is not an option we choose. We believe that if we’re going to travel abroad (which let’s face it, immediately brings the issue of the damaging effects of flying to mind), we should make it count. Make travelling make a difference to someone or to some part of the earth that needs support. We believe our holidays do this in various ways, including carbon offsetting and helping grassroots projects. Read more ... Simple but comfortable accommodation: We don’t go for luxury hotels, but enjoy comfort without the frills.
Good, not fancy food: We all love good food don’t we? We don’t go for posh nosh, but we realise the importance of good food when travelling.
Reasonable, affordable prices: Since we don’t use the most luxurious or expensive accommodation or services, our prices are accessible for many people. On our group trips we also make cost savings due to the numbers of people which certain services (eg guides and some transport) can be shared amongst.
We’re grounded: We prefer to stay grounded where possible and practical. We only fly if there’s really no better way, and we prefer train and road. Walking, cycling, and perhaps horse riding at times are all great ways to travel and see the world too, and we include them as often as possible.
Your security & safety: Travelling with us, you’re putting your trust into our company. We recognise and respect that faith, and don’t take it lightly. You are 100% financially protected through our membership of AITO and our ATOL licence in the unlikely event of our insolvency. We also take our responsibility seriously as regards your personal safety whilst abroad. However you also need to do your part and ensure that this really is the right type of travel for you and that you are willing to accept any risks involved. Read more....
The people behind the name
The Down to Earth Holidays range is brought to you by the award-winning fair trade travel company, Tribes, one of the world’s pioneers of responsible travel. Tribes are expert travel organisers with long-standing experience in tailor made travel.
Tribes was founded in 1998 and has a reputation for good service and excellent back up, so you are tapping into this expertise when you book a Down to Earth holiday.
Our team are all very happy to help you with advice before and after booking.
See the Tribes website.
Our Partners
On the Ground: In each of our destinations we work with a partner we trust. This way, you are not only getting our knowledge and expertise, you are also getting local know-how too. We work as a team, so that when you arrive in your destination, you are in the capable hands of our local partners, who have similar principles and service ethics as ourselves. We are always there in the background though, checking what is going on and ensuring things are running smoothly, and you are also given direct access to us by phone in case of problems.
Grassroots projects: Many of our holidays include visiting community or conservation projects. These give you an authentic insight into the country you’re visiting, and are often a highlight for travellers. To organise visits to such projects in a way which is non-voyeuristic and enjoyable for all, we mostly work with small, local NGO (non-governmental organisations / charities). This is also the best way to ensure that the money provided to the project is used transparently and properly. Examples of this would be Peru Verde, a conservation charity in Peru, and the Calabash Foundation, a community development project in South Africa.
Our Holidays
Down to Earth offers a range of holidays in 9 different countries. These are set itineraries for individuals and we also have group departures.
If you are looking for tailor made holidays, Tribes main website is the place to be.
Individual travellers, families & groups of friends: Most of our holidays can be taken by individuals (2 people or more) at any time you like. In other words, you don’t need to join a group departure. If there are a few of you wanting to travel together, we can arrange your own private departure, and of course many of these holidays are perfect for families too.
Group departures: Many of our holidays have set group departure dates which you are welcome to join. These holidays will have a leader from the country you’ve chosen.
Read more about our holidays ...
Our Prices
Our aim has been to bring you a truly fantastic range of holidays at realistic and reasonable prices. By really knowing the destinations we work in, we have sourced the best value accommodation and services around. In some instances our prices for 2 people are similar to other companies’ group prices. Yet we don’t stint on service, and things which are often classed as extras for group holidays (eg airport transfers), are included by us.
Flights
International flights are not included in the prices, but we are ATOL-bonded and can arrange these for you as required. Alternatively, you can buy your own flights.