OAT Versus Gate 1 Travel

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) vs. Gate 1 Travel: At a Glance

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) offers a much more curated selection of roughly 100–150 itineraries. Its portfolio focuses on international small-group adventures and small-ship voyages.

Company Overview

Gate 1 Travel offers a broad selection of escorted tours, small-group Discovery tours, independent travel packages and cruises to destinations throughout the world, with an emphasis on value.

Group Size

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT): Small groups are a hallmark of the OAT experience, typically with 10–16 travelers on land trips and up to 25 on small ships. The smaller groups can make OAT trips feel more intimate and agile when navigating small villages or using local transportation.

Gate 1 Travel: Varies by tour type. Traditional escorted tours can accommodate up to 42 travelers, while its smaller Discovery tours are limited to 22 travelers.

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT): Cultural immersion with an adventurous edge. Trips emphasize learning about the local way of life through home-hosted meals, school visits, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. The vibe tends to be more hands-on and active.

Gate 1 Travel: Competitive pricing and a wide range of escorted tours are at the core of its offerings. Travelers can choose from traditional guided tours, smaller Discovery groups, independent travel packages and cruises, with an emphasis on seeing the major sights while keeping costs reasonable.

Primary Focus

Pricing & Value Structure

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT): Competitive base pricing, with particularly attractive options for solo travelers, including many trips with low or no single supplement. Some optional excursions are offered for an additional cost.

Gate 1 Travel: Competitive pricing is a major part of its appeal. Tour prices generally include accommodations, transportation, sightseeing and many meals and excursions, while some optional activities and other expenses are additional.

Solo Traveler / Single Supplements

This is one area where OAT really stands out. OAT says that 92% of its 25,000 single spaces have no single supplement, with the remaining 8% carrying low supplements. More than half of OAT travelers travel solo. For seniors who want their own room without paying a substantial premium for traveling alone, that's a significant advantage.

Gate 1 Travel: Solo travelers are welcome, but single supplements are generally charged for private rooms.
The amount varies by itinerary and accommodations, making the total cost of traveling alone higher than the advertised per-person price based on double occupancy.

Discounts / Savings

This is where the thrifty traveler should pay attention. OAT regularly offers special deals, including discounts and, on selected departures, free international airfare. Many of its specials are aimed at departures just 2–3 months away, which can produce significant savings if your schedule is flexible.

OAT also offers a 5% Frequent Traveler Credit based on the regular trip price toward your next adventure. That can be $$$.

Gate 1 Travel: Offers frequent promotions, including discounted tour prices, special offers and last-minute deals. Savings vary by destination and departure date, so it pays to check current offers before booking.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) if:

• You prefer smaller groups, with land trips typically limited to 16 travelers.

• You want immersive, off-the-beaten-path international adventures with plenty of interaction with local people and communities.

• You're traveling solo and want a strong chance of avoiding a single supplement—OAT says 92% of its single spaces have no single supplement.

• You like hunting for travel bargains, including special offers and a 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next OAT adventure.

Choose Gate 1 Travel if:

• You like having a wide variety of travel options, including traditional escorted tours, smaller Discovery tours, independent travel and cruises.

• You don't mind traveling with a larger group, particularly on traditional escorted tours.

• You're primarily interested in seeing the major sights and destinations rather than having educational programming or extensive interaction with local residents be the centerpiece of your trip.

• You're comfortable with a single supplement if you're traveling solo.

Jesse's Take

I've traveled internationally more than 30 times, including 19 trips with OAT. I've learned that there isn't one “best” tour company. There is, however, a company that may be best for you.

Gate 1 Travel offers a lot to like, particularly if competitive pricing and a wide selection of destinations are important to you. If you prefer smaller groups, enjoy interacting with local people, travel solo, and like finding ways to save money, OAT is hard for me to beat.

I've also discovered that the advantages of OAT become more significant the more often you travel. Its solo-traveler policies, last-minute deals, and 5% Frequent Traveler Credit have saved me thousands of dollars over the years. In fact, those credits helped turn my upcoming 16-day Tunisia adventure into a trip that will cost me just $8.

Is OAT or Gate 1 Travel better for senior travelers?

Both OAT and Gate 1 Travel offer international travel experiences that can appeal to older travelers, but they have different approaches. OAT emphasizes small-group adventures, local cultural experiences and solo travel, while Gate 1 emphasizes competitive pricing and offers a wider variety of travel styles, including escorted tours, Discovery small-group tours, cruises and independent travel. The better choice depends on what matters most to you.

Is OAT better than Gate 1 Travel for solo travelers?

For travelers who frequently travel alone, I give OAT the edge. OAT has made solo travel a significant part of its business and offers many trips with no single supplement. Gate 1 welcomes solo travelers, but its advertised prices are generally based on double occupancy and single supplements can apply.

How large are OAT and Gate 1 Travel tour groups?

OAT's land adventures are limited to a maximum of 16 travelers. Gate 1's traditional escorted tours typically accommodate up to 42 travelers, while its Discovery small-group tours have no more than 22 travelers. Gate 1 also offers walking and hiking tours with groups of no more than 20.

Is Gate 1 Travel cheaper than OAT?

Gate 1 Travel is known for competitive pricing and its “More of the World for Less” approach. However, comparing advertised prices alone can be misleading because the companies may include different airfare, meals, activities and other features. Solo travelers should also consider the cost of a single supplement. For frequent travelers, OAT's 5% Frequent Traveler Credit can also change the overall value of an OAT trip.

Does Gate 1 Travel offer small-group tours?

Yes. Gate 1's Discovery Tours are specifically designed as small-group experiences with no more than 22 travelers. Gate 1 says these tours emphasize local culture, distinctive accommodations and more intimate experiences. So if small groups are important to you, don't assume you have to choose OAT. Gate 1's Discovery line is worth considering.

Which company offers more local cultural experiences, OAT or Gate 1 Travel?

Both companies offer opportunities to experience local culture. OAT incorporates experiences such as Home-Hosted Visits and A Day in the Life activities into many of its itineraries. Gate 1's Discovery Tours also emphasize local immersion and cultural connections. For me, however, OAT's emphasis on interacting with local people is one of the reasons I continue to choose OAT.

Does Gate 1 Travel charge a single supplement?

Generally, yes. Gate 1's advertised package prices are based on twin occupancy, and solo travelers should check the single supplement for the specific departure they are considering. The amount can vary by itinerary and accommodations.

Which is better for frequent travelers, OAT or Gate 1 Travel?

This is one area where OAT has a significant advantage for me. OAT provides a 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward a future OAT trip. When you travel only once a year, that may be a nice bonus. When you take several trips a year, those credits can add up quickly. My own OAT credits helped reduce the cost of my upcoming 16-day Tunisia trip to just $8.

Should I choose OAT or Gate 1 Travel?

If you value small groups, solo travel, local cultural immersion and rewards for taking multiple trips, OAT is my choice. If competitive pricing, a broad selection of destinations and different travel styles—including traditional escorted tours, Discovery small-group tours, cruises and independent travel—are more important to you, Gate 1 Travel deserves serious consideration.

Written by Jesse Slome, The Thrifty Senior Traveler
Originally published September 10, 2026 | Last updated September 10, 2026

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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About OAT and Gate 1 Travel