Overseas Adventure Travel

OAT Pros & Cons For First-Time Travelers

What You Should Know About OAT

I'm Jesse Slome, the Thrifty Senior Traveler. Since 2005, I've traveled to all 7 continents with OAT. More than 20 trips. More than 90 first-time traveler referrals.

So I know a thing or two about what they do well — and what to do when things don't go as well as hoped.

That's what I'll share here.

I hope you find it valuable. If you have questions, use the form below to email me. Include your phone number, and I'll gladly call.

No, I don't work for OAT. I just like what they do.

If you're booking your first trip with OAT, you can also get a special $100-per-person Referral Discount.

Simply say: "I was referred by Jesse Slome, #932019."

There's no cost to you. I appreciate the referral because I receive a one-time credit toward my next trip. One time only.

Now, let's explore the pros and cons of traveling with Overseas Adventure Travel.

Independent OAT Frequent Traveler's Pros & Cons

What Overseas Adventure Travel Does Really Well

There's a reason I've taken 20+ OAT trips. And why I've met travelers who've taken 40+, sometimes returning to places they've visited before.

OAT creates excellent experiences that balance seeing the sights you want to see with something I value even more: unusual opportunities to spend time with the people who live in the countries you visit.

Every African safari takes you to see animals. But OAT also takes you to a school to meet youngsters working hard to better themselves and their country.

In Serbia, we've dined with a family that had to walk up and down 14 flights of stairs every day to get water.

Those are the experiences I remember.

OAT also excels at hiring great Experience Directors (tour directors) and selecting hotels with convenient city-center access.

Then there's the price (or what I call the value).

Tours are priced well. Not the cheapest. But, much less that others for excellent itineraries. PLUS - OAT regularly offers incredible Special Offers, and I've personally saved as much as 60% off the regular tour price.

For solo travelers, OAT is hard to beat. They offer a large number of solo spaces with no single supplement and no roommate requirement. The small groups also mean you'll often be traveling with other solo travelers.

And for frequent travelers, OAT has an extraordinary credit program that can provide significant savings on future trips.

Those savings are one reason many of us keep coming back.

Overseas Adventure Travel Complaints — What I Want You To Know

Is OAT perfect? Of course not. And any online search will find plenty of complaints from people who are angry.

So, what can I tell you after 20+ trips?

Customer service and communication: OAT's U.S. personnel are generally well trained and experienced. When I have an issue, I call. Typically, it's addressed or someone gets back to me.

They don't offer 24/7 phone access. But you can email them 24/7 at support@oattravel.com. A response typically comes within three days.

Help when you're traveling: OAT has 35 offices around the world to assist travelers. When I had trouble getting my Indian visa to print, a quick online search found the OAT office in Delhi. A PDF of the visa was in my inbox the next morning.

Cancelling or changing trips: Always ask whether the departure you're considering is definitely going to operate. OAT won't tell you how many people have booked, but if you ask, they'll tell you how many spots remain. It's one way to potentially avoid a cancelled trip.

Airfare problems: OAT has greatly improved its flight desk. But I always compare my options, and I often book my own airfare — choosing tickets that I can change. OAT will make recommendations, and you can specify your preferred airline and even itinerary.

Travel insurance: OAT works with an independent insurance company. If insurance is required, I often buy my own online because I can find savings and, in some cases, better coverage. OAT may recommend travel insurance, but the choice to buy it or self-insure is yours.

The 10-day grace period: Currently, if you cancel within 10 days of booking and your departure is at least 90 days away, OAT provides a full refund, including the cost of its Travel Protection Plan. That gives you time to reconsider your trip and shop for your own airfare or insurance.

Problem on a tour: Your Trip Leader knows you'll be asked to evaluate the trip when it's over. There's a reason good people want these jobs — they're responsible for a small group of travelers, not a 40-person busload.

So if you have a problem, don't be shy. Tell your Trip Leader.
Be honest. Be specific. And, of course, be nice.

I've found that OAT Trip Leaders genuinely want to make your experience better. Give them the opportunity to fix a problem while you're still on the trip.

> READ ALL MY OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL TRIP REVIEWS <

> READ ABOUT OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL DISCOUNTS <

Watch my video of Tips For Solo Travelers

Watch my video of OAT's Untamed Iceland

Watch my video of OAT's Ultimate Africa Tour

Watch my video of OAT's Antarctica White Wilderness

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