Jesse’s Reviews: Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) Trips
A Little About Me
I'm Jesse Slome. I'm currently 73, and I've been traveling internationally since I was 17. As I've gotten older, I've become increasingly interested in finding ways to see more of the world without spending a fortune or sacrificing comfort and convenience.
I'm not a travel writer, and I'm certainly not an expert on every destination. I'm a traveler who happens to enjoy sharing what I've learned along the way.
That's why I created this website, Thrifty Senior Traveler. It's for people like me who love exploring the world — and especially love it when we find a bargain. 😎
Why I Travel With OAT
As of August 2026, we've taken 19 trips with Overseas Adventure Travel — and my 20th is already booked. So, obviously, we've found something we like!
Here's why we keep coming back.
First, I prefer smaller groups. OAT limits its groups to 16 travelers, and we've found the people who join their trips tend to be active, down-to-earth folks who simply enjoy traveling and experiencing new places.
OAT also provides excellent value, and they occasionally offer some incredible "Last Minute" deals. And we've yet to have a trip director who wasn't outstanding.
But OAT does some things that we particularly enjoy. Their trips aren't just about checking the usual tourist attractions off a list. You get opportunities to spend time with local people and experience something of everyday life in the places you're visiting. Every OAT trip includes a home-hosted visit, which has often turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of the entire trip.
And finally, OAT has been a leader in offering trips with NO added Single Supplement charge. Most of our trips have been together, but I've traveled on my own to India, Antarctica and Tunisia. Not having to pay a single supplement on those trips resulted in incredible savings.
Why Read My OAT Reviews
OAT Obviously has plenty to say about its own trips. That's what travel companies do.
I'm going to give you something different: my experience as a traveler. I'll tell you what I loved, what surprised me, what I'd do differently, what I think is worth the money, and the little things I wish I'd known before leaving home.
One Small Favor
If you find these reviews and tips helpful and decide to take your first OAT or Grand Circle Travel trip, I'd really appreciate it if you would let them know that Jesse Slome, Referral #932019, referred you.
It doesn't cost you anything, and it helps support my ability to keep traveling and sharing these experiences with other travelers. I'd be most grateful.
THE OAT REFERRAL PROGRAM
When you tell OAT that you were “referred by Jesse Slome (932019),” I receive a one-time credit toward a future trip.
Just once. Then you get to earn the credits. But I love to travel. I love OAT. And I'd love it if you'd tell them I'm the guy who referred you.
To date, 88 people have done so. I'd welcome you as #89!
Thank you.
Jesse Slome, The Thrifty Senior Traveler
OAT - Antarctica's White Wilderness
January 2026
OAT - Untamed Iceland
June 2026
OAT - Soul of India, Colorful South
December 2025
