Overseas Adventure Travel
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Travel and tourism |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Judi Wineland |
| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
| Products | Small group adventure tours, cruises |
| Parent | Grand Circle Corporation |
Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) operates under the umbrella of Grand Circle Corporation, a Boston-based company that manages several travel brands. Specializing in small group journeys, O.A.T. offers trips to destinations including Africa, the Arctic, Asia, Central and South America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Their land tours accommodate up to 16 participants, while voyages that include cruises allow up to 25 guests. The company is widely acknowledged for its commitment to responsible tourism and charitable initiatives.
History
O.A.T. was established in 1978 by Judi Wineland, a former educator and the first woman to found an adventure travel enterprise. In 1993, ownership transferred to Grand Circle Corporation, led by Alan and Harriet Lewis. This parent company also oversees Grand Circle Cruise Line and Grand Circle Travel.
Awards
In 2013, O.A.T. received the Global Vision Award for philanthropy as well as a leadership accolade from Travel + Leisure. The magazine’s readers have consistently ranked O.A.T. among the premier tour operators globally and recognized it as a top safari provider. Additionally, USA Today placed O.A.T. within its top ten educational tour companies in the 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Cultural engagement
The company prioritizes authentic cultural experiences by fostering meaningful interactions between travelers and local communities. Their guides, known as "Trip Experience Leaders," are native English speakers who reside in the regions visited.
Solo travel
Nearly half of O.A.T.’s clientele travel solo, a segment supported by waiving single supplements on all land-based tours. Travel + Leisure has named O.A.T. among the "Best Companies for Traveling Solo," while the Travel Channel recognized it as a leading option for budget-conscious solo travelers. Responding to the rising demand among solo female travelers, O.A.T. launched women-only departures in 2019.
Philanthropy
Since 1992, through the Grand Circle Foundation and the Lewis Family Foundation, the company has committed millions of dollars toward educational programs and conservation efforts. Harriet Lewis initiated Next Generation Leaders in 2007 to provide internship opportunities at Grand Circle’s Boston headquarters for local students. In 2012, O.A.T. contributed $600,000 to WBUR, representing the largest donation ever received by the public radio station.