Inspiring Vacations Reviews 

7,340
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.4

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 618 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the helpfulness and professionalism of the staff, including guides and drivers, who are often described as knowledgeable and organized. The booking process is frequently highlighted as easy and user-friendly, with many appreciating the clear instructions and supportive assistance. People generally find the holidays and tours to be well-organized, enjoyable, and memorable, contributing to an overall excellent service. However, some customers expressed dissatisfaction with communication, citing unanswered emails and unreturned phone calls after initial payments. Others noted a lack of flexibility regarding booking changes or special circumstances, feeling standard policies were applied without sufficient understanding.

What people talk about most

Staff

Customers had positive experiences with staff, frequently praising their tour guides and coordinators for... See more

Holidays

Clients share positive opinions on holidays, with many reviewers expressing great satisfaction and enjoyment... See more

Booking process

Reviewers mention positive feedback about the booking process, highlighting its ease and efficiency. Many... See more

Service

People report positive experiences with service, often highlighting the professionalism and helpfulness of... See more

Customer service

Consumers find customer service to be positive, with many reviewers highlighting helpful and efficient... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Fairly Easy booking of the tour/holiday. The portal page is a bit clunky in that there are no options to say something is N/A (not applicable) to your situation or ability leave a comment as to why. O... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

IV managed all tour elements well, including booking / helpful tips and general insights to tour Sri Lanka. A hitch at beginning with with our email contact, once rectified IV staff (who were lovely)... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

This is my first time booking with Inspiring Vacations.So far I am pleased with how the booking has progressed.Gemma was very helpful and pleasant to deal with on the phone.As my girlfriend and I... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I have booked a trip with a friend of mine departing November 2026 still 5 months to go. So far so good until now, respond quickly to my (our) questions and keep in touch communications. Then, we real... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Tour Operator
  2. Travel Agency

About Inspiring Vacations

Written by the company

Melbourne based, Australian-owned, globally operated travel company offering value-packed tour, cruise, rail and flight packages to the world’s most exciting destinations, across all seven continents. The trusted travel brand’s mission is to inspire people everywhere to experience the world.

Flexible Cancellation Change your mind up to 7 days after making your booking. Refer to the fine print of your chosen package for the specific cooling off period.

Unbeatable Value We’re proud to offer tours across the world at the very best price possible. We tours are outstanding value compared to what you could expect to pay for the same tour with another operator.

Award-winning Customer Support When you make your booking, you will receive ongoing support from our award winning team of travel professionals who you can contact 24/7 via online chat, phone or email.

Diverse Range Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. Our product range includes small-group tours, large-group tours, independent and private tours, train itineraries, cruising products and more.

Insurance Proud to partner with NIB to offer the best protection to our customers. Ask us about how NIB might be right for you.

Traveller Hub Easily manage your bookings via our simple and intuitive Traveller Hub platform.

Our Promise

We're passionate about taking care of all our customers - one customer at a time. Our Travel Specialists are available 24 hours a day by online chat, email or by phone and are there to answer your questions and help with your booking.

Contact info

4.4

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

7K reviews

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Asks customers to review

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Replied to 100% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 48 hours

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4.4

All reviews

(7,340)

616 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Do it before everyone else does

Three great countries, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia that all packed a lot of punch. Do not miss Nakhchivan extension. Great guides, small group and travelled over a lot of each country visited. Be ready for lots of churches!
Starting in Baku and ending in Yerevan - each worth at least a day before tour. In Baku do Flame Towers at night and in Yerevan visit the Pedestrian Tunnels (I felt safe as a single female) and the Kond area.

29 May 2026
Unprompted review
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Anne,

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us! We are pleased to know that you enjoyed your holiday and the destinations visited, and had a great time!

We look forward to assisting you with your future travel plans and ensuring your next adventure is just as memorable.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Beware of Inspiring vacations

Inspiring vacations was completely unaccommodating in response to our request to postpone our Uganda tour due to the level 4 Do Not Travel Advisory due to the Ebola outbreak. Consider how the company handles exceptional circumstances when choosing a tour provider. Other international companies like G Adventures have introduced flexible rebooking, travel credits, or partial refunds for clients choosing to cancel or postpone their trips due to this outbreak. Inspiring vacations instead has kept our approximately $24,000 even though they are now promoting the same trip at a fraction of what we paid.

14 June 2026
Unprompted review
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Lena,

Thank you for your review.

We're very sorry to hear that you were unable to proceed with your holiday and understand how disappointing this situation has been, particularly given the circumstances surrounding your decision.

Our team carefully reviewed your case and did everything possible to assist. However, as outlined in our booking terms and conditions, our cancellation policy applies consistently across all bookings and is aligned with the terms of our suppliers. Due to the proximity of your departure date, no refund or travel credit was available to us from the suppliers involved in your tour arrangements.

While we appreciate your comparison to other travel providers, policies and commercial arrangements can vary significantly between companies and destinations. In your case, we were bound by the terms applicable to your booking and the supplier agreements in place at the time.

Although we could not provide the resolution you were seeking, please be assured that our team always aims to support customers wherever possible within the limitations of supplier and booking conditions. We genuinely regret your disappointment and thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.

Kind Regards
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Worst expierience that i have ever had…

Worst expierience that i have ever had dealing with a travel agency.
Initial trip was canceled, took weeks to get a refund. Booked second trip, once deposit was paid, took multiple emails to get final inclusions sorted.
Due to issues overseas flights were canceled, had to come up with thousands of dollars extra to pay for new flights, or forfeit conecting cruise. Then had to wait 6 weeks to get a partial refund. Customer service once funds paid is very poor with unanswered emails and non returned phone calls.

18 April 2026
Unprompted review
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Ronald,

Thank you for bringing your your concerns to our attention. We’re very sorry to hear about your recent experience, and we appreciate your feedback.

While the circumstances created by the conflict in the Middle East are part of the reason for the delay and additional costs, we again do sincerely apologise to you that we did not deliver a better experience aligned to own expectations.

While we are not able to change your own experience, your feedback will allow us to improve how we interact and deliver our services in the future. We therefore really appreciate you taking the time to share this with us and remain committed to delivering outstanding customer service and inspiring travel experiences.

Kind regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

All workedGood well

All worked well

10 June 2026
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Peter,

We really appreciate you taking the time to leave such positive feedback. Thank you for choosing Inspiring Vacations!

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Helaine a great Booking specialist

Helaine has been fantastic to deal with . She has sorted our various change of booking requests in a prompt and pleasant manner.

21 June 2026
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Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Rod,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us!

We are delighted to hear that Helaine was able to provide you with prompt and effective customer service.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have had a great 1st time booking our…

I have had a great 1st time booking our trip with Inspiring. We have come over from another well known tour group and Inspiring Vacations has ticked all the boxes, such a refreshing change.

18 June 2026
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Vikki,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us!

We sincerely appreciate your feedback and look forward to having you travel with us soon.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Inspiring vacation/Yumi guide and trip disappointing

I was on a 5 day japan tour, June 2026, with tour guide Yumi. We spent too much time shopping and not enough time learning history and seeing sites in Japan.
Yumi’s English was very hard to understand and often times, I had to look up information myself.
Our group was large at 37 and Yumi seemed quite anxious about the size. When she read about a site, she read it off a paper/ipad which was contrast to the Korean inspiring vacation trip. Everything was memorized from our tour guide in Korea ( I did a review for that trip)
I had zero issues with hotels, breakfasts and quality bus driver.
Just overall disappointed with the Japan trip, tour guide Yumi and inspiring vacation Japan trip.

7 June 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Holly,

Thank you for sharing your feedback about your recent tour.

We're sorry to hear that your holiday did not meet your expectations. Please be assured that your feedback has been reviewed and shared with the relevant parties.

While we are not able to change your own experience, your feedback will allow us to improve how we interact and deliver our services in the future. We therefore really appreciate you taking the time to share this with us and remain committed to delivering outstanding customer service and inspiring travel experiences.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Having booked a dream holiday to Japan…

Having booked a dream holiday to Japan .... I was so looking forward to it. It is all inclusive of flights with either Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific. So I thought I'd treat myself with an upgrade, well that was a big mistake ... even though I had fully paid my inclusive flight monies - I am now asked to pay an extra $5,185 ... and pay for an extra night in Osaka????? The monies I paid for the flight is bot put as part payment for this new flight ... I have lost that because I wanted to treat myself ... so I would have to pay the enlarged extra dollars and for the extra night. Really this company is a nightmare - wanting money out of customers at any angle. What a shame that simple things are not communicated and the lack of communications from them has been a big part of this disappointment. Being a veteran/pensioner ... this holiday was important and the enlarged extra cost is just not affordable. Looks like I have to do this holiday and just be another sheep. Oh well I will avoid companies like this that promise a great holiday and then try and get more excess monies from you. Oh by the way this was not the only thing that happened there are many more problems and that would take forever to explain .... just a warning to future users of this company --- please please be aware :(

20 June 2026
Unprompted review
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Les,

Thank you for your review.

It is very disappointing to read that you feel this way. Our team did take the time to explain that requests such as airline changes, cabin upgrades and itinerary changes are handled as flight deviations, which are subject to a flight deviation fee per person as well as any difference in airfare and taxes vs the standard included flights. This is outlined in our Flight Preference Form which you would have filled out, our Flight FAQs, and is also part of the flight preference process used when requesting tailored flight options.

We can also confirm that this was explained to you in detailed written communication and discussed with you by phone. As advised, any alternative flight options and upgrade pricing are subject to the fares and availability available to us with the airline at the time the quote is prepared. Where a requested option is not available, our team will always provide the closest available alternative.

While we understand this was not the outcome you were hoping for, we do hope you can appreciate that these costs were not additional charges quoted randomly, but were based on the requested deviation from the standard flight arrangement and the fare conditions available at the time.

Kind regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

One happy customer

Dealing with Inspiring has been great and VERY helpful. They are very friendly and did not rush me even though they were bizzzy.
And being kept up to date with emails.
And on there WEB site.

18 June 2026
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Yalingd,

Thank you for your positive feedback!

We're proud to offer a straightforward booking process and are thrilled to hear you had a smooth experience with our friendly staff!

We look forward to having you travel with us.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The 15 day Borneo tour was amazing

The 15 day Borneo tour was amazing, everything I had hoped to see,Orangutans, Horn bills, Proboscis monkeys so much more, both the young lady tour leaders were so helpful, knowledgeable and patient definitely made this tour very enjoyable
Small group of 8 then added another 6 after a few days made it a very friendly group

31 May 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Sandra,

Thank you for your glowing review!

We are delighted to hear that you had a fantastic time with our tour guides on your recent trip to Borneo. A guide helps make the journey memorable and we are thrilled their efforts contributed to a great experience for you.

We look forward to seeing you travel with Inspiring Vacations again.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our China holiday

The booking process was uncomplicated; the price of the holiday was exceptional; the country and the people were amazing. Nothing was too difficult for the tour guide who went out of her way to make us feel safe and part of a team. In short, my wife and I would say this has been the best holiday we have been on to date.

3 June 2026
Unprompted review
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Paul,

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us! We are pleased to know that you enjoyed your holiday and had a great time.

We look forward to assisting you with your future travel plans and ensuring your next adventure is just as memorable.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I phoned to query a cruise I had seen…

I phoned to query a cruise I had seen online, I received a return phone call and made a booking and paid the deposit in 10 minutes. So very helpful.

16 June 2026
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Deb,

Thank you for your positive feedback!

We're proud to offer a straightforward booking process and are thrilled to hear you had a smooth experience.

We look forward to having you travel with us.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Original booking process was good but…

Original booking process was good but customer service has been downhill since then. For our tour, we need to apply for 3 separate visas. Despite repeated requests to them to give us the tour details so we can begin the visa processes, they have still not provided them even though we now fly out in 17 days (their own website recommends getting visas 30 days before your trip). All their email responses say that they are working on it but they are busy. We are now concerned that our visas won’t arrive in time because they have been unable to give us the tour details in reasonable timeframes. Hopefully this gets resolved but poor experience to date

19 June 2026
Unprompted review
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Nicholas,

Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

We're very sorry to hear about your recent experience and can see that a team member is in contact with you. They will be in touch again soon once they have an update.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

First contact energetic too many emails…

First contact energetic too many emails confusing trail

17 June 2026
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Helen,

Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

We're very sorry to hear about your recent experience. Please feel free to reach out to the team to opt out of emails.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Incredible safari holiday

We travelled on the 25 day small group Serengeti and Masi mara. Wow what an experience. It's so hard to explain what we did and what we saw in real life. The accommodation in each location was beautiful; the staff were incredible. Our guides were so knowledgeable and worked so hard to find us the animals and experiences while on safari. Then the real heroes of the trip were the animals. WOW!!! It's hard to believe we were seeing this in real life and not a documentary. What an amazing place, the colours and the people, the food, what an experience.

2 May 2026
Unprompted review
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Cheree,

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us! We are pleased to know that you enjoyed your holiday and had a great time.

We look forward to assisting you with your future travel plans and ensuring your next adventure is just as memorable.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I have booked a trip with a friend of…

I have booked a trip with a friend of mine departing November 2026 still 5 months to go. So far so good until now, respond quickly to my (our) questions and keep in touch communications. Then, we really expect the 19day trip will be grate experiances for us. Therefore I leave the one star for afterwards when it's completed.

29 May 2026
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Kay,

Thank you for your kind words!

We’re thrilled to hear that our team has been able to assist with your Inspiring Vacation.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent customer service

Excellent customer service - easy to book.

11 June 2026
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Stephen,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us!

We sincerely appreciate your feedback and look forward to having you travel with us soon.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello RM,

Thank you for your positive feedback!

We look forward to having you travel with us.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Very well organised tour in China

Very well organised tour. The tour guide was great, excellent English, and looked after everyone very well. The suggested gratuity of 12AUD pp per day is expected and you would feel uncomfortable if you did not pay.
You really do need to do the optional tours as you’re left at a loose end while the rest do the activity. We soon worked this out and opted in. Of course this adds to the cost of this very reasonable tour. The rickshaw ride and family lunch was excellent. The show on the lake was magnificent as was the light show at the bund in Shanghai.
The hotels were all very good although not very central. There were some long days of travel to and from hotels. The Guace Hotel Beijing had no restaurants or shops nearby.
The experiences at the Chinese Medicine Centre, Jade factory, pearl shop, silk shop and tea plantation had very long presentations and a lot of pressure to buy. Beautiful things if you wanted to buy.
We were impressed how clean everything was. So many trees. So many different buildings.
We felt very safe. Security is tight.

2 June 2026
Unprompted review
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hi Claire,

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us! We are pleased to know that you enjoyed your holiday and had a great time.

We look forward to assisting you with your future travel plans and ensuring your next adventure is just as memorable.

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great presentations on so many…

Great presentations on so many different destinations.

5 June 2026
Inspiring Vacations logo

Reply from Inspiring Vacations

Hello Marie,

We really appreciate you taking the time to leave such positive feedback. Thank you for choosing Inspiring Vacations!

Kind Regards,
Inspiring Vacations

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