Plan your National Geographic Expedition vacation
Plan your National Geographic Expedition Vacation
Plan the adventure of a lifetime to See the World Through the Eyes of an Explorer with Mom Approved Travel
Traveling with National Geographic Expeditions isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you experience the world. Instead of rushing through highlights, you’ll slow down, dig deeper, and travel with the people who know these places best.
- Picture yourself standing at Machu Picchu, hearing an archaeologist explain its mysteries.
- Imagine kayaking through ice floes in Antarctica while a naturalist helps you spot penguins and seals.
- Envision exploring a bustling Moroccan market with a National Geographic photographer teaching you how to capture the perfect shot.
This is what sets NGE apart: meaningful, authentic, and expertly guided discovery. And with Mom Approved Travel, you get the benefit of personalized planning, family-first insights, and concierge-level support every step of the way.
Why Choose National Geographic Expeditions?
National Geographic Expeditions combine the credibility of one of the most trusted names in exploration with the personalized care of Mom Approved Travel.
- Expert-Led Travel: Travel with scientists, naturalists, historians, or photographers who add context and storytelling to every experience.
- Insider Access: Gain behind-the-scenes access—private archaeological sites, restricted wildlife reserves, and conservation programs most travelers never see.
- Authentic Connection: Engage directly with local communities through workshops, market visits, and cultural exchanges curated by National Geographic’s field network.
- Small-Group Journeys: With thoughtfully sized groups, you’ll have time to ask questions, dive deeper, and explore without crowds.
- Purpose-Driven Impact: A portion of every trip supports the National Geographic Society’s work in exploration, research, and conservation.
- Family Friendly Options: Select itineraries welcome children and teens with engaging activities that spark curiosity.
- Stress-Free Journeys: Transportation, transfers, activities, and most meals are already included, so you can focus on the adventure, not the logistics.
✨ Mom Approved Note: National Geographic Expeditions are for families who want to come home with more than souvenirs. You’ll return with knowledge, perspective, and stories to share for a lifetime.
Ways to Travel with National Geographic Expeditions
Land Journeys
Cultural immersion, boutique accommodations, and curated experiences in small groups. From Europe’s storybook villages to Egypt’s ancient wonders, Land Journeys provide expert-led depth in comfort. Perfect for families who want depth without “roughing it.”
Small Ship Expeditions
Explore places larger ships can’t reach: Galápagos, Antarctica, the Arctic, and Alaska’s Inside Passage. Ships are equipped with Zodiacs, kayaks, and a team of naturalists bringing each landing to life, and up close.
River Cruises
Sail Europe’s legendary rivers with enrichment programs that combine history, architecture, culinary exploration, and relaxed pacing. Enrichment talks and guided excursions add layers of learning to each stop. These trips are perfect for multigenerational groups who want culture and comfort.
Private Expeditions
Perfect for families or friends who want independence without missing out on insider access. Travel on flexible dates with private guides and curated itineraries.
National Geographic Signature with G Adventures
These incredible Signature adventures are inspired by National Geographic’s legacy of education, science, exploration and storytelling, these carefully curated experiences will each feature world-leading experts, ‘Signature Moments,’ which offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access to museums, historic sites or dining in extraordinary settings, and transformative cultural immersion – all while providing elevated accommodations and service.
Photography Expeditions
Sharpen your skills alongside a National Geographic photographer who offers field techniques to help capture magazine worthy images. Whether you’re shooting on a phone or DSLR, you’ll sharpen your skills while capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Where National Geographic Expeditions Shine
Galápagos Islands Endemic wildlife, snorkeling, and naturalist-led interpretation.
Antarctica Zodiac cruises among icebergs, penguin colonies, and expert lectures on climate and wildlife.
Alaska Tidewater glaciers, fjords, whale watching, and bear sightings.
Iceland & Arctic Geothermal landscapes, puffins, glaciers, and the midnight sun.
African Safaris Conservation-minded lodges, big-five game viewing, and cultural engagement with local communities.
Egypt & Jordan From the Nile to Petra, explore with archaeologists and historians.
Peru & Machu Picchu Sacred Valley traditions and expert-led exploration of the Incan citadel.
Europe River journeys and land tours featuring UNESCO sites, cultural workshops, and culinary deep-dives.
>> Let’s Find the Right Expedition for Your Family – Start planning with Mom Approved Travel <<
Family & Multigenerational Travel with National Geographic Expeditions
Traveling with kids? Select departures are designed with families in mind, including:
- Activities tailored for children and teens.
- Flexible accommodations (connecting rooms, family cabins).
- Kid-friendly guides who make history, culture, and science engaging.
- Balanced itineraries with downtime built in.
Tip: Some expeditions are better suited for older kids and teens, while others welcome younger children. We’ll help you choose the right match for your family.
What’s Included in Your Expedition
- National Geographic Expert or specialist guide (on select departures).
- Comfortable accommodations—expedition ships, safari camps, boutique hotels.
- Curated excursions, entrance fees, and most meals.
- Onboard expedition gear like Zodiacs and kayaks.
- Select gratuities and internal flights (varies by program).
What’s not included: international flights, optional add-ons, personal expenses, and insurance (highly recommended).
Responsible Travel & Conservation
Every trip supports the National Geographic Society’s mission in conservation, education, and exploration. Guests learn responsible travel practices, from respecting wildlife guidelines to supporting local economies.
By traveling with National Geographic Expeditions, you help preserve the very places you’ve come to experience.
The Mom Approved Planning Process
Discover: Share your goals, timing, and travel style.
Design: We curate your best-fit expeditions and hold options when possible.
Decide: You choose your trip; we manage the booking.
Prepare: Tailored prep guides, reminders, and family travel tips make planning stress-free.
Enjoy: Travel confidently, with our team available from deposit to return.
✨ We’ll make sure you know what matters before you book ✨
How do you work with a
Mom Approved
National Geographic Expeditions Travel Advisor?
You have decided you want to experience the world in a way only
National Geographic Adventures can do.
You have decided you want to use an experienced, trusted National Geographic trip Planner at Mom Approved Travel, an Authorized Disney Planner agency to make a good experience, incredible.
Now what?
Working with a Mom Approved Travel Advisor to plan your National Geographic Vacation is easy, promise! You can now rest easy knowing our team is made up of avid, active travelers who maintain the highest levels of training.
The very first step is to fill out a National Geographic Trip Interest form. If you already have a MAT Travel Advisor, or you know who you would like to use, fill out our quote request and choose their name from the dropdown menu.
If you are not sure which MAT Travel Advisor you would like to work with, or if you are looking for an National Geographic Travel agent near you:
visit our MAT Team page to meet our Travel Advisors
or
fill out our quote request and choose “surprise me”
from the dropdown menu and we will match you
with a MAT Advisor who will fit your family best based on your responses.
Mom Approved Travel
Adventures By Disney
FAQ
Booking your National Geographic vacation with a Mom Approved Travel Advisor is complimentary when your adventure is booked with or transferred to us. There are no hidden fees working with Mom Approved Travel.
If you have already booked your National Geographic Expeditions trip with Disney, depending on the circumstances, we MAY be able to transfer it to the agency to allow your Advisor to assist without a fee.
Booking your Disney trip through Mom Approved Travel means you get dedicated access to a Professional Travel Planner who specializes in Disney Destinations and National Geographic Expeditions who can tailor a trip for your family.
To get started, simply fill out our QUOTE REQUEST FORM and one of our Advisors will contact you for a quick complimentary consultation.
Absolutely! MAT Advisors are experienced understanding and setting up families with a wide range of special needs for success. Some of our Travel Advisors have backgrounds in special education, special needs in their own families, or hold certifications from IBCCES.
Whether it is dietary restrictions, physical handicap, neuro-divergent challenges, cognitive disabilities, hearing or visual disabilities, service animal travel or beyond, your MAT Advisor has the knowledge and expertise to make your trip as comfortable as possible, so everyone can enjoy the magic!
Absolutely! While our core clientele are families, we absolutely assist clients in adult only trips to Disney, Honeymoons, Anniversary trips, girlfriend getaways and more.
Payment terms and conditions are set by the supplier, in this case, Disney Travel Company.
If you are booking an National Geographic Expeditions package before the final payment is due (90-120 days depending on the adventure), you only need to pay a deposit to hold your trip.
Your payments will be processed into The Walt Disney Travel Company secure payment portals by your Travel Advisor. The agency does not hold or deposit any of your vacation package funds into our company account.
The Walt Disney Travel Company accepts most major credit cards, Chase Disney Visa, Disney Gift Cards.
Any charges to your credit card will show up as a charge from the supplier, and not Mom Approved Travel.
Booking early is a great idea, as Expeditions often sell out a year or more in advance—especially Galápagos, Antarctica, and peak holiday seasons. Early booking secures the best cabins and rooms and you can lock-in pricing and have the best choices for itinerary availability. It is smart to book early!
Mom Approved Travel Advisors maintain wait lists for itineraries if your dates are not released yet.
Depends, many of these book out pretty early but we are happy to try to work our magic!
Funny thing, that “certified nat Geo Travel Agent” term gets tossed around quite a bit- but no such term legally exists.
There are strict regulations set forth by Disney what Travel Advisors and Travel Agencies can call themselves in the legal mumbo jumbo. Believe us, you WANT a Professional Travel Advisor who understands terms & conditions well! Certified Disney Travel Agent is not one of them.
However, Mom Approved Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. We EARNED this designation given to us by Disney. All of our Travel Advisors are Graduates of the Disney College of Knowledge. Our Advisors hold various certifications through travel industry associations with the highest professional standards.
When you book with Mom Approved Travel, you are hiring a trustworthy Travel Professional who specializes in Disney destinations.