Gate 1 Travel Reviews 450

Gate 1 delivers ' Bang for the Buck ' great hotels - good food & guides - our 2nd Gate 1 adventure gets 👍👍👍

Beware when booking. I booked a National Park tour in November 2025 for a tour beginning November 2026. I had to cancel in March 2026 over 6 months prior to the trip. Although I signed up for trip insurance and cancel anytime, I was informed that the insurance did not cover the deposit. No offer from Gate 1 for return of deposit or a credit for a future trip. We took a National Park tour in Fall of 2025 and were very pleased; however, now I would be very cautious to book again. Very disappointed.

We loved our trip to South India. This was our fourth trip with gate one.

Our journey through South India with Gate 1 Travel was truly unforgettable, and much of that is thanks to our exceptional guide, Stalin V.
From the very beginning, Stalin’s deep knowledge of India’s history, culture, and traditions enriched every destination we visited. His explanations brought each site to life, adding meaning and context that went far beyond what any guidebook could offer. But what made him truly special was not just his expertise—it was his genuine care for each traveler’s experience.

Stalin went above and beyond to ensure everyone was comfortable, engaged, and enjoying the journey. He took the time to connect with each person individually and created a warm, welcoming atmosphere where our group quickly began to feel like a family. His personal stories about his faith, his family, and his life in India added a heartfelt and authentic touch that we deeply appreciated.

His kindness, attentiveness, and positive spirit made our trip not only smooth and well-organized, but also meaningful and memorable. Because of Stalin, this was more than a tour—it was a personal and enriching experience we will always treasure.

We are truly grateful for his dedication and highly recommend him to anyone traveling with Gate 1. He made our India adventure very special.

On our 1/23/2026 trip to India with Gate1 I severely injured my foot, under following circumstances:
1. On day 4 of the “16 Day Classic India with Ranthambore”, Gate1 brought us to the Akshardham Temple.
2. When we left a bus to go to the temple, a heavy rain started. We travel a lot, and in inclement weather like that, travel companies would cancel excursions to protect their customers. Here, wet we continued, unaware what we are stepping into.
3. We had to remove shoes and socks before getting inside the temple,
4. Marble/stone walkways and stairs leading to the temple were very slippery. On a way we managed to navigate with assistance of handrails.
5. On the way out, a local man who was pushing a water away from those walkways and stairs, prevented us from getting to the handrails, despite our protests.
6. Gate1 tour guide, has already left the temple, and was quite a distance away from a large part of his group still there. Hence, we could not ask him to intervene about that handrails access, or to assist members of his group of elderly people to get down safely.
7. I have fallen and severely injured my foot. My recovery will take months, severely impeding my other medical treatment I am undergoing.
8. What assistance I got from Gate1 you may wonder:
a) No ambulance, despite me repeatedly demanding the Gate1 tour guide summon one. He was telling me “it’s on its way”, but apparently it was not true.
b) No police to take an accident report.
c) Man at the temple, with dirty hands and dirty bandages he pulled from a dirty tool box passing as an "emergency assistance" box, applied those “bandages” to my open (a bone sticking out of my foot), bleeding wound
d) Abandoned by Gate1 tour guide, bleeding, soaking wet and shivering, outside in the rain, I was waiting for help, wondering why we were even brought there
e) After over two hours or so, I was taken to the hospital in a unsanitary car, as that ambulance I was demanding Gate1 has never summoned, scared that I could get an infection that could end my life.

The trip was fine; no thanks to Gate 1’s “customer service.” Gate 1 customer service is terrible — to the point of outright lying. My daughter was supposed to join me on my October 2025 trip to Iceland, but had to cancel at the last minute. I anticipated added costs as I traded my daughter’s position on the tour with a friend. Gate 1 did NOTHING to help trade the positions. Even when I offered to take a complete loss for my daughter not going and pay for everything again for my friend, Gate 1 still wasn’t satisfied.

The “customer service” person “helping” me stated the tour was full and I couldn’t just trade my friend for my daughter. She said I had to cancel my daughter first and then see if there was still room for my friend (leaving me to go on the tour by myself). When I countered a full tour shouldn’t be an issue since I’m cancelling my daughter’s position, the person said after canceling my daughter's position, people on a waiting list would get priority over my friend.

The lies came in when customer service insisted as soon as my daughter wasn’t on the first flight, the airline would notify Gate 1 and everything else on the tour would automatically get cancelled for my daughter. The hotel wouldn’t allow my friend to stay in my room and the tour companies would check our identification as we tried entering the buses. I called both the hotel and tour companies in advance and they had no issues with someone else accompanying me in my hotel room and on the tours.

I have no idea why Gate 1 “customer service” tried to make such a complex issue out of something that should have been so easy. I have been to every continent, except Antarctica, multiple times. I will retire soon and traveling the world is my prevailing goal. I thought Gate 1 would be motivated to make a life-long customer from a first-time customer who travels multiple times per year and all over the world. I have no intention of ever using Gate 1 again.

We have utilized Gate 1 multiple times for trips in the States as well as abroad. We choose independent travel. You can't beat the value! Everything is as advertised. The hotels offered in vacation packages are wonderful! So far we have traveled with Gate 1 to California, Costa Rica, Italy (4 times!), and Ireland. Can't say enough good things about their value and service.

Inexperienced and unprofessional staffs. Owner and management team, please provide proper training to your employees. Your employees represent your company, too.

I’ve taken numerous Gate 1 travel Trips and have enjoyed everyone of them, however, lately attempting to get someone on the telephone from the call center is possible. Wait times exceed 2 to 3 hours. They offer a callback feature which I elected on two occasions but never received a phone call. I’ve tried the WhatsApp chat feature, but it’s just as bad. I’ve also used the email feature, but they say it may take up to five days to receive a reply. I’m not sure what’s going with customer service but as a paying customer, something must be done and done soon. Prompt, efficient and excellence in Customer service is the backbone of a good company without it the company will fail.

Have been patronizing Gate 1 Travel since 2015. Previous customer service experiences were positive. Spent the last 3 calendar days (01/09-11/2026) trying to get a simple question answered. Examples of current problems include: 1. They never have anyone available to answer the phones, 2. They schedule, through their chat platform, telephone conversations and never call, 3. Yesterday, I thought I had gotten through. Was told that 10 agents were working and that I would receive a call back. That never happened, 4. Today, called them, @ what appears to be a partially outsourced call center to another country, call was received, I was told that I was being "internally," transferred. I emphasized that previous calls had been disconnected by the Gate 1 representative and today's call was promptly disconnected by Gate 1, 5. After spending over an hour on the chat platform was connected virtually with an agent. Asked the simple question and the agent immediately began trying to up-sale me. Agent asked for a phone # which was provided and agent-on three separate occasions-lied about having called. etc. Have questions about an upcoming Gate 1 trip? Be prepared to spend hours trying to get through. We will never use them again.

I am totally disappointed in their website. I booked a reservation prior to being able to book a flight. Not a problem, but the problem I have is flights are available online to people who are now booking the same reservation because flights are available for people now booking. I booked over a month ago and they were not, but now are and I am still not seeing the flights. I called and they said it would take less than a month for me to see what people that are booking now can see. That is ass backwards. Those people that booked prior to flights being available should be given the opportunity to pick flights prior to people booking now. It is totally ridiculous for it to happen that way. I thought I was doing the right thing and now I might not be able to get a flight from a city near me because it is not available to me before everyone else. Just frustrated!!!!!!!!!!! Had issues booking my initial reservation as well. Website to me is definitely not user friendly!!!

DISAPPOINTING- As a disabled senior, female traveler with mobility issues I request wheelchair assistance at the airports, that didn't happen. I requested direct non-stop flights, that didn't happen.

I left Capetown, South Africa at 2pm on Monday, Dec 22nd. I didn't get home til Wednesday, Dec 24th Christmas Eve. The booking agent told me there was 1 stop in Dubai for an hour.

After an 8 hour flight, I arrived in Dubai. I was the only black person in the flight needing a wheelchair, I was tge only passenger that did not get one. I was forced to walk for a very long distance, carring my carry on.

I NEVER HEARD MILAN, ITALY mentioned until I boarded the plane 2 hours later and it wasn't on my ticket. I was told there was a direct flight from Dubai to NYC, I wasn't on it and it was too late.

I paid to upgrade to business class for this 8 hour flight. The seat reclines into a bed to ease the pain in my body. After arriving in MILAN, ITALY I was forced to get off for cleaning and refueling. An hour and a half later , I reboarded the same plane and was forced to pay another ridiculous upgrade fee to fly 8 hours to NYC.

I purchased both travel insurance policies, of course, my situation wasn't covered. I received a response to my complaint from NIKKI H. in customer relations. Nikki issued a lousy 250.00 future travel credit. Gate1 has a 300.00 min deposit- she didn't even offer this. She blamed me for incurring the upgrade fees (FOR HEALTH REASONS) and she blamed me for not calling from Dubai. I was already on the plane when I found out I was headed to MILAN, ITALY.

I was never told I was going to MILAN, it's not on my ticket - I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE DIRECT FKUGHT BACK TO THE USA!

GATE1 NEEDS TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE UPGRADE FEES. I wouldn't be leaving reviews if they tried to make this right.... Nikki H. responded and canceled my upcoming trip and processed the return my deposit. SHE TOLD ME TO GO TO THE AIRLINE, THAT GATE1 BOOKED ME ON FOR REIMBURSEMENT - HORRIBLE!

Jeffery is very helpful and we always get trips planned through him. He does an awesome job planning everything and he is always friendly. Thanks for everything he does and way way he handles it.

Horrible and I mean HORRIBLE post reservation customer service which Gate 1 has now outsourced to places like India and the Philippines . You can NEVER get thru to an agent AFTER you've booked your trip . The recoding basically states that due to high interest and calls we can't take your call then hangs up .
I am mistified as to how the owners of this company are not doing something to go back to the way it was years ago when you could actually call a USA representative and get thru .
Their customer service sucks . Just know this before you book with them or have your travel agent deal with them .

I have traveled with gate 1 several times Excellent every time. More than satisfied.
Today I was on the phone for over 4-30 hrs trying to change my booking to another date and destination. I was told that both of my credit cards were declined. Which is not the case I have spoken to my bank head office and both my cards are perfectly fine . Nothing owing on my Visa and well over $2000 in my debit card. I need this sorted by someone who understands English

We just returned from a truly wonderful Central European Christmas Markets Tour with Gate 1 Travel (December 9–18, 2025), and the experience exceeded our expectations in every way. My mother, aunt, and I began our journey in Prague, continued through Vienna and Austria, and concluded our tour in Budapest, enjoying each destination during the magical Christmas season. We were introduced to Gate 1 Travel by clients who spoke highly of the company—describing it as well-run, a great value, and an overall excellent experience—and we can confidently say we shared that same experience. I carefully followed the Gate 1 website, booked the tour at the right time to take advantage of a discount, and arranged our own flights with ease. From start to finish, the trip was clearly described, thoughtfully planned, and exceptionally well executed. The hotels were lovely and conveniently located within walking distance of central areas, each offering excellent breakfast buffets. While the hotel in Český Krumlov was understandably small due to the city’s historic nature, it was still charming. I especially appreciated that all of our hotels included bathtubs—a welcome luxury after long days of walking and exploring. Overall, this was a seamless, memorable, and truly delightful vacation experience with Gate 1 Travel.
Our tour guide, Thomas Jankov deserves special recognition. Thomas Jankov is, without question, one of the finest Tour Hosts I have ever experienced. Leading a group of 33 travelers on a Prague to Budapest Christmas Markets tour is no small task, yet Thomas handled it with remarkable grace, clarity, and professionalism. He kept our entire group together, informed, organized, and on schedule—while maintaining a consistently positive, calm, and energetic presence throughout the journey.
What truly sets Thomas apart is his depth of historical knowledge and his ability to bring each destination to life. His explanations were engaging, insightful, and perfectly paced, and he answered every question with patience and care. He made each city’s history, culture, and traditions feel accessible and meaningful, which greatly enhanced the experience of visiting the Christmas markets.
Thomas also went far above and beyond his role as Tour Host. Outside of the planned itinerary, he personally helped 4 of us on the tour secure tickets to the Upper Belvedere Museum in Vienna, allowing our group to see the Klimt exhibit—an absolute highlight of the trip that would not have been possible without his extra effort and dedication.
Thomas is a true professional, an exceptional leader, and a tremendous ambassador for Gate 1 Travel. His organization, warmth, expertise, and genuine commitment to his travelers made this tour unforgettable. Gate 1 is incredibly fortunate to have him, and I sincerely hope his leadership recognizes just how outstanding he truly is.
If I could give more than 5 stars, I absolutely would.

Recently Did the 13 day Morocco trip. Morrocco was excellent but the tour was not good. The guide clearly was steering us to his vendors and negotiating for them to make money for himself. He also treated his customers like grade school children. It was a constant rush, no downtime to shop or enjoy. We will never take a gate 1 trip again.

I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a 17-day tour across Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam with Gate 1 Travel, and it was an unforgettable experience. Each of the three travel agents we met—Boom from Thailand, Sam from Cambodia, and Duc from Vietnam—each brought unique and remarkable qualities to the journey.
Boom and Sam were both incredibly professional and attentive. However, I must give special recognition to Duc, who served as our southeast trip manager and guide in Vietnam. Duc was truly outstanding—exceptionally responsible, ensuring that every detail of the trip was seamless, but flexible with the situations. He went above and beyond to ensure that we felt comfortable and cared for throughout the journey.
Duc’s generosity was evident in thoughtful ways: he treated all of us with local snacks and candies and much more beyond… These gestures truly made the experience special and memorable.
In short, Duc and the entire team made this journey an unforgettable adventure, and I can’t thank them enough for their dedication and care. I highly recommend Gate 1 Travel and their amazing agents, especially Duc, for anyone planning a trip to Southeast Asia.

We took a Rhine River Cuise with Gate 1 in September 2025. The staff was AMAZING !, The itinerary was great and the food excellent! We have been on 2 tours with gate ! and just booked another cruise , this time on The Danube river! The prices are very reasonable and the service OUTSTANDING!

I have traveled 11 times with Gate 1 and always had a positive experience. Sometimes I booked my own flights. The hotels were always 4 star and the tour manager was helpful. Sometimes the city tours were only average but still informative. I added extra hotel nights without a problem. One time, 3 of us extended our flights while we were in Munich with no issue. I've booked a trip to England & Scotland in April 2026. I've referred many people who have referred others.

I booked a 5 day tour with gate 1 travel, and ordered a night and hotel. But the hotel was not provided properly. The night before departure was not available. I paid for the pre night but the hotel was not available. Gate 1 did not respond even after reading the return request