What Was the Old Name for G Adventures? Uncovering the Story Behind the Adventure Travel Brand

Ever been curious about the travel company G Adventures and what it was once known as? You’re not alone. A lot of seasoned travelers remember booking trips with a brand that sounded totally different.

G Adventures didn’t always go by that name. Originally, it was known as GAP Adventures. And if you’ve been in the travel game for a while, that name probably rings a bell. The “GAP” stood for “Great Adventure People,” which definitely gives you a hint about the type of trips they wanted you to have—exciting, group-based, and mostly off-the-beaten-path.

This little change from GAP Adventures to G Adventures isn’t just marketing. It actually has a story behind it that’s pretty interesting and even involved a bit of legal drama. If you’ve ever seen the name switch and wondered why, or how it affected their trips, you’re exactly the kind of curious traveler who’ll want to keep reading.

• The Original Name of G Adventures
• Why the Name Changed
• A Quick Look at G Adventures’ Early Days
• Fun Facts About the Company
• How the Rebrand Shaped Travel
• Tips for Booking Adventure Holidays

The Original Name of G Adventures

If you scroll back to the early 1990s, you'll find that G Adventures wasn't always the name buzzing through the adventure travel world. The company actually started out as GAP Adventures in 1990. That name might still pop up in old travel reviews and guidebooks.

So, why GAP? The letters stood for “Great Adventure People.” The founder, Bruce Poon Tip, picked this because the main aim was to offer authentic trips for travelers who wanted more than just sightseeing—think small groups, hands-on experiences, and local connections. This approach felt pretty fresh for the 90s, when most group tours were all about big buses and rigid schedules.

GAP Adventures quickly became popular with backpackers, solo travelers, and anyone who wanted something different from a cookie-cutter tour. Their trips covered everything from Amazon jungle treks to overland journeys across Africa. Many fans still call out the old name when sharing their travel stories online, showing just how much of an impact those early days had.

If you ever meet long-time adventure travelers, don’t be surprised if they drop “GAP Adventures” into conversation. The origins are pretty important—knowing the name gives you context for how G Adventures grew into a leading adventure holiday brand.

Why the Name Changed

The name switch from GAP Adventures to G Adventures didn’t happen just to keep things fresh. It was actually because of a legal tussle with the GAP clothing brand. Back in 2011, GAP Inc. claimed that the travel company’s name was too close to theirs. Instead of getting tangled up in a drawn-out legal fight, the adventure firm decided to switch things up and drop the “A” and “P” from their name.

On a practical note, most of the customers already called them "G Adventures" anyway. So, the shift felt natural and kept travelers from mixing them up with the clothing giant. It was a quick fix that also gave the brand a cleaner, easier-to-remember name. The founder, Bruce Poon Tip, even said in interviews that it was less about losing something and more about moving forward. He wanted the focus to stay on amazing travel, not a legal battle.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what changed and why:

• Who started the fight? GAP Inc., the fashion retailer
• When did the name change happen? Officially in late 2011
• Was there a long lawsuit? Nope, G Adventures just took the practical route
• Any big effect on the trips? Not really—the adventures, tours, and vibe stayed the same, only the name changed

For the brand, this break actually helped them. It pushed them to refresh their identity without losing what made them stand out in the adventure holidays space. The new name separated them from the fashion world and made it clear they were all about bold, group-led journeys, not clothing racks.

A Quick Look at G Adventures’ Early Days

Back in 1990, Bruce Poon Tip started what would become G Adventures with just $2,000 and a simple idea: make travel about real connections, not just sightseeing. He wasn’t some big-shot CEO—just a backpacker who saw there weren’t many options for people wanting small-group trips that focused on genuine experiences with locals.

Originally called GAP Adventures, the company’s first tours took travelers through South America. The focus wasn’t on fancy hotels or comfy buses; it was about hopping on public transport, sleeping in hostels, and eating what the locals ate. The idea was to break away from cookie-cutter tours and actually help travelers discover new cultures.

Money was tight, and Bruce famously started out working from his kitchen table in Toronto. The company was so scrappy that early staff doubled up on jobs—one person might book your trip and then lead it as the guide. They booked their very first trips using travel guides and lots of phone calls (no fancy booking platforms yet!).

GAP Adventures grew fast, partly because they were among the first to offer truly sustainable travel before it was trendy. They wanted to give back to the communities they visited instead of just passing through. Soon enough, they went from running a handful of tours in South America to sending travelers all over the world.

• First year in business: 1990
• Founder: Bruce Poon Tip
• Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
• Initial focus: South America small-group adventures
• Approach: Budget-friendly, immersive travel

By the mid-2000s, GAP Adventures had built a solid reputation for being different—smaller groups, more authentic experiences, and a genuine interest in sustainability. That vibe set the stage for what G Adventures has become today.

Fun Facts About the Company

There’s a lot more to G Adventures than just unforgettable trips. Here are some cool details that make this adventure travel company stand out.

• The company started in 1990, and believe it or not, the first trip had only six people. It definitely wasn’t the giant adventure travel brand it is now.
• G Adventures now runs trips in more than 100 countries. That means you could land in almost any continent and find a tour that fits your style.
• The founder, Bruce Poon Tip, started the business using his own credit cards. He’s always talked about wanting travel to give something back to the communities travelers visit.
• Social impact is kind of their thing. They created the Planeterra Foundation in 2003, and so far, they’ve partnered with over 70 community projects worldwide. Your travel dollars actually support local people directly.
• It’s not a one-size-fits-all company. They have adventure holidays for every vibe, from solo travelers to families and even 18-to-thirtysomethings tours, so you can find your crew.
• When they rebranded from GAP Adventures to G Adventures, it wasn’t just to dodge a legal headache with clothing giant Gap Inc. They also wanted to represent more than just "great adventure people"—the "G" can stand for whatever you want: good, global, or even giving back.

What’s cool is that G Adventures stays small and local even as it grows. They use local guides on trips—they call them CEOs (Chief Experience Officers)—so you always get an inside scoop, not some cookie-cutter tour. So next time you’re checking out adventure holidays, you know you’re backing a company that makes a difference while helping you actually see the world.

How the Rebrand Shaped Travel

Switching from GAP Adventures to G Adventures was a big deal for the company and the adventure holidays world. The rebrand happened in 2011 after a legal dispute with Gap Inc.—the clothing giant. GAP Adventures had to drop the "A" and move forward as G Adventures. But instead of just changing the sign, the company used it as a chance to double down on what made them different.

First, the name switch forced G Adventures to rethink their global image. They put more effort into branding, making sure travelers knew what G stood for: “Good,” “Great,” and even “Global.” The rebrand meant new logos, websites, and materials that immediately set them apart and refreshed their vibe.

This wasn’t just cosmetic. The company kicked off a push to set higher standards in small group travel. They focused harder on responsible tourism—things like supporting local communities and minimizing environmental impact. According to their 2018 stats, about 90% of their trips used local transportation, guides, and locally owned hotels, which pumped money directly into the places their groups visited.

The new brand also helped G Adventures make partnerships that weren’t possible before. For example, they started working with National Geographic to create unique tours that go deeper into local stories and culture. Because travelers recognize the new name—and don’t confuse it with a clothing store—it’s way easier to find reviews, guides, and booking options without scrolling past jeans.

If you’ve traveled with them, you might’ve noticed they put people and experience right at the heart of their pitch. The rebrand wasn’t just about getting a fresh logo. It made room for the company to grow from being one of the lesser-known adventure groups to a leader in the adventure travel industry. Now the name G Adventures is almost like a badge for travelers who want trips to have real impact, not just a checklist of sights.

Tips for Booking Adventure Holidays

Ready to book an adventure but not sure where to start? Navigating all the choices can get overwhelming. From G Adventures to other big names, picking the right trip can really make or break your experience. Here are some practical tips you’ll want to keep in mind.

• Lock Down Your Budget Early: Adventure holidays can vary a lot in cost. G Adventures trips, for example, often show the full price upfront, including accommodation and some meals. But read the fine print for extra expenses like park fees or tips.
• Check Group Size: Smaller groups usually mean better access to remote spots and a tighter vibe with your fellow travelers. G Adventures typically caps most trips at around 12-16 people, which works for those who want a social but not crowded feel.
• Research the Guides: Good guides make or break a trip. G Adventures is known for hiring local guides (“CEOs” or Chief Experience Officers), which really ups the authenticity. Ask about guide experience before you book.
• Consider Physical Requirements: Some adventures require serious fitness. Read the trip style details and ask questions. If you’re going trekking in Peru or climbing Kilimanjaro, check the activity rating and training advice on the website.
• Travel Insurance Is a Must: Don’t skip this. Most adventure holiday operators, including G Adventures, require proof of insurance. Look for insurance that covers cancellations, accidents, and evacuation.
• Look at Reviews (but Dig Deep): Star ratings help, but detailed stories from fellow travelers reveal the real pros and cons. Focus on recent reviews for a current picture of what’s working and what’s not.

If you’re set on a trip with G Adventures, watch for their sales. They run promotions throughout the year, especially during Black Friday and World Tourism Day. Last minute deals can save you hundreds, but you’ll need to be flexible on dates. And always double-check passport and visa rules; nothing ruins an adventure like paperwork drama at the border.

Last thing—match the trip to your travel style. Cultural, wildlife, trekking, sailing… G Adventures has all sorts. There’s no prize for picking something outside your comfort zone unless you’re truly up for it. That’s how you get an adventure that’s the right kind of unforgettable.