Expert Local Guides
People who are intimately familiar with the land will accompany and enlighten you about culture, history, and wildlife.
Tailor-made luxury travel
We Help You Create Memories
David's introduction · paste an embed URL to enable playback
David Smyth
Founder · Forward Travel
Forward Travel is a luxury travel consultancy crafting personalised private & open group trips for discerning explorers across the globe. We cover 85+ destinations on all 7 continents, informed by first-hand expertise and a world-class network of local connections.
Want to plan a trip?
- Destinations
- 85+
- Continents
- 7
- Bespoke
- 100%
Condé Nast Travel Specialist
AITO Member
ABTA Protected
ATOL Licensed
Travel + Leisure A-List
Wanderlust Top Operator
LATA Accredited
Condé Nast Travel Specialist
AITO Member
ABTA Protected
ATOL Licensed
Travel + Leisure A-List
Wanderlust Top Operator
LATA Accredited
Plan your journey
Trip Finder
Tell us where, what and when — we'll match you with curated tours and tailor-made itineraries.
What makes us different from the rest
Compare how Forward Travel stacks up against traditional travel agents and large tour operators.
| Feature | Forward Travel | Travel Agents | Tour Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalised itineraries built around your interests | |||
| Direct access to a dedicated travel expert (David) | |||
| Handpicked local guides in every destination | |||
| Flexible dates, pace, and on-trip adjustments | |||
| Transparent, ethical pricing with no hidden margins | |||
| 24/7 in-destination support | |||
| Exclusive small-group experiences (max 15) | |||
| Responsible travel & community give-back |
Curated journeys
Upcoming Featured Tours
Forward Travel currently manages tour operations in 85+ destinations on 7 continents, and our portfolio is always expanding. Have a destination or an experience in mind? Contact us to start planning.
Culture & HistoryHighlights of Japan
12 daysFrom £6,950 pp
Safari & WildlifeKenya Migration Safari
10 daysFrom £8,400 pp
Adventure & HikingPatagonia Explorer
14 daysFrom £9,200 pp
Food & WineItalian Riviera Escape
8 daysFrom £4,650 pp
Polar ExpeditionAntarctica Expedition
13 daysFrom £14,800 pp
Culture & HistoryMorocco Imperial Cities
9 daysFrom £3,900 pp
The Forward Travel difference
Why Choose Us?
With 12+ years of experience and 1,000+ satisfied clients, Forward Travel creates personalised journeys you'll remember forever.
Responsible Travel
Travel should be considerate. Go gentle on the environment and give back to local communities when you do it with us.
Trustworthy Services
1,000+ happy customers, accreditation from ATIA & CATO, plus membership in ATTA, LATA, Safe Travels & Traveller's Choice.
Ethical Pricing
Every dollar of your trip is invested in quality accommodations, handpicked local guides, and unique, immersive experiences.
Stories from the road
Traveller Testimonials
Real journeys, real words — hear from explorers who've travelled the world with Forward Travel.
"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
Types of Tailor-made Travel We Help With
You may also want to check out our process.
Private Small Group Tours
You choose your travelling companions (minimum 2 people). Forward Travel designs the trip around your destinations, dates, pace, and interests and appoints a local guide exclusive to your group. This format is ideal for families, friends, and workmates who want something customisable with the flexibility to adjust sightseeing and downtime along the way.
Escorted Small Group Tours
You join one of our special departures as part of a group of 15 like-minded travellers led by a Forward Travel escort plus local guides. This option is preferred by those who like a set itinerary, fixed dates, and the opportunity to mix and mingle.
Tailor made holidays
You know where you want to go, when you want to go and what your interests are. Leave the rest to us. We will work with you closely to prepare a curated itinerary that covers your interests and you create memories that stay with you forever.
Media Mentions
David Smyth is a respected commentator on trends and practices in the travel & tourism industry.
SMH
The Sydney Morning Herald
Print & Digital
ABC
ABC Radio
Broadcast
Traveller
Traveller
Supplement
ESCAPE
Escape
Magazine
news.com.au
News.com.au
Online
Condé Nast
Conde Nast Traveller
Luxury
Luxury Travel
Luxury Travel
Magazine
Vacations & Travel
Vacations & Travel
Magazine
Stories from the road
Stories, tips, and experiences to inform and inspire your next trip.
Destination GuideApr 2026
10 Days Across the Peruvian Andes
From Cusco to Machu Picchu — what to pack, where to slow down, and the trails worth the detour.
InspirationMar 2026
Why Antarctica Belongs on Your 2027 List
Expedition cruising, photography tips, and how to choose the right departure window.
Travel TipsFeb 2026
The Truth About Small-Group Travel
What 'small group' really means, and why 15 travellers is the sweet spot for immersive trips.
Trip DiaryJan 2026
A Week in the Okavango Delta
Mokoros at dawn, leopards at dusk — a candid trip diary from Botswana.
Destination GuideDec 2025
Japan in Autumn: Beyond the Postcards
Quiet onsen towns, momiji-viewing routes, and the food you shouldn't miss.
Travel TipsNov 2025
Packing Light for Three Continents
How a single carry-on got us through Europe, Africa, and South America in 6 weeks.
About us
About Forward Travel
Forward Travel designs small-group tours to some of the world's most remote and remarkable destinations — from Antarctica and the Arctic to Patagonia, India, Africa and beyond. We help experienced travellers move past the ordinary and into deeper, more meaningful travel experiences.
Want to join a small group tour or plan a custom itinerary? We're here to help you go beyond the expected and experience the world differently.
85+
Years of expertise
50+
Destinations worldwide
Small
Intimate group sizes
"Move past the ordinary into deeper, more meaningful travel."
Director, Forward Travel
About David Smyth
David Smyth has spent a lifetime travelling the world and has made it his life's mission to help eager explorers like you access experiences you wouldn't find on your own or with commodity tour package providers.
- 100+ countries explored across every continent
- Expert in remote, polar, and expedition-style travel
- 15+ years designing personalised journeys
- First-hand experience in the world's most challenging and rewarding destinations
Bring your dreams, ideas, and wish lists to David and let him crystallise your vision into an inimitable itinerary.
