Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise—comprised of a family of travel companies—committed to changing people’s lives by offering high-impact experiences to our travelers and building local communities through philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and volunteerism.

The original Grand Circle Travel was founded by retired high school principal Ethel Andrus in 1958, to serve members of her new association, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Grand Circle eventually grew into the Grand Circle Corporation, which in 1993 acquired Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.). O.A.T. had been founded 15 years earlier by another education professional, a teacher named Judi Wineland.

Since then, we’ve made it our mission to provide life-changing experiences around the world—primarily by connecting travelers with locals who live in the areas we explore. Our travelers are part of our family—and we’re eager for you to join us.