Our tours welcome gay men, lesbians, close friends and adult family members
The mission of Toto Tours is to provide exceptional small-group travel experiences for people who appreciate culture, diversity, history, nature, cuisine, art, and adventure. Toto Tourists are well-rounded, open-minded, fun-loving, intelligent travelers.
The opportunity to see the world with such kindred spirits adds value, transforming every journey into a memorable, life-enriching, unique event.
- Incorporated in 1990, offering men-only adventure tours for the gay community
- Founded and continuously operated by Dan Ware, who is dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming “family” atmosphere on every journey
- Jonathan Lewis, Dan’s life partner, has managed the company since 1995
- Member of IGLTA since 1991
- Pioneers of gay adventure travel with the highest percentage of repeat travelers
- Frequent award recipient from gay travel publications
- Expanded in 2010 to serve gay men, lesbians, their close friends and adult family members
The world was a different place for gay men in 1990. Social pressures and restrictions gave rise to feelings that in order to "be ourselves" we needed to be "by ourselves," and so Toto Tours was created to give gay men the opportunity to travel the world in protected, gay-exclusive groups.
Two decades later, the gay community has made tremendous strides in social recognition and acceptance. We are less isolated and more personally connected to our communities. Our definition of "family" - those people with whom we can truly be ourselves - has expanded to include close friends and associates of both sexes, whether gay or straight.
At the inception of this company, "Toto" referred to the small dog in the movie The Wizard of Oz, and our logo featured graphical dog paw prints. The evolution of the gay community into a force that is now more visibly interwoven throughout society required a re-visioning of how best to graphically portray this new reality and our expanded mission.
Our new logo, unveiled in early 2011, portrays a shift to the Latin definition of the word “Toto” – meaning "all-inclusive." The rainbow colors of the gay flag weave through the word TOTO to symbolize our connectedness to each other, our communities, and the world.
Welcome to the new Toto Tours, where gay men, lesbians, their close friends and adult family members are invited to travel together to discover all the delights this world has to offer - "in Toto!"
What do the status comments indicate on the "Tours" page?
"Open"
means the tour is not full, and is currently open to new reservations
"Closed"
means that we are no longer accepting reservations for this tour
"Guaranteed"
means minimum numbers have been reached to insure the group will proceed
Why do you describe your tours as "Adventure Travel?"
Are there risks?
There is no such thing as a “risk-free” adventure. Our guides and outfitters are selected for their experience, reputation and safety record. We encourage tour participants to test their limits and take acceptable risks in a safe and supportive atmosphere.
How do I prepare physically for a Toto Tour?
When you register for a trip you receive a detailed description of the tour explaining any special physical skills required. The majority of our tours are rated “easy” or “moderate” and are well within the physical abilities of the average person.
What kinds of people go Adventuring?
Adventurers have a special outlook on life. They tend to be fun-loving, people-oriented, good-natured and flexible. They are independent, and willing to accept responsibility for themselves.
Does Adventure Travel mean we are going to be roughing it?
The degree to which we "rough it" varies from one adventure to the next. Accommodations in comfortable lodges, hotels and resorts are the norm, but some of our tours include the added adventure of camping!
What are the benefits of Adventuring with a group?
Independent types worry that joining a tour means losing their freedom. Some personal sacrifices are required, to be sure, but they are well worth the added enjoyment derived from sharing an adventure with others like yourself, where everything you see and do is enhanced through the unique perceptions of your fellow adventurers.
Who will I be traveling with?
Toto Tourists are men and women in their 30s through their 70s, with a few exceptions on either end. The average Toto adventurer is 45-55 years old and is successful in his or her current job or situation. The challenges of adventure travel attract people who like to bond with others and discourage those who prefer to remain aloof. Toto Tours draws participants from all over the country and the world.
Why do you have so many repeat travelers?
Typically about 50% of each group is made up of repeat customers. They tell us they come back so they can travel with friends they met on previous trips, meet new people, or challenge themselves by learning a new skill or activity. They also want to take a vacation that is physically active and out of the ordinary. They report feeling great about themselves—more confident, productive, and adventurous—after one of our tours, so they come back to try new things in future years.
How much luggage is allowed on your adventures?
Pack light, and stick to the suggested packing list provided for each tour. The most essential item we ask each participant to bring is his sense of humor. Our trips are as much about people and travel partners as they are about the world's most beautiful places. Also, pack your willingness to accept situations as they exist in the face of a unique adventure travel situation. If you knew exactly what was going to happen each moment of your vacation, it wouldn't be much of an adventure—would it? Being a good-natured realist will be one of your greatest assets.
"Memories of my tour are keeping me going through all this spring snow in the mountains."
John M., Colorado
"Riding on the trail through tall fir trees all covered with the falling snow was a vision of awe-inspiring beauty. Such scenery I thought I could only see in the movies."
Bill L., Connecticut
"This was a life-changing trip. It was one of the best things that I could have done for myself.
I met wonderful people and made new friends."
Dave D., New York
"Toto Tours made me feel I was associating with a friend rather than a business."
Joe K., Maryland
"You helped me to have, honestly, my best vacation ever. I would venture to say it was almost life-changing, because for the first time in my life I felt a reverence for something. I tread upon the earth differently now."
Michael D., Illinois
"I cannot begin to say enough good thing about you, your company, the way you run your business, and the trip I shared with you. It was an emotional high."
Michael H., California
"I took Toto’s Twin Peaks tour. Dan Ware, Toto’s president, personally escorted the tour, and I can attest that he and his operation are unequivocally first-class. I will have wonderful memories of terrific men enjoying truly beautiful places and times together."
Bob B., Texas
"A Toto Tour allows for companionship when you want it with ample opportunities to “do your own thing” when you want to strike out on your own. Thank you for a perfect vacation."
David P., New York
"Costa Rica was a wonderful, bonding, adventurous, fun trip."
Stuart H., Illinois
"Nepal was so unique, a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Toto."
Matt P., New Jersey
"I had a wonderful time in Greece. I made some lasting friendships, and I am probably boring my friends like crazy by talking so much about the entire experience."
Bill F., Ohio
"The Canadian Rockies are great, and the trip was even better."
John H., Colorado
"I developed an appreciation for Italy I never had before, an outstanding tour and great accommodations."
Jon G., Louisiana
"The Galapagos Islands are amazing. I really enjoyed myself and having a small group of easy-going guys contributed a lot."
Dan L., New Jersey
"New Zealand was the best tour I have ever taken, hands down!"
Steve T., Texas
"Morocco was unforgettable. Toto’s itinerary and hotel choices couldn’t have been better. Also Dan Ware went out of his way to ensure that everyone had a great time."
David S., California
"Dining on fine cuisine while floating down the Burgundy canals was like spending time with good friends at home. Magical!"
Joe C., Arizona
"I have always been fascinated with Egypt and this trip exceeded all expectations."
Brian R, Melbourne, Australia
"China was a wonderful trip with many fascinating sights. A great bunch of guys helped make this a very memorable trip."
Matt R., Toronto, Canada