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Travel Department Launches New Adventure Travel Brand, Outbounder

Writer: Allie Sheehan
Allie Sheehan
Sep 16
4 min read

Irish-owned travel company Travel Department has today announced the launch of Outbounder, the new identity for TD active Holidays, marking an exciting evolution of its active travel offering.



The launch comes as more Irish travellers seek holidays that go beyond traditional sightseeing, with a growing appetite for active experiences, authentic encounters, and a stronger connection to the places they visit. The demand in Ireland for adventure-based holidays is on the definite increase, with walking and hiking holiday bookings up 10% in 2025, including bookings on new routes in Cinque Terre, the Danube Bend, the Dolomites, the French Riviera and Montenegro. 


In particular, Tailormade groups, mostly made up of private walking groups, have doubled in numbers year on year, showing a high demand for pre-planned walking tours which are led by local licensed guides. Backed by over 30 years of guided travel expertise, Outbounder combines the reassurance and knowledge of one of Ireland's most established escorted tour operators with a fresh, contemporary brand focused entirely on active and adventure-led travel. Every holiday is thoughtfully planned and led by experienced local guides, allowing customers to enjoy meaningful experiences with the confidence that every detail has been taken care of. 


Outbounder's collection includes walking and hiking holidays across Europe, worldwide adventure trips, wildlife- and wellness-focused tours and solo travel-friendly experiences, with itineraries designed to balance activity, culture and free time. Whether following scenic coastal paths, discovering spectacular mountain landscapes or immersing yourself in local communities, Outbounder offers experiences that place the journey at the heart of every holiday. 



James Coughlan, CEO of Outbounder, said:"TD active Holidays has given us an incredibly strong foundation in the active travel sector, but the market opportunity in adventure and active travel and the needs of customers have further evolved over time. We wanted a brand that could stand on its own, speak directly to the growing number of people looking for active and adventure-led travel, and give us room to innovate. Outbounder is that brand. It builds on everything we've learned through Travel Department and TD active Holidays but brings a much clearer focus to where we believe this sector of the travel market is heading. We are incredibly proud and excited to be launching Outbounder into the Irish market and beyond."   


For Outbounder Commercial Director Claire Doherty, the launch represents much more than a new name. "Today’s travellers want experiences that feel adventurous without feeling intimidated. Outbounder is about making adventure more accessible and giving people the confidence to explore incredible places, meet like-minded travellers and experience destinations in a more meaningful way. It’s everything people loved about TD Active Holidays, evolved for a new generation of travellers." 


While the brand has evolved, the values behind it remain the same. Outbounder continues to deliver expertly guided small group holidays with carefully curated itineraries, welcoming groups and knowledgeable local guides, supported by the experience and expertise that has made Travel Department one of Ireland's leading guided tour operators. With a growing range of holidays spanning Europe and destinations around the world, Outbounder invites travellers to discover a new way to explore - one where adventure is measured not by distance travelled, but by the memories made along the way. 



Get the adventure started with these Outbounder 2026/2027 holidays: click on links to visit the adventure holidays below. 


Adventure: 

Take an adventure to Southeast Asia on this guided group adventure holiday where you’ll embark on a cultural discovery tour of the country from North to South, experiencing Hanoi’s Old Quarter by cyclo ride, cycling through the Vietnamese countryside in search of pagodas, exploring the underground network system of the Cu Chi Tunnels, cruising through the emerald waters of Halong Bay and soaking up the local culture in the Mekong Delta. 


Ideal for moderately experienced or experienced walkers, will see travellers visit scenic routes on Capri, hike Mount Vesuvius with a visit to Pompeii, the historic town of Ravello, a scenic boat trip to Maiori, and a rewarding hike along the iconic Path of the Gods with its wide-reaching views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and coastline. Venture to Punta Campanella, the dramatic "End of the World," following an ancient path where, according to legend, Ulysses encountered the sirens at the edge of the Sorrento Peninsula.


Beginning in Cape Town, hiking the Lion Trail Walk, discovering the colourful Bo-Kaap district, learning how to cook Cape Malay cuisine and visiting Table Mountain on a Cape Peninsula tour, this is a holiday with lots of adventure. Scenic coastal roads will see travellers stop at Cape Point, see the colony of rare African Penguins at Boulders Beach, wine tasting in Stellenbosch, and see the incredible wildlife and try to spot the iconic Big Five - elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, lion and leopard on safari in Kruger National Park; possibly one of the top experiences in the world. 


Energise, reset and renew on one of Outbounder’s wellness yoga holidays led by qualified instructors from MOONS Yoga Loft, enjoying daily Vinyasa and Hatha yoga sessions for all levels, breathwork and meditation. Enjoy afternoons exploring the natural wonders of the Algarve, staying in the seaside village of Cabanas, Tavira. Swim in the crystal-clear sea, cycle through picturesque landscapes, take a SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) lesson, or simply relax by the pool and listen to the gentle sound of waves. 


To celebrate the launch of Outbounder, customers can save up to €200 per person on holidays of 8 nights or more (with code LAUNCH200); €150 per person off holidays of 7 nights (with code LAUNCH150) and €100 per person off holidays of 6 nights or less (with code LAUNCH100) up until 16th October. 



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