There are lots of good reasons for signing up for a group tour. If you have limited vacation time, joining an organized tour allows you to avoid wasting time dealing with the minutia of travel planning. If you’re on your own, joining a tour can be a great way to get to know fellow travelers. In addition, established tour operators often have the latest scoop on local conditions and the inside connections to arrange special visits and activities not available to independent travelers. Finally, if you're planning a trip that requires specialized gear or skills, having someone else in charge can help you get more enjoyment out of your trip.Today’s diverse travel market offers organized tours for every budget, taste, and special interest. There are economy tours, luxury tours, educational tours, volunteer trips, and adventure expeditions. Unfortunately, many people don’t know what they should be looking for and which questions they should be asking when selecting a tour. I’ve led many trips around the world as a tour manager and have seen first hand the frustration that can arise when people join the “wrong” tour. Traveling on a group tour can lead to wonderful memories and lifelong friendships. On the flip side, if you sign up for a tour that’s not right for you, your trip may be marred by frustration and irritation. The good news is that with a little effort, there is no reason why you should not be able to find a group tour that offers everything you want out of your vacation.
Here are some things to think about:
Mainstream vs. specialty tour
What’s important to you in your travel? Do you want to see the major attractions and have lots of time to shop? Or do you want an educational experience that allows you to explore the sites in the company of an expert? Do you want a trip that allows you to give back to the local community? Or are you looking for physical challenge and adventure? All are valid reasons for traveling, and having your goals sorted out will really help you choose the right tour. If you want a more academic focus, you may want to sign up for a trip through a museum or a university alumni program; in addition to guides, these trips often feature lecturers with expertise in the areas visited. If you want to make a contribution to the country you are visiting, there are any number of organizations offering volunteer vacations in which you can work with community development, conservation, or other projects. For active travelers, joining an expedition can be a great way to try something new or have an adventure in a safe manner and without dealing with the such details as equipment and logistical support. Trekking tours, rafting trips, and sailing trips are all great examples.
Know the tour operator’s target market
There is a type of tour for every age group and budget and many specific interests. You’ll enjoy your tour experience much more if you find a compatible group. I've seen young honeymooning couples end up in groups where everyone else was 30 years older and retired, simply because they didn't research the market. This may not bother you, but know that there's probably a much better fit out there if you just ask the right questions. Any tour company you are considering should be able to provide information on their traveler demographics.
Budget vs. all-inclusive tour
Many people book tours based solely on price, but it’s important to consider more than just the base cost of the trip. For example, a budget tour may use hotels further from the city center. This may be an issue for you if you're someone who likes to be able to step out the door of the hotel and be right in the center of things. On the other hand, if you don’t mind taking a bus or taxi from your hotel to go sightseeing or shopping, staying slightly further out may not matter if it makes the trip more affordable. Consider how important a central location is to you and if spending the extra money to stay downtown is worth it to you. Most tour companies will provide you with information on the hotels they use before you book. (Occasionally circumstances require hotels to be changed, but any adjustments will usually involve moving to a similar property.)
Another thing to recognize is that higher-end tours generally include a wider range of sightseeing activities than budget tours, which often include only a basic sightseeing tour. Additional activities may be offered as optional excursions. Research which activities are included on a tour you are considering. If you are looking at a budget tour, find out what optional excursions will be offered and see if you can get price quotes for these. Adding these to the base cost of your tour will give you a better estimate of the true cost of your trip. If you want to participate in a lot of the organized activities, it may actually work out cheaper to sign up for the all-inclusive trip. On the other hand, if you prefer to have an orientation tour and then spend the rest of your time exploring on your own, a less expensive tour with few included activities may be perfect for you.
Free time vs. scheduled activities
On a related note, consider whether you prefer not to have to think about how to spend your time in a new place, or whether you aren't happy unless you have time to wander about on your own. Try to get details about the amount of unscheduled time. If you feel more comfortable exploring new places with a guide or prefer to have a local expert show you the most significant sights so that you don’t miss any of the highlights, a tour with a lot of scheduled activities may suit you. If you like time for personal exploration, don't join a tour where every minute is planned out, or you may find yourself going crazy at the lack of free time. You may want to sign up for a semi-structured tour with a balance of group activities and leisure time. That way you can start with a basic guided city tour to get oriented and then follow up with independent exploration.
Consider the pace of the tour
Know yourself. If you know that you always need a rest during the afternoon in order to function, look into a tour with a more leisurely pace, perhaps with sightseeing in the morning with free time in the afternoons. If you join a tour in which every day is scheduled from breakfast through dinner, you may find yourself too exhausted to enjoy yourself. On the other hand, if you’re someone who likes to be on the go and doesn’t want to miss a moment of your time in a new place, you may want a faster pace.
Be realistic about your physical condition
Find out the physical requirements of a trip before signing up. A lot of times this information comes in the mailing that’s sent out after you register. It’s important to be realistic. By all means challenge yourself, but if a trip description says you have to be able to walk a mile over rough terrain or stand for two hours or climb steep stairs with no handrail, take this seriously. It’s hard to admit to physical shortcomings, but in the long run, you’ll be happier if you judge your capabilities accurately. The tour guide or group leader has to be responsible for the whole group and will generally not be able to offer individual physical assistance to those who need it. Know that tours often involve tight schedules, and it’s not just you who will suffer if you are unable to keep up. Of course, you can often choose whether or not to participate in group activities, but be prepared to be flexible in such situations.
For more info: Transitions Abroad has a wealth of information about volunteering overseas and other specialty travel. National Geographic Adventure magazine annually rates the best adventure travel companies. The Specialty Travel Index is another great resource that lists hundreds of tour operators for destinations around the world. For trips with an academic focus, you may also want to contact your college, university, or major museums and inquire if they have travel programs.
Photo by Annika S. Hipple: Tour group at Pia Glacier, Chilean Patagonia.
Comments
Your article is very complete. It really gives an idea of what the participants of a tour should look for and what they can expect.
I organize tours for small groups, incl. women-only or LGBT and I have to say that on-one has ever complained about being on the wrong trip.
I think it is because I am very honnest upfront (in the FAQ section) about the age of people, the level of fitness needed, etc...The itinerary is complete and the price tells you what is not included.
Honesty is good business.
Thank you for this wonderful article.
Jackie, director of www.frenchescapade.com
Good comparision on various factors for choosing a suitable tour. Every one has differenct preference for a tour or vacation, so good planning in advance will help to have a great local experience.
"If you feel more comfortable exploring new places with a guide or prefer to have a local expert show you the most significant sights so that you don’t miss any of the highlights", you may also check out private tour guides offered by OurExplorer.com, a good source with professional local guides.
Good article. I can't emphasize enough the importance of knowing your physical abilities. What may seem so simple to one person (ie stairs, uneven terrain or standing for a longer period time) can be difficult for others. You don't want to be the person who holds everyone up and monopolizes the tour escort's time - this makes the other travelers frustated and unhappy. So it is very important to be considerate.
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