I know many of you have taken a guided tour vacation and probably loved it, but for those of you who never been on this type of holiday, let me give you a few facts and hopefully, you will take an escorted trip in the near future.
Many times we go to destinations that are unfamiliar to us and this can be scary. You don’t know where to stay, where or what to eat, don’t speak their language and the list is endless. By taking a guided tour, 90% of your concerns are gone.
There are so many benefits related to these types of tours. You will spend less time planning your trip and you will also know the entire cost of your vacation up front with the exception of souvenirs and tips. All your transportation, transfers, hotel stays, and excursions will be planned for you and are included in your price – as well as 90% of your meals. As a treat, many of your meals will feature local cuisine.
Did you know that when you arrive at your first hotel there will be a professional Tour Manager to greet you? This person knows a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. From the moment you meet this key player you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about the language, currency and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.
How do you get from one location to the next?
Depending on where you are visiting will determine how you get to your destinations. Many times a motor coach is used, but in some instance, you might travel by rail or boat. The tour operators use only reliable and insured transportation companies. Just think, you don’t need a GPS, maps or directions.
Do you hate standing in lines?
This won’t happen when traveling with a group. Your Tour Manager and the vendor have a scheduled time for your visit which makes everything easier for you the traveler. Many times these types of tours are given by the locals who are very informed about their country and want to make sure you have a wonderful experience.
Visiting a destination also gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle and being treated like royalty or feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise. How about rolling dough with an Italian chef to make that perfect pizza? Just imagine the great photo opportunities you will see and get.
Another nice feature, regarding a guided tour vacation, is meeting people from all over the world. Many of my clients come back and tell me they met some wonderful folks and became really good friends. In fact many of them start planning their next trip together.
Will you have free time?
Absolutely! Everyone needs and likes a bit of free time so each itinerary offers you the just the right amount. You could spend it exploring, eating, shopping or relaxing or maybe you just might want to take a short nap and be refresh prior to your evening festivities. Whatever you decide to do with your free time is totally up to you. Enjoy!
There are numerous escorted tour companies out there, but one needs to be careful who they pick. Many companies may go to the same areas or countries, but each of their packages will be different. This is one of many reasons you should use a travel agent. A good travel agent will listen to you but will also ask you questions. He or she needs to find out exactly where you want to go, what you want to see and do as well as your budget. Then it time to start working on your dream vacation.
With all this being said, we in the travel industry try to do everything to ensure your escorted vacation is worry and hassle free, so you can relax and enjoy the cultures, sights, and people you meet during your travels.