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What is a tour? It is the most efficient and economical way to see the sights in this or another country.
When you go on a tour you will be a part of a group of 8 to as many as 50 people traveling together. Most of the time you are traveling by motorcoach but tours today often have some boat, plane or train added in. You have a guide traveling with you who explains the interesting details about the places you visit.
Are you ready to go on a tour?
It is not uncommon for people who have never been on a tour to question whether or not they would like to share their trip with a group people they don't know. In addition, we hear questions about the regimentation which is a necessary part of travel with a group. Some thoughts to consider:
Give consideration to the alternative - are you ready to find your way around Europe (or whatever your target destination is) on your own? The amount of time you spend finding a parking place much less locating the Louvre or the Tower of London is both frustrating and inefficient. With the tour you just relax and enjoy the sights.
Second, the regimentation. While it is a big concern for some before going on a tour, most report that they got used to it in short order and it was not nearly the problem they anticipated.
Third, traveling with a bunch of strangers. Two answers to this one. One possibility is to get some of your friends to go with you. The other is that 80 to 90% of the folks that are concerned about this before they go come back thrilled with all the great people they met - many of whom have become lifelong friends.
How have tours changed?
Tour companies have listened to clients concerns over the years and have adjusted their products accordingly.
- Many tours now include 2 or 3 night stays in the same place greatly reducing the packing and unpacking. Some are using what is called a "hub and spoke" form of touring. Locate in one central spot and take a tour in a different direction each day.
- They have added a lot more leisure time to reduce the regimentation.
- They have practically eliminated long bus rides - 3 hours is about the longest and most are around 2 hours.
Considerations in choosing a tour
A big part of our responsibilities is to match people up with the right tour and tour company.
How long do you plan to spend on the tour? While you can go on a three or four day cruise you will seldom find a tour less than 9 days and 12 or 14 days are not unusual.
Another consideration is the scope of the tour. Do you feel better about a quick tour of "The Capitals of Europe" (London, Paris, Rome) or is 14 days exploring Italy more to your liking?
Finally you choose the "level" of the tour. Tour companies, like cruise lines, vary in the price they charge and what you receive for your money.
Budget tour operators tend to stay at lower rated hotels (usually superior tourist or first class), often have larger groups, meals will tend to emphasize buffets and the tours will be basic tourist experiences.
Examples of this group are Cosmos (the low cost version of Globus), Collette, and Image Tours.
Premium operators will feature first class and deluxe hotels, include more meal choices served at your table, groups will be smaller, the service will be more upscale and the included activities are often more special.
Premium tour companies would include Globus, Trafalgar, and Insight.
Luxury tour operators specialize in really memorable experiences. Deluxe hotels and gourmet meals are standard. Insightful cultural experiences - behind the scenes at the opera, private tour of the museum with the curator - are common. Small groups are the rule.
Some examples are Brendan Tours, Tauck Tours, and Abercrombie and Kent.
Check the Tours section of Great Values for current suggestions.
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