Choosing a tour is like choosing a boyfriend, you want to make sure you have made the right decision before you finally commit and are taken off the dating market. To get the best value and a travel experience you’ll need to consider a few things such age group, activity levels and preferences for lodging, dining and sightseeing.
The Tour Company
Go for a tour operator that suits your travel style and philosophy. There are tours that go ultra local and get close to culture while others party and show you the big-ticket sites. You’ll find tours that are based around the major bucket list sites and others that are tailored to specialised interests such as adventure sports, photography, cycling, food and wine, and volunteering. Each company has it’s own personality and specialities so choose what suits your current travel needs.
Compare Apples to Apples
There’s no point comparing an all-inclusive 30-day bus trip that stays at hotels to a small group adventure tour where you cook your own campsite meals and stay in tents. Just like choosing a boyfriend you need to decide on your ‘type.’ Find out what is included in the tour price and what you have to pay for then add the extras to the cost of the trip to get a better idea of the final cost. Itineraries and descriptions for each tour are always available so you can see what is and isn’t included ahead of time.
Group Size & Demographic
Find your people. Do you want to travel with an intimate group of 12 or are you looking for a 50 person coach load of fun? Most tours have a maximum number of passengers as well as a their own target market suggested age range. You can research the company’s target market by checking out the travel boards and social media channels.
Good to establish where you want to start the trip and list out your must see countries/places.
Accommodation & Meals
Tours have all kinds of accommodation styles to choose from that impact the final price. Options range from budget to luxury and styles include campsites where you’ll stay in tents or cabins, hostels, hotels, homestays and even boats!
Budget tours often stay outside the city center, which can make it tricky to explore on your own in the downtime so check where the accommodations are and if they are remote or amongst the local attractions.
The inclusion of meals varies from tour to tour just like accommodation options range from budget to luxury and you can choose to make your own campsite meals or sample three course high-class restaurants. Each tour will outline exactly how many meals are include so you know where to budget.
Schedule, Activities, and Inclusions
You don’t want to go to Rome without visiting the Coliseum so always check to see what is included in the tour price with regards to excursions, sightseeing tours, local guides and entry to sights and attractions.
Have a look at the itinerary and see how your days will be filled. Will there be activities or are you left to fend for yourself. Balance is important as you don’t want to feel as though you are a contestant on the Amazing Race rushing around but you don’t want to be bored either.
Optional extras such as white water rafting can be scheduled in the itinerary and available at an additional cost. Just beware of what is available and what is included.
Activity Level
Are you laid back or looking for adventure? If you plan on climbing Machu Picchu then make sure you’re aware of what you’ve signed up for and don’t forget to take the most epic selfie of all time once you reach the top. Some tours are much more relaxed and offer driving sightseeing city tours where all you have to do is look out the window and others take you on walking tours through the city and local neighbourhoods. As long as you know your level of physical ability and the activity required for your tour you will be fine.
Once you know what you want you’ll be able to choose the perfect tour. You never know, your next boyfriend might be a fellow passenger!
