Independent travelers can sometimes shun the idea of organized tour companies. Still, at some point when one travels, the need for an organized tour cannot be avoided. When going it alone, one can very easily navigate and enjoy a long trip. Group travel, on the other hand, might require a little more management, and this is where organized tours come in. They can be enjoyable and useful, but to get the most out of them one often has to find the best companies. Choosing an organized tour company by using these parameters is the most likely successful way.
Reputation
In the service industry, reputation is everything. It is important to check out the reputation of the company, or companies with which one is planning to do business. The internet is a wonderful resource here, with past customers always having something to say in message boards and review websites. Everyone’s expectations and experiences are different, but poor service will almost always come out, one way or the other.
Cost
Tour companies come in all shapes and sizes, from those that get the most value out of every penny to those that overcharge their customers unnecessarily. One does not always get what they pay for, and the most expensive does not necessarily have to be the one that provides the highest value for money. To maximize cost, ask the tour company for details of just how the money is used. Also, confirm whether such additional costs like park fees fall on the customer or are included in the cost of the tour.
Target market
Again, tour companies vary by target market, and travel boards can help a great deal here. Different tour companies either specialize or are ideal for young people, older couples, teenagers, academic trips, college students or large families with kids. There is a tour company category for everyone, but ending up in one that does not suit the needs of the holiday can be a very stressful experience. Ask for details on social media about the Tour Company and its area of specialization.
Guides
Guides make all the difference in terms of whether the trip will be enjoyable and immersive or not. Before going out on a guided tour, make sure the company uses local guides. These will be knowledgeable and resourceful, providing more information than what one can typically read online or in a brochure. Make sure the guides know both the local language and one’s own, have enough travel experience and know life-saving techniques. Guides will be there to explain everything and keep the flow of the tour going. Make sure they are the best one can get.
Schedule
Guided tours essentially mean one is paying for the company to fill their day, so travellers should ask themselves how the company plans to do that. Most often have scheduled on their brochures, but it helps if one gets the specifics on how balanced the activities will be, and how inclusive the company will be on every member of the entourage.
Other important factors to consider include
- Company’s environmental impact,
- Size and composition of the travelling group
- Safety considerations.
