The biggest benefit, I say, is to have someone on the ground with you, taking care of everything for you. If you’re are reading this blog, chances are your desire to travel the world is high. Some of us have put our passports away for almost 1.5yrs. We long to travel but feel unsure still if it’s safe or how things will be the same or not. Our desire to travel remains high. Though I’ve planned a lot of custom-tailored independent travel, I do feel that guided, escorted vacations are going to be your best friend and can elevate your travel experience especially in the next year or 2 as we get the pandemic under control.
Many people have misconceptions about guided tours. Thinking you will be stuck on the bus all day? Or that your schedule is so rigid and you have to go to tourist sites one after another all day long? Or that you’re staying at boring hotels and eating standard American dishes? Perhaps thinking you’ll be fighting for space with 50 other travelers? Please think again. Or be informed.
Guided vacations are so much more in tune with the demands of travelers. Since Covid, a lot of tour operators are running small group tours of 12-16 guests. Even better, gather 6-8 friends and form your own private group with discounts built-in. Everyone is either tested or has been vaccinated before they can sign up so you can feel comfortable with your travel mates.
There is a lot of leisure time built into the itineraries. There are also choices. Some tour companies now offer a few options for each city—maybe you want to go to a museum with a guide, or you want to go do a round of golf instead, or you want to have free time and do some shopping, these are all possible.
Transportation is almost always door-to-door service and you don’t have to stand in lines to get admission tickets. And now with the pandemic, they have special team handling and being on top of the travel entry requirements. If anything changes, they’re on it. They figure out the logistics of getting your Covid test done before returning to the USA. And if anything becomes an issue, they’re responsible to help you with the next steps. Can you feel the peace and security that can come with this? I say it’s priceless!
See this other long list of benefits:
All-inclusive pricing: you have your lodging, your meals, your tours all budgeted in advance.
Exclusive experiences: because of their connections and network, you have privileged experiences… such as an after-hours visit to the Sistine Chapel or King Tut’s tomb with your own group vs in a room packed with hundreds of others. Or having creative dining experiences that you cannot buy on your own.
Flexibility: it’s not as rigid a schedule as before. Lots of free time and also choices of activities. Some tours travel between cities using trains or flights or even yachts!
Guides and Tour Directors: Your best friend! They really are so passionate about their work and care about you. I often have clients who sign up with whatever tours their guide does next.
Destinations: there is a tour for almost every destination. It’s especially great for places where you feel you can have more hand-holding due to the language barrier or difficulty of transport. Egypt, China, Africa, S. America area is great for guided tours.
Pricing: there are a variety of tour companies and each has different programs. Whether you need something affordable or very luxurious with extraordinary experiences, I can find something that matches.
Great Company: Guided tours are great for solo travelers to meet others, families wanting to meet other families so kids have same-age companions, and also great for multi-generation travel! Imagine taking your family of 12 everywhere!
There are so many tour companies and within each, so many tour options. Take advantage of my service and knowledge to help select the right tour for you. Plus, I can arrange airline tickets and offer insurance recommendations. Get in touch and get started planning your next trip!