A copy of Bob's tips on selecting a company offering escorted group travel, presented at the November, 2005 meeting of the Travel Club.
BASIC WAYS TO TRAVEL
1. On your own. Do your own reasearch. Set up travel, accommaodation, etc.
2. Travel agent makes arrangemts and reservations for you.
3. Go with an escorted group. Join a planned tour.
ADVANTAGES OF A TOUR GROUP
1. Have brochures and itineraries. You know what you'll be doing and seeing.
2. All travel, accommodations, meals and visits selected and arranged. Efficient.
3. Knowledgeable leader with you at all times. Information. Help. Language.
4. May go to some places and times not generally available to the public.
5. Visit some destinations not advisable on your own. Third Worls countries, etc.
DISADVANTAGES OF A TOUR GROUP
1. You must generally follow the group's itinerary. Few special things on your own.
2. You must search to find the exact tour desired.
3. You may be expected top tip the group leader.
HOW TO SELECT A GROUP TOUR FROM THE VAST NUMBER AVAILABLE
1. Fit the tour to your lifestyles and interests
• active vs. leisure - hike or relax - one location or move every night
• where you want to go - what you want to do - remote countries - big cities - farms - shopping
• size and type of group - from 10 to 50 people - 5-star hotels or hostels
2. Sources of information on tour groups
• World Wide Web and library - try almost anything on Google or Yahoo
• magazines and organizations - advertisements - travel magazines
• a few major organizations are: Elderhostel (1-877-426-8056), Smithsonian (1-800-654-2048), Overseas Adventure Travel (1-800-955-1925), National Geographic (1-888-966-8687), Grand Circle Travel (1-800-221-2610)
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES ON TRAVELING WITH A TOUR GROUP
1. Always pay with a credit card for deposits and trip charges (greater security).
2. Watch carefully what is included in the tour package. Air. Side trips. Visits. Tips. taxes.
3. Tour groups will usually arrange flights if not included and you request.
4. Groups will usually push travel insurance. May be 6% of trip cost. Be sure you need and want.
5. Costs may be about the same for a group tour as on your own. Tours get discounts. Leaders are paid very little and depend on tips. Leaders usually provide excellent service.
6. Liabitlity waivers are now common. Questionable legality, but may be foreign jurisdiction.
7. Watch where group leader takes group for shopping. Leader may get commission.
8. Singles may be arranged, but be careful with unknown assigned room-mates. Have funds available to switch to a private room if necessary.
9. Tours will generally try to accommodate special requests where possible and practical.
10. Always be sure to take a mdical kit and carry bottled water on a tour bus.
11. Your leaders may be invaluable for local languages, border crossings, personal security, emergencies, knowledge of latest local information, arranging itinerary changes, etc.
12. Almost anything you wish to do or see is probably available with a group tour somewhere!
