How to Pick The Right Tour for You

Overwhelmed with choosing the right tour?

The right tour for you all depends on what activities you’re interested in and how long you want the tour to last.

For example, if you’re really looking forward to seeing the Grand Canyon — do you want to take a day trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon? It’s likely you’ll spend 8-10 hours on the tour bus with maybe 2 hours at the Grand Canyon. If that’s all you have time for and that’s all you want to do, go for it. But most people would like more time and in that case, maybe you want an overnight tour from Las Vegas or maybe you’ll decide to stay in Arizona and take a tour within the Canyon (maybe even do a little camping and hiking).

There are SO many options. Everyone has a different preference when it comes to travel. Before you book a tour, decide what you want.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while you’re researching your next tour!

• Cost/Value

  Decide how much you want to spend. Do you have a specific budget? Then do your research and compare prices. You want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Take a close look at what’s being offered for the price. Are there nice hotels, meals, and fun activities included? Always ask if there are any added fees or hidden fees. Some tour companies will charge you extra for meals, entrance fees, etc.

• Read Reviews

  Don’t go down a rabbit hole while reading reviews. But reviews can be helpful when you’re deciding on a tour company. You want to make sure the service is as advertised, the tour guide is respectful, and that former customers were happy with the tour. If the majority of the reviews are good and there are 1-2 cranky reviewers (there always are), the tour is probably a good tour. Some people just like to complain and we can’t make our travel decisions on that, now can we?

• Call Customer Service

  Another way to get a good sense of a tour company is to call and talk to them. Yes, we’re kicking it old school and actually dialing. The way a tour company’s customer service speaks to you and explain things to you will give you a good sense of how they treat their customers in general. If someone is brushing you off or being rude and disrespectful, then that’ll be all the confirmation you need to not sign up for that tour company.

  However, if someone is kind and answers your questions in a respectful manner, that’s a good sign that they’re there to make your tour as successful and enjoyable as possible.

• Fit The Demographic/Environment

  There are tour companies for every age group and personality type. If you’re an introvert, you may not want to be with the same 20 people for 7 days. If you’re in your early 20s, you don’t want to be on a tour filled with senior citizens. If you’re not a drinker, you may not want to go on a wine tour.

  Also, keep group size in mind! Do you want to travel with 50 people or do you want something smaller in size such as 10-15 people? Whatever your style is, there’s a tour for you. If you’re just looking for something short and easy, a day trip or a 2-hour walking tour might be something you’ll enjoy more than sitting on a bus for 3 days.

• Good Tour Guides

  This goes without saying, but your tour guide can make or break your trip. You want someone who is respectful, knowledgeable, and entertaining. Local guides are always the best as they know hidden gems and fun unique facts. Do your research and make sure the tour company has tour guides with strong communication skills and are preferably locals. If you can’t find anything online, call customer service and ask! If you want someone more authentic, consider services like Airbnb Experiences.

• Know The Itinerary

  Make sure to know the schedule of activities in advance. Know where you are going, what you will be doing and how much time you’ll spend in transition. Some tour companies will just take you somewhere and leave you to find activities on your own while others will guide you through activities every step of the way.

You’re on vacation, and you should experience your tour the way you want to. So know how your schedule is filled for your tour. And remember, less is more. You want to stop and experience a few things properly than trying to fit 50 things into one trip, which will leave you tired and stressed.

Remember there’s a right tour out there for everyone at different price ranges, ages groups, and interests. Find the right tour for you, and be open to different options and activities! You’ll have a great time.

What are some of the best tours you’ve been on? Share with us in the comments.