Planning the perfect travel adventure involves making a lot of choices.
Here’s how to decide the best approach for you.
Types of Guided Tours
Generally, you run into four kinds of guided tour options when traveling.
You often get to dictate where you and your guide will spend time.
However, you often have to stick to a predetermined schedule set by the company.
If you want a very hands-off travel experience, this is the guided tour for you.
If you’re not sure, here’s what you should think about.
You get your own translator who can help you communicate both in terms of language and cultural practices.
With their assistance, you’ll be able to avoid getting yourself into sticky situations.
Some activities, like river rafting and adventure sports, generally are not available without a guide.
With a great guide, you’ll have an easier time learning about complex or overwhelming attractions.
One example comes from a TripAdvisor userMary P.on her recent trip to Costa Rica.
You may get discounts or special entry available only to tour groups.
Often, you have a certain level of comfort with a guided tour.
This applies both to accommodations and how you feel.
For more control over your schedule,consider hiring a private guideinstead of going with a pre-set tour.
I usedRick Steves' guidebookto navigate around Italy’s sights on my own.
With a guided tour, you likely won’t have total control over what you see and when.
Traveling in a big tour group is one of the easiest ways to identify yourself as a tourist.
The cost of guided tours can eat into a tight travel budget.
Tours are pretty expensive, even audio guides sometimes cost as much as lunch.
There are just some sights that no tour group is going to show you.
For example, I went to a local outdoor market every week in Rome.
Check out reviews of the service both on their own site and third party sites.
If you know anyone who has traveled to the same place, ask them for recommendations.
You also want tomake sure that the tour isn’t a scamand that you’ll be safe.
Take the time to insure you’ll be getting a high quality experience.
Cost:Confirm how much they cost, including taxes and fees.
Keep exchange rates in mind so you’re not surprised by the final billing.
You want to see to it you’re booking something that doesn’t blow your trip’s budget.
If not, it is up to you to judge the risk of going through with the reservation.
The tour industry is known for delivering disappointing guide experiences after you’ve already paid when pre-booking.
For example, your tour guide is likely a local.
Choose the experience that sounds good to you, and will make you feel at home wherever you roam.
Top image adapted fromkubkoandOpenclips.
Images fromptwo,garryknight,scobleizer, andMartin Gratzer.
