Planning a bucket list vacation is such an exciting time, especially if it is to a place you’ve dreamed about visiting for years. You have probably pictured many things about this trip many times – and so you may be a bit surprised when your travel agent recommends a group tour as the best way for you to experience your destination. She has shared all the reasons why you’ll love group touring – but you still aren’t sure it’s right for you.
There are some real *group travel myths* that couldn’t be further from the truth. Today, I want to bust some of the most common ones.
Myth #1: Group tours are just too big, I don’t want to spend the entire time on a big, crowded bus. You might be surprised to find out what a variety of group tours are available. While yes, some tours involve coach buses, there are all kinds of options when it comes to group tours, that don’t involve buses at all. River cruises, safari tours, cycling tours, expedition-based tours – the possibilities are endless, and there is truly a tour for everyone, you just have to find the right one for you. (And honestly, don’t knock how relaxing it can be on a big comfy air-conditioned tour bus, with free Wi-Fi, as you enjoy breathtaking scenery while someone else does the driving and worries about directions…)
Myth #2: Tours are too expensive, and I can do it cheaper myself. Maybe yes, and maybe no. Initially when you see the price, you might feel like you can get a better price – but are you comparing apples to apples? Are you factoring in all of those *extra* costs like transportation, entrance fees, tolls, gratuities – and a host of other things you probably don’t realize you’ll have to pay for until you’re on the trip? Booking a group tour means that most things are paid for in advance (even with the option of paying in installments if you want), and you’ll know in advance what isn’t included, so you can budget accordingly. But it’s also important to look at the value of what you’re paying for on a group tour, because the background expertise and organization, along with the training, preparation, and local knowledge of the guides are an invaluable part of your group tour (and something you will NOT get booking on your own – more on that below). And keep in mind as well, that the activities and experiences that are part of your tour were likely booked as part of a group rate – meaning that you’d pay more doing the exact same thing on your own.
Myth #3: I won’t get that authentic experience I’m looking for on a group tour. One of the best things about group touring is the expert, local, and authentic guides and experiences that are included. When we toured the American Southwest canyons last year, one of our days was spent with a Navajo guide who shared some of the rich history of the Navajo Nation as we traveled to visit some off-the-beaten-path areas that were far from the main tourist spots. That same day we enjoyed some true Navajo dishes at a local eatery that was about as “non-touristy” as you could get. Many group tours include stays at boutique inns, dinners that specialize in farm-to-table dining, and cultural experiences that you won’t find on Trip Advisor. Yes, you’ll see the major sites as well, because if you’re visiting Italy for the first time, you’re going to want to see the Roman Coliseum and the canals in Venice. These sites are included because they’re important (I mean, I wouldn’t have booked our tour last year if it didn’t include the Grand Canyon). But – you’ll get background information, fascinating history, and details from those expert, local guides that you would never get on your own.
Myth #4: I won’t have time to myself to explore. Another popular myth that isn’t accurate. Most group tours build in free time for you to explore on your own and some, especially the smaller ones, may include quite a bit of free time. You’re not chained to every single thing the group does, so if you want some free time to yourself, chat with your tour director, because chances are it won’t be a problem!
When it comes to visiting those bucket-list destinations you’ve been dreaming of, it’s hard not to love how a group tour can provide you with the planning and experiences you’d never be able to do on your own!
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