Joining a guided tour comes with a lot of benefits. When you are in a foreign country, you want to work with a knowledgeable guide. Joining a tour is the only way you can reach places that are hard to access. There are plenty of tour companies. It makes it daunting to identify the best one. Below are tips to help you select the best tour company.
It is vital you choose a reputable tour company. You need to be sure that the tour company is accredited in the country you plan to travel to. Also, their guides should have licensing from the relevant institutions. Your safety should be guaranteed especially if you will be visiting areas that are remote or potentially dangerous.
Read online reviews from multiple companies to identify reliable ones. Avoid companies that have a lot of negative reviews. You should know in advance their target customers. It is important you talk with the tour company for you to know their usual participants. You can also check photos on their website and make an educated guess.
Backpacker crowd usually prefer guesthouses and hostels. Fancier accommodation is meant for older folks. You need to choose a tour company that focus on people who are likeminded for you to have the best experience. You will be travelling with these people for even weeks. You want people you can talk to and have fun.
Cost should be considered before choosing a tour company. Request for a breakdown of the cost. Check whether you will have to pay extra for solo traveling and the cost of hotels. Give consideration to the quality of accommodation, food and activities. Majority of tour companies usually don’t include admission fees to museums and parks. You need to know this information in advance.
A package tour can turn out to be more expensive than paying on your own. However, some companies negotiate high rates so that you can stay at great hotels for less than you would pay being an independent traveller. You need to know their cancellation policies. Make sure they can refunds your money in case you decide not to go.
Get to know the average group size. Groups usually range from 12 to 60 members. Big groups are ideal for those who enjoy meeting many people. If you are mindful of the environment, few people would be ideal. Make sure you choose a group that will not overwhelm or worse bore you.
Consider the expertise of the tour guides. They should be from the local area, have certification and speak the local language. It is helpful to check reviews of specific guides.