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Group tours aren’t for everyone, but chances are if you look hard enough you’ll find what looks like the ‘perfect An’.
It could very well be: just don’t book anything until you’ve solved all the potential problem areas.
Because these common group travel mistakes can make or break your trip holiday.
Not budgeting enough
It’s all too easy to get carried away by a great price, but remember that group tours are rarely all-inclusive. In most cases, accommodation as well as some meals and entrance fees are included, but you will need to pay for plenty of lunches, dinners, attractions and additional excursions. Be sure to read the itinerary carefully before booking and add up all the exclusions until you arrive at your ‘real figure’.
Assuming destinations are close to each other
Don’t bet on hopping, jumping and jumping between cities; many tours may require long drives, sometimes six to eight hours long. If the itinerary doesn’t list distances or time between destinations, check out Google Maps to get an idea of how long you’re expected to spend on the road during each leg of the tour.
Assuming you have enough free time
Just as there are group tours for cyclists, foodies and families with teenagers, there are tours with lots of activities as well as flexible tours with plenty of free time. Have you come across a route that you are interested in? See if a competitor has something similar and check how much free time the participants in each competition get before deciding which one seems the most natural fit for you.
Assuming you have your own room
If you’re traveling alone, you often have the option of paying a single supplement to get a private room. However, if you opt out, you will be paired with another group participant of the same gender and forced to share a room for the duration of the tour. Proceed with caution.
The comfort level is not monitored
Some people like to roll out a swag or stay in a simple guest house, while others prefer a glass of food. Before booking a tour, ask yourself what your minimum comfort requirement is, as tours are made (and priced) around these models. For example, Intrepid Travel offers travel styles that range from Basic and Original to Comfort and Premium.
Not taking the weather into account
An email has been received from the tour operator stating a huge price drop. If the deal suddenly seems too good to be true, check out what’s happening in that particular destination (smartraveller.gov.au is an excellent first step) and also what the weather will be like at that time of year. For example, tours that fall in the middle of the monsoon season will be priced lower than tours that depart in perfect conditions.
Forgot to check reviews
The copy sounds nice and the photos look great, but what do past guests say about the tour? While reviews can usually be found on each operator’s site, you should also check TripAdvisor and Google Reviews. This is the best way to get an idea of what worked and what didn’t.
Assuming you are on a small group tour with like-minded people
Fun fact: some tours average eight to twelve people, while others have 24, 48 or more. Obviously the size of your group will affect your experience, but so will the demographics of your fellow travelers. If you’re not sure who the tour company’s target audience is, call them and ask. Please note that many tour operators organize specific trips tailored to certain age groups.
Arrive on the day the tour starts
Hey, it’s not like you have endless annual vacation days under your belt, so why arrive earlier than you should? The last thing you want is to miss a connecting flight or experience any other form of delay that could cause you to miss the first or two of the tour you paid for. Try to arrive no later than the day before and also give yourself some extra free time at the end – just in case.
Forgot your hosts
You wouldn’t dream of coming to a friend’s house for dinner without a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates to say thank you, so why do that on vacation? If your specific tour includes an experience where you dine at someone’s home, for example, make sure you bring a small gift. Something with a uniquely Australian flavour, like a pack of TimTams, is always received with gratitude.
Forgot to withdraw money
You don’t want to be the person who has to collect change from everyone else on the bus every time you come across a street vendor with an extensive selection of souvenirs or snacks. Make sure you have local currency with you at all times and you are good to go.
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