When exploring a new place, a knowledgeable guide can help to make your trip more special. Here are some tips for selecting a tour company that is the right fit for you.
What are customers saying?
Every business has to start somewhere, but it doesn’t need to be with your vacation. If a tour company has few or no online reviews, take them off your list.
Research established companies with a critical eye. Do previous customers love the things that are most important to you? Do the complaints seem valid, and are they about services or features that could impact your trip?
Check the company name through Google News
Use Google News to search local newspapers, websites and blogs for stories about the tour companies you’re interested in. For the most part, no news is good news, but a search can reveal both positive and negative stories in any language.
Check their vibe
Tour companies tend to cater to specific niches, or if they are a larger company, offer different types of tours to cater to different interests. Think about if you want an adventurous, business-like or casual experience to narrow down your choices.
Research the prices
It is important to determine if using a tour company is actually worth it. If you are going to a new country where you do not speak the language, paying a tour guide will probably be well worth it. But if you are already well traveled, speak the local language or are simply feeling adventurous, it may be much more affordable to pave your own way.
Be realistic
If there have ten things you want to see, but no company offers a tour with more than five in a day, you might be disappointed. However, an experienced tour operator will be coordinating travel times, opening and closing hours and what there is to do at each stop. Trust this, and you’ll be able to appreciate the sights and experiences without rushing.
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