What's your impression of an escorted tour? Hundreds of people cramped on a coach, whistle-stop tours of destinations with 5 minutes at each attraction, no time to take a snap (never mind a pee), and geeky guides with bad breath who bore the pants off you?
If so, then you've either been on the wrong tours (and they have moved onwards somewhat from days of old), or you've never tried one. With such a huge range of updated, upmarket and premium tour companies catering for all kinds of people - and many with strict stipulations on the maximum numbers for one tour - you'll find that if the match is right for you, then you could end up being addicted to this way of holidaying.
Once is not enough!
According to a new survey from travel trade organisation TTG, 98.8% of people who try an escorted tour for the first time end up booking again because their experience is so rich. Now, slap my wrist if you think my maths is a bit skewey, but I'd say that's a very high percentage of folk.
Tours are especially wonderful for a first-time experience in a new destination - they allow you to see and do potentially quite a lot more than you might manage alone, and also learn much more. You are in a safe environment, have the benefit and fun of socialising with others, can access expert knowledge from leading guides, and you don't have to worry about missed train departures or worry about driving in a foreign country.
You can experience many things
Neither are escorted tours for 'scared' people. Many customers who choose escorted tours simply appreciate the fact that they can be with other like-minded individuals, and that they don't have to get stressed with planning. As well, many tours can be combined within a wider holiday experience - so you might meet a group in your destination and participate in a land-only tour, rather than fly out with the group. Or do a tour then stay at your destination to explore alone for a few extra days.
The tour companies of today can offer the full gamut of experiences: luxury and unique boutique hotels with premium travel, exciting activity and adventure trips, wildlife discoveries, local and authentic experiences, groups catering more for the young and funky, groups that older, adventurous people will appreciate being part of, pioneering holidays in less-travelled destinations, or touring by rail for those who like to travel this way.
For example, adventure tour company Explore! offer anything from alpine treks to safari camp-outs, a far cry from the stereotypes of 'coach trips', whereas renowned specialist in touring holidays in Australia, New Zealand and Canada and Alaska, Australian Pacific Touring, allow customers a unique possibility of tailor-making their touring and dining options at no extra cost.
Flexibility and choice
A lot of tours also build in flexibility, allowing optional excursions or free time, your own choice for dining experiences, or a combination of travelling modes or activities.
Honestly, gone are the days when an escorted tour (unless you make a very uninformed choice!) means a coach trip to Blackpool with a hoard of blue rinses and very few eyes open. Adventure, luxury, freedom, choice, experience, and expert knowledge are the variables which make up today's escorted tour holidays.
Andrea Wren
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