What The Brochures Don't Tell YouWhen choosing a package tour, remember this axiom: You get what you pay for. Tours fall into three broad categories: budget, middle-market and deluxe. A knowledgeable travel agent can familiarize you with different operators and their target markets. But you should first determine some basic wants. A traveler interested in getting an in-depth look at a particular region, for example, shouldn't be riding the same bus as the vacationer whose goal is filling his passport with as many stamps as possible.
Other factors to consider: Where are the hotels located? On budget tours, hotels tend to be away from city centers and attractions, which means more time spent on the bus and less at the destination. You'll also have less freedom to explore independently if you're staying out in the boonies. Naturally, the pricier the tour, the better the hotels. What's included? Generally, higher-priced tours include more activities in the base price. Budget itineraries offer more optional tours and aren't necessarily the best value if you end up signing on for lots of extra activities. For example, Insight's 11-day European Breakaway tour costs $ 128 a day, compared with $ 85.50 for a similar budget tour. The extra $ 42.50 per diem will get you better hotels, an additional dinner and a number of tours that are optional in the operator's budget version. What about meals? Deluxe tours include more meals and allow greater menu choice. On lower-cost tours, meals, when included, are likely to be buffets or set menus. How fast is the pace? If you aren't a morning person, you won't be happy with an itinerary that necessitates 6 a.m. wake-up calls. Similarly, if you value some degree of independence, choose a tour that builds in free time. |