Last week, I posted numbers 1 through 5 of successful group tour tips. Here are tips 6 through 10. Enjoy!
6. The group dynamic.
We had a diverse mix of travelers on our tour – Americans, Australians, Canadians, extroverts, introverts, experienced travelers, free spirits, partyers, you name it. Our biggest concern was how we would relate to other travelers on the tour. Fortunately, our tour had a meeting/mixer the first night for everyone to introduce themselves. For us, it was helpful in determining who we wanted to get to know better…or not.
7. Follow the leader.
Chances are, there will be people in your group who have done organized tours before, even if you haven’t. If you don’t know what’s expected, like when or if to tip a particular person (i.e., a local tour guide) and are too embarrassed to ask (I’m guilty of that), someone in your group probably does know what is customary. Watch what that person does and follow suit. It makes life easier.
8. You are paying your tour guide.
Ok, so it may be 6am and you’re more interested in sleeping on the bus than in listening to your guide enthusiastically describe some factoid about a ruin. But your tour guide is there to enrich your experience and is excited to impart his/her knowledge about the place you’re visiting - maybe because he or she is from that part of the country. So pay attention. You can sleep when you get home.
9. You are paying your tour guide… and so are the other travelers.
Your guide is there to enrich the experience of all group members. While it may be more important to you snap that photo, relay a story, or ask that question right then and there, other travelers may want to hear what the guide has to say.
10. Have fun!
While an organized group tour may not be your first choice, it can be the most suitable option when travelling to remote destinations, in instances when scheduling is difficult, when tickets are limited or complicated to get, or when you simply don’t have the time to dedicate to trip planning. As for us – how ever we decide to travel, my husband and I have figured out how to have fun - no matter what! After all, we’re on vacation! What could be better than that!?!
