Group tours are one of the best ways to visit a new city, and they aren’t just for solo travelers. There is a vast array of group tours available to fit all lifestyles and personalities. You can take a walking tour of NYC or a 10-day group tour around the ruins of Mexico.  There are traditional “snap-shot” group bus tours where you visit all of the big landmarks and tours that allow tourists free time to do as they wish. This variety coupled with stress-free itineraries and the chance to create some new, life-long friendships make group tours an exceedingly popular traveling choice.

BENEFITS OF TAKING A GROUP TOUR

1.) Meet some new friends – Whether you’re traveling alone or in a small group yourself, you are bound to strike up conversations with your fellow tour-mates as you share these new experiences together. You also gain the advantage of culture by talking to the diverse population that join group tours. And everyone knows that the best vacations are those where you come home with some new friends!

2.) Less planning – Not everyone is a Type A personality who is great with planning. Putting together an itinerary when you’re unfamiliar with an area can also be stressful. A group tour is the perfect solution! Allow those who know the area (and all of its best kept secrets,) to plan the perfect trip free from lost wanderings and disappointments.

3.) Learn about the area – If you strike out on your own, you are liable to miss the best part of visiting new places: the history and culture! A good group tour guide not only imparts knowledge that only a local guide could, but also enlightens (and often entertains,) the tourists.

4.) Offers a safer option for solo travelers – When traveling alone, safety is often a concern. But, there’s safety in numbers and group tours are perfect for this! If someone goes missing on a group tour, it’s immediately recognized and group tours stick to only the safest parts of tourist destinations so your safety is ensured.

TIPS FOR BOOKING

1.) Choose the right tour – Once you’ve chosen your destination, try to narrow down the type of tour you’d like to experience. Do you want a small group or a large group? Are you active or would you prefer a bus tour just to see the sights? Do you want a singles tour, or an age-specific tour? There is a myriad of different choices available and you’ll want to find the one that is best for your style. Once you’ve found a few, be sure to read the available reviews to get an idea of what other travelers experienced.

2.) Snag a local guide – Local guides are truly the best guides available to get a truly authentic tour experience. Not only do they know the history and culture of the area, they also know all of its best spots! Another advantage is that local guides can be spur-of-the-moment if the tour experiences a hitch due to their familiarity with the locale. They also have a reputation for having the best stories and tend to be the most entertaining, too, which is always great for enjoying a tour.

3.) Research itineraries – Some itineraries barely give you time to breathe, and others are so loosely guided that you’re almost on your own for the majority of tour. You’ll want to find the one that strikes the perfect balance for you, so carefully research the itinerary offered for your tour. Times allotted for each specific activity should be outlined, as well as travel time to each location and “down-time.”

4.) Read the fine print – As with most things in life, do your due diligence: Always read the fine print before booking any tour. Research what is included with your tour cost and what you’ll have to pay for out of pocket. Double check that against the price if you were to sight-see on your own to gauge if it’s even a fair deal. Find out if anything is required (or prohibited) so you’re not caught off guard. Try to find out if your tour is eco-friendly and if it’s contributing to the local economy. And don’t forget to read those reviews to check on the actual quality of the tour and the experience it provides.