What to Ask in Choosing a Tour CompanyPosted by Sahin Mendez on May 13th, 2021 In an industry where there's no such thing as 'try before you buy', it could be difficult to know the place to start to find a tour company that will deliver the experience you need and make the most of your hard-earned vacation dollar. Here are a few key questions to ask in helping you make your decision. 1. How long has the tour company experienced business? Tourism could be a mercurial business, subject to the whims of economic downturn, international incident, pandemic scares, and, seemingly, the price of milk. Choose a company with a history it is possible to trust-one that has shown the opportunity to ride the wave of global circumstance. Tour companies with longevity likewise have a deep knowledge well to draw from, have negotiating clout making use of their providers, and have had the experience to fine-tune their systems and deliver their product efficiently. 2. Where will be the tour company and its guides based? There's nothing like an adventure travel company that thinks globally, but is based locally in the country you are going to visit. With a company based locally, with local guides, you're more likely to tap into a provider which has its finger on the pulse of what's new and interesting and that actively engages with the culture. Having an internationally presence, aswell, with staff or agents based in your home country, helps to ensure that the company knows your customer service expectations and its guides can provide interpretation for the inevitable cultural nuances that arise. 3. What is the utmost tour size? Tour size impacts your capability to engage authentically in the culture of the country where you're travelling. While people's travel preferences vary, in the adventure travel arena small group tours are ideal for those who just like the sense of freedom, adventure and discretion that independent travel offers with the benefits of leaving the logistics to another person. Particularly in less populated countries like New Zealand, tour accommodation in a few of the best locations is available to small sets of twelve or less, leaving larger groups to select itineraries based on logistics instead of optimum experience. 4. Does the tour company run its own tours or subcontract to someone else? Unbeknownst to many, it is not uncommon for tour companies to outsource the running of their trips to subcontractors. A lot of planning and communication is required in running a quality trip and it is important to know who's in charge of your experience. We've all played the whispers game and know it generally does not take long before the original message gets well lost in translation. Choose a company that is in control of administering your trip from start to finish. 5. What support systems come in place? From check here of your deposit to packing lists to the guide's medical and driver training, find out what systems the company has set up to ensure smooth handling of your tour. Ensure you have a primary contact person at the tour company who knows your trip as well as your needs. 6. What is the business culture? This is often a hard thing to define, but why is a tour company great are occasionally those undefinables-the items that infuse a trip with fun and a feeling of group identity. One of the better ways to obtain a sense of company culture would be to ask for references of these who've been on tour. Web-based travel forums like those on TripAdvisor.com and Frommers.com may also provide insight, but it is wise to also seek advice first hand to ascertain if the person offering opinions has similar priorities to your own. 7. How does the company build up against others in the value-for-money stakes? Here, the main element word is value. Don't choose a tour company in line with the cheapest trip available, nor assume that more costly means, well, more. Concentrate on the quality of the experience on offer. Just how much 'fun factor' is built into the cost of the trip-which advertised activities are included in the price and which are actually optional add-ons? What is the grade of the tour accommodation? You may prefer to put your cash into a five-star bed, or you might only want a clean, comfortable place to lay your head in between adventures. What meals are included and how are they delivered-a la carte? Set menu? Cardboard box? When you compare companies, choose based on what's most important for you and on the potential take-home value of the knowledge. In the end, the expense of a life-enriching, quality travel experience is priceless.Like it? Share it! More by this author |