For most people, the best part of going on vacation is the spontaneity that comes with being away from home. For a handful of people, having an unscheduled vacation is too chaotic and it makes it hard for them to enjoy it. That is where guided vacations or tours, (also known as escorted tours) are a great option.
However, guided vacations are not for everyone. You’ll be on a specific schedule of stops and stays, and you’ll be traveling with a small group of strangers. However, if you are traveling solo, or you’re a couple that enjoys meeting new people, these guided vacations offer the opportunity to meet other like minded travelers and make new friends.
Read on to learn more about guided vacations and if booking one for your next getaway is right for you.
What is a Guided Vacation?
These trips are generally an all-inclusive group travel experience led by a guide and will follow a specific itinerary. There are even options for guided tours that cater to every age, length of travel, and budget.
When you book a guided vacation, you’re letting your travel specialist organize your stay in one of a kind hotels, often including other amenities like meals, activities, and unique cultural experiences. You’ll be paired with a trusted tour guide to show you around the area and educate you about the destination’s culture, food, history, geology, and its people. Some of the most magical discoveries are found on these tours when you’re shown the hidden gems and favorite places of those who live in the community.
5 Benefits of a Guided Vacation
There are a few things that you can expect when you are vacationing with a dedicated tour guide on a guided vacation. Our top 5 picks as to why you should consider one for your next vacation are below.
1. Stress-Free Lodging and Food
No more sifting through tons of hotels wondering if you booked a decent place, or if it’s in the location you desire. With a guided vacation, all of the guesswork is taken care of, because everything is already pre-planned. Hotels are also selected to be in the most convenient and desirable areas.
Most of the hotels that you will stay in are four-star resorts or higher, and most have meals, and sometimes other activities included as part of the deal. Some tours include all of your meals, while others may only include breakfast. Your travel specialist will make sure you know exactly what you’re getting before you book.
2. Knowledgeable Guides
You don’t get a job as a tour guide without knowing more than your fair share of information about the subject of the tour. That’s why doing a guided vacation gives you that extra experience you won’t get on your own. Plus, as you get to know them on your tour, they’ll share little gems of information you won’t find on any travel website.
Guided vacations are a great way to sit back, absorb the area you are in and allow someone else to tell you all about it.
3. One of a Kind Memories
With a guided vacation, you’ll get to experience some one of a kind experiences. Whether you’re interested in immersing yourself into the local culture and food, or observe animals in their natural habitat, or stare at nature’s wonders, your travel specialist will customize a perfect memory-making trip for you and your family.
Each destination offers different experiences. Your travel agent can go over all of the details with you to make sure you get the experience you’re looking for.
4. Worry-Free Transport
When you book a guided vacation, every detail is taken care of, including transportation.
Between your arrival and departure at the airport, traveling to and from your hotels for activities, as well as transportation to scenic areas, it’s all included. With your hotels already arranged and your transportation in hand, you’ll be able to focus on the wonders around you instead of worrying how you’re going to get from point A to point B.
5. Reasonably Paced Exploration
The understanding that most people have about guided vacations is that you will have every day filled with things to do and see and you won’t get any down time. However, that’s not true. Many tours offer you free time between activities, or after an activity, or even a free day or two to do any shopping and exploring outside of the schedule at your leisure. The best part about booking a guided vacation is that you know the exact itinerary for each day BEFORE you even book it. Therefore, you can gauge if it will work for you or not before you book it.
What Are You Waiting For?
The best way to get a reputable guided tour company is by booking your vacation with a travel specialist. You definitely don’t want to skip this step and end up with a disaster or a shady company. Rebecca of Wanderland Escapes is a specialist in several regions and knows from personal experience some of the best tours and adventures in Alaska, Canada, Panama, Costa Rica, National Parks, and many other areas.
Take the pressure off your shoulders, and let Wanderland Escapes take care of building your dream tour. Let us know what kind of experience you’re looking for, and we’ll help you build the adventure of a lifetime.
