Picking a tour company that fits ‘just right’ is hard.
Really hard. For the most part, because it’s impossible to run a tour that
pleases all of the people all of the time.
But in the interests of an open discussion, here are some of
the things you should consider when choosing a tour company.
1. Group size
The first big decision. When you envision a ‘group tour’,
how many people do you see touring alongside you? Five? Ten? Twelve? The phrase
‘small group tour’ can be (and is) used to describe all of the above.
A small group is, on average, about 10 people. But it can
range up to 12 or 16 depending on the destination, and go as low as 1 (when the
departure has been guaranteed), but 10 is the norm. There are plenty of big tour operators like
Contiki and Trafalgar that prefer the en mass approach. For most, 8-16 is the
perfect number to fit into a local bistro, or catch a safari ride, or visit
Kruger National Park. To get that local edge.
2. Price
Price is often the first thing people compare when looking
at different tour companies, but it can be a little misleading. Because some
companies send people on huge tours of 30 or 40 travelers at a time, they can
secure bulk rates for their rooms and activities. So you might save some money
or so, but it could mean you’re getting a much less bespoke and personal
experience. Choosing a ‘cheap’ trip also increases the chance that your
experience may not be pleasing or pleasurable.
The thing to look for is value, not just price. Are there
lots of included meals? Does the company list the hotel for each night? If so,
check it on
TripAdvisor. Are there heaps of included activities? Do you get a
local guide? If the tour is ticking a lot of those boxes, it’s usually worth
paying a bit extra. Like anything else in life, you get what you pay for.
3. Itinerary
A lot of small group tours will share similar itineraries,
but there are companies out there that really make an effort to go that extra
step.
Generally speaking, you should look for an itinerary that
hits all the major highlights but that then includes a couple of left-of-centre
stops along the way. Ask anyone that’s done a bunch of small group tours: it’s
often the unexpected places, the ones you’d never even heard of before, that
end up being the most memorable. It’s just one of those things. Make sure to
read the online trip notes
thoroughly to help you make an informed decision, and if you have
questions…ask! Give the company a call
and check about the activities on certain days.
4. Local leaders
The approach of having local leaders has a few advantages.
One, you get cool local knowledge on-tap. Two, it keeps money in local pockets
and contributes to local employment. Three, the whole experience of travel becomes
so much richer.
If local leaders are important to you, do your research. Brands like Inkosi
Tours and Transfers use local leaders on all their tours, and
they’re specifically trained in first aid and vehicle maintenance. Not all of
the industry can say the same. Try to find companies that don’t just employ
local leaders, but look after them too. There are too many examples in the
industry of local guides being paid poorly and receiving no training, just so a
company can slap the word ‘local’ on their marketing material. Not cool.
5. Online reviews
Always a great way to check the value of anything. Read what
people are saying as much as possible. A website includes a bunch of reviews on
every trip, but if you want to check an external source, try TripAdvisor, to
mention a few. You can compare brands, see what people are saying, and make up
your own mind. Another excellent source of reviews is social media.
Check a
brand’s hashtag
on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter and see
what travelers are saying on the ground, in real time. You can get a feel for
the style of the trip, the number of people, the standard of accommodation.
There’s nothing better than public validation to put your mind at ease.
6. General 'feeling'
Some people like cruise ships and big bus tours. Some
travelers prefer seven swimming pools, marble bench tops, and a fully stocked
minibar. You’ve got to find a company
that you gel with.
Whose vibe feels right? The quickest way to work this out? Go on the website.
Read the blog. See how the tour company speaks and how they act. Do they have a
good responsible travel policy? Is that something you care about? Do they look
fun, or a bit boring? Do their itineraries feel generic, or are they pushing
boundaries? And you know what, it may take a few tries before you find a small
group tour company that fits you ‘just right’. But when you do, it’s a good
feeling, and you’ll know the search was worth it.
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