escorted tour definition

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What Is an Escorted Tour?

An escorted tour, also known as a group tour, is a type of travel experience in which tourists are escorted by a professional guide during their travels. In many cases, an escorted tour consists of a large group of travelers who usually make use of a large motor coach for transportation between locations. The cost of a group tour usually includes many travel-related expenses, including accommodations, admittance fees for attractions, and all or some meals. While some people regard this type of travel as restrictive, it can be a good option for people traveling in areas of the world that are considered to be dangerous for lone travelers or that have limited facilities for tourism. Some escorted tours focus on particular themes, such as eco-tourism or visiting sites that are pertinent to certain historical periods, while others are more general in nature.

Single travelers as well as couples and groups of friends may appreciate the convenience and camaraderie of an escorted tour, particularly if they are new to traveling or are concerned about their safety in an unfamiliar country. One major advantage of taking an escorted tour is that travelers are provided with an itinerary and most of their activities and needs during the trip are prearranged. This can allow the traveler to enjoy sightseeing without being concerned about booking accommodations, selecting restaurants, or getting to his next destination. Disadvantages of taking an escorted tour include a lack of freedom and independence, as travelers will only be able to visit the locations selected by the tour company. In addition, it is possible that a traveler may dislike other members of the tour group or even the tour guide himself, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Travelers who wish to book an escorted tour should look to a reputable travel agent about their choice of tour or thoroughly research recommendations on online travel ratings sites. In many cases, travelers are expected to prepay for their tour at the time of booking, so they may wish to purchase travel insurance that can cover their losses if they must cancel their trip. It is also crucial for travel consumers to verify exactly which expenses are covered by their escorted tour fee. In some cases, a traveler may be expected to pay for transportation to and from a tour bus terminal or pay extra for gratuities. Travelers should also make sure that they understand the tour's meal plan, as some tour companies expect travelers to cover their own lunches as well as alcohol purchases during the trip.

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Post your comments.

• By: Robert Wilson Escorted tours will typically travel by motor coach.
• By: Andres Rodriguez A group of friends may appreciate the convenience of an escorted tour.
• By: elesi Escorted tours might provide greater background information about historical sites.
• By: CedarchisCociredeF Escorted tours might highlight lesser know festivals.
• By: Maya Kruchancova Escorted tours may feature popular clubs and bars.

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What is An Escorted Tour & Their Benefits?

Escorted tours are becoming an increasingly popular way to travel, especially for those who are keen to visit a destination but don’t enjoy planning the logistics. But what exactly does an escorted tour involve? As escorted tour specialists, we’ll explain how this immersive way of travelling works, and also dispel some of the myths about escorted tours which simply aren’t true.

The origins of the escorted tour

Thomas Cook , a name ubiquitous in the UK travel industry today, led 130 intrepid travellers on the very first escorted tour in the summer of 1863 . This two-week tour involved sailing across the English Channel and making their way across France to the Swiss Alps, where the travellers climbed up glaciers, still in Victorian dress, and rode mules over ravines.

With faster methods of travel and a much larger tourism industry, the escorted tour today has come a long way since its origins .

A carefully planned and chosen itinerary

The main selling point of an escorted tour is that your entire trip is arranged for you, perfect for those who don’t want to spend hours booking flights, hotels and activities. From your departure from the UK to your return, every aspect of your holiday is taken care of, so all you need to do is pack your bags and show up at the airport.

Each escorted tour often covers an entire country, with the itinerary including time for travelling between various cities and destinations. Escorted tours are therefore perfect for large countries such as Australia , China , India and New Zealand , where the country’s highlights and top destinations can be spread out hundreds of miles apart. You may spend multiple days in the same destination, with some days planned out for you with activities included in the price, and other days (which we call ‘Freedom Days’) free to spend as you wish. Hotels, breakfasts and often evening meals are also planned out for you as part of the package.

Arranged and accompanied by experts

Another plus of choosing an escorted tour is that all of the items in your holiday itinerary will have been tried, tested and approved by experts . Rather than spending hours finding the perfect hotel or excursion and trawling through TripAdvisor reviews, you can simply choose an escorted tour for the country or countries you’d like to visit, safe in the knowledge it’s been put together by someone who knows the entire experience inside out.

This reassurance also extends to the tour itself, as you’ll be accompanied by a tour manager throughout your trip . Tour managers have had years of training and experience of the country you’re in, and are there to ensure that every aspect of your holiday runs smoothly, as well as to share their wealth of knowledge on what to do and where to eat and drink in the local area.

Why take an escorted tour?

The first reason why you may wish to take an escorted tour is one we’ve touched upon already: they minimise the hassle of travelling . With all of the best bits of a country picked out for you and compiled into one special itinerary, all you need to do is choose your tour, pack your bags and get to the airport! With a tour manager on hand, you can relax during your tour too, meaning you don’t need to get stressed about travelling between your various destinations.

Escorted tours also help to relieve any anxieties travellers may have about visiting foreign countries , especially those where they don’t speak the local language. It’s not just the language that can make things difficult – navigating the public transport systems in other countries can also be a worry. Fortunately on an escorted tour, a tour manager is always on hand to make sure you get where you need to be, and may also be able to help you overcome any language barriers.

For more intrepid travellers, escorted tours can also be a great way to experience the road less travelled . Many tour operators now offer escorted tours in lesser-visited countries and destinations – a great way to see somewhere totally different (and perhaps not safe to travel in alone/as a couple) while still remaining in safe hands.

Finally, escorted tours may be a great option for single travellers . They can not only travel more safely as part of a group, but also meet new friends to share their travels with. Some escorted tours accommodate for single travellers at no extra cost, while others may add a small extra charge.

Dispelling the myths of escorted tours

Escorted tours are just one long coach trip.

While some UK and Western Europe tours may be carried out by coach, escorted tours with longer distances between destinations often include quicker, and more scenic, methods of travel. Coaches may be used for places just a couple of hours apart, but domestic flights are also included to get you from place to place quicker. Scenic railways may also form part of your tour, such as the TranzAlpine in New Zealand , and for travelling from the south to the north of Australia, there’s no more spectacular way than on the incredible Ghan railway .

Escorted tours are expensive

Because everything is included all in one package, people often dismiss escorted tours as incredibly expensive. However, part of the reason for this is that you are paying for the vast majority of your holiday upfront, whereas on a regular holiday you may not pay for eating out and activities until you arrive. As escorted tour operators often regularly arrange holidays for large groups, they are also often able to arrange hotels, transport and entry to attractions at a cheaper rate.

There isn’t enough time to explore

Many escorted tours last two, three or even four weeks at a time purely because they like to give you plenty of time in each of the destinations you’ll be visiting, so you can really soak up everything about the country you’re visiting and explore at a leisurely pace. You’ll often spend two, three or four nights in each town or city, depending on how much there is to see and do in the local area.

Escorted tours have no flexibility

Flexibility and the ability to customise your experience are both things that are becoming more and more common in escorted tours. This starts with getting to and from your destination; these days you often have a choice of UK airports you can fly from, rather just the one, and if you are flying long-haul, a choice of cities for a stopover . While the travelling between each destination and the time you spend there are normally fairly fixed, what you do while you’re there isn’t. Some experiences are included in the price of your tour, while others are completely optional, meaning if you don’t wish to do them you can spend the day how you please.

Discover our escorted tours

We hope you agree that an escorted tour sounds like a brilliant way to discover some of the world’s most fascinating countries! If you’re intrigued to find out more about where you can go on an escorted tour, take a look at our choice of escorted tours across Asia, South Africa and Australasia – there is bound to be a perfect tour for you.

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Find out about escorted touring

When planning your next holiday, the choice of destinations alone can be overwhelming. Then you have to decide whether you want to go on a cruise or a tour, or go it alone to make the most of your trip. We’ve already discussed destination choices in several of our blog posts. So, in this post, we’ll look at the second part and consider one of our favourite types of holidays –  escorted tours. What is an escorted tour and why should you go on one?

What is an Escorted Tour?

On an escorted tour, a guide will show you and a group of other travellers around various sites in your chosen destination. This might be a city like the bustling metropolis of Rome, a country such as serene Sri Lanka or a themed tour of several different cities and countries, such as bird watching in central America.

Why might you choose an Escorted Tour?

You might choose an escorted tour for many reasons. Firstly, escorted tours typically cover many aspects of organising a holiday which you otherwise might need to take care of yourself – transport, accommodation, flights and transfers, some meals, activities and more. This means that you can spend less time worrying about your trip and more time enjoying it.

Of course, having an expert guide is also a big boon for many travellers, particularly if you’ve never visited an area yourself, or don’t speak the language. Even if you’ve visited before, having a local show you around can mean uncovering secrets that had previously eluded you.

Furthermore, by touring as part of a group, you are typically able to see a wider variety of sites, particularly when crossing numerous borders. As itineraries are planned by experts, all the details are optimised to help you get the most out of every experience.

What are the benefits of choosing a Jules Verne Escorted Tour?

There are certain areas where Jules Verne stands head and shoulders above others who offer escorted tours. The Jules Verne difference means a commitment to providing all of our clients with small, intimate group sizes, as well as experienced, English-speaking local guides.

With nearly 40 years of experience providing tours around the world, we create unique and inspiring itineraries across a range of themes. Our variety of themes is wide, but the consistent thread of history and culture runs through all our escorted tours. These exciting itineraries are supplemented by events that are exclusive to Jules Verne, such as special ceremonies, meals or performances.

We are also committed to making your tour personal to you. Whether you choose independent arrivals or take advantage of our extensions, we can help you craft your perfect holiday. We also offer no single supplement on many of our tours for those travelling alone, meaning they can fully enjoy their trip too.

Last, and by no means least, we’re fully bonded, so you can enjoy your break with peace of mind. We also offer a price guarantee, so you will only pay what is quoted when you book, even if our prices increase.

• Tips for Travellers

Escorted Tours. The Pros, Cons and Who They are Best Suited For.

by Gary Bembridge · June 3, 2016

What exactly is an Escorted Tour? What are the pros and cons, and who are they most suited for? These were some of the questions that came to mind when I was invited to go on one by Titan Travel to Florida . As I had never been on one, I welcomed the chance to find out more about Escorted Travelling – and answering those questions. This is what I discovered.

Direction Sign in Key West Florida. Saw on my Escorted Tour of Florida

What is an escorted tour?

A Tour Manager hosts the tour, from start to end. They fly out and stay with the group at every step, handling all aspects of the trip once there. Flights, hotels, transfers to and from the airport, transportation around the destination (usually by coach), sightseeing and entrance fees are covered within the fare. Meals may be included in the price, but differ by trip.

Escorted tours pack as much as possible into the itinerary, and so tend to be intense and busy. They may only spend one or two nights in each hotel.

Is an escorted tour and guided tour the same thing?

They are similar but a Guided Tour uses a local representative who meets the group on arrival. While they provide guidance, support and handle local arrangements, they may not travel with, stay at the hotels or join every excursion and activity. The itineraries tend to have more free time and optional sightseeing opportunities.

Air Boat Ride in the Everglades. Excursions included in my Escorted Tour of Florida

What are the main pros of an Escorted Tour?

• Removes hassle: Removes the hassle of planning your vacation. The tour company sets the itinerary, arranges and books flights, hotels, transfers, ground transportation, excursions and entrance to attractions.
• See more : Likely you will see more than if you did it self-touring as they know, and have found, the most efficient way to cover the destination.
• Reduces risk : The tours are constantly fine tuned and adapted, based on feedback from earlier customers and tour managers, to make sure all aspects meet the needs and preferences of their target traveller. There is less risk that you waste time visiting sights or staying in hotels that do not meet your needs – if you chose the right tour company for your travel tastes.
• Guiding hand all the way : A Tour Manager, who knows the destination and speaks the language, accompanies the trip, They provide commentary on the destinations, make recommendations, give tips and advice, take care of all arrangements along the way and deal with any problems or issues that may arise.
• Transparent budgeting : Budgeting for your vacation is easier and more transparent; as the fare you pay will cover all or most costs. Any exclusions are made clear, the most common being meals. For example, on my tour of Florida no meals were included, except one sunset cruise dinner on the last night.
• Cheaper : They may be cheaper than independently booking a similar itinerary, as they have the benefit of negotiating group rates.
• Safety and Security : The Tour Manager and fellow guests are always around to help, look out for each other and keep you company. This makes escorted touring appealing to solo, nervous or any traveller that does not want to navigate a foreign country, language and customs on their own. They are also useful for exploring countries with security, political and crime issues or where the tourist infrastructure is under developed, as the company will have considered and have expertise in handling these.

Alligator in the Everglades. Saw on my included excursions on my Escorted Tour of Florida

What are the main downsides of Escorted Tours?

• Inflexible : No flexibility or customisation of elements of the itinerary, hotels, excursions or other arrangements is possible. You have to stick to the fixed schedule, sightseeing, hotels and restaurants packaged into the trip.
• Pace : The pace is intense and often includes early starts, long commutes between destinations and only one or two nights in any one hotel to make sure as much of the destination is visited.
• Tour Manager dependent : Reliant on the quality of the Tour Manager, which you won’t know until the tour starts.
• Fellow travellers : If you don’t get on with the people on the tour you are stuck with them.
• First-time traveller focused : Not as suitable for repeat visitors to a destination as they focus on the must-see highlights (which most will have seen on previous visits).
• Upfront payment : You have to pay the full cost of your trip before you leave. Usually many weeks before departure date, and there are likely to be strict cancellation penalties.

Who is an Escorted Tour best suited for?

In my view, it is less about age and more about how people like to travel. Although in practice these attitudes tend to also be shared by, and often attract, an older demographic.

I believe Escorted Tours are suitable for travellers who meet some or all these criteria:

• Are visiting a region for the first time . If you have been to a destination before it is likely an Escorted Tour will visit many of the sights you have seen. They tend to focus on the must-see and highlights, which makes them ideal for first-timers.
• Want to cut the hassle and uncertainty of visiting a new destination . Escorted tours remove the need to research the history, background, sights, places to stay, transportation and where to eat. They also remove the need to make any of your own arrangements.
• Want certainty on cost of their vacation and have paid for it before they go . As all the costs are bundled into the fare you will know the total cost (and pay for it) before the trip starts. If there are any costs not covered, like meals and gratuities, you will know these in advance and be able to bring the right amount of money with you, use your credit or a pre-paid currency card.
• Want the security, reassurance and support of a destination-knowledgeable guiding hand at every step of the journey . The Tour Managers are experts in the destination and speak the language, and so are well equipped to show travellers around, tell them what they need to know, where to go and how to make the most of their time there.
• Do not want to explore a destination by themselves . They suit travellers that do not want to visit a country by themselves, and prefer being surrounded by and meeting people.
• Do not have the time to plan the details of their vacation. They suit people who know the destination they want to visit but do not have the time to properly plan and book elements of their trip. Escorted tours have packaged it all up for them. The only decision is where to go and with which company.

Miami South Beach. Saw on my Escorted Tour of Florida

What questions should you ask when choosing an Escorted Tour?

If the above has convinced you that an Escorted Tour is for you, then these are the questions I suggest you ask when making your choice:

• What type (and age) of people will be on this company’s tour? Review the brochure, website and company’s social media accounts (especially Facebook and YouTube) to see who they are targeting and what sort of people appear in their marketing materials. I also recommend reading reviews left on sites like TripAdvisor.com, travel blogs and by searching for reviews on Google. If unsure send a message to reviewers to check what sort of people were on their trip. This is a feature that TripAdvisor enables on most reviewers’ reviews.
• How many people will be in the group? The smaller the group the more time the Tour Manager has to spend with people and fine tune the commentary, adding in other side activities or diversions that the group wants.
• What is the reputation and ratings of the Tour Company? Check what other travellers are saying about the company’s tours. Looking at their Tripadvisor.com reviews is a good place to start. Many will also have reviews on their site but they may be selectively chosen so go to other review sites such as TrustPilot.com and Revoo.com . Do a search on Google for reviews of the company (e.g. if considering travelling with Titan Travel to Florida search “Titan Travel Florida Reviews”).
• How much of the tour’s itinerary have I visited or seen before? Is there enough that will be new and interesting to me? As mentioned before, many escorted tours suit first-time visitors to a destination and so spend time reviewing the itinerary to understand what you will be seeing and how much time will be spent at each. Some sights may just be driving through or photo opportunity only.
• What is not covered in the fare? I recommend especially checking what meals are included and how many optional excursions there are. These can add a sizeable amount to the overall cost of your vacation. You need to understand these if price comparing different companies to compare overall cost for all aspects. I suggest calculating a cost for the trip by the time you get home for each. For example, Titan Travel includes transfers to and from your home and airport and so when looking at another tour provider you need to add that. Finally factor in gratuities for the Tour Manager, driver and local providers based on the custom in the destination (e.g. In the United States tipping is expected for almost every service, with waiters looking for between 15% and 18% minimum).
• How much time will be spent on a coach or travelling between destinations versus sight seeing? It is unlikely they will tell you, but I use Google Maps and put in the places travelled from and to which gives the mileage and a good estimate on how long it will take. For example, I could tell that there would be around four hours of bus travel everyday on the tour before I left.
• What are the hotels I will be staying in like, and where are they located? Again TripAdvisor.com is the easiest to use. Make sure the hotels meet your needs and quality standards (e.g. If you like to work out if they have a fitness centre, if you only like boutique hotels over resort-style ones). Also check how central they are to allow self-exploring or being able to find restaurants in the evening so you can avoid expensive hotel restaurants and try local cuisine.
• What do I need to pack and take? Prepare to live out of a suitcase, as you will probably spend at most two nights in any one hotel and pack accordingly. Check what other items you need to cover a variety of weather like sunscreen, insect repellent, cold snaps (or vigorous air conditioning on the coach) and rain. Ensure you have packed the right footwear for the different activities and terrain you will experience.

Have you been on an escorted tour and have anything to add to these? I would love to hear your thoughts, which you can leave as a comment on this article or by emailing me .

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Gary Bembridge

I grew up in Zimbabwe, but I have been based in London since 1987. My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises. In 2005, I launched Tips for Travellers to make it easy and fun for people to discover, plan and enjoy incredible cruise vacations. And the rest, as they say, is history. I have the largest cruise vlogger channel currently on YouTube, with more than 3 million video views per month.

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3 Responses

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Ray, a podcast and blog follower, sent these insightful comments and some extra tips for escorted tours that I wanted to share with readers as they give some added first-hand traveller insights and suggestions:

Gary, I read your piece on escorted tours and want to add a few things. But first, I should tell you that I’ve become a fan of escorted tours, for many of the same reasons you mention. I’d rather enjoy my time seeing, hearing, and learning about another place rather than worrying about the logistics of travelling. In other words, I want to be a kid, not the daddy organizing it all and keeping the agenda and schedule!

My additional thoughts (in no particular order):

1) It seems that some tour operators (probably smaller ones) require clients to carry their own luggage back and forth between the tour bus and hotel rooms, while others provide that service.

2) Yes, you are with the same group of people for the entire trip. But if you don’t find ANY fellow tourists on your tour to be compatible with you at all, that probably says more about you than it does about them.

3) As you point out, too much travel from one place to another can be a disadvantage of an escorted tour. I think it’s easy to look at published itineraries and steer away from those types of tours, but even if you don’t, you can see and learn much even through the windows of a bus when travelling from place to place. It’s not always lost time.

4) It might be a good idea to determine whether the bus that you’ll be on has restroom facilities, especially if that’s important to you. Some do and some don’t.

My wife and I have the freedom to travel now, and we’re making good use of it. Listening to your podcasts is one way we get information about the best sites and companies, so many thanks for that. We take ocean cruises, we’ve taken our first river cruise earlier this year, and we’ve taken a guided tour to Italy, with others already planned to Ireland/Scotland and to Greece. About 16 years ago we traveled unescorted to Paris and then to Germany over 3.5 weeks, and although we saw and learned much, I tired of worrying about where our young family would eat and stay every day, and about language issues (especially in that mostly pre-Internet era). So now, as I mentioned, I’m a fan of escorted tours.

I happened to hear your podcast on the topic of escorted tours, and then I found the article on the same topic here on your website. My wife and I like both independent travel and escorted tours. I wanted to say that I think the most significant downside of escorted tours (not mentioned by you) is that when you take one, you can easily never speak to any local person in the country you are visiting, except perhaps the guide(s). It’s the exact opposite of “cultural immersion.” You may see the sites and visit the museums, but you can have no interactions with the people. In my opinion, you don’t really get a feeling for the place(s) you are visiting. The only people you may get to know are your compatriots on the tour bus. In the worst case scenario (for us), our fellow travelers are all Americans, like us, or even worse, all friends of ours! Then we don’t get to meet anyone new!

To reduce this negative aspect of escorted tours, we do two things:

(1) We try to chose tour operators who attract travelers from multiple countries.

(2) Whenever possible on the tour, we explore independently, on foot. We go into stores (not souvenir shops), visit neighborhoods, and in every way possible try to see “ordinary life” and, if we can, interact with people we see. For us, it makes a world of difference!

Thanks for checking out both the podcast and the article! Really good and key points you make, and the tips are key – so thanks for adding these. I think that point about having an operator where time is built into the schedule to allow some self exploring time is really key. Much appreciated!!

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Escorted tours 101: All you need to know

• April 5, 2024

Traveling abroad for a vacation sounds like an amazing idea until the moment you start organizing the trip and planning the details. That’s where many tourists get frustrated as it becomes quite hard to decide which places are worth visiting and how to fit everything into your schedule which is very often time limited.

For that reason, many tourist agencies organize tours to help tourists get the most from their trips. Tourist agencies often offer escorted tours or private tours, depending on your preferences, whether to travel with a group or to have a private guide for yourself.

If you are interested in traveling with a group, here are some basics you need to know before you choose this option.

What are escorted tours?

Escorted tours are essentially group tours to a destination. Travel agencies offering escorted tours plan all of the details of the tour – flights, transportation, hotels, etc. Escorted tours are executed by a tour director who travels with the group throughout the tour and ensures that it goes as planned and that the clients have someone that can take care of any issues that arise. They provide the customer service on site.

Who goes on escorted tours?

People who often decide to join an escorted tour are those who prefer to travel in a group and do not seek that much privacy. They love to make new friendships with the people they meet on their trip. They love to be carefree in terms of organizing and planning so they can enjoy a trip as much as possible. They prefer having someone providing them information about the visited place and learning about its history rather than studying details alone (due to the lack of free time to do so or some other reasons).

What are the tour guides like?

The tour guides are often government certified, extremely knowledgeable, well-trained and experienced individuals who make sure all the people in the group enjoy their visit to a place, provide information about the visited site and talk to the tourists and answer their questions if they have some. They are outgoing, empathetic persons with great humor and communication skills, and passionate about their job.

What is included in escorted tours?

If you choose an escorted tour for your next trip, these are the things you can usually expect to be included: transportation, flights, transport to/from the airport and hotel, sightseeing and most meals. Compared to private tours and self-planned tours, escorted tours are mostly cheaper and you have a chance to see other places you wouldn’t be able to see if travelling on your own.

What kind of hotels do you stay at?

Accommodation depends on the tourist agency. Some of the agencies offer luxurious hotels, while others offer basic accommodation. It greatly depends on the price of the tour. If the luxurious hotels are included, then expect the price of the tour to be a bit more expensive compared to those that are cheaper. The cheaper the price of the tour the less luxurious accommodation you can expect.

What about the meal options?

When it comes to the meal options, most meals with the group are included. You can expect to try local food and tourist-friendly food in many restaurants. Depending on a tour, you may have some extra free time on your own and therefore all meals might not be included. If interested, you can explore the local cuisine or look for more international restaurants or spend the time according to your other preferences.

What’s the itinerary?

A travel itinerary is a document which tells you how the trip is planned, including destinations that are planned to be visited, how you’ll get there, and how long you will be staying. You can study the itinerary as you look into the tour, to learn if it is the best one for you. All agencies make sure to post it on their website. Study it thoroughly, and make sure to be wary of itineraries that don’t go into much detail, or tell you what’s included, and what isn’t. Also, pay attention to the wakeup time, as some tours will take place early in the morning.

How much activity is involved?

Activity depends on a tour. Senior tours or senior friendly tours are more relaxed and leisurely. Those designed for younger tourists can include hiking, long walks or some sport activities if interested.

What about deposit and cancellation policy?

Many tourist agencies require payment in advance, or at least some percentage of it. The cancellation policy also varies. It’s important to check the details with the company before booking a tour. In case of an emergency, you will want your money back. Also keep in mind that most reputable agencies offer travel insurance which is a good idea to purchase in the event you need to cancel for any reason!

If you want to choose an escorted tour for your next trip, check the schedule, itineraries and payment so you know what to expect. What you also need to be aware of is the excursions that are not included in the price. Make sure to be familiar with all the details so you can prepare better for your vacation and avoid any inconvenience.

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Escorted, Hosted and Independent – Understanding the Different Tours

What is the difference between an escorted, hosted and an independent tour? This is a common question in the travel industry, and in this post we’re breaking down what they are, and the advantages of each. We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in!

Escorted Tours

An escorted tour is one that is conducted by a tour director. They will take care of everything from beginning to end. For example, your transportation to and from the airport, as well as transportation to and from your hotel for daily activities. You’ll also typically be with a group throughout your tour.

For some escorted tours it’s a one day affair where they will pick you up from your hotel in the morning, take you to see the sites, and then bring you back to your hotel in the evening. Typically there is a strict agenda with meal times, and places to visit set up for you as well.

In the more extreme escorted tours, every day of your itinerary is scheduled and handled for you. You’re picked up from the airport, driven to the hotel, and each day you will be picked up for a new activity, and then dropped off at your hotel each evening. Then, at the end of your vacation your escort will bring you to the airport to go home.

Hosted Tours

Hosted tours are very similar to escorted tours. Like an escorted tour, you will probably be with the same group of people throughout the tour, and you’ll be transported to and from your hotel.

However, the difference here is that you won’t be escorted to every individual activity and function. There will be local guides available to answer questions throughout the duration of your tour, but for the most part you will be on your own.

Hosted tours are great for those that want the freedom to do what they want, but also want a guide available when they have questions or need something. Some meals and sightseeing will be included as well, but what you get varies by the company you tour with.

Independent Tours

These are the tours the free spirits typically prefer. On an independent tour you set your own schedule, you won’t be with a group, and you’ll be responsible for getting reservations for your meals.

With an independent tour vacation, you’ll still enjoy having your hotel, transportation, excursions, and some meals included with your package, but the rest is up to you. Many people prefer independent tour vacations for the freedom, flexibility and privacy they offer. However, what causes some travelers to opt for escorted and hosted tours over independent ones, is the discomfort they experience in being somewhere foreign to them.

What tour is right for you?

Deciding which tour is right for you is a personal choice only you can make. You’ll need to decide how much freedom you want on your vacation, and how comfortable you are with being in new places alone. Still, we hope this post has cleared up some of the confusion between escorted, hosted and independent tours.

If you would like to know more about tours available to your dream destination, call Ingenious Travel at 888.695.0321 . From adventure to luxury getaways, exotic to romantic vacations – We work with the best tour operators that suit a wide variety of travelers needs.

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A beginner’s guide to escorted tours

It’s time to shake off your preconceptions around escorted tours. local insights and expertise are just some of reasons to book.

T he phrase “escorted tour” usually conjures up visions of a strict itinerary and no freedom over your trip. But with the right guide and local knowledge, they can be the best way to visit a new location — and help navigate any travel hiccups. With the right guide you’ll learn more about the place than you thought possible, as well as discover areas you’ve never heard of. From foodie tours of mountain villages to wildlife spotting adventures to expeditions in the polar regions, there’s a vast number of options when it comes to touring and plenty you can’t even attempt without a guide. Here’s what you need to know.

Main photo: a tour group gets up close to an iceberg at Cierva Cove in the Antarctic (Alamy)

Video: The Times’ Adrian Phillips takes an escorted tour in Tenerife with G Adventures

What are the advantages of an escorted tour?

In theory, at least, a lack of stress. At their best escorted tours can feel like a holiday with a smart friend you never knew you had. The quality of the guide will make or break your experience, and while there’s something to be said for taking a punt on a random local giving you their best sales pitch at the airport taxi queue, it’s much better to book with an established tour operator instead.

The exact package it offers will depend a lot on your destination. If you’re going to, say, Antarctica with G Adventures , there will be educational sessions and you’ll be accompanied on your expeditions by experts including historians, marine biologists and naturalists. By the end of your 11 days you’ll likely know as much about them as you will about the light-mantled sooty albatross.

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Similarly, if you’re looking to tour some of South America’s most dazzling landscapes, Explora has a highly tuned, highly expensive Travesia itinerary that takes you from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile , through the Andes, leaving you six extraordinary days later in the brilliant white world of the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia — it’s just you, a guide and a private driver.

Tours are also ideal in countries where there is high potential for language barriers. To that end, a guided tour with Inside Japan will offer translation as well an interpretation, something particularly useful when venturing outside of the classic Golden Route (from Tokyo to Kyoto ) on itineraries such as its Winter Highlights tour.

No matter your destination or operator, meals will rarely be something to worry about, with most guided tours including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Having a guide on hand also means you’ll have first-hand access to a problem solver should flight plans change or something go awry in the country you’re visiting.

Which companies are best?

The answer really depends on what kind of trip you’re after: individual, group, fully planned or minimal assistance. Simply deciding you want a group tour is just the start of the adventure.

Clues are often in the names. Take Intrepid Travel , for example. Yes, it can offer you a foodie tour of Italy but it also casts its net wide enough to include more, well, intrepid destinations such as a 39-day odyssey around central Asia .

There are lots of destination specialists too. If you’d like to travel further east, then Wendy Wu will have you covered. Its credentials for outstanding tours of China are long established, but it also has vast experience with Japan , Mongolia and South Korea .

For exploring polar regions, it’s almost impossible to visit without going in a group. Aurora Expeditions has spent over three decades pioneering trips to the Arctic and Antarctic. It has just two ships in its fleet, both with a low number of berths. It also offers destination extensions before and after each cruise, for example guide-led hiking trips to Patagonia before or after Antarctic trips.

Despite its enormous remit, Journey Latin America offers a diverse portfolio of expert tours across two continents. From Mexico to the Falkland Islands — with a lot in between — its customisable tours can take care of every element of your trip from door to door, or focus on particular elements to help you along the way. For anyone feeling nervous about visiting Central America, its 16-day Active Costa Rica and Nicaragua itinerary will put minds at ease.

SmoothRed offers wine tours around Europe, but while it faces stiff competition in France and Italy from rival operators, some of its more niche destinations, such as Hungary , give it the edge. Its five-day Budapest and Tokaj tour takes you from the wine bars of the Hungarian capital east to the fabled Tokaj vineyards, once exclusively the home of hyper-sweet wines, but now a destination diversifying its lists towards much more interesting offerings.

What if I’m going it alone?

Small-group tours are also a superb way to meet like-minded new people if you’re travelling without friends or family. Flash Pack offers holidays firmly aimed at those in their thirties and forties, while Saga has a wide range of small-group tours designed for travellers aged over 50. Some companies, such as Exodus and Explore , can also pair you up with another guest of the same sex in a twin room to avoid solo supplement charges.

What about UK tours?

Should big international trips not be for you, then there are also specialist operators closer to home, eager to shed new light on domestic destinations. To that end, the Fife-based Brightwater Holidays offers small-group tours around the UK, with a particular focus on Scotland . Running trips to more than 30 Scottish islands, it aims to demystify these little-visited parts of the UK.

Five tips for first-timers

1. check the small print.

Not all tours are created equal and it’s worth checking exactly what is on offer for your respective package. Some or all of the meals may be omitted, but much more important is checking to make sure whether or not international flights are included.

2. Choose small group or private

If you’re looking to save a little money, it may be worth taking a small-group tour rather than a private one. While you’ll have to share transport and the guide, you’ll at least have company for the trip.

3. Look for discounts

Especially true of expedition cruises, but also of tours generally, it’s worth checking to see if discounts are offered on new itineraries when they are first announced, or towards the end of season when tours may be undersold. Always check an operator’s offers page too.

4. Ask about tipping

Of course spending days or even weeks with a guide leads to questions about appropriate tipping. If you’re feeling at all awkward, ask the operator before or during the tour to find out what is expected.

5. Speak up

Despite itineraries seemingly being set in stone, many tours are customisable, even after they have begun. If you’ve heard about a particular local attraction or curiosity, ask your guide. Driving tours especially have more flexibility than you might think.

• Best solo travel holidays for 2023 • Best tour companies for solo travellers • Best tours for couples • Best tours for families

A tour offering for Times readers

We’ve joined forces with Tourhub to bring our readers a huge selection of escorted tours from trusted travel partners. Expect everything from group adventure tours in Costa Rica to trips that are perfect for solo travellers in Jordan — see the full collection here .

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Escorted vs. Hosted Travel?

Escorted travel you may have heard of. Hosted may be a new term or you may have heard of it, but not sure what it is? Today we are going to be discussing the differences between escorted and. hosted travel.

Escorted vs. Hosted Travel? They are both great ways to explore new places. I wouldn’t consider one better than the other they both have their benefits.

You will be touring with a group, the group size depends on the itinerary and company used to book. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends! Your group will be escorted with a tour guide throughout the entire trip. Your tour guide will be able to share history, fun facts, tips, and things you wouldn’t even know to ask. Many Escorted tours are themed around an interest such as wine, art, history, etc.

The complete itinerary and details are set in advance and typically won’t be altered unless something unexpected happens and it needs to be changed. When the unexpected does happen you are not alone you are with a guide who has a backup plan. Transportation is taken care of throughout the entire trip except for free time. The amount of free time varies by itinerary and the company. Because the itinerary and details are set in advance you will have a great idea when you book of all the costs and anything not included so you will know what you need to budget for.

Benefits of Escorted

• You can maximize your time and budget with all the details planned and these types of trips help alleviate unknown or unexpected situations, especially for those who haven’t traveled extensively.
• The social aspect and built-in travel partners and friends make for a new type of experience – meeting new, like-minded individuals can enhance your adventure and provide long-lasting friendships.
• Information provided by your tour guide is invaluable and there are simply some locations that must be done escorted because of the remoteness of the location, for example.
• Escorted tours can often provide higher quality at a better value.

Hosted can sometimes be mistaken as an escorted tour because it does come with a guide (host). The way hosted travel works, you will select the itinerary with the locations you are looking for. Some companies allow minor changes to the itinerary with some exceptions. You will have the flexibility within that itinerary to tour on your own.

Your host will pick you up from the airport and take you to your booked accommodations. Once you have checked in your host will be available to recommend things, answer questions, help with tickets, and help with anything unexpected, but will not accompany you.

This is a great option for someone who likes the security of having things planned out and having someone that can recommend things to you while maintaining flexibility to explore on your own and make your own agenda.

Benefits of Hosted

• Local guides that can provide personalized recommendations
• Your hotels will always be in a safe, convenient area
• Support, on-site, so if anything happens you have someone in the same time zone, language and knowledgeable of the area to help
• Still, have the benefits of an escorted tour where the host can help set up access to museums and tours while giving you guidance on how to explore on your own.
• Flexibility for minor changes to the itinerary
• Explore on your own, at your own pace.

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I hadn’t heard of hosted trips before, thanks for explaining! I think where we don’t do a ton of travel that a hosted trip would be best for us and make me feel most comfortable, especially knowing there would be someone with our language nearby in case we got lost or messed something up!

I agree! Thanks for stopping by!

This is a great resource about the benefits of escorted trips and hosted travel. Personally I like escorted trips because I can rely on professional experts while I chill and go with the flow of the group.

Yes! You really have the opportunity to experience different cultures in a way that is safe and educational. I love that the guides are always there with so much information to share.

Hosted sounds like my kinda holiday. When I was younger the group vibe would have been cool but now the hosted sounds better.

I like the idea of hosted travel. I haven’t had the opportunity to experience it, but locals can definitely give you more insight into their city/town.

Absolutely, knowing you have a local just a text away is so nice. Having someone to recommend not to miss things and that can help with the language barrier is so nice.

We have hired a tour guide on trips before. We prefer not to travel in a group because we have our own style of travel. The one group trip we did was to the Galapagos Islands, as you have to visit the islands as a group with a tour guide per the rules of the protected areas.

I totally understand preferring to travel your own way. I love that the hosted option is available for that reason. So many people prefer to do their own thing when traveling.

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Escorted vs. Independent Tours: What are they and which is better?

There are two common travel styles to consider when planning a trip to any Latin American destination; Escorted Tours or Independent Tour – but what are they exactly and how does the travel style of each impact your trip? Let’s find out…

What is an Escorted Tour?

Escorted tours are just that, you have a dedicated tour leader that travels with you throughout your entire journey, in addition to local city guides. For first time travellers, having a private English-speaking guide gives them reassurance alleviating the stress of navigating an unfamiliar landscape.

We run three small group escorted tours, ‘ Essence of South America ’, ‘ South American Voyager ’ and ‘ Galapagos and Machu Picchu ’. These tours have regular departures throughout the year and include all international and domestic flights from Australia or New Zealand. Escorted Tours, especially small group tours can have the advantage of spending more time at each attraction while travelling with other like-minded travellers.

What is an Independent Tour?

Rather than being escorted by the same tour leader throughout your entire journey, you will be met by local guides in each destination. Our independent tours have selected departure dates and can be modified according to your needs and interests. Essentially, you could cut and paste different parts of our itineraries to create your ideal itinerary.

Some travellers prefer these types of tours because they are more flexible. They can move between destinations and attractions at their own pace and without being limited by a group.

Tailor-made itineraries

Do you have an itinerary in mind with specific destinations or activities you would like to partake? These types of itineraries are called ‘tailor-made’, meaning they are custom made for you and are designed according to your specific interests, budget and travel preferences.

Generally, you won’t have a dedicated guide throughout your journey, but you will be met by local guides in each destination. Tell us your Latin American Wishlist and we will customise and design your perfect trip for you.

So which tour type is best? To answer that, it’s a matter of personal preference and previous experience travelling to any destination, not just Latin America. Some like the security of travelling in numbers and the familiarity of an escorted tour. Others prefer the autonomy that independent tours offer, because they can go at their own pace between attractions. There is no wrong or right answer because it is all a matter of taste!

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Define Escorted Tour

escorted tour. A tour offering an the services of a tour manager who stays with the tour throughout its duration and who is tasked with assuring its success. The term also generally refers to tours than bundle airfares, hotels, transfers , guide services, and some meals into a single fare.

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What does escorted tour mean?

Definitions for escorted tour es·cort·ed tour, this dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word escorted tour ., did you actually mean exhortatory or escritoire , wikipedia rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votes.

Escorted tour

Escorted tours are a form of tourism in which travelers are escorted in a group to various destinations, versus a self-guided tour where the tourist is on their own. Escorted tours (in US English) are also known as Guided tours or Package Tours. Escorted tours are normally conducted by a tour director who takes care of all services from the beginning to end of the tour. Escorted tours also normally include the flights, hotels, transportation, transfers to the airport/hotel, most meals and some sightseeing. Escorted tours are often conducted by motor coach and usually no more than three nights are spent in each location visited. They are usually fast-paced and prices includes almost everything.

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• escorted tour

An escorted tour refers to a type of organized travel experience where a group of individuals or tourists are accompanied and guided by a professional tour guide throughout the duration of the trip. The tour guide takes responsibility for leading the group, providing information about various destinations, coordinating logistics, and ensuring that participants have a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. The tour usually includes pre-planned itineraries, sightseeing activities, accommodations, and sometimes meals, often with transportation provided as well.

Wikidata Rate this definition: 5.0 / 2 votes

Escorted tours are a form of tourism in which travelers are escorted in a group to various destinations, versus a self-guided tour where the tourist is on their own. Escorted tours are also known as Package Tours. Escorted tours are normally conducted by a tour director who takes care of all services from the beginning to end of the tour. Escorted tours also normally include the flights, hotels, transportation, transfers to the airport/hotel, most meals and some sightseeing. Escorted tours are often conducted by motor coach and usually no more than three nights are spent in each location visited. They are usually fast-paced and prices include most everything.

How to pronounce escorted tour?

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Chaldean Numerology

The numerical value of escorted tour in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

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The numerical value of escorted tour in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1

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Translations for escorted tour

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• prohlídka s doprovodem Czech
• geführte Tour German
• एस्कॉर्टेड टूर Hindi
• ուղեկցորդ տուր Armenian
• tur dikawal Indonesian
• துணை சுற்றுப்பயணம் Tamil

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Meaning of escorted in English

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escort verb [T] ( GO WITH )

• accompanied by someone/something
• accompany someone to something
• bring someone/something along
• see someone off
• self-guided
• show someone around ( something )
• show someone over something

escort verb [T] ( AS SOCIAL COMPANION )

Examples of escorted.

In English, many past and present participles of verbs can be used as adjectives. Some of these examples may show the adjective use.

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Definition of tour noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• a walking/sightseeing/bus tour
• tour of/round/around something a coach tour of northern France
• They embarked on a tour around the country.
• a tour operator (= a person or company that organizes tours)
• a business trip
• a five-minute trip by taxi
• a long and difficult journey across the mountains
• a tour of Bavaria
• the first expedition to the South Pole
• We went on an all-day excursion to the island.
• The children were on a day’s outing from school.
• We had a day out at the beach.
• a(n) foreign/​overseas trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition
• a bus/​coach/​train/​rail trip/​journey/​tour
• to go on a(n) trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition/​excursion/​outing/​day out
• to set out/​off on a(n) trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition/​excursion
• to make a(n) trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition/​excursion
• have/​take (British English) a holiday/ (North American English) a vacation/​a break/​a day off/ (British English) a gap year
• go on/​be on holiday/​vacation/​leave/​honeymoon/​safari/​a trip/​a tour/​a cruise/​a pilgrimage
• go backpacking/​camping/​hitchhiking/​sightseeing
• plan a trip/​a holiday/​a vacation/​your itinerary
• book accommodation/​a hotel room/​a flight/​tickets
• have/​make/​cancel a reservation/ (especially British English) booking
• rent a villa/ (both British English) a holiday home/​a holiday cottage
• (especially British English) hire/ (especially North American English) rent a car/​bicycle/​moped
• stay in a hotel/​a bed and breakfast/​a youth hostel/​a villa/ (both British English) a holiday home/​a caravan
• cost/​charge $100 a/​per night for a single/​double/​twin/​standard/ (British English) en suite room
• check into/​out of a hotel/​a motel/​your room
• pack/​unpack your suitcase/​bags
• call/​order room service
• cancel/​cut short a trip/​holiday/​vacation
• apply for/​get/​renew a/​your passport
• take out/​buy/​get travel insurance
• catch/​miss your plane/​train/​ferry/​connecting flight
• fly (in)/travel in business/​economy class
• make/​have a brief/​two-day/​twelve-hour stopover/ (North American English also) layover in Hong Kong
• experience/​cause/​lead to delays
• check (in)/collect/​get/​lose (your) (especially British English) luggage/ (especially North American English) baggage
• be charged for/​pay excess baggage
• board/​get on/​leave/​get off the aircraft/​plane/​ship/​ferry
• taxi down/​leave/​approach/​hit/​overshoot the runway
• experience/​hit/​encounter severe turbulence
• suffer from/​recover from/​get over your jet lag/​travel sickness
• attract/​draw/​bring tourists/​visitors
• encourage/​promote/​hurt tourism
• promote/​develop ecotourism
• build/​develop/​visit a tourist/​holiday/ (especially British English) seaside/​beach/​ski resort
• work for/​be operated by a major hotel chain
• be served by/​compete with low-cost/ (especially North American English) low-fare/​budget airlines
• book something through/​make a booking through/​use a travel agent
• contact/​check with your travel agent/​tour operator
• book/​be on/​go on a package deal/​holiday/​tour
• buy/​bring back (tacky/​overpriced) souvenirs
• We met a group of Italians on a tour in Peru.
• They made a whistle-stop tour of the five major towns.
• This summer we went on a walking tour around Provence.
• We're going on a tour of Bavaria.
• You can join an organized tour or you can visit independently.
• I'd like to do a tour of Belgium on foot.
• international
• on (a) tour
• tour of duty

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• We were given a guided tour (= by somebody who knows about the place) of the palace.
• a virtual tour (= shown on a computer) of the Taj Mahal
• a tour of inspection (= an official visit of a factory, classroom, etc. made by somebody whose job is to check that everything is working as expected)
• a tour guide
• tour of/round/around something Our host gave us a quick tour of the house.
• Come on, I'll give you the grand tour of the backyard.
• I made a lightning tour of the office to say goodbye.
• She takes tourists on ghost tours of Edinburgh.
• The next tour will begin at four o'clock.
• Garden tours are offered throughout the summer.
• After a whirlwind tour of the temples, it was time to find a hotel.
• tour of inspection
• The band is currently on a nine-day tour of France.
• on tour The band is on tour in France.
• a concert tour
• a world/European/UK tour
• The prince will visit Boston on the last leg (= part) of his American tour.
• a book/lecture/speaking tour
• Are you doing a tour for this new book?
• The group will shortly go on a ten-city European tour .
• We are going back to Prague as part of a small tour.
• The president embarked on a whirlwind tour of the provinces.
• Simon and Garfunkel's 2003 reunion tour
• The band is just back from a sell-out Asian tour.
• The group will shortly go on a ten-city European tour.
• a promotional tour for her new book
• the couple's first official overseas tour
• Dolly Parton's tour bus
• He wasn't selected for England's tour party to Australia.
• Phone for details of the band's tour dates.
• The team's tour manager called a press conference.
• on the tour He's been on the European tour for several years.
• The stand-off between the competing tours needs to be resolved.
• She's one of the most popular tour players.
• He served tours all over the world during his 35-year career.

Other results

• the Tour of Britain
• package tour
• tour of duties

Nearby words