8 Reasons Why You Should Travel on a Tour

To tour, or not to tour? This is a question we get asked a lot, and it’s a tough one to answer. On the one hand, we understand that linking up with a bunch of randoms isn’t everyone’s cup of tea — but we also know that group tours provide travellers with a fun, cost-effective and stress-free way of exploring the world.

If you’re on the fence about whether this type of travel is right for you, keep on reading! We break down what makes tours so special, the benefits of group travel and why you might want to consider this style of vacation. 

• Reason #1: There’s an itinerary for every travel style and personal interest
• Reason #2: You’ll see and do a lot over a short period of time
• Reason #3: Your tour guide will take care of all the logistics
• Reason #4: You’ll make instant connections with like-minded travellers
• Reason #5: They provide opportunities to safely step outside your comfort zone
• Reason #6: You’ll get to enjoy authentic, local experiences
• Reason #7: They can be cost effective
• Reason #8: They allow you to support sustainable and community tourism

We can’t stress this enough: there are endless tour opportunities. Feel like immersing yourself in the cultures of Southeast Asia? Can do! Want to push your body to the limits while trekking to the top of Kilimanjaro? Take your pick of adventure tours. Tempted to taste your way through Tuscany’s rolling vineyards? Get in line.

Whether you’re interested in food, history, wildlife, hiking or the luxury lifestyle, there’s a tour operator that can help you tick all the must-dos off your bucket list.

Not everyone can go on a months-long trip. Most Canadians only get two weeks of paid vacation each year and therefore want to make the most of every single minute.

That’s one of the biggest benefits of group tours. They allow you to visit several destinations in a single trip — plus, itineraries are jam-packed with can’t miss-attractions, one-of-a-kind activities and local hidden gems. For travellers who want to do as much as possible in a limited amount of time, a tour is a great option. Trust us: no moment will go to waste.

Planning your own trip can be fun… and time consuming. Not only that, but navigating public transport, overcoming language barriers and checking into a hotel in a foreign country can be a challenge. A guided tour takes all of that hassle out of the picture.

With tour groups, you don’t have to worry about how you get from point A to point B (and C and D and E). Rather, you’ll be travelling in a comfortable coach with a driver who knows exactly where to go and how to get there. What’s more, your group leader will be available to give you the low-down on your next destination and answer any questions you have.

So, what do you need to do? Just sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

There’s nothing wrong with being a solo traveller or wanting to explore the world with your partner, family or friends. But the more the merrier, right? Whether you’ve joined a group tour containing six or 50 fellow travellers, you’re guaranteed to meet like-minded people with similar interests to you.

This is one of the greatest advantages of group tours. Every time you wander through a new city, swap travel stories or share a meal together, you’ll build on the unique group dynamics that have taken shape. And it’s likely that you’ll make some lifelong friends!

Whether you’re heading on your first trip overseas, embarking on a solo travel adventure or feeling a little unsure about visiting a certain destination, an organized group tour is the perfect way to boost your confidence.

Explore with peace of mind knowing other travellers and group members are nearby — there’s safety in numbers, after all — and draw on the guidance of your knowledgeable leader. It’s likely your itinerary will also include lots of free time so, if interested, you can go off and do your own thing for a while and then rejoin your crew again later.

You can’t learn everything from a Lonely Planet book. Tour guides literally travel for a living, meaning it’s their job to understand and share all the historical and cultural details about a destination. With their intimate knowledge, your local guides can bring a place to life.

What’s more, they know about the local hangouts. Whether you want to track down the most delicious slice of pizza in Naples or are on the hunt for a cool boutique store in Tokyo, your group leader can point you in the direction of all the best spots so that you can have some truly unforgettable experiences.

While there are some swanky, burn-a-deep-hole-in-your-wallet tours out there, most are pretty budget-friendly. Transportation, accommodations, activities, and meals are typically included in the total cost of a tour — which tends to be cheaper than booking all those things individually. Not to mention, tour operators often get group discounts for attractions, helping to lower prices even more.

Booking a tour can also save you from making spontaneous purchases in your destination. Since everything is already covered and paid in full before you depart, you can rest easy knowing you won’t have to splurge on a last-minute taxi ride or hidden hotel fees.

Many tour companies have made sustainable travel a priority, which means your tourist dollars are being invested in the local businesses and communities that need it the most.

If minimizing your environmental impact and supporting the local economy are a priority for you, keep an eye out for tour operators that employ local guides, look for alternative accommodation (like homestays) and give back a portion of their profits to the communities in which they operate.

Convinced a tour is for you? Your centre for travel can help you get on your way. Check out our tour deals or chat with a Travel Expert today!