Great for: Singles, Couples, Groups, Honeymoons.
Before you say never, take a look at this quick read. So many travelers have misconceptions about coach tours. And while not all tours can be equally compared, they are not exactly what many think. Everyone from honeymoon couples, singles, families, and groups go on tours and love them.
Let's start with the common misconceptions I hear in my business then I'll discuss why you just might want to try one.
Myth #1: Coach Tours are Boring
Reality: A coach tour can be a great way to see a lot of sights in a short amount of time. You can visit multiple destinations, learn about the history and culture of each place, and have plenty of opportunities to take photos and explore on your own. Yes, on your own. A good tour company will also have knowledgeable and engaging guides who can make the experience fun and educational.
Myth #2: Coach Tours are Only for Older Travelers.
Reality: While it's true that coach tours can attract an older demographic, there are many tours that cater to all ages. The age of travelers on those types of trip continues to drop as the benefits grow. There are adventure tours, food, and wine tours, music and art tours, and many other types of tours that can appeal to a wide range of travelers. It's also worth noting that traveling with a group can be a great way to meet new people, regardless of age.
Myth #3: Coach Tours are Too Structured. I Don't Want to be Herded Like Cattle.
Reality: While it's true that coach tours have a set itinerary, this can actually be a positive thing. A well-planned itinerary ensures that you get to see all of the highlights of a destination, and it can also save you time and stress. Let someone else do the driving and you focus on the sights.
That being said, most tour companies also build in free time for you to explore on your own or to do optional activities. The key here is to know what type of tour to book that does not rush you everywhere but allows a more laid-back vibe. Unless your goal is to see as much as possible. Tours that offer immersive experiences, multi-night hotel stays in the same town, and small group tours tend to have more free time for you to explore on your own. Let your travel advisor know you don't want to be rushed and they will provide the best tour with that in mind.
Myth #4: Coach tours are too expensive
Reality: While some high-end coach tours can be expensive, there are many affordable options available as well. Rule to live by: you get what you pay for. It's important to do your research and compare prices and itineraries from different tour companies. Or save yourself the trouble and hire a travel advisor to do it for you.
Consider that an apples-to-apples comparison is critical. Find out what is included. Sure hotels and transportation are included. Do the hotels compare equally? How many meals are included? Does the tour group include entry to the sights you will see? How many people will there be on the bus?
Many tours include accommodations, transportation, entry fees, and some meals, and you save money by bundling these costs together.
Myth #5: I'm stuck on a bus with 50+ people, I need space.
Reality: This can be true but many tour groups offer options some as low as 16 people, others a bit more. Group size varies depending on the tour and the tour company.
Small groups have grown in popularity recently and more small groups are available. Larger groups can save you some hard-earned money. If you travel with a group of friends you might be able to get your own coach or van so you travel with your group but visit the sights with everyone. They will be there anyway if you go it alone so this may be a great option for you. But you'll need enough people in your group to make it worth it.
Reasons to Consider a Tour
Reason #1 Convenience
Taking a coach tour means you don't have to worry about planning your own itinerary or navigating unfamiliar roads. Eliminate the countless hours of research to find the must-see places and the hidden gems. The tour company will take care of all the logistics, including transportation, accommodation, and activities. You kick back and enjoy the trip. If an issue arises, someone is right there to resolve it. You don't need to figure out who to ask, you met that person on day 1!
Reason #2: Expertise
Tour guides are typically knowledgeable about the history, culture, and natural wonders of the area and they know the local hangouts too! They can provide valuable insights and information that you might not get if you were traveling on your own. In addition, they are a great resource for where to go after dinner or when you have "independent" time.
Example: In Killarney, you can take a horse-drawn carriages, called Jaunting cars, through the national park. Our tour guide told us who to avoid if we took it on our own. As it turns out so many people wanted to do this, that our guide negotiated a price with several drivers, we got a great ride and a reduced price! This was my carriage. We also got advice on where to eat and have a pint while there. We had a free evening and had far too much fun!
Reason #3 Safety
Some countries can be challenging to navigate at certain times of the year, particularly for those who are not familiar with the terrain. The United Kingdom and Australia to name a few, drive on the left. Iceland and Switzerland have the weather to contend with. A coach tour can provide an added level of safety, as the tour company will have experience driving on the area roads and will know how to handle unexpected weather conditions, route closures, natural wonders, or unforeseen events.
Example: in Iceland Reynsfjara, the famous black sand beach, is a very dangerous beach. But it is also a very popular tourist attraction. The water can carry you out to sea with little warning. You must know that and know where to stand so you minimize any threat of being swept away. Your guides will show you. There are no signs to say "stand here".
Reason #4 Group Camaraderie
Traveling with a group of people can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends. It can also be more enjoyable to share experiences with others, such as watching the Northern Lights, exploring a new hiking trail, visiting a local pub, or dining at a local eatery. Cocktails at a lagoon spa are fun with new friends too!
Reason #5 Cost savings
While it may seem like a coach tour is more expensive than traveling on your own, it can actually be more cost-effective in the long run. Tour companies often negotiate discounts on activities and accommodations, and many times breakfast is included. You won't have to pay for gas, car rental fees, rental car insurance, international driver's license, or alternate drop-off charges. They may also be able to offer great rates on flights. If meals are included, that is one less thing to worry about! My preferred vendors usually add in a welcome cocktail reception and/or farewell dinners or banquets.
Reason #6 Add on Days
Do you still feel you need time to explore? I always recommend a few extra days before or after to do this. Coming in early is a great way to recuperate from jet lag and still enjoy a few sights.
Or you can get all the must-see sights out of the way with the tour then you can stay a few days to try other things if you have not done everything you would like. You now have a grasp of the culture and customs so it is much easier.
Coach Tours come in many ways from fast to slow, large to small, budget to high end. All of these types of tours try to meet the needs of the travelers and your travel adviser will ask what you are looking for in a tour to determine which tour meets your needs. Taking a coach tour can be a great way to see a new country, explore the cultures, and make the most of your time there and your advisor can help you decide if it is right for you. By dispelling these common misconceptions, you may be more likely to consider a coach tour as a viable travel option.
Check out a few tours on our Itinerary Inspiration Pages for Ireland and Iceland. They range from established coach tours, private driver tours, and hybrid.
Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, honeymoon couples, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull together all the details needed to create memorable, hassle-free trips. We would love to help you too.
Call today at 407-517-4744 to end the frustration of doing it all yourself.
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