Questions to ask before booking a Tour

Planning and executing a holiday can elevate your overall experience. It is stimulating, adventurous, and lots of fun. At the same time, it cannot be denied that booking a tour has its advantages. It is convenient, stress-free, and requires minimal effort and time. You also get expert recommendations and (occasionally) special rates. That doesn’t mean that you just book a holiday and leave everything to the travel agent. You must ask a few pertinent questions to the agent before booking with them. If you want a cost-effective, memorable, & hassle-free vacation, it is better to get some answers beforehand. So, let us list down our questionnaire.

1. What is included/excluded?

Inclusions and exclusions are typically mentioned in the detailed itinerary, and you should always review them thoroughly. Airfare, hotels, visas, transportation, meals, attraction tickets, and other expenses are some of the elements to consider. Many times, flights aren’t included in the package. Since airfare is a significant expense of a vacation, it’s best to compare your flight options before booking the trip. What looks like a good deal can become very expensive if you have to keep paying extra money for excursions, food, alcohol, tips, and other hidden charges. Try to book a trip that is all-inclusive, as features cost less when they are part of a package.

2. What are the visa requirements?

This is one of the most critical questions that should be asked before proceeding any further. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and destination, and you should verify them at the very outset. Obtaining a visa can be a complicated and lengthy process for many countries, so it is essential to ensure that you can fulfill all the prerequisites within the stipulated timeframe. Otherwise, you might be in for some disappointments.

3. What is the cancellation policy?

After living life through this global pandemic, I don’t think I need to emphasize how important it is to be prepared for all eventualities. You never know what is going to hit you in the near future. Learn about the fines you may incur if you reschedule or cancel a trip. Please review the fine print to ensure there is no ambiguity. You should also be aware of what happens if the agency cancels the trip due to adverse weather conditions or insufficient passenger numbers.

4. What is the size/demographics of the group?

It makes sense to know the size of the group before booking a tour. A very large group can be really inconvenient, lacking a personal touch, whereas a small, intimate group might not be what you are looking for. The size will determine the mode of transport, food options, timings, and other factors, making the information quite valuable. Often, a tour gets canceled because the minimum number of passengers required for the tour is not met. Another thing to consider is the demographics of your co-travelers – their age, gender, nationality, family size, and so on. You should be able to enjoy the company of the people you are traveling with.

5. What is the level of physical fitness required for the tour?

It is essential to determine whether you are physically fit to be part of the group you have shortlisted. Tours require different levels of physical fitness. Some expect you to just walk about a little, while others entail strenuous hiking. Check how many miles you would be walking per day, and if there would be any climbing involved. Be aware of the planned activities and make realistic decisions, taking into account your fitness level, age, and overall health. You don’t want to just sit in a coach and wait for the others to finish their activities.

6. Does the group cater to your specific needs?

If you have some specific needs, check if the tour will cater to them. Parents traveling with kids would prefer to book a kid-friendly tour. Vegetarians or vegans would like to be provided with suitable meal options. Or you might be looking for wheelchair/language assistance during the trip. Whatever your restrictions may be, please inform the tour operator so that you are not left stranded at the last moment. 

7. What airlines would I be flying?

Often, tour agencies utilize low-cost carriers that come with numerous limitations. If the flights are included in the package, find out all the details about them, including the airlines, baggage allowance, number of stops, flight length, arrival port, and other relevant information. If the flights have been excluded, discuss the best options to reach the destination with the agent.

8. What hotel will I be accommodated at?

The tours are generally ambiguous about the accommodations. They will just specify a 4-star or 5-star property. There is a whole spectrum of hotels that fall into these categories. You should ask them the name of the hotel they intend to book so that you can check all the details and decide if it suits your specifications. The internet is flooded with reviews, which will give you a fair idea of what you are signing up for when booking the trip. Nothing can mar your experience more than an ill-equipped hotel.

9. What is the level of your proficiency?

Before booking a tour, it is always a good idea to verify the tour operator’s credentials by asking a few relevant questions. How many trips have you organized to the intended destination? How proficient/experienced is the tour guide? Why should I book with you? Can you provide some pictures/videos of the tour? Could you provide references from past travelers so that I can speak with them about your services? What safety measures are taken during the trip?  These are some questions that will give you an idea of how credible and efficient the tour agency is.

10. How much time will I get to myself?

Traveling in a group is fun, but we all need some free time. We might want to go on a shopping spree, visit an attraction not included in the itinerary, linger in a stunning spot, try a recommended restaurant, or just lounge on the beach. It is always good to break off from the group and spend time doing things you love. So, better find out if you are getting the required time to fulfill your wish list.

11. What will the weather be like?

You can also check this online, but it is better to know from the tour company, as they have firsthand experience. It will help you to decide whether the climate suits you and also help in packing appropriately. You don’t want your holiday plans washed away by downpours.

12. How much money should I carry with me?

The tour may be all-inclusive, but you will still need some money to cover other expenses – such as shopping, personal expenses, extra alcohol, and tips. The tour agent is the best person to guide you regarding the currency needed to cover all your needs (besides shopping). Do you need to carry a travel card, or is it better to withdraw money from the ATM at the destination? If you are looking for optional excursions, the agency will provide you with an idea of the prevailing rates, allowing you to plan accordingly. The tour company can also offer you subsidized rates for any additional rendezvous you might be interested in.

13. What support is provided in case there is a problem?

Traveling in a foreign land comes with some risks. You might miss a flight, lose your passport, break some laws, or fall sick. Having a travel agent guide you through any hiccups is the best part of being on a tour. But it is better to know what type of assistance they provide in case of any issues.

14. How do I pay?

Once all doubts have been cleared, it is time to review the various payment options, including card, cash, cheque, bank transfer, PayPal, and others. Am I allowed to pay in installments, or do I need to make a full deposit at the time of booking? Do I need to pay any taxes? All those questions need to be asked before signing on the dotted line.

Too many questions? Maybe. However, they are all vital to ensure that you have a safe, enjoyable, and hassle-free vacation without incurring any additional costs.