What's Included on A Tour

Some of the most enlightening reading you can do when planning a vacation…or just daydreaming…is the BROCHURE.  Perhaps you picked it up at your travel agent’s office or it was mailed to you from a cruise line or tour operator.  However you obtained it, you are intrigued by the magnificent colored pictures, the maps and location descriptions. Those colorful natives in their fantastic clothing; aerial views of the Vatican and close-ups of adorable children…how easy it is to be carried away before you book the tour!  Here are a number of things to look for, beyond the pictures and scenic wonders.

There are two main types of brochures: government visitors’ bureau and tour operator. Either publication is sure to intrigue you and goad you to visit, but the tour company’s brochure is the practical one…it’s the one you should learn to read and decipher. Yes, decipher, because if you know what’s being sold you’ll be well on the way to getting just what you want.

Determine if the tour is a budget, first class, deluxe or luxury tour.  What’s the difference, other than the price? The answer can be found in the text of the brochure, or ask your travel agent for the classification.

Important words and phrases:

(1)   “From:” This is the STARTING price of the tour.  It is the lowest price at which this tour is offered and is usually at the beginning or end of the season.  Check the list of prices and be aware of how they change with date…holidays almost always incur an additional charge.

(2)   “Land Only:”  The price quoted DOES NOT INCLUDE AIR FARE!

(3)   “On tour air:”  This tour covers large distance by plane and the cost of the flights may or may not be included in the tour price. Be sure to ask.

(4)   Meal codes:  B = breakfast; CB = Continental breakfast; BB = Buffet breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner, HD = Highlight or special folkloric dinner

Some tours do not offer any meals, some offer breakfast only; few offer lunch. Do the included meals include beverages? Coffee, tea, wine, soft  drinks are usually not part of a meal in Europe, but some companies do include it. 

 (5)  Hotels:  Some brochures name the hotels at which you will be staying and rate them in one fashion or another (few will use a star system).  Look  for such keys as F (first class), ST, (superior tourist), T (tourist), D (deluxe).  Check the hotel on Google or Trip Advisor to get a full description. 

(6) ”Deposit:”, the amount of money necessary to secure the reservation.  Deposits are usually NOT refundable and are time sensitive in that they must be received by a specified date.

(7)  "View versus Visit:"  Visit means that there is a stop at the location for sightseeing.  Any entrance costs are included in your price.  View implies that you will stop by, perhaps for a brief picture stop, but you would not go into the location for extensive viewing.  I’ll go into more detail on this topic below.

(8)  "Why not see?"  This means that an optional excursions will be offered to tour an area or famous site.  You will have to pay additional monies in order to participate, or you can pass and use the time to go out on your own.  Unlike cruises, optionals for tours are not booked in advance unless you are doing a custom trip. On standard vacations, you would pay your tour director once you arrive at your destination.

(9) “Final payment due…” the date on which the balance of money must be paid.  Watch for special promotions that request you to pay in full at the time of booking or earlier than usual.  Although at times you can save up to 10% off the tour, you don’t want to be surprised having to come up with a substantial amount of money unless you are prepared for it.

(10) Gratuities.  It is customary to tip your guide and coach driver, the amount will depend on your assessment of the service you received.  Deluxe and Luxury   tours may include gratuities in the basic rate, be sure you understand whether tipping is included, expected or forbidden (seldom the last!)  Hotel porterage is usually included as is handling of luggage to/from the coach.  Service at meals which are included do not require tipping, but you are certainly welcome to add a bit on your own.

Have questions about your next tour vacation? Give us a call, we'll be glad to explain all of this in detail, as it pertains to your selected tour.