While travel to new and exotic locations sounds exciting, I'd be lying if I didn't say it can also be intimidating. Will I be able to communicate? How will I get around? Sometimes it may seem like too much to even deal with.
That's where escorted travel really saves the day.
What is Escorted Travel?
Put simply, escorted travel is any vacation you take where you have a guide or escort with you and your group. The group can be small with some companies offering "book your bubble" vacations. Or they may be a larger group of 20 or 30 people.
Think of Escorted Travel like this: every little hassle gets smoothed over. No looking at maps or reading descriptions to decide where to go and what to see. No worrying about tickets, opening and closing times, routes to take. Your guides handle it all. You can just relax and enjoy your trip.
In addition, you will often have access to museums and other experiences that others simply do not. Want to tour the Vatican Museum alone? Want to really see the Sistine Chapel with no one else there? Want to meet the raven master at the Tower of London? Of course you do!
In addition to your guides, you will also have access to experts at the sites you visit. If you've ever rented an audio tour at, say The Biltmore, you know how much more you get out of your visit. Now, imagine that but with a real live person who can answer your questions so you don't have to wonder what or wonder why. Sounds awesome, doesn't it?
Who should consider Escorted Travel?
There are numerous travel companies offering escorted travel and they each have their own niche or specialty. Some are more for young singles, like G Adventures' 18-30 Something adventures that are designed just for that market.
Other companies (like Collette or Kensington Tours) offer luxury food & wine trips or photography-oriented itineraries. Still others specialize in family travel, like Adventures by Disney. I have relationships with vendors who have partnerships with celebrity experts in their fields to bring you curated experiences in photography, the environment or food, wine and culture. Honestly, the list is endless! Tell me what you are excited to learn and explore and I can find the right provider for you.
Why would I take an Escorted Vacation?
Value
Escorted travel makes the most of your travel dollars. You will not waste time navigating or waiting in lines. The guides know the destination inside and out. Even for your 'on your own time,' they will point out the best restaurants, shops and sites to enjoy. On our Adventures by Disney trip, we got into the Tower of London BEFORE it opened to the public. We saw the Crown Jewels with no one else even in the building.
Explore your Interests
Tour companies have experience guiding travelers with interests like yours. They know, even better than you do, what will be exciting and interesting because they are experts in the destinations. Which winery gives the best tours? Where can you go for the best pastries in Paris? Which museum offers the most interesting pieces? They know!
Friendship
My family took an Adventures by Disney vacation in 2019 and we are still in touch with the friends we made on that trip. It's just fun to meet new people who share a common interest.
Overcoming obstacles
Some destinations are intimidating. If you don't understand the culture or speak the language, it can be scary to just go explore as much as we all want to be adventurous. Your guides will help you and make it more accessible. This is where an escorted vacation really helps you navigate and make the most of your adventure. Guides can point out good restaurants, shops and sites to see in your free time. They can save you time and money but helping you navigate and avoid scams or tourist traps.
When we were visiting the Latin Quarter in Paris, our guide directed us to several dining options for lunch. I would NEVER have stopped at the crêperie she recommended. It was, literally, a hole in the wall. BEST crepes ever!!
You may be thinking, I don't want to be on a schedule for my whole vacation. Not to worry, these tours are not designed to run you ragged. They are actually very good at balancing down time with scheduled time. My family had time to explore on our own just fine.
If you have children with you, I highly suggest considering a company that specializes in family travel. They know parents want some time to enjoy the destination without the kids and will entertain them, help keep an eye on them and there will be activities that appeal to children so they're not just marched through historic site after museum etc.
We did longbow archery in the English countryside, made chocolate treats in Paris AND the kids had a movie and picnic night with our guides while the adults enjoyed a quiet meal.
Sound intriguing?
Trips by Mary has access to several preferred escorted travel companies. Email me (mary@tripsbymary.com)or call me at 919-817-4081 to talk about your travel dreams. Let's make them reality!
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