Are You Going To Be Happier With A Guided Tour Or With A Luxury Travel Vacation Package?

By Paige Thompson


So, you have decided to book a luxury vacation. Booking is the only thing you need to do. The first question most travel agents will ask you is "Are you interested in a cruise, a tour, or a travel package?" The cruise option is out, but what about the other two? And what exactly is the difference between a tour and a travel package anyway? With different definitions and inclusions, it is important for any traveler to be informed enough to make the best decision for their unique needs.

What are definitions?

When you are considering booking a tour for your luxury travel vacation, keep in mind that "tour" implies several things. A tour usually includes a guide, and those trips are taken as a group with other people. A vacation package will instead include flights, hotels and rental cars, if needed. You can add or subtract guided tours in your vacation package.

What can you afford?

Tours offer good deals. You get to stay in the nicer hotels of the areas, and in most situations, it is usually more than one hotel. All your transportation is included, such as to and from the airport and transportation to all the local sites and tours. The package also includes entry fees to different attractions you will be visiting. You can even add more attractions and tours to your package. Most tour packages will also include some meals. With your luxury travel vacation package, all that is included is the cost, fees and taxes of your air, hotel and car rental. You might occasionally find a city tour that offers a free breakfast, but it is definitely not the norm.

Destination Studies and Personal Preference

So when does it benefit you to book a tour verses a vacation package? The answer really depends on what you want to do while you are there. If you travel to places like Rome or Paris, and you want to see all the different attractions, then you are better off with a guided tour which will also include all your entry fees. However, if you are not interested in touring the main attractions and you just want to be there to absorb the culture, a luxury travel vacation package is better. You probably would not want a guided tour of Jamaica or Hawaii. Your main goal is probably to relax. The best way to come up with a choice is to determine what you want to do when you are finally there.

Now you know what the differences are and it is up to you to make a decision. Looking at the definitions, a tour and a luxury travel vacation package each offer something different. They include different things and they are priced differently. So, it really depends on what you want and where you are going. Your travel agent can probably give you good suggestions, but now that you are informed you will be able to even make better decisions on your own.




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