How to Find The Best Deal on Travel Tours

How to Find The Best Deal on Travel Tours
Taking time to do research is the best way to get a travel deal. But first, in addition to the destination choice, you must also decide what is, and what is not important to your vacation---such as accommodation level or things such as organized outdoor activities versus the freedom to do them on your own. A discounted tour may be great for some, but if it includes things that are unimportant and does not include activities that you want, it is not really a deal at all.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Access to the Internet Magazines/periodicals that highlight travel
  • Access to the Internet
  • Magazines/periodicals that highlight travel
Step 1
Choose travel destinations to compare. If you are open to a variety of experiences, include a couple of contra-seasonal tours, such as a ski area in the summer.
Step 2
Develop a spreadsheet with columns. It does not have to be formal and be completed with a ruler and paper.
Step 3
Label the left column "tour," and then across the page, label the successive columns as tour cost, hotel, breakfast, other meals, airfare, transfers, sightseeing, car rental, local transport, activities (e.g. sports), and miscellaneous. The far right column should be titled "total expense."
Step 4
Begin the actual research and gather information. You will find information about tours from a variety of sources including tour brochures from a travel agency, travel tour websites, and even by word of mouth. Also, look at magazines and review local organization newsletters that may have specialized tours planned.
Step 5
Review each tour in detail and enter the expenses associated with each. The "tour cost" should reflect the advertised price. Subsequent expenses may or not be included, so if included, simply enter "inc." Add any costs associated with an activity, such as fishing, diving instruction, etc., unless the costs are included in the package.
Step 6
Compare the total costs and the experiences offered for each tour. There will be give and take, but with this approach you can determine your personal best deal.

Tips & Warnings

 
Remember to always includes costs for activities that you definitely want. If you choose a tour that is inexpensive but does not include the activity costs, your overall expenses could skyrocket above an alternate, but all-inclusive tour.
 
Remember to always includes costs for activities that you definitely want. If you choose a tour that is inexpensive but does not include the activity costs, your overall expenses could skyrocket above an alternate, but all-inclusive tour.
 
Some tour descriptions may be less than they appear. For example, some may include a full breakfast, while others, just a roll and coffee. Make sure to read the tour fine print carefully, and verify the inclusions if in doubt.
 
Some tour descriptions may be less than they appear. For example, some may include a full breakfast, while others, just a roll and coffee. Make sure to read the tour fine print carefully, and verify the inclusions if in doubt.

Article Written By Jeff Fulton

Jeff Fulton is a writer specializing in business, travel and culture. He has worked in international sales, customer relations and public relations for major airlines, and has written for Demand Studios since May 2009. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration in marketing from the University of Chicago.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword