5 questions to ask before you book an escorted tour
By David Libeau, Travelwise Tour Leader
After 50 years in travel, I’ve learned that a good tour isn’t the one with the longest brochure. It’s the one that fits you. The easiest way to find that out is to ask a few plain questions before you pay a deposit.
Here are the five I wish more people asked.
1. How big is the group?
Twenty people and forty people are different holidays. A smaller group means less waiting, easier restaurants, and a Tour Leader who can actually learn your name. At Travelwise we keep many of our New Zealand tours to a maximum of 14 guests in a luxury minivan. On international journeys the group is still sized so it feels like travelling with companions, not a crowd. Ask the number. It tells you a lot about the pace.
2. What does the activity level really mean?
“Easy” and “moderate” mean different things to different companies. You want to know: how much walking on a typical day, what the ground is like, whether there are steps, and whether heat or humidity is part of the story. Travelwise uses three Activity Levels so you can match the tour to how you like to move. If you’re unsure, phone us. A five-minute conversation is better than a fortnight of sore feet.
3. What is actually included?
Flights, hotels, breakfasts, dinners, sightseeing, tipping, home pick-up – or some of those, plus a list of extras. Inclusive tours cost more on the page and often less in the end, because you’re not paying for optional excursions and surprise gratuities as you go. Ask what’s in, what’s not, and whether the price is twin share. Then compare like with like.
4. Who is looking after us – and what happens if plans change?
On an escorted tour you should know who meets you, who travels with you, and who you call if a flight is delayed. At Travelwise that’s a dedicated Tour Leader throughout, plus an office team in Auckland. Ask how cancellations work, what insurance they recommend, and whether your travel agent still remains your point of contact if you book that way. Good operators are happy to explain this. Vague answers are a signal.
5. Will I enjoy the company and the pace?
This is the question people forget, and it’s often the one that matters most. Are most guests New Zealanders of a similar age? Is there free time, or is every hour filled? Can a solo traveller join without feeling like an extra? Our tours are designed for travellers 60 and over who like to see the world without rushing it. If that sounds like you, you’ll likely feel at home. If you want dawn starts and five countries in six days, we’re probably not the right fit – and that’s useful to know before you book.
A good operator won’t mind these questions. A good Tour Leader asks them of the itinerary too. The aim isn’t to find the “best” tour on paper. It’s to find the one you’ll still be glad you chose when you get home.
And if you’d rather talk it through than read another webpage, that’s what we’re here for. Preferably with a decent coffee. Or, later in the day, something colder.
About David Libeau
David is a Travelwise Tour Leader known for his warmth, wit and deep travel experience. A Takapuna local with more than 50 years in the industry, including senior roles at Qantas, Helloworld and Air New Zealand. He has travelled extensively throughout the world including Europe, Alaska, Mexico, Scandinavia and more recently to Morocco, and still believes the best part of the day is good food, good company and a glass of wine.
