Trafalgar South Africa MD,Theresa Szejwallo, provides 5 myths of guided holidays:
Guided holidays mean lots of time spent on a bus
A coach is normally just one way in which guests travel between destinations. Tours can come in the form of cruises, ferries and trains.
For example, the best way to see the Milford Sound in New Zealand is by boat, while the Glacier Express in Switzerland offers the most spectacular views of the Alps.
Whatever your method of transport, you can be guaranteed that the route selected by your guided holidays expert will have been done with panoramic views and breathtaking landscapes in mind so you can sit back and watch the beautiful scenery with ample leg room, snacks on board and even WiFi if you were thinking of posting that selfie.
Guided holidays are for the blue-haired brigade
Guided holidays are designed to appeal to a specific interest, not an age group. Tour operators offer some stunning experiences for everyone be in pizza making in Venice, dressing up as a Roman soldier at Hadrian’s Wall or making your very own candy bar at Hershey’s Chocolate World in the US. People get to meet other like-minded travellers during these trips.
Guided holidays are for first-time travellers too scared to travel alone
Guided holidays are perfect for those who are short on time and want a no-fuss holiday without spending valuable time in queues, or spending hours researching their itinerary. If you are a solo traveller, it's a great way to meet like-minded travellers and to feel secure if you are unsure about navigating through a country you are visiting for the first time.
Guided holidays are expensive
Absolutely not. If you had to do some research, and do a line-by-line comparison, you’ll realise the value that you’ll get from a guided holiday that you would simply not achieve on your own.
You know upfront what is included so that you can budget ahead of time, and because the guided holiday expert has pre-arranged deals with suppliers and relationships in place, you’ll be assured you’re getting not only the best price for your holiday, but also the best experience.
All guided holiday companies are the same
Not all package holiday or guided holiday companies are the same. Ensure that you’re working with an accredited and reliable travel provider which is a member of, for example, the Association of Southern Africa Travel Agents (ASATA) so that you can travel with peace of mind.
Also check to see how that guided holiday company has factored in opportunities for you gain deeper insights into the destination. It will also be good to check for testimonials on their website and through independent review sites.