Going on tour is a wonderful and cost effective way to see new countries. But if you’re a first-time tourer you may well be confused by what is and what is not included in your tour making what should be a pleasurable and exciting choice into a challenge.

It’s not always immediately clear from the tour inclusions as to what is not included. Some missing items are obvious whilst others are subtle ones and easily overlooked by the less experienced eye. Ultimately the adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ still applies so choosing a tour with lower cost, means less inclusions.

Over my years of experience in the travel industry, I have devised a litmus test of the ‘5-Essential Inclusions to identify additional costs. Applying the test highlights additional costs allowing you to include them in the budget and resulting in a more accurate overview of your tour cost. These are the essentials to examine:

1. Are breakfasts included?

Mornings out on tour are usually busy times with tight schedules. Finding somewhere to eat every morning before you depart on your day excursion can be not only stressful and expensive but also time consuming. So where possible, try to have your breakfasts included.

2. Which dinners are included?

Arriving at your destination after a long flight and dealing with jet lag can be no fun. Knowing that your dinner is included on your first night is great – it enables you to relax, enjoy your new surroundings and meet your fellow travellers. And after weeks out touring and making new travel friends, to have a farewell dinner included on your final night is a pleasant and festive end to your holiday.

3. Are entrances included in the sightseeing tours?

The itinerary might say ‘See the Tower of London’ but is entrance to this attraction included? Unless entrance is specifically stated as included, this is an additional cost. As could other entrances on your tour be. It’s a good idea to highlight these attractions on the itinerary and check if the entrances are included and if not, make allowance for them in the budget.

4. Arrival & departure transfers

This service is often overlooked in the excitement of reading the itinerary. Arriving in a new country and making your way to your hotel can be a challenge, especially for the less confident traveller. If you have ascertained that your transfers are not included, I suggest you speak to your travel agent and request that the service is arranged and paid for in advance.

5. Gratuities

If you’re like me believing that gratuities are a reward for excellence of service and not a right afforded to every person who calls themselves a guide, then pre-paid gratuities are a sore point. However, there is an expectation in many countries that guides should be tipped so this culture is sometimes unavoidable. If you ascertain that tips are not included, ask for guidance on what the daily budget should be towards these gratuities. Some companies offer the opportunity to pay the gratuities in advance but if not, you are at least able to include these in your budget planning.

 

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