Try These Five Questions from the Experts at USTOA
Most
people wouldn’t think of buying a piece of clothing that
isn’t the right size. So too, when buying a vacation, finding
the right fit can make or break the experience.
To help you find the right vacation to suit your style and personality,
the experts at USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association)
– who send more than 11 million people on vacation yearly
– suggest you ask yourself the following five questions.
What is important to you? What do you expect from your trip? Are
you looking for a particular level of comfort or luxury? If luxury
accommodations are important, be sure to ask what category hotels
will be used.
How much activity do you want? Some people want to see everything;
others prefer a casual day on the beach or to relax in a café.
On an escorted tour, find out how much actual travel there is,
versus time to stay put. Is there enough free time? Check the
itinerary carefully to be sure that the sights you want to see
are included.
How do you fit in? Try to choose accommodations that are compatible
with your style and comfort level. If you like things casual,
check to see whether it may be too formal for your taste; or vice
versa. If on an escorted tour, decide how important it is that
the other people in your group be from a similar background or
educational level.
Are your expectations realistic? Are you willing to compromise
in order to save money? If you’re trying to save money,
decide whether it matters that your hotel room faces the back
or has no view. Remember, you usually get what you pay for. If
you’re traveling on a bare bones budget, don’t expect
top-drawer luxury.
What type of vacation is right for you? Does an escorted tour,
a special interest trip with like-minded individuals, or an independent,
on-your-own vacation fill the bill? USTOA has developed a quick
self-test called the “Vacation Personality Quiz” that
helps you determine the best vacation type for you based on your
personality preferences.
USTOA members number some of the top names in vacation packages
and tours, and must meet the travel industry’s highest standards.
To find a USTOA member company type the name in under "Find A USTOA Tour Operator" on the left column above.
Click the links below to download "The Smart Travelers Planning Tools"
Adobe
Acrobat Reader is required to view PDFs. Click below to download a
free copy.
The Standard for Confident Travel (2 pages)
How to Select a Tour or Vacation Package (4 pages)
USTOA Membership Destination Guide (16 pages)
Take the USTOA Vacation Personality Quiz now
If you have trouble downloading and would like a hard copy sent to you please email USTOA at information@ustoa.com.
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