United States Tour Operators Association: Smart Travel with Tours and Packages

Is an Escorted Tour the Right Choice for You?

Six Questions to Ask Yourself

WINNING VACATION STRATEGIES FROM THE EXPERTS AT USTOA

According to a recent member poll conducted by the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), four million people yearly take an escorted tour While the traditional multi-destination tour still remains a staple for first-time travelers, many of today's escorted tours are likely to build in more leisure time, offer greater flexibility, more choices, and include adventurous options such as short treks, hikes, archeological discoveries and more.

When is an escorted tour the right choice?

If convenience is a major priority, and you want to avoid long lines for museums and attractions, an escorted tour is the way to go. As a member of a tour group you are assured priority entrance to major sites such as museums and attractions like the Eiffel Tower.

If you want to learn more about the areas you're visiting, escorted tours often provide specialized local guides in areas of historic interest. You will benefit from their insights into the local history and culture, and your trip will be enriched accordingly.

If you're a busy professional and don't have time to do the planning yourself, consider all the pre-arranged benefits of an escorted tour. You won't have to worry about finding your hotel accommodations, coping with driving or traveling on your own, getting your bags to and from your room, whether you've missed major attractions, and more. All the hassles are taken care of for you; you're free to sit back and relax.

If you're traveling to a more exotic, off-the-beaten path area, such as Asia or Africa where you might not be familiar with customs and language, you may prefer the security of a group tour.

If you're a single traveler you may wish to hook up with a small group of compatible people. There are walking tours, wilderness tours, safaris, motorcoach tours and many other choices that offer companionship and the convenience of pre-planned arrangements.

For additional help, take the free USTOA Vacation Personality Quiz developed by a group of psychologists. The quiz takes you through 15 easy-to-answer questions that help you determine the best type of vacation for you based on your personality preferences.

The quiz is available on the USTOA web site--www.ustoa.com--or by phoning 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862). You can also access a listing of USTOA member companies, all of whom have met the travel industry's highest standards, and who subscribe to the USTOA $1 Million Consumer Protection Plan. For more information on USTOA e-mail information@ustoa.com.