Private Tours, Group Tours or Day Tours
When I start working with new clients and we are discussing where they want to go, one of the first things we discuss is how they want to travel. Some people know right from the beginning the way they want to tour a new place and for others, they really need to think about what will work for them and their travel partners.
Private tours are a great way to really see a new place the exact way you want to see the place. When I plan private tours for people, I usually work with a Destination Management Company (DMC) who is an expert in the place my clients are planning to visit. I am so lucky that through my host company, I have many DMCs that are vetted and can be trusted to provide a wonderful experience for my clients. Once I have spoken in depth with my clients, I contact the appropriate DMC, give them as much information as I can, including destination(s), dates, desired level of activity, type of accommodations and budget. The DMC then goes to work, preparing an initial itinerary. Once I receive that, I discuss it with my clients and we make changes to get it to be exactly what they are looking for in their vacation. Oftentimes the tweaks are minor but sometimes many changes need to be made. The most important thing to me is that my clients get the perfect trip and I will work until they are completely satisfied.
Group tours are another great way to visit a destination. With groups, there are usually 2 options: small groups and large groups. These groups are escorted through the destinations with experienced, frequently local guides. Everyone on the group follows the prescribed schedule and no changes can be made. These are not custom tours, but if you like where the tours are going, they work for many people. Group tours are especially good for solo travellers, who want to travel with others, but don’t have someone they know who can or wants to travel where they want to go. I have many tour companies that I work with who provide a wonderful group experiences to my clients.
Day tours are perfect when you “want to get lost in a place” but want some specific touring for certain sights. For instance, you have been to Paris before but have never been to Versailles. You may decide to take a day tour there, which would provide transportation and a guide who would walk you through the palace and tell you more than you would get touring on your own. Day tours are also great for adventures like a stagazing tour in Hawaii, that can only be done with a licensed tour guide.
When I help you plan your vacation, we deeply discuss how you want to travel and I plan accordingly. This is one of the most fun parts of my business is figuring out how people like to travel and putting all of the puzzle pieces together for them.