Recently our CEO Darla Moore sat down with Lisa Stickler of Groups Today Magazine. USA Today published a rather unflattering article, "5 Myths About Group Tours"
Here are the Myths-
1. Group tours are just too big for me.
Darla Moore: This is a tricky area. Many travelers think of the stereotypical "big box" group tours, but group travel can be as few as five. We at DarlaTours like to keep our groups between 20 and 50, but welcome smaller groups, too.
2. Tours are too expensive.
DM: Travelers need to make apples to apples comparisons. Tours often include meals, transportation, hotel discounts and other out-of-pocket expenses that can add up when traveling. With group travel, these costs are upfront. The traveler can sit back and relax without counting dollars while on vacation.
3. Traveling via group tour is unauthentic.
DM: Think of it this way: Going to a restaurant on your own is a different experience than going with a group of friends. Is one more authentic than the other? No. Was the food any different? No. Was the restaurant any different? No. But, the experience was completely different.
4. Travel tours don't give me enough time to explore.
DM: This is where the traveler needs to be a smart shopper. Carefully look at the itinerary. Is there time built in for relaxation and exploration or is it a fast-paced schedule? Shop around and find the schedule type that best fits your style. If the published itinerary doesn't provide enough detail, contact the company and ask.
5. I can travel alone, why go on a tour?
DM: By going on a tour, you have a shared experience. Many of my clients develop lifelong friendships because of trips they shared. Group travel creates an experience that cannot be had when travelling alone. Group travelers share photos, trade seats and become friends—all while having the trip of a lifetime.
The complete article can be found at http://groupstoday.com/business/540-group-travel-rumors-squashed
Here are the Myths-
1. Group tours are just too big for me.
Darla Moore: This is a tricky area. Many travelers think of the stereotypical "big box" group tours, but group travel can be as few as five. We at DarlaTours like to keep our groups between 20 and 50, but welcome smaller groups, too.
2. Tours are too expensive.
DM: Travelers need to make apples to apples comparisons. Tours often include meals, transportation, hotel discounts and other out-of-pocket expenses that can add up when traveling. With group travel, these costs are upfront. The traveler can sit back and relax without counting dollars while on vacation.
3. Traveling via group tour is unauthentic.
DM: Think of it this way: Going to a restaurant on your own is a different experience than going with a group of friends. Is one more authentic than the other? No. Was the food any different? No. Was the restaurant any different? No. But, the experience was completely different.
4. Travel tours don't give me enough time to explore.
DM: This is where the traveler needs to be a smart shopper. Carefully look at the itinerary. Is there time built in for relaxation and exploration or is it a fast-paced schedule? Shop around and find the schedule type that best fits your style. If the published itinerary doesn't provide enough detail, contact the company and ask.
5. I can travel alone, why go on a tour?
DM: By going on a tour, you have a shared experience. Many of my clients develop lifelong friendships because of trips they shared. Group travel creates an experience that cannot be had when travelling alone. Group travelers share photos, trade seats and become friends—all while having the trip of a lifetime.
The complete article can be found at http://groupstoday.com/business/540-group-travel-rumors-squashed