The moment you decide to travel is exhilarating. The internet is a sea of breathtaking tours, from African safaris to European city escapes. But before you click “book,” a little pre-planning can save you from a world of stress and ensure your tour perfectly matches your dream vacation.
Here are the essential things to do before you start browsing for tours.
1. Define Your Travel Style and Set Your Budget
Tours are not one-size-fits-all. Knowing what you want is the first and most crucial step.
- What’s Your Vibe? Are you an adventurer who thrives on hiking and trekking, or do you prefer a leisurely, luxurious getaway? Are you a social butterfly who loves group tours, or do you crave a quiet, intimate experience? Knowing your travel personality will help you filter out tours that don’t fit your style.
- Be Honest About Your Budget: Don’t just think about the tour price. Factor in the cost of flights to and from your destination, travel insurance, visas, and spending money for meals not included in the package, souvenirs, and optional activities. Setting a realistic, all-inclusive budget will prevent you from falling in love with a tour you can’t afford.
2. Research and Choose Your Destination
Don’t just pick a destination based on a picture you saw on Instagram. Dig deeper to see if it’s the right fit for you.
- Align with Your Interests: If you’re passionate about ancient history, a tour of Italy or Greece might be a better choice than a beach tour in the Maldives. If your primary goal is wildlife photography, an African safari is the clear winner over a museum tour of Paris.
- Consider the Season: Researching the weather patterns and local seasons of your destination is critical. A trip to Southeast Asia during monsoon season might ruin your beach plans, while visiting Europe in the off-season could mean shorter lines but also colder weather.
3. Check Visa and Passport Requirements
This is a non-negotiable step that can derail your entire trip if overlooked.
- Passport Validity: Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure. Check your passport’s expiration date now and renew it if necessary.
- Visa Requirements: Research the visa requirements for all the countries on your itinerary. Some countries offer visa-on-arrival, while others require you to apply well in advance. The process can take weeks or even months, so start early.
4. Look into Health and Safety
Your well-being should always be a top priority.
- Vaccinations and Health Advice: Schedule a visit with a doctor or a travel clinic to discuss recommended or required vaccinations for your destination. They can also provide advice on staying healthy and safe abroad.
- Safety Conditions: Check government travel advisories for any safety warnings or local laws you should be aware of. Researching common scams and cultural etiquette in your destination will also help you travel with confidence.
5. Create a Rough Itinerary
Before you hand over control to a tour operator, you should have a general idea of what you want to see.
- List Your Must-Sees: Make a list of the top 3-5 things you absolutely want to do or see in your destination. This list will serve as a compass, helping you find a tour that hits all your key interests.
- Decide on the Pace: Do you want a fast-paced tour that packs as much in as possible, or do you prefer a more relaxed itinerary with plenty of free time? This will help you select a tour with the right rhythm for you.
6. Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations
You’ve done the internal work; now it’s time to gather external information.
- Go Beyond the Tour Operator’s Website: Look for independent reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and travel blogs. Pay attention to feedback on the tour company’s professionalism, the quality of their guides, and the accuracy of their itineraries.
- Tap Your Network: Ask friends, family, and online travel communities for their tour recommendations. Personal experiences are often the most reliable source of information.
By completing these steps before you start looking at tour packages, you will be well-equipped to make an informed decision and embark on a journey that is not just a tour, but an incredible, personalized adventure. Happy travels!