Some of the most enlightening reading you can do when planning a vacation…or just daydreaming…is the BROCHURE. Perhaps you picked it up at your travel agent’s office or it was mailed to you from a cruise line or tour operator. However you obtained it, you are intrigued by the magnificent colored pictures, the maps and location descriptions. Those colorful natives in their fantastic clothing; aerial views of the Vatican and close-ups of adorable children…how easy it is to be carried away before you book the tour! Here are a number of things to look for, beyond the pictures and scenic wonders.
There are two main types of brochures: government visitors’ bureau and tour operators. Either publication is sure to intrigue you and goad you to visit, but the tour company’s brochure is the practical one…it’s the one you should learn to read and decipher. Yes, decipher, because if you know what’s being sold you’ll be well on the way to getting just what you want.
Determine if the tour is a budget, first class, deluxe or luxury tour. What’s the difference, other than the price? The answer can be found in the text of the brochure, or ask your travel agent for the classification.
Important words and phrases:
(1) “From:” this is the STARTING price of the tour. It is the lowest price at which this tour is offered and is usually at the beginning or end of the season. Check the list of prices and be aware of how they change with date…holidays almost always incur an additional charge.
(2) “Land Only:” The price quoted does not include airfare.
(3) “On tour air:” This typically refers to intra-country airfare. The cost of the flights may or may not be included in the tour price. Be sure to ask.
(4) “Meal codes:” B = breakfast; CB = Continental breakfast; BB = Buffet breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner, HD = Highlight or special folkloric dinner
Some tours do not offer any meals, some offer breakfast only; few offer lunch. Highlight dinners are sometimes included. Do the included meals include beverages? Breakfast yes – coffee, tea and juices. As for dinner, sometimes the tour operator includes wine, alcoholic beverages or soft drinks, but it will state it in the brochure (i.e. enjoy wine with dinner.)
(5) “Hotels:” Some brochures name the hotels at which you will be staying and rate them in one fashion or another (few will use a star system). Look for such keys as F (first class), ST, (superior tourist), T (tourist), D (deluxe). Check the hotel on Google to get a full description.
(6) “Deposit:” The amount of money necessary to secure the reservation. Deposits are usually NOT refundable and are time sensitive in that they must be received by a specified date.
(7) “View versus Visit:” Visit means that there is a stop at the location for sightseeing. Any entrance costs are included in your price. View implies that you will stop by, perhaps for a brief picture stop, but you would not go into the location for extensive viewing. I’ll go into more detail on this topic below.
(8) “Why not see?” This means that an optional excursions will be offered to tour an area or famous site. You will have to pay additional monies in order to participate, or you can pass and use the time to go out on your own. You do receive a list of optional tours with your final documents so that you can budget in advance for what you would like to participate in.
(9) “Final payment due…” the date on which the balance of money must be paid. Watch for special promotions that request you to pay in full at the time of booking or earlier than usual. Although at times you can save up to 10% off the tour, you don’t want to be surprised having to come up with a substantial amount of money unless you are prepared for it.
(10) Gratuities. It is customary to tip your guide and coach driver, the amount will depend on your assessment of the service you received. Deluxe and Luxury tours may include gratuities in the basic rate, be sure you understand whether tipping is included, expected or forbidden (seldom the last!) Hotel porterage is usually included as is handling of luggage to/from the coach. Tips for wait staff for included meals are paid by the tour operator.
Major differences:
BUDGET: Budget hotels are clean, with private facilities (toilet, shower/bath), but may be some distance from the center of the town or city being visited, requiring you to take a taxi or bus ride back after a night time visit to town. Watch out for the phrase “Venice area” or “Florence area” …you WON’T be in Venice or Florence!!! You’ll be in another town or way out of city limits. Many budget tours stay well outside major, expensive cities. These hotels may have only a small reception area, no lobby, no bar, only a small “breakfast” area. Also check for air-conditioning or heating, depending upon the season in which you’re planning to travel.
Sightseeing on budget tours may be cursory, with “drive by” viewing and leisure time for visiting landmarks, museums, etc, on your own. There will be optional tours offered, at additional cost. Look for terms such as “included sightseeing,” “time for individual viewing,” “walking tour.” Be aware that viewing a building does NOT include an inside visit, which may require an admission charge that is additional. Example: “View St Peter’s Square” means just that…you will be brought to the square on the tour bus and given time to walk about and perhaps have a moment to see the inside of the church itself. It does NOT mean that you will be visiting the Sistine Chapel or Vatican Museum; these will be separate and incur additional charges.
Check the map carefully so you are not amazed when an entire day is consumed by traveling from one city to another (example: Frankfurt to Berlin)…you will be on the coach a long time. There will be a stop for lunch (usually at your expense) and photo opportunities and lots of great country-side vistas.
FIRST CLASS: First class hotels will feature larger “public” rooms (lobbies, bars), probably a restaurant. The bedrooms may be larger than budget rooms and may have an interesting city or mountain view.. The hotel will be in or very near the city center and also on a subway or bus line. The towels and bathroom amenities will be a bit nicer and the bathroom perhaps a bit larger. There will be a lounge/bar and cozy lobby
Sightseeing on a first class tour will be more detailed and more inclusive than on a budget tour. Entrance fees will be included in the base cost and you will usually avoid long lines. Your guide (or a local guide) will accompany you and add details which add tremendously to your understanding. If time allows you might even visit a place that is not on the itinerary, if you request it.
DELUXE and LUXURY: The hotels will be in the best, most accessible part of town; there may be a hotel van or mini-bus to transport you in your free time. Your room will be large and probably have a lovely view, and an elegant bathroom. There probably will be a spa, swimming pool, hair salon and clothing boutique. The bars and restaurants will be very inviting!
Your sightseeing will be excellent…an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide and local guides who are scholars and experts in their field. Out-of-the-way venues will be explored and the group will be small. Admissions and ticket prices included in the base price and choice seats at most events…no long lines to enter. Special views, such as a sunrise (or moonlight) visit to the Taj Mahal; private visits to homes of local celebrities and maybe even tea or dinner with a local chieftain or mayor.
Bottom line: You get what you pay for, but money is not the only criterion. You may want a budget tour to provide the reservations and transportation because you’re an experienced traveler and know what you want to see and want to explore at your own pace. The Eiffel Tower looks exactly the same from a budget tour bus as from a luxury min-van.
Perhaps where you stay and what you eat are not prime considerations, but this is your very first tour and budget is all you can afford…go for it! To get the most of what you’re looking for, read that brochure, ask you travel agent questions; do your homework.
Call me! (800-942-3301) I’ve been there and will be delighted to help…I mean it!
Written by A Newman (over 40 years in travel) arlene@atlastravelweb.com
