How to Rate Travel Tour Companies

According to Leisure Group Travel.com, it is the bonus elements that make a travel tour company exceptional. These elements may include extra surprises not listed on the itinerary, freebies, souvenirs, welcome packets and traveler participation in choosing activities. There are hundreds of travel tour companies worldwide. Each tour operator specializes in different types of travel. Some specialties include shopping, eco-tourism and sustainability, education, cruising, geographical region, duration of trip, age group, cuisine, religion and culture.

Instructions

1

Determine what kind of trip you would like to take. Ask yourself if you are more interested in the actual destination or the activities the location offers. Sometimes these two factors may go hand-in-hand. For example; if you are interested in eco-tourism, wildlife and the environment, "Leisure and Travel magazine" recommends Costa Rica as a destination that can offer all of these things.

2

Visit the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) Web site to find a travel tour company that it is highly reputable. This group maintains a database of travel tour companies and has established very high standards for membership. The best tour operators provide their customers with the most complete vacation experience possible. Highly reputable companies have solid and long-standing relationships with hoteliers, transportation companies, restaurants and tourism boards. They also can provide outstanding concierge service. The Better Business Bureau can also tell you about the business practices of a particular travel tour group which you are considering.

3

Choose a company that focuses on one or two regions of world if the destination is the most important factor when you make your decision about a tour group. In most cases, these companies have decades of experience in one particular region. They are completely immersed in the history culture, and can provide necessary tips on changing customs and culture. Many times the tour operators live exclusively in the region and can give you precious first-hand knowledge which can greatly enhance your trip.

The USTOA has a comprehensive database of tour operators listed by region.

4

Find travel tour companies that are best suited to your lifestyle. Some companies have better programs for families, while others cater to strictly couples. Single travel can be tricky since most fees (hotels, cruises) are based on double occupancy; however there are companies who modify the price schedule to accommodate those who are traveling by themselves. The United States Tour Operators Association also lists travel tour companies by activities and type of vacation.

5

Look to reviews that come from real travelers such as yourself, when you make your final decision. After a wonderful or not so great trip, consumers are always willing to give honest and non-biased opinions about their personal experiences.

There are many sites that provide reviews on travel tour companies. Tripadvisor.com, Igougo.com and Travelistic.com are well-known online sources for traveler feedback. Some travelers provide their reviews by text, while others provide personal photos and videos.