I’m a fan of taking at least one or two organized tours when I travel — especially if I’m visiting a special site or walking around an amazing Vietnam city.
But choosing a tour can be perplexing and confusing.
How do you know who is legit and who’s not?
So in this post I want to offer up some tips for choosing a tour.
This way you’ll have the information you need so you select the right tour for you!
If you’re into the outdoors and want to do something active, then choose an appropriate tour. Kayaking on Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh
1.What type of tour do you want?
The first of my tips for choosing a tour is to consider what type of tour you want to take.
Do you want to get on a van with a smaller group or a private tour?
Are you a fan of walking tours? (like trekking)
Or perhaps a cycling tour?
2. Now some of this depends on where you are going.
For instance, you may be in a city and taking a tour of a specific site in that city.
You can enjoy this tour with a small car, motorbike, tri-cycling , bike or jeep car in Ha Noi, Hoi An, Saigon.
You know yourself and your abilities.
If you are not in good walking shape, then a 3 hour walking tour traipsing around Puluong Retreat is probably not going to be for you.
But taking a tour through the Bat Trang Ceramic in Ha Noi might be perfect.
This leads me to the next 2 tips…
A walking tour of Puluong or Sapa is great for those who are okay with walking — A LOT!
3. Group size
You have options when it comes to the size of the group.
Larger tour groups of 25 or more people can be great if you like to have a lot of people around to share the experience with.
Maybe you’re a solo traveler so meeting some fellow travelers is part of your experience.
Larger group tours can also bring the cost down so they are perfect for those on a budget.
Small group tours, typically no more than 15 people, are excellent for those who still want a group aspect but would rather not be with 30 other people.
And small group tours work well if you are a small group traveling together — for example, 5 or 6 couples.
Costs for small group tours will be a bit more than large groups but less expensive than a private tour.
4. Private tour are the final choice.
This is a fabulous option if you want it to be just you and your family.
While this alternative costs more, it’s an awesome way to get a more tailor-made tour as the guide and all services is yours and will cater to your interests, wants and needs.
5. This tip for choosing a tour is often driven by budget.
But not always.
I’ve been part of larger groups and small groups.
And I’ve hired private guides as well.
All work well.
And sometimes you’ll find that you may prefer large groups for some situations and smaller groups or a private guide for another type of situation.
It really is up to you — and your budget!
6. What are your interests?
Choosing a tour that fits your interests — art, history, food — is probably one of the first tips for choosing a tour.
Find a tour that hones in on your interests if you have something specific you are passionate about.
I love history and wanted to know more about Vietnam history so I took a tour focused on the history.
Maybe you are into food and love learning about a destination through food.
Then a food tour or a cooking class may be the best option.
Let your interests be your starting point for finding that perfect tour — for you.
7. Make sure you are the right traveler
Along with the above, you do want to ensure that you are the fit for the tour.
Some tours may target young travelers and have a party vibe with lots of adult beverages.
If you’re a 60-something that wants something less party-like, then this may not be the appropriate tour.
Are you a family with younger school-aged kids?
Your kids may end up getting a bit restless if the tour focuses on heavy facts.
You may find it really intriguing, but your kids may be bored out of their minds.
Often you can tell by reading the description of the tour as well as the reviews.
So be sure you are the target audience of this tour.
Be sure you are the right audience for the tour.
8. How long is the tour?
One of the top tips for choosing a tour is to be sure you know how long the tour is.
The same holds true if you book a private tour with a travel company — you’ll want to be clear on the length of time you’ll have your private tour.
You may be looking for just a 2-3 days tour or 7-15 days tour or more days.
Always check to see how long the tour lasts.
I will also stress to know yourself.
Are you someone who is fine with a short and to the point tour?
Then choose something shorter, like a highlight tour.
But if you love soaking up all that incredible information, then maybe a longer, more detailed tour is in order.
9. Choose local if possible
One of my top tips for choosing a tour is to select a local tour company if possible.
There are some larger tour companies out there that may be based elsewhere in the world.
So if you can choose a company that is located in the country you are traveling in, that is ideal.
It really helps keep the money in the pockets of the local economy.
Choose a local tour company if possible.
10. What does the tour include and exclude?
A top tip for choosing a touris to be sure to know what you are paying for and what you are not.
So you’ll want to know what all is included in the tour.
For example, if part of the tour includes visiting paid sites or museums, are your entrance fees included?
Is food and drink included?
What about transportation costs?
Read the fine print and ask if you are unsure.
Be sure to read the fine print so you know what the tour includes and what is excludes.
11. Is the tour eco-friendly?
My final tip for choosing a tour is to find out if they are environmentally friendly or in some way being eco-conscious.
Of course this will depend on if this is truly important to you.
But as travelers, I do believe we should be conscientious of our impact on the environment.
So selecting a tour company or a tour guide that shares those values is important.
And if you’re unsure, then simply ask.
If you are someone who is very conscientious about your carbon footprint, you may want find a tour company who feels the same.
12. There are my tips for choosing a tour
I think this is a pretty good list for you to use as you select a tour for your travels.
You’ll probably find that a few of these are more important to you than others.
For those on a budget, finding an inexpensive tour can be the most important aspect.
And you really should give your hard working guide and the driver something.
So don’t expect a completely free tour.
