| There are many differences between tour operators. | | | | destination choices circle the globe, with trips available |
| Some primary differences between tour operators | | | | all over the world and directed at all age and |
| are the level of service they provide and the | | | | economic levels. |
| destinations that they travel to. Another aspect | | | | These are just five of the many tour operators that |
| which sets tour operators apart are the clientele that | | | | you can choose from. When choosing a tour |
| they aim their services to. Tour operators can save | | | | operator for your travels there are a few things to |
| you time and money while planning your vacation. | | | | keep in mind. By deciding exactly what you need |
| They often know of specific deals and offers that | | | | from a tour operator, you will be prepared to find |
| will make your vacation a memorable occasion. | | | | the tour operator that will best meet your needs. |
| Tour operators provide a complete vacation package. | | | | Some things to consider: |
| Their trips include travel expenses, accommodations | | | | • Your budget. Some tour operators are geared |
| and often many of the meals. Each tour operator is | | | | toward budget travel while others are directed |
| different, so it is important to understand exactly | | | | toward high end travel. Being realistic about your |
| what you can expect from your tour or vacation. | | | | budget allows you to find the tour operator that is |
| Even the same tour may offer different levels of | | | | best suited to meet your needs. |
| service for different trips. While the list of tour | | | | • Your ideal vacation. Every person has their own |
| operators is endless, here are some that provide | | | | idea of what makes up an ideal vacation. If your |
| dependable service. | | | | dream vacation includes SCUBA diving or parasailing, |
| 1. AAA Member Choice Vacations. This tour operator | | | | then a tour operator that provides adventure travel |
| was created for the traveler that has a variety of | | | | makes sense. If you want to enjoy pampering, a |
| interests. With tours all across the world, there is | | | | tour operator that specializes in luxury |
| guaranteed to be something that will interest you. | | | | accommodations is a good choice. |
| Once you choose your location, you can customize | | | | • Your fellow vacationers. Some tour operators |
| your trip itinerary so that it fits your needs perfectly. | | | | specialize in family vacations, while others are geared |
| Their tours allow you to focus on the food of a | | | | toward seniors. There are travel operators that |
| region, the natural aspects of an area, adventure | | | | specialize in trips for newlyweds and couples. It is |
| activities or even to explore the cultural aspects of | | | | important to choose a tour operator that gears their |
| an area. | | | | trips toward the travel group that you will have. A |
| 2. Blue Sky Tours. Blue Sky Tours is an example of a | | | | tour operator that specializes in travel for couples |
| tour operator that focuses on one region and does it | | | | may not be the best choice for families. Not only will |
| well. Blue Sky Tours operates tours to Hawaii. For | | | | many of the activities not be suitable, but the other |
| many people Hawaii is a dream destination. If you are | | | | members of your travel group may not appreciate |
| looking at a once in a lifetime trip, it makes sense to | | | | the mixed group. |
| choose a company that knows the region well. | | | | • Where you want to go. While some tour |
| 3. Abercrombie and Kent. This tour operator offers a | | | | operators offer trips all across the world, other |
| wide variety of packages to a diverse range of | | | | companies specialize in one area. If you have your |
| clientele. Abercrombie and Kent provides small group, | | | | heart set on a specific destination, choosing a |
| family and adventure travel for all ages. They also | | | | company that specializes in that area may make the |
| offer train excursions, a niche vacation type that a | | | | most sense. If, however, you are looking to explore |
| growing number of people are participating in. | | | | new areas, or are having trouble narrowing down |
| Abercrombie and Kent is geared toward the higher | | | | your options, choosing a tour operator that organizes |
| end travel clientele, and couples traveling with children. | | | | trips across the world may provide you with ideas |
| 4. Footloose Sailing Charters. If your dream has been | | | | that you have never considered. |
| to learn to sail, Footloose is the tour operator for | | | | The itinerary. Some tours provide an extremely |
| you. They offer sailing charters for the amateur as | | | | regimented schedule for each day of the trip. Others |
| well as more experienced customers. New Zealand | | | | allow you to personalize your trip every hour of the |
| and St. Lucia are just two of the destinations where | | | | day. If you are interested in trying new things, then |
| they provide service. | | | | following the tour operator’s schedule may |
| 5. United Vacations. United Vacations is a division of | | | | appeal to you. For others who like to plan their own |
| United Airlines. This allows the company to provide | | | | day, a tour operator that offers more flexibility |
| competitive pricing to many destinations. Their | | | | would make a better choice. |