If you are in the process of planning a holiday that personifies adventure, relaxation and convenience all in once, then the option that stands out above the rest is the escorted holiday tour; the perfect solution for those seeking an effortless yet enriching and memorable experience. But, if you’ve not previously invested in an escorted tour, then you might not be familiar with all that these phenomenal holidays entail, or why they make the ideal choice for a luxury getaway.
Based in New Zealand and Australia, All Ways Tailor Made Travel are experts in group travel, and we want to break down some of the myths surrounding escorted tours by explaining what you can expect when you book your first escorted holiday tour, and how you can make sure our experiences are right for you.
What is an escorted holiday tour?
Escorted holiday tours are exclusive holiday packages that are organised entirely by a travel company. On this holiday, a tour guide will take you and a group of other travellers to different sites around your chosen destination, with food, accommodation and flights included in the package.
They are designed for your convenience with a prearranged itinerary, to ease the pressure and complications that can come alongside planning a holiday yourself.
How long is an escorted tour?
Escorted tours can be anywhere from a week to a couple of months, depending on the itinerary and the company you book with. It is important when booking an escorted tour to consider how long you wish to travel for, and choose your tour accordingly.
All Ways Tailor Made Travel offers exclusive 28 day escorted tours around New Zealand for small groups. With our travelling tours, you will discover a rich array of landscapes, lifestyle and culture, without the need to rush your experience.
What is included in an escorted tour?
As all inclusive holidays, escorted tours take the pressure off planning by including all the necessary bits as well as additional extras that make your holiday a truly seamless and memorable experience.
Different companies and experiences will have varying things included in the overall price, but it is typical to expect the following to be covered in your tour:
- Flights to and from your destination
- Pre-booked accommodation for the entirety of your stay
- Chauffeur transfer from the airport to your hotel
- Breakfast, lunch and a select number of dinners
- Touring coaches/transportation
- A dedicated, knowledgeable tour guide throughout
- Excursions and guided tours
At All Ways Tailor Made Travel, our escorted tours are all inclusive, with 5 star hotels, luxury touring coaches and porterage of luggage at your accommodation.
Do escorted tours include accommodation?
Yes. As mentioned previously, escorted tours are all inclusive and therefore you don’t need to concern yourself with booking accommodation yourself.
The quality of your accommodation will vary with the quality of your chosen escorted tour, and you need to make sure the hotels included are suitable for you.
Benefits of an escorted tour
1. You save time planning
Escorted tours are perfect for people who wish for an easy and stress free holiday experience. Visiting a new country is a spectacular experience, but it is often fraught with hours of research finding suitable hotels, activities that are both representative of the local culture and your interests, as well as all the other details like booking flights, arranging hotel transfers, familiarising yourself with the local area, and getting to grips with a new language.
With a guided tour, this is all handled for you, even down to advising on visa application and any vaccinations or other details you may not be familiar with when it comes to a brand new environment.
All you need to do is book the experience you want, and then relax whilst everything is organised on your behalf.
2. Access a carefully planned itinerary
When you book an escorted tour, you will have access to an itinerary that is organised by local experts, helping you to avoid tourist traps and enjoy the very best of the country you are visiting.
Having an itinerary will save time when you are booking the holiday and relieve the pressure whilst you are there, because every moment is accounted for, including time between excursions, travel to and from the experiences and your hotel transfer.
There will be absolutely no need to rush about or scroll through your email confirmations in a fluster, because your days are already planned.
3. Arranged by experts
Escorted tours are worth investing in for the reassurance that you are in the safest hands possible as you travel. Planned and accompanied by experts in the area, you will learn a great deal about the culture and never be taken advantage of, or get lost.
Breathe freely knowing that your tour has been carefully curated, planned, tested and refined by those who know and love the area.
4. Small Group Experience
Escorted tours often cater to smaller groups, which means you can enjoy a more intimate travel experience. You’ll have the chance to meet fellow travelers, share experiences, and bond over your mutual love of exploration.
Plus, with a smaller group size, there’s more time for personalised attention and interaction with your guide if you have any questions or concerns.
Is an escorted tour right for me?
Choosing whether an escorted tour is right for you is a personal decision based on your own preferences, budget and expectations. However, we would suggest that escorted tours suit your holiday style if you:
- Want a holiday that is organised entirely on your behalf
- Enjoy the reassurance of being escorted around new places by experts
- Love the idea of travelling in a group, meeting new people and making new connections
- Wish to experience truly local activities and unique landscapes that you might not have found whilst conducting your own research
- Appreciate the luxury of a five star holiday experience
Tips for your first guided tour
1. Throw yourself into it
If you have booked a guided tour for the first time, then you are about to experience travelling in a way you never have before, with ease, luxury and peace of mind at the forefront of your journey.
We advise that you relax and really throw yourself into the experience, making the most of every single moment, whether it’s a pre-planned excursion or an activity you’ve booked on one of your flexible days.
2. Find the best escorted tours available
If you book a substandard tour, you will have a substandard experience, so make sure you have done your research and found the very best escorted tour for you.
All Ways Tailor Made Travel offer 5 star, luxury group tours of New Zealand that are ideal for those seeking small group travel in one of the most exquisite landscapes in the world. You will stay in the finest accommodation in the country as you journey through an itinerary that allows you to explore the vast array of lush landscape and culture that only New Zealand can provide.
3. Make sure you know what’s included
Before you commit to your escorted tour, make sure you are clear on everything that’s included in your package so that you can plan around it. Some escorted tours will only include a set number of dinners, for example, and this is key to making sure you budget correctly, and have clear expectations of your holiday.
Knowing your itinerary will also allow you to book the finest meals and experiences ahead of time on the days where activities are not already planned for you.
Escorted tours in New Zealand
If you’re planning a holiday to the unspoilt landscape of New Zealand and wish to travel in style, comfort and unparalleled ease, then All Ways Tailor Made Travel has the ideal solution for you.
Our 28 Day Small Group Escorted Tours are the perfect way to explore one of the world’s most beautiful countries whilst guided by local people who will provide you with unique insights into their country. This tour has been carefully curated to show you the very best of New Zealand, covering spots such as Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua and Te Anau with luxury accommodation, food and private touring coaches included.
