How to Find and Book the Best Types of Tours
by Jenny Javitch, Founder of Global Game Plan
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Taking a tour is one of the best activities you can do on vacation…and there are so many different types of tours to choose from. Remember the phrase “there’s an app for that?” Well, “there’s a tour for that” too! Even if you’re not a huge fan of large tour groups or crowds, spending just one hour or two on a guided tour can provide you with:
Behind-the-scenes access
In-depth information about a specific attraction or a country
Means to bypass the entrance line and discover unique qualities of your destination
An efficient way to spend your precious vacation time
A chance to learn something new or expand your interests
An opportunity to engage with a local resident and/or expert
Next time you’re on vacation, check out these types of tours to enhance your trip…or if you’re short on planning time, you can ask Global Game Plan to find a tour for you.
Related: What to Consider When Choosing Your Vacation Destination
Overnight Group Tours
Leave the complicated tour planning to someone else and join a group tour from a reputable tour company such as G Adventures that’s perfect for solo travelers, a couples, or families.
Related: How to Plan a Birthday Vacation
Scenic or Sightseeing Tours
Choose a sightseeing tour on land (bicycle, e-bike, Segway, hop on hop off bus tour from Big Bus Tours or City Sightseeing, trolley tour or a walking tour), in the air (via a helicopter or hot air balloon) or through the water (kayak, sailboat, speedboat, pontoon) to view your destination from a new perspective.
Related: How to Find the Best Souvenirs on Vacation
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
See what goes on behind the curtain during backstage tours of the theater, in athlete-only areas of sports stadiums and the movie magic that happens on television and movie sets.
Special Interest or Theme Tours
Everything from architecture, music, history, literary tours, photography or street art/murals, Harry Potter-themes or religious sites to hidden secrets tours like underground tunnels, caves or ghost/haunted tours. There is a special interest or theme tour for everyone!
Self-Guided Tours
Typically done via driving tours (check out this awesome GPS app for a number of national parks and other drives around the United States), neighborhood walking tours (check online for a map), or at a museum (ask for an audio guide or printed map).
Outdoor Adventure Tours
If you’re a nature lover, search for an adventure tour that involves hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, white water rafting, ATV tours or other off-roading vehicles.
Food & Drink Tours
Taking a food or drink tour will take you to pre-selected favorites on a pub crawl, brewery or taproom tour, winery visits (ask about included transportation) or the “best of” local food. One of the best ways to explore new destinations!
Animals & Wildlife Tours
An African safari is a must-do for everyone’s bucket list but there are so many other animal-related adventures to be experienced like whale watching, fishing, horseback riding, birdwatching, driving around famous “wildlife loops” and snorkeling/scuba diving.
Virtual Tours
As we wait for in-person travel to return to normal, you can explore the world through virtual travel! Take a virtual tour to Japan, Ireland, Paris or plan a Virtual Date Night all from the comfort of your own home.
Heritage Tours
Heritage Travel or Heritage Tourism, the process of exploring your cultural heritage through travel, has gained popularity in recent years. Global Game Plan is now offering Custom Virtual Heritage Tours to the country or region of your own heritage. Enjoy a curated experience of food, drinks, arts, culture, history and entertainment right from your home.
Wondering where to find these different types of tours? There are two easy ways to find the best tours…Option 1 is to identify your interest area and search for a tour that fits your interest. Option 2 is to use a search engine or popular tour guide website to see what’s available and then choose from the list. In any case, these are some top places to find and then book a tour:
GyPSy Guide - an audio guide for your next road trip (it works offline too!)
Get Your Guide - find a variety of tour options in medium to large cities
Airbnb Experiences - one-of-a-kind activities hosted by local experts
Discount sites like Groupon or Living Social
Search engines like Orbitz (click on “things to do”) or Expedia
Tours by Locals - private guides for cities around the world
Or…you can ask Global Game Plan to find them for you. This is what we do!!
Follow these helpful tips to book a tour:
Prioritize your favorite tour(s) to ensure there is space available and then plan the rest of your travel schedule around your guided tours.
Be sure you are booking a tour in your preferred language.
Read the cancellation policy.
Read any reviews that are available.
If you are interested in multiple popular tours or attractions, check to see if there’s a combination package that pairs tours together for a discount.
If you’re not a fan of crowds, if you are traveling with a medium/large group of people or just interested in a more exclusive experience, look for a private tour opportunity. Due to covid, more tour companies offer private tours as an additional service.
Before leaving for your trip, review the tour description to know what to prepare or pack for the tour.
Plan to arrive early…don’t be the person who makes the rest of the group wait.
Have a great time! Tip your tour guides in the U.S. (even on free tours) and elsewhere if it’s culturally appropriate.
Global Game Plan would be happy to help you plan your next trip, including finding an awesome vacation rental! Just send us an email or schedule a free phone consultation to discuss it.
You can receive helpful travel tips through our Global Game Plan monthly newsletter (you will also receive a FREE Airbnb Comparison Chart) or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.