RedGage

In Australia, there are so many magical places to go and things to see, that visitors may often feel overwhelmed by the amount of choice. Some Australian destinations are so remote, hidden or precious that visitors may either have a difficult time getting there themselves, or aren’t allowed to go without taking an organised tour. This isn’t a bad thing though, because Australian touring companies are some of the best in the world and can give you an amazing, stress-free holiday experience. Here are a few tips on how to choose the best tour for you, and how to make sure the touring company you choose is a good one:

Reputation

For any destination, there is a contingent of touring companies that are ready to take you there. But how can you be sure which one is the best? The biggest, most expensive companies might not have the best reputations, so it’s important to ask around for advice. People who can help include other tourists, the receptionists at your hotel or hostel, tourism websites or someone at the local information services. Don’t be afraid to do a little background research on a company either.

Cost

Before you pay for your tour, take a good look at the detailed itinerary they provide and decide if it’s more or less than you would spend if you were to do it on your own. Consider food, transportation, accommodation, parking fees and any other cost associated with your chosen trip. Talk to the touring company as well about anything extra you may have to pay for while on the tour.

Guides

The tour guide can make or break your experience. It’s best to choose a company with a guide that is a local person, someone who has travel experience, many years of guiding experience and who has undergone the proper hospitality training for the job. The guide is the most important part of your trip, as their job is to show you some amazing places, so do your best to score a decent one.

Target Market

Some companies have a very specific target market for their tours. If you want something peaceful and relaxing, you should avoid adventure tours that will have you up and physically active all day long. If you are single, then you will want to avoid those couples’ winery tours that last until sunset. There is so much variety that you shouldn’t have a problem finding something that will suit your interests and style.

Group Size

You want your tour to be unique and special for you, so you need to make sure the tour company you choose has your personal interests in mind. With tours that are larger than 12 people, it’s hard for your guide to get to know you and give you a great personal experience. With small groups you will be able to get to know other people on the tour, and there is always an opportunity for an itinerary to change if there is something else everyone wants to do. Large groups are not only less intimate, but also have a much larger environmental impact and are less likely to be very organised.

So do your research and find the right tour company for you. A little background research can really make all the difference to your tour experience.