Escorted holidays are a type of holiday in which travellers are taken, often by coach, to various destinations, guided by a tour director. They are also known as escorted tours. This may conjure up images of trudging off and on a stuffy coach at every photo opportunity but escorted tours are a great way to experience a destination and make unforgettable memories and friendships.
Escorted holidays are planned from start to finish by travel experts with lots of insider knowledge. They are an excellent introduction to new destinations. Escorted holidays – such as escorted tours from Titan and Riviera Travel can immerse you in the culture of a country while also guaranteeing your comfort, safety and enjoyment. All you have to do is sit back, relax and follow the planned itinerary.
Looking for solo holidays: 10 tips for solo travel will help you get the most out of travelling alone.
Types of escorted holidays
There is a wide range of escorted tours available. You can travel around the UK or abroad, by coach or by train. Adventure tours venture to fascinating destinations that you may not have considered. Whether you want to see multiple countries or one specific one in-depth, you’ll definitely be able to find an escorted tour for you. You can also take a special interest escorted holidays, based on activities and interests – from wine tasting to horse-riding, there is something for everyone!
Benefits of escorted holidays
The biggest benefit of an escorted tour is that it minimises the stress of travelling. There is no need to research a destination or plan the entire holiday – you simply follow the carefully decided itinerary created by an expert.
The tour director plans everything, organising your luggage, accommodation, transfers, where to eat and what to see. There’s no need to rent a car and struggle to read road signs or try to navigate foreign public transport. Instead, you can truly enjoy the experience. It’s also a good way to organise group travel if you are planning to travel with a large number of family or friends – avoiding arguments about where to stay, what to visit and who is paying and collecting the money. Instead, everyone just pays the tour company and the itinerary is set!
Escorted tours cost
Escorted tours charge one upfront cost that, depending on the tour company, usually includes accommodation, excursion prices and travel in the country – and occasionally airfare and meals. Therefore you can budget more effectively and manage your finances for the trip better. This is often more cost-effective than booking these yourself, as operators have the advantage of established relationships that will get them cheaper prices on hotels, museum entries and food.
When you travel in a group, tour companies usually manage to negotiate better deals and get discounts on food, accommodation and activities, and so escorted tours will often be cheaper than booking independently.
Most large tour operators will be protected by ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) and the ATOL scheme, so you will likely be compensated if something goes wrong.
Knowledgeable experts
Tour directors and guides are passionate and knowledgeable about the chosen destination, so will be able to provide valuable insight. Any questions regarding the history and cultural background of a region, food, timing can be answered straight away. Travelling with an expert on your destination, you won’t feel like you’ve missed anything. Escorted tour guides have years of tried and tested methods, routes and places to visit to put together the best itinerary. They know the places to avoid, where to eat, where to stay and what time to arrive at well-known spots to avoid long lines (or even skip the line entirely). They can provide insight and advice that is far more useful than a guidebook!
Read our top tips for getting the best from an escorted tour to help you choose the right escorted holiday for you.
Meet new people on escorted holidays
Escorted tours are also a fantastic way of meeting new people. Fellow tour travellers often share similar interests, and travelling together means you share experiences which, in many cases, help build friendships that last long after the tour has ended.
This social aspect of escorted tours is a great draw for those travelling on their own, especially if you’re concerned about being lonely. Escorted tours often consist of a mix of couples, friends and families and solo travellers. It’s much easier to strike up a conversation with the other people on your tour than in a restaurant or hotel on your own. You may also meet a travel buddy, who you can travel with to future destinations!
Personal safety and comfort on escorted tours
The main role of the tour director is to ensure your safety and comfort. Travelling to new countries, especially if you don’t speak the language, can be challenging. Your tour guide is there to help you with any questions and worries you might have. They will know which areas to avoid and common tourist traps. If you are worried about your personal safety with travelling abroad, an escorted tour is a better option than going it alone. Escorted tours are perfect for those wanting to travel to countries that lack a large tourism business, for example, Iran. They can provide peace of mind and reassurance, as you’ll have someone to turn to should any problems arise.
Escorted holidays offer freedom to explore
Some people worry that an escorted tour means you lose your freedom to explore a destination. However, tour companies tend to factor in lots of individual time outside of the itinerary, so you may be able to spend a day meandering around a city or participating in activities that specifically you’re interested in.
Furthermore, most activities and places to eat will be optional. You are free to sample local cuisine or take off by yourself for a few hours. This is your holiday and tour operators want you to enjoy yourself. Also, if your escorted tour does not include airfare, consider flying out to your destination early or stay after the escorted tour has ended to enjoy some holiday time alone.
