You have a bucket list vacation booked with a travel advisor. Now is the time to add an excursion (or a few) to your travel plan. Layering excursions on top of your plan ensures you will experience all the region has to offer. And the excursions are led by locals who can provide an experience often missed by tourists.
It’s time to add an excursion to your vacation…
Tour Plan Advisors Take Excursions
Cruise lines have offered port excursions for decades, but the trend to include excursions for land-based travel is hot. Here are just a few of the excursions enjoyed by Tour Plan International travel advisors in 2023:
- Cayo Arena—Off the Coast of the Dominican Republic
- Le Strand at Orient Beach, French SXM
- Caribbean Lobster and Cocktails at the private BeachLimerz in Antigua
- Northern Lights and Blue Lagoon in Iceland
- The Godfather Tour in Sicily and walking tours of Taormina and Ragusa
It’s only April 2023, and the Tour Plan International team has already enjoyed several private excursions this year. As you can see, travel advisors can find excursions close to home or for international vacations. Those traveling with us to Italy in October will also have a wide selection of optional excursions. (Of course, our advisors can help you book any of the tours listed here too)
Five Tips from Tour Plan Advisors
Adding an excursion to your travel itinerary is relatively easy, but here are some of the top tips from our travel advisors:
- Do your research or ask your travel advisor for advice. Before booking a private excursion, research travel sites, social media, YouTube, and within travel publications. Often, you can get a taste of the tour through online reviews and even tour videos. Ask your travel advisor about their favorite excursions or experiences.
- Book your excursions early or as soon as you book your vacation. Often, private excursions offer a cancellation refund (and see below for tips about travel insurance). You will find that the top-rated private excursions sell out. It is a better plan to book early and know the cancellation policy.
- Ensure that you add the cost of your excursions to your travel insurance coverage and policy. Tour Plan International always suggests that each vacation budget include the cost of travel insurance. If needed, increase your policy to cover your booked excursions.
- Read the fine print. Does the excursion include a minimum age limit, is there a weight limit, a long hike, or a boat ride, or do you need to bring your equipment? Are food, beverages, and attraction tickets included in the price? Will the commentary be in English?
- Plan to bring additional cash on the excursion for items you may want to purchase and tip your guide.
Excursions Add Zing to Your Vacation
As you plan your travel itinerary, add a little extra zing and smiles with optional excursions. Excursions are a great way to see both the authentic local sites and to obtain entrance to popular attractions. You will undoubtedly learn the local history and culture with a guide while taking memorable photos.
What’s the best travel souvenir? The memories and the photos…It’s time to add an excursion to your vacation! We hope you enjoy these photos from the Tour Plan International Team…
