A first-timers’ guide to escorted touring
Enjoy your dream destination at its most authentic, or discover a part of the world you wouldn’t have pictured yourself in, with an award-winning escorted tour.
We’re big fans of all things escorted touring – but what does this mean to those who aren’t familiar? At surface level, it does exactly what it says on the tin: you’ll enjoy every part of a typical group holiday with the bonus of having our experienced local tour managers every step of the way. Through their expertise, you’ll discover spots that aren’t on the tourist trails, learn things you might have missed, and get the most authentic taste of your chosen destination. You’ll also be guaranteed your own guestroom, with private wash facilities at each hotel, and can unwind with coach transfers every step of the way. Most importantly, though, escorted touring offers you the care and comfort you’ll need to make your travel dreams every bit as special as you’d imagined.
With that being said, the idea of taking a group holiday can be daunting for newcomers, and you may have a few question marks hanging over the finer details of escorted touring. Don’t worry, with over 40 years of experience running wish-list trips across the world, our team is on hand to help dispel any misconceptions and equip you with everything you need to enjoy your chosen holiday.
Understand what escorted touring is
While escorted touring may not be what you’re used to when it comes to travelling, the truth is you won’t find anything too unusual on one. The experience is similar to what you might expect – the only difference is that your itineraries will have been carefully pre-planned to make sure you’re ticking off every wish-list sight available. Our tours are designed to offer an immersive taste of the local cultures and, while some experiences might be a step outside of your comfort zone, our tour managers will be on hand to give you the confidence to try something new. Who knows – you might even discover a new favourite food or make memories you would otherwise have missed!
Pack light and smart
While it can be tempting to haul your entire wardrobe with you abroad, there really is no need for shorter trips. By being more selective with your luggage, you’ll enjoy a less hectic experience travelling to and from each airport. It also makes things easier on the drivers and porters who will help you with your bags, which can go a long way to making a good impression. The best part, though, about having the extra space in your bag is that you’ll always have room for more souvenirs to commemorate your time abroad.
Be prepared for group travel
A worry for many first-time travellers is that they’ll feel isolated or alone in a group of total strangers, but it’s important to understand that your fellow travellers will be in the same boat. With people from all walks of life, ranging from experienced explorers to other first-timers, you’ll be joined by like-minded people. In fact, given that you’ve all chosen to visit the same spots, you might be surprised to find you have more in common than you initially might have thought. One of the best ways to enjoy an escorted tour, we find, is to spend it in the company of newfound friends, and your tour managers will often encourage a friendly and open atmosphere.
Balance guided activities with free time
Although your excursions will be the main focus of your tour, it’s a good idea to treat the journey as part of the overall travel experience. Whether you’re driving through Italy’s vineyard-laden Veneto or waiting for your first few animal sightings on an African safari, the journeys between each destination will showcase some of the finest local landscapes. They also offer the perfect opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers and get a feel for life in a different part of the world. Back at the hotel, we also highly recommend making time to unwind and getting plenty of rest to ensure you’re wide awake for the moments that matter!
Make your holiday your own
Having the freedom to spend your time abroad as you see fit can make or break your tour, and we’re proud to offer a range of extensions and excursions to certain itineraries so that you can customise your trip. While you’ll enjoy a host of included activities, these optional additions can uncover hidden insights, wish-list spots which are slightly further afield, and expert-led experiences that’ll help you live like a local.
Stay open-minded and flexible
Whether you’re taking in the metropolitan cities of Spain and Portugal or soaking up Indonesia’s charming rural villages, part of the joy of escorted travel is discovering things that are totally out of the ordinary. One of the most useful things you can bring with you on your chosen tour, then, is an open mind and a willingness to try new things. Discover a new favourite cuisine, make memorable connections with locals and enjoy a more rounded travel experience – trust us, pushing yourself to try new things is worth every moment. What’s more, you can rest assured that you won’t be in it alone and will have a personable tour manager to help you take each step in comfort and confidence.
Discover the joys of escorted touring with Newmarket Holidays
Whether you’ve spent a lifetime dreaming of your wish-list escape or simply want to nudge yourself out of your comfort zone, our award-winning itineraries are the perfect choice to discover the world in confidence. To get the ball rolling on your dream getaway, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call or check out our full range of destinations. If you’re a newcomer to the world of global travel, or have a specific tour in mind, why not also check out our first-timer’s guide to safari and solo travel?
