性视界

Debunking Common Myths about Guided Vacations

By Lisa Sands, Director of Marketing, CIE Tours

As it relates to fast-paced journeys through Europe, you鈥檝e likely heard the phrase 鈥渋f it鈥檚 Tuesday, this must be Belgium!鈥�.  A 1969 movie by that name exaggerated the experiences people had in the early days of motorcoach touring; and although the comedy reinforced Americans鈥� false perceptions of this style of travel in Europe, the movie鈥檚 popularity may have been responsible for creating broad awareness that ultimately contributed to the tour industry鈥檚 growth.

However, escorted touring is no longer your grandfather鈥檚 European vacation experience. Today鈥檚 guided vacations can include upscale accommodations such as overnighting in a castle, keeping in touch while on the road onboard a luxury coach, VIP access to exclusive venues, and farm-to-table food experiences. So, what are the elements of traveling by motorcoach that may still be misunderstood? Let鈥檚 review the key myths and realities about traveling on a guided vacation.

Myth: I can get the airfare, hotels, transportation and sightseeing cheaper if I do the work myself. 

Fact: Tour operators have longstanding relationships in the destinations they serve, and each company bring dozens, if not hundreds, of people to the same hotels and attractions each week. They use their buying power to get bulk rates that are passed on to travelers in the form of a lower package price. Many tour operators take that even further by including extras in the up-front price such as baggage handling, meals, and most importantly, the services of a tour guide. Which brings us to our next myth鈥�.

Myth: I want to immerse myself in a destination鈥檚 history and culture, and there won鈥檛 be time for that on a motorcoach tour.

Fact: As the name implies, guided vacations include the services of a professional tour director who is an expert in their destination. Throughout your journey, your guide will share the history, culture and local lore that independent travelers would never discover on their own. A knowledgeable guide will add dimension to your vacation by bringing a local鈥檚 perspective on the destination and introducing you to the people that call it home. As an added bonus, you鈥檒l bypass waiting lines at attractions and get to experience places that you wouldn鈥檛 even know about if you went on your own.  And, that鈥檚 where the next myth gets debunked!

Myth: I won鈥檛 be able to go off on my own and do anything that the locals might do.

Fact: Guided vacations offer many authentic experiences that would otherwise be missed by independent travelers. These experiences include genuine, immersive opportunities to allow you to truly get to know a place and its people. Together with your group, you might try things like visiting a local home and learning to make scones from a generations-old recipe, visiting the world鈥檚 oldest pub and raising a pint with locals, a sheepdog demonstration on a farm, or a private viewing of historic residences and castles.  And, there will be many opportunities for independent exploration; your expert guide can point you to a local pub where you can listen to traditional music or a corner caf茅 where you can watch people go about their daily routines. Even on the most all-inclusive tours, you鈥檒l have time for discovering new restaurants for lunch or dinner on your own鈥�that is, if you choose to leave behind your new-found friends. More on that鈥�.

Myth: I鈥檒l be stuck on a bus with people that I don鈥檛 know.

Fact: While you may begin your vacation as strangers, motorcoach touring has the unique advantage of bringing together a small group of people with similar interests (generally no more than 48 people on a coach). With your tour director as the host, you will quickly get to know one another, and for many people, meeting like-minded travelers can be one of the most rewarding aspects of guided vacationing.聽 You can also make your vacation a friends-and-family affair: why not bring your own group along to let them share in the fun? Oh, and by the way, you won鈥檛 be traveling on just any 鈥渂us鈥�: the luxury motorcoaches in use today are well-equipped with wi-fi, oversized windows, reclining seats and even video screens, in some cases; all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Which brings us to our final myth.

Myth: The pace will be too fast and I won鈥檛 be able to relax.

Fact: Guided vacations mean carefree touring. You and your travel companions can leave the driving to  a local professional, you can trust that the hotels on your itinerary will be safe and of good quality, itineraries are mapped out and time-proven to ensure you see all the important sights, and there鈥檚 no worrying about logistics like where to park, where to eat or what time the museum opens (or if it鈥檚 even open at all on the day you鈥檒l be in town). Your professional driver and expert guide will handle every detail, so all you need to do is enjoy your vacation. While the pace won鈥檛 be too fast, it won鈥檛 be slow 鈥� after all, vacation time is precious and you want to maximize every minute. Expect an active vacation, where good walking shoes are a must for traversing cobblestone streets and paths less traveled.

Guided vacations offer the perfect way to learn, experience and connect with others who share your interest; while maximizing your time and getting the most value 鈥� both for your dollar, and for the priceless memories that you鈥檒l make. Your trusted travel advisor can help you find the guided vacation that鈥檚 right for your interests and budget.

About the Author:

Lisa Sands, a veteran of the travel industry, has led the strategic marketing and content strategies for some of the country鈥檚 leading tour operators, leisure travel agencies and corporate travel management firms throughout her 25 year career. Currently the Director of Marketing for CIE Tours, Lisa鈥檚 editorial endeavors have been recognized by the North American Travel Journalists Association and she has received awards from the Walt Disney Company, Universal Orlando, and Royal Caribbean for marketing innovation. Lisa鈥檚 favorite travel experiences include immersion in the cuisine and cultures of the world鈥檚 most intriguing destinations, with a particular fondness for Ireland and Scotland.

About CIE Tours

Since 1932, CIE Tours has been the premier tour operator for Ireland and Britain vacations, earning a reputation for excellence rooted in its signature Irish hospitality.  The 2022 travel season marked 90 years of operation for the Morristown, New Jersey-based company, during which it has taken more than three million travelers on the vacation of their dreams. Expertly crafted vacations to Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Iceland, and Italy suit every travel style and taste – from the camaraderie of coach tours and custom group travel to a variety of independent adventures, small group tours and personalized private driver experiences.

CIE Tours takes care of every detail and provides exclusive access, authentic experiences, and in-depth knowledge of each destination. Only CIE Tours offers the 鈥淎ll-In Inclusive Advantage鈥� which guarantees that every experience and most meals are included, so there are never any hidden expenses.  Above all, the genuine warmth and expertise of its guides and hosts shines through, with guest satisfaction ratings of 95%. For more information, visit .

Posted in: