Many senior travelers prefer to leave detailed planning to someone else. Others feel that the details are part of the fun. They enjoy researching travel destinations and selecting hotels, restaurants and daytrips. If you’re considering a tour group or cruise, you’ll want to learn more about tour group companies and cruise lines so that you can choose an itinerary that interests you.
You might want to ask family and friends about trips they’ve taken. Find out why they liked or disliked the tour operator or cruise line they chose, and ask about different types of tours. If you’re a slow walker, for example, you will probably prefer a tour group that avoids 10-minute “photo stops,” because it might take you all that time to exit the tour bus, find the local restroom and reboard.
Most tour operators use tour buses, also known as motorcoaches, to transport the group. You’ll be getting on and off the bus several times each day. Carefully examine the daily itinerary of any tour you’re considering. Use a map to figure out how much time you’ll spend on the bus each day before you reserve a place in the tour group.
If meeting new people is a priority, consider a tour group that specializes in trips for senior singles or couples. Some cruise lines work with travel companies to offer singles cruises. Many tour operators use a tour bus seat rotation policy; travelers sit in different places each day and have an opportunity to meet everyone in the tour group. You may even meet future travel companions on your very first tour.
