Choosing a Tour Group and Operator

I often get carried away and excited by listings of tour packages, especially when it appears to be a ''fair deal". Yeah, it happens to the best of us. You are not alone.

Tour companies often come up with various mouth watering deals, and I have learnt overtime that it’s not just about looking for a great tour, but about getting one that’s ''right for me''.

This involves engaging in active research because as a fun loving single in her late twenties, there’s a slim chance that I would enjoy the same tour as a couple in their 60’s. Although, I will have access to some nuggets of wisdom, but will I be achieving the purpose of my trip?

Some decisions are just yours to make, and you can start by asking yourself these important questions:

1. What sort of group tour is being proposed?     

In my teens, when a group tour is mentioned, what comes to mind is an excursion on a bus,   which was mostly educational tours. There are other varieties which includes; Cultural and Theme tours (Olumo Rock, Erin Ijesha) , Multi-Tours (3 countries in one trip), Private and custom tours ( for Honeymooners), City tours, Day trips. So be informed!

Lekki Conservation Centre Day Trip

Ouidah Tour

            Abeokuta Cultural Trip (Olumo Rock)

2. What kind of traveller am I?

It is your duty to figure that out. Are you a thrill seeker, an escapist, or an honeymooner? I wouldn’t want to go on a hiking trip while on my honeymoon, just as a solo traveller wouldn’t want to be on a family trip. So It’s up to you.

The tour company may have succeeded in getting your attention, but you have to be sure you are the customer they want. I have seen travel buddies who had to sit out some activities, and they often end up feeling cheated because they had paid for the whole package. To ensure there’s no mismatch, verify if their itinerary matches your interests. View their social media pages. Would you like to associate with their travel buddies? What's their average age? What do they do ? Where are they from?

Snake Temple, Ouidah.    

Air Jays Zip Lining (Ghana's first Zip line)

 

Don’t ignore reviews and comments on their social media pages. Get familiar with the level of activity the tour company provides. It's not about the number, but your interests.

Would you want to spend your time on a moving bus sight-seeing or actually come down to walk around and have the experience? There was a time a tour guide went contrary to what was on the itinerary, and I found myself fully clothed in jeans and tees on a beautiful beach for just 5 minutes, when I would rather relax and play in the sand. I was really pissed. I had to shop for new clothes to enjoy my day. Lol, so extra right!

3. Would you be comfortable in small or large groups?

Large and small groups have their merits and demerits. In a large group you would meet individuals from diverse backgrounds, at a lower cost. However, get ready to do everything with other travellers, lose experience that can only accommodate small groups and spend hours checking into accommodation. On the flip side, in small groups it would be a lot easier to remember every name and face, and you have more opportunity to interact with your tour guide. Whatever rocks your boat. 

4. What is the pace of the tour?

Most times, I would like to cover as much countries as possible and see all attractions there is, in very little time. But doing this can be overwhelming and stressful, and some travellers  often see this as a punishment. Your body could ache so much, that you question if you are on vacation. So ask if it is packed with activities and at what intervals. Are there slow days? Busy days? Free days? How many tourist sight for each day?  

5. What is the transportation plan?

You would want to know if the tour cost covers transportation and airport transfers for the duration of your trip. What sort of transportation will be provided? Boat, Train, Plane, Car, Bus. This would give you an idea of the level of comfort to expect. 

6. What is the room sharing and meal plan?

You should inquire on whether you may have to pay more to stay alone, and if there will be complimentary breakfast, lunch or dinner for the duration of the trip.

Whether you are a thrill seeker or an escapist, work towards creating your own memories and avoid being coaxed into taking up adventures which aren’t yours to take. Shift your focus beyond just visiting attractions.

This isn't an exhaustive list of what to look out for, but its definitely a start. Feel free to share in the comment section what you look out for when choosing a tour group and operator, we will be happy to learn from you.