Tour Guide Bus Group Questions Missing People Transportation

In the United States, many people like to be in tour groups during their vacations because the tour company makes all the "arrangements," such as reservations and transportation, and a tour guide is there to explain what they are seeing. However, it's important to ask questions before the tour begins, to make sure that the tour "offers" (provides) everything you're looking for.

Before you "select" (choose) a tour company, you should be clear about what the price includes. Does the price include all transportation, "entrance fees" (money paid to enter a park, museum, or other location), food, and drinks? Are you expected to give the bus driver and the guide a "tip" (money given to thank someone for good service)?

It's also a good idea to ask about the guide. What kind of "background," or experience and education, does the guide have? How much will he or she talk about the "sites" (the places that you're visiting)? Will the guide mostly talk about history, nature, or art? Does the guide speak more than one language? Will the guide speak while you are on the bus, or only when you're at a site?

Try to understand what the tour will be like. Some questions you may want to ask are: How many people will be in the tour group? How old are they and where are they from? Is smoking allowed? How many hours will the tour be, and how early will you have to wake up each day? Will the tour bus "pick you up," or come to meet you, at your hotel? If you're very interested in one site, will you be able to stay there longer, or will you have to stay with the rest of the group all the time?

Tour companies should be able to answer all of these questions to help you find the right type of tour.