Group tours can take a lot of the hassle out of traveling.
Group tours also can be a great opportunity to make friends with like-minded travelers.
However, choosing the right group tour that fits your budget, style and abilities isnt easy.
Asking these 25 questions can help.
How much free time will I have?
Some tours are action-packed, while others include plenty of scheduled downtime.
Its important to select a tour that aligns with your preferences.
Other tours are intentional about building in plenty of free time.
Dig into your tours schedule to ensure its a good fit.
How large is the group size?
Some tours have large groups, while others are limited to a small number of travelers.
There is no right answer here, Herszberg says.
Some travelers are looking for more social experiences, others are after a more bespoke boutique experience.
However, knowing how many people will be on your tour is crucial for managing expectations, he explains.
They each have their pros and cons.
What are the accommodations like?
Accommodations vary greatly depending on the tour and location.
Ask about the key in of accommodations on your tour before booking to ensure you will be comfortable.
Some tour companies list the specific hotels they use on their websites.
Others indicate if the hotels are premium or basic.
However, others may prefer a higher class of accommodations with all the comforts of home.
How accessible is the tour?
Travelers who are concerned about accessibility should ask about accommodations in advance.
Barnes suggests asking detailed questions: Are there elevators?
Will staff be available to assist with luggage?
Another tip: research the accessibility of the destination.
Asking, Are there steep hills, cobblestone streets or long walks between activities?
can help ensure a tour is right for you, Barnes says.
What is the physical activity level?
Activities in group tours execute the gamut from gentle walks to hiking rugged terrain.
Looking into the physical activity level of the tour is essential to finding one that is just right.
Can the tour handle my medical needs?
Travelers with medical needs should ask if the tour company can handle their medical conditions.
Its essential to know whether the tour can accommodate your medical concerns before you book.
Its also important to ask how medical emergencies will be handled.
What is the transportation like?
Many tours involve long hours of travel between destinations.
Barnes also suggests asking whether longer journeys include stops to stretch and take in the scenery.
Will I meet like-minded travelers?
Some tour operators run tours specifically for older travelers.
For example, Road Scholar gears all of its trips toward travelers over 50.
Intrepid Travel and Explore Worldwide also offer tours specifically for travelers over 50.
