United States Tour Operators Association: Smart Travel with Tours and Packages

Some people think tours and vacation packages are overly regimented or lack adventure or sophistication. The fact is they encompass a tremendous spectrum of tastes, interests and travel styles -- from a multi-country tour to a wine-tasting tour of a particular region to an adventure combining cruising and land-touring. In short, tours and vacation packages are as varied and individual as the millions of Americans who purchase them each year for travel in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Savings

Tours and vacation packages offer many important benefits. Key among these is savings. By contracting in bulk for hotels, accommodations, ground transportation, sightseeing tours, meals and other services, tour operators achieve substantial economies. The resulting savings from this volume purchasing are passed on to the traveler.

Volume Purchasing

In addition, the tour operators' volume purchasing often enables them to secure accommodations, airline space and other arrangements that would be virtually impossible to obtain from any other source.

Peace of Mind

Purchasing a tour or package also means peace of mind. Since you pre-pay for your trip, you know what the cost will be in advance and can budget for your vacation with greater certainty.

You'll also have the assurance that your vacation has been planned by professionals; and in the event that an unforeseen problem does arise, a tour escort, local host or some other representative of the tour operator is generally available to assist you.