But anyone who has been in the business for any length of time knows that is the easiest part, and the differences and most memorable aspects of any sightseeing vacation revolve around everything before, after and during those highlight attractions that makes the difference.  As I was reminded continually in my early days in the travel industry “it’s all in the bleeping details.”  It is the nuances, the insider knowledge that makes a destination come to life and enables how to appreciate things best and most efficiently and traveling with someone who makes visitors feel like a welcome and honored guest, that truly sets the stage for the most enjoyable sightseeing programs.

Executed well, a guided sightseeing vacation provides the following benefits you could never replicate on your own:

Seeing Through an Expert's Eyes
Experts can “tee it up” for you and curate in a way that ensures maximum appreciation. There is something to be said for doing as the locals would do - finding the restaurants you wouldn’t normally find, knowing when the shops and restaurants close because the shop keepers take siestas, and enjoying the traditional customs and unique talents of the natives. An expert Tour Guide gives you the perspective of a local and the guidance of an expert. When you see a place through an expert’s eyes, you see it in the best possible light. You see it from the perspective of someone who can lay bare the heart and soul of a destination so that it resonates in a meaningful way.

Value 

• In terms of cost:  most travelers are not aware that when you book a Guided Vacation with a top-flight company, the price you pay is generally about 30% less than you would pay when booking the same itinerary on your own. That is because leading tour operators buy in bulk and never pay retail or “rack rates” for anything.  Also keep in mind, the more that’s included in the trip, the less you pay for the included elements and the greater the value. 
• With inclusions and richness:  on the surface it may seem like you could save by booking on your own, but that is rarely the case and your resulting itinerary cannot come close to the depth of inclusions and overall richness that will be had on an organized sightseeing program.
   

Choreography
It truly is a well-performed dance, the art of being a Tour Guide. While our group in Greece enjoyed their meals, laughing with each other around a table, I watched as our guide was on the phone working out the details of our next destination and making sure everything was in place for our next stop. Without her, it would be us working out those details instead of laughing and enjoying our time. As a former Tour Guide for many years, I know the intricacies of what goes into planning and the behind the scenes of a Guided Vacation. A Tour Guide’s insight is invaluable. They know how long meals should take at various locations, how long travel time will be, and where guests will want to spend the majority of their time. While we were in Greece, we drove into Athens in the middle of a city-wide strike. Our guide knew which streets to avoid, which streets were closed, and how to not let this negatively impact our trip. 

Balance
In my eyes, one of the most important factors for your decision making. You don’t want to pick a tour consisting of intensive back to back bus rides and site visits. No matter how important the sites are, rushing to and fro without taking time to “smell the roses” makes for an exhausting, one-dimensional trip. Make sure there is room for you to explore on your own or for you to sit back and truly take in your new surroundings without feeling too rushed. The best guided vacation programs pace the trip to balance relaxing time around the intensive site seeing. Most importantly, they will ensure you are in desirable locales with insider recommendations for that balance.

The People
I’ve often said: “people purchase a trip based on their sightseeing priorities, but the most memorable experiences generally revolve around people interactions.”  You may be inspired to travel for the bucket list attractions, but what truly makes the trip are the people you meet along the way, tour guides, shop keepers, fellow travelers. It’s those interactions and relationships that stay with you long after your travels are over and ultimately become the foundation for some of the best travel memories. Spending time together with like-minded travelers often leads to new and life-long friendships. While at the Olive Farm and Vineyard mentioned above, while I distinctly recall the wonderful meal and setting, it was my lengthy chat with the owner and her two sons afterwards that solidified my connection and fondness for that visit.  A professional tour guide will curate an environment that puts you in position to have those meaningful interactions.

Advice for Planning Your Guided Vacation:

• Pick an itinerary and company for your guided vacation that provides a relaxed pace and multiple-night stays in key locations.  You want to make sure you have enough time to really enjoy each location and to feel relaxed rather than rushed.
• If you want to improve the quality of the core sightseeing program, take advantage of the pre and post stays that can be combined with any Guided Vacations. This will give you time to get over jet lag so to maximize the investment you made in the sightseeing program, and it will also allow for additional time to explore!
• Pack light – you never need as much as you initially think you do.  Also, visit with any of our packing experts at a AAA Colorado location to get advice on packing techniques and necessary accessories to maximize your enjoyment
• Read recommended books and watch recommended movies for destinations you intend to visit.  Studies tell us that the most exciting time for travelers is the planning and anticipatory period leading up to travel.  Maximize your excitement and preparedness by doing a bit of homework in advance
• Keep in mind that, in general terms, the more that’s included in a package the greater the overall value in terms of price
   

As I watched our guide seamlessly transitioned from one remarkable destination to another, showing the group the sights, sounds and tastes that leave a lasting impression. Her love of the country’s rich history and strong culture was infectious, and she managed to keep our group both informed and laughing. She not only knew everyone’s name, but paid attention to our interests, calling out sites and facts she knew would be of interest to certain travelers. This was more than just seeing and snapping pictures of famous sites, Moraig was truly bringing our experience to life – immersing us in the ageless traditions, beautiful nature and unique stories shared by Greek locals.