Best Excursions & Things to
Do for Your Trip

It’s easy to book your Flights and Hotel and then decide you’ll figure out everything else when you arrive.

Sometimes that works.

But if there’s an activity you really want to do, I wouldn’t leave it entirely to chance.

Popular tours can sell out, especially during holidays, spring break, summer vacations, cruise-port days, and other busy travel periods.

Booking ahead also gives you time to compare operators instead of choosing whatever happens to have availability after you arrive.

That doesn’t mean you need to schedule every hour of your vacation. I like having a few things planned and leaving some open time too.

One or two great excursions can give your trip some structure without making your vacation feel like a schedule you have to follow.

Private Tours vs. Group Tours

One of the first decisions you’ll sometimes have to make is whether to book a private or group excursion.

Group tours are usually less expensive and can be a great option when you want to see the major sights without spending a lot. Private tours generally cost more, but you may get a more personalized experience, additional flexibility, and fewer people.

For families or groups traveling together, always compare the total price rather than just the advertised per-person price. A private tour divided among six people may be more reasonable than it initially looks.

What’s Included in the Price?

Always read the details before booking. Some excursions include transportation, equipment, admission fees, snacks, drinks, or meals. Others charge separately for some or all of those things.

You may also need money for gratuities, parking, photographs, lockers, equipment upgrades, or optional activities.

If transportation isn’t included, find out where the tour starts and how long it will take to get there from your hotel or vacation rental. A $10 cheaper excursion isn’t saving you money if getting to the meeting point costs another $40.

Choosing a Tour Operator

Price matters, but I wouldn’t choose an excursion based on price alone. Look at recent reviews and pay attention to what travelers repeatedly mention.

Was the tour organized? Did it start on time? Was the guide knowledgeable? Was the equipment in good condition? Did travelers feel like they received what was advertised?

Also read the negative reviews. One unhappy traveler doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid a company, but the same complaint appearing over and over is something I would pay attention to.

Before booking, I also check a platform like TripAdvisor to see how a company is reviewed outside of its own site, since that gives a more complete picture than reviews alone.