Take a Bad Ass Tour

I have been on some of the best tours in other countries. Museum tours, Bus tours, Helicopter tours, hiking tours, sightseeing. But I have also been on some that completely ruined my trip. There are some questions that need to be asked before you choose the right one. I have encountered countless people who just want to rip off the American tourist. When i go on a tour, i want to leave it saying that was the most Bad ass thing i have ever seen, while drinking a beer at a pub. Now that is a successful tour.

Before taking a tour, here are some questions to ask?

How much does the tour cost? Make sure your getting the value of how much the tour costs. some tours will hike up there prices if there a popular tour, it doesn’t mean its any better than a similiar tour.

What does the price included? Many Tours skip out on certain places you may want to see. always ask what the tour included, to get the best for your enjoyment.

What locations does the tour go? If there is a place you really want to see, by all means dont take a tour that doesn’t go there. Don’t waste you time going places you have no interest in.

How long is the tour? Is it overnight? Some tours can be overnight, and very lengthy. In my experience, always add about an hour or 2 of time to what they say.

What kind of transportation? Some tours are Bus, some Van, some helicopter. Make sure you know exactly what you will be travelling in on the tour. I would hate to take a helicopter ride if im afraid of heights.

Is there admission to certain sights as an additional charge? Some museums and park charge a fee that is not included in the tour, make sure you find out if the tour is hitting these locations.

If the tour doesn’t fill up, will the price increase? In some instances, a tour will not fill up, and you will be charged extra for the empty seats. Not cool when it happens, trust me.

Are there any other costs? Reservation fees, guide fees, Park fees, can sometimes be hidden on certain tours. Be sure to ask.

Is the guide included in the cost? How long has he or she been a guide? The guide may be payed by the tour company, but not always, and they can come at a hefty price. Also be sure to find out how long he or she has been working, because i wouldn’t want a high school kid messing around with his buddies on an expensive tour.

Is it an insightful tour? Cities, Art, History? Make sure its insightful. I can’t tell you how many tours i have been on that i do not learn a thing. It makes it hard to be a memorable experience.

How many tourists will be on the tour? There is nothing worse than a huge crowded tour. It makes more difficult to see the sights and retain information. Keep it small.

How much free time is allowed, e.g. museum, city? Make sure the tour your on allows for some free time to get away from the tour. Hours and hours of the same person giving you info is not fun. If i want to spend an hour staring at the Mona Lisa, or browsing the streets, i should be able to.

Are meals included? The best tours include meals in the price. It is fun to eat the local cuisine, and you will be hungry on a long tour.

Are children allowed on the tour? You may want to take your kids with you, if so, always an important question to ask. You also may not want screaming kiddos running around ruining your tour. To each his own, your choice.

Is smoking allowed? Some people hate smoking, and some may need a drag in the middle of the tour. Always ask. In my experience, most tours allow smoking.

Are optional private tours allowed? how much? You may want to take a private tour to a certain place, if so, ask. they may cost more, or not even have them.

Is there a refund if i cancel? I can’t emphasize enought how important this question is. Something may happen where you cannot go on the tour, it would be nice to get your money back.

Are prices lower for off season tours? In the off season tours can be more inexpensive due to weather, tourist times, non holidays. Do the research and ask.

Is insurance included?Something may go wrong on the tour, God Forbid, but it does happen. Never take a tour that doesn’t let you buy some sort of insurance.

Do you take credit cards? Credit Card companies can help you resolve any problems you may have with the tour company after the tour. It also shows the tour company is well established.

How long have you been in buisness? Never take a tour from a company that has just started. You never know what your going to get when you take that chance. Stick with the oldest tour companies.

BE INFORMED!