Things to consider when choosing your Tour Operator

Recent years have started to gain tourist population towards Philippine Destinations. Numerous counts of Tour Companies offering different local places too.

Apparently, majority of the tourists tend to purchase Travel Package to their chosen tour operators to cost them a little more cheaper than they could have arranged on their own.

If your company, school or any institution decides to have your vacation booked at any tour operators, These lists might help you:

REPUTATION

Look on travel reviews to see what a company’s reputation is. It might not always be what they claim, and it’s important to find out the truth before you book. The biggest, most expensive companies might not always have the best reputations. Sometimes the little ones are just as good. After you find a few companies you like, find out what people thought of them. (Facebook pages may help you a lot when looking travel reviews)


COST

With tour companies, it’s not always true that you get what you pay for. Many tour companies overcharge, while some are just really good at maximizing value for your every penny. Ask where the money goes (Inclusions). Moreover, make sure you ask if there are fees to pay when you get there, or at specific sites. Many companies require you to pay additional money when the tour starts. That cheap tour won’t be so cheap if you have to pay for everything while there.

MARKET

Research the company’s target market (if any). Is the tour geared toward older couples? Young people? Families? You don’t want to end up on a Public market-like tour when all you wanted was a quiet holiday. There’s a tour company for everyone, just make sure you don’t end up on one that isn’t yours. Ask on Twitter and/or Facebook about the companies you are thinking of to get an idea as to who goes on their tours.

GUIDES

Make sure the company uses knowledgeable, "local guides". The guide should be a local or at least a long-term resident, know the local language, have travel experience, and know life-saving techniques. I’ve been on tours where the guide was a walking encyclopedia, and on some where the guide was a glorified time keeper. Guides can make or break your trip. They are going to explain everything to you and keep the flow of the tour going. I always ask about the guides when I book a tour. Other companies also offers a driver/coordinator, it won't be a problem especially if he's knowledgeable of what he is doing.

SAFETY

Make sure the company follows all the proper safety requirements and is accredited by the local government, the government where they are based, and any other appropriate trade organizations. It won't hurt if you ask for their legal documents (Keep in mind that you're doing these for your own safety)

SCHEDULES

Make sure you get a schedule of all the activities and pick a tour that is balanced. Running around all day will leave you wishing you had a holiday from your holiday, but you don’t want to be sitting around all day, either. (Ask for a copy of the specified destinations)

ECONOMIC IMPACT

There’s a growing trend among travelers and tour operators called ecotourism. It’s about more responsible travel, not only towards the environment, but also toward the locals in an area. This means using local guides, hotels, and services, and making sure to reduce waste and your footprint on the local habitat. Moreover, these companies tend to offer better and more interactive tours that also give you a good degree of autonomy. I believe that it’s important to pick a company that provides great value and gives back to the place you are visiting. After all, did you go there to ruin it for others? of course not.

Here are some things to look for in a tour company that balances the needs of the environment and the population, not just cares about profits:

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Ecotourism is foremost about helping the environment. 

Eco-tours seek to minimize the impact on the environment. 

It means staying at places that conserve energy. 

It means taking part in environmental programs or, at least, providing information on the local habitat.  It means only leaving behind footprints — not waste. 

GROUP SIZE 

Larger groups tend to have a much higher environmental impact and require larger buses, bigger ships, and more resources. Tour companies that have smaller groups tend to be much more mindful of the environment and the impact they are leaving. 

Whenever you search for a tour operator, Make sure that you'll choose them NOT just because of the lowest rate they can offer but with the service and quality experience they may serve.