Have you given any thought to group travel in recent years? For some of us it will have been decades since our youthful ‘Contiki’ or ‘TopDeck’ experiences. For others, the chilling memory of early starts on the never-ending 53-day Grand Europe ‘Trafalgar’-style bus tour still lingers.
For a growing number of mature Kiwis, travelling as part of an escorted group tour has opened up new destinations, new experiences and even new friendships for them. The comfort of knowing everything is taken care of and all you need to do is relax and enjoy the experience is becoming more important to New Zealand seniors.
Being part of an escorted group isn’t just about avoiding the stress of travel – like negotiating your way around airports or standing in queues for popular attractions. It’s about maximising the experience and the enjoyment of the journey. Escorted group travel, created specifically for the mature Kiwi traveller, not only avoids the pitfalls and drawbacks of the crammed itinerary or ill-advised accommodation choice, but can also provide access to destinations and experiences not necessarily open to the independent traveller. Right here in New Zealand there are great stories and experiences to be had on private estates, farms and even islands where the owners are happy to open up their place, host pre-booked groups and show them around. These stunning Kiwi destinations are often only accessed with an escorted group tour.
The Six Advantages of escorted group tours
- Access to places others can’t get to
The opportunity to visit privately owned destinations, not usually open to visitors, are often restricted to escorted group tours. For example, many of the best experiences that make places like Great Barrier Island or The Chathams so iconic, are reached only with approved access across private property. Independent travellers or tourists simply miss out on these. - A more enriching experience
The added dimension of expert commentary, providing texture, context and a layer of understanding of what you’re looking at or experiencing, is often unattainable for the independent visitor. For example, during summer, the road through New Zealand’s largest farm, Molesworth Station, is open for anyone to drive it. With an escorted group tour led by someone steeped in the workings and history of the station, this soaring landscape comes alive. - Travelling with kindred spirits
The added pleasure to be had travelling with like-minded people of a similar generation can build memories and ongoing friendships that continue long after the tour has concluded. A whole new horizon of travel can open up with their new tour chums. - The opportunity to fully take in your surroundings
We can all recall a holiday when we seemed to spend all our time with eyes glued to an unfamiliar road or a map. But being part of an escorted group tour allows you to be ‘in the moment’ and not miss a thing. Couples or friends travelling together get to spend more time enjoying each-others company. - Greater engagement with locals
Better access to more places that escorted group tours can offer, provides a greater opportunity to engage with the local people at places you visit. Whether it’s through a local guide or your hosts, the private access tends to open up conversations with local people adding further to a traveller’s experience. - The guidance & support of a good Tour Leader
A professional Tour Leader can both maximise the quality of your travel experience and minimise any issues you may encounter along the way. A Tour Leader will not only be the conduit that connects all elements of the tour, they’re also there to assist and support individuals on the tour that may need their help. Essentially a concierge resource at your service to add value to your travels.
For a growing number of mature Kiwis, escorted group touring is adding great value to their travelling experience.
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