Planning a guided tour can be exciting, and Collette Tours often appears as a popular option. If you’re exploring Collette Travel Reviews to decide if their tours are the right fit for you, it’s essential to look beyond the brochures and understand what past travelers are saying. While personal experiences vary, some key aspects consistently come up when evaluating Collette tours. This review will delve into these points to help you make an informed decision.
One recurring theme in Collette travel reviews is the concept of “optional excursions.” While the base tour price might seem appealing, many travelers find that some of the most desirable activities and sights are offered as add-ons at an extra cost. When comparing Collette to other tour operators like Rick Steves Tours or Road Scholar, it’s noticeable that companies like Rick Steves are typically more inclusive upfront. This means that what might seem like a competitively priced Collette tour could end up costing significantly more once you factor in these optional excursions. To get a true picture of the total cost, it’s crucial to price out these extras alongside the base tour price.
Another financial aspect frequently discussed in Collette travel reviews is the matter of gratuities. Unlike some tour companies that include tips for guides and drivers, Collette’s policy, as stated in their FAQ, is that tips are not included in the land price. This means you’ll need to budget separately for customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, and potentially cruise ship waitstaff if your tour involves a cruise. Industry standards often suggest budgeting around $5-7 per day for the tour manager and $3-5 per day for the bus driver, with smaller amounts for local guides and housekeeping. These daily tips can add a considerable amount to your overall travel expenses, impacting the final value proposition of a Collette tour.
While group size wasn’t explicitly detailed on the Collette website during a brief review, it’s another factor worth considering when reading Collette travel reviews. The size of the tour group can significantly influence your travel experience. Larger groups might lead to a less personalized experience compared to smaller, more intimate tours often offered by companies like Road Scholar. It’s advisable to inquire about the average group size for your specific Collette tour to understand what kind of group dynamic to expect.
Ultimately, Collette travel reviews highlight the importance of doing thorough research and carefully considering all potential costs beyond the initial tour price. While Collette offers a range of destinations and tour styles, understanding the optional excursions, tipping policies, and potential group sizes will empower you to determine if a Collette tour aligns with your travel style and budget. When comparing tours, especially for destinations requiring higher security considerations like Egypt, it’s wise to weigh all-inclusive pricing and security measures, potentially considering higher-end options to ensure peace of mind. Good luck with your tour planning and we hope this review of Collette travel reviews is helpful in your decision-making process.
