Planning a European tour can be exciting, and Globus Travel is a well-known name in the industry. However, before you book your trip, it’s important to consider if their style of travel aligns with your preferences. This review offers insights based on observations of Globus itineraries, focusing on key aspects that may influence your travel experience.
One of the first things to note about Globus tours is that while they offer some “Small Group” departures, not all of their tours are designed to be intimate. If a smaller group size, typically limited to 24 people, is a priority for you, it’s crucial to specifically look for those designated dates. Larger tour groups can have a significant impact on the pace of travel. With more people, everything tends to move a bit slower. This can mean more time spent on comfort stops and longer meal times to accommodate everyone, which might reduce your actual exploration time at destinations.
When examining Globus itineraries, you might notice a relatively fast pace. An itinerary indicating a 2-night stay in a location essentially translates to just one full day to delve into the area. Stays of only one night often provide just an afternoon and perhaps a portion of the following morning, depending on the travel distance to the next destination.
Consider their 9-day Rome to Paris itinerary as an example. It includes just a single night each in Florence and Venice. This brief stay hardly allows for a comprehensive experience of these iconic cities. In Switzerland, accommodations are often located in Lucerne, which, while beautiful, is not actually situated within the Swiss Alps themselves. For travelers dreaming of immersing themselves in mountain scenery, this could be a point to consider.
Another aspect to be aware of is the prevalence of optional tours. Globus often lists optional excursions to see major highlights, like a “Highlights of Rome” tour, which comes at an additional cost. While optional tours offer flexibility, it’s worth noting that some travelers prefer tour companies that include these essential experiences in the base price, providing a more transparent and inclusive cost upfront. The approach of adding costs incrementally can sometimes make it harder to budget accurately for the overall trip.
Furthermore, tips are not typically included in the Globus tour package. It’s generally recommended to budget around 10 Euros per day for tips for your tour guide, and also to consider tipping the bus driver. These additional costs should be factored into your overall travel budget.
It’s also not always clear whether shopping stops are a standard part of the Globus tour experience. For travelers who are not particularly interested in shopping, this might be a concern. Some tour companies explicitly state that they avoid incorporating shopping stops into their itineraries, catering to those who prioritize sightseeing and cultural experiences.
Hotel locations are another important consideration. For example, in Venice, Globus accommodations are often situated in Mestre, on the mainland, rather than on the Venetian islands themselves. While Mestre offers access to Venice, staying there means you won’t have the experience of being directly in the heart of the canal city.
For alternative tour styles, consider companies like Rick Steves, Road Scholar, and Seymour Travels. These companies often offer different approaches to group tours that might be more suitable depending on your travel style and preferences.
Ultimately, whether Globus Travel is right for you depends on your individual travel style and priorities. This style of travel may be perfect for some, but it’s essential to be aware of these factors to ensure it aligns with your expectations for your European adventure. Travel preferences are very personal, and understanding the nuances of different tour operators is key to a satisfying travel experience.
