Benefits of an Escorted Guided Tour
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
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While we’d all love a privately guided, customized tour tailored to our exact desires and needs, we know that style of travel doesn’t always fit everyone’s budget. Fortunately, there's another fantastic option: a perfectly planned itinerary with like-minded travelers! You’ll visit beautiful towns and cities, enjoying an effortless travel experience where everything is taken care of—hotels, sightseeing, transportation, meals, and unique experiences—plus, plenty of free time to explore and dine on your own. This way, you get a great value vacation without compromising on an unforgettable adventure.
Having spent 25+ years in the travel industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand how significantly guided tours have evolved. Over the years, feedback from both travelers and Travel Advisors has helped companies refine and customize tours to suit a wider range of preferences.
Escorted tours are a fantastic way to see the world, covering all corners of the globe. You’ll experience more, while learning the fascinating history, culture, and people of each destination—all while saving money!
Destinations Covered:
- Europe & Britain
- USA & Canada
- Africa & Middle East
- Asia
- Australia & New Zealand
- Latin America
- Antarctica
Some of Our Preferred Guided Tour Partners:
- Globus Vacations
- Trafalgar Tours
- Tauck
- Insight Vacations
- Cosmos
- G Adventures
- Luxury Gold
- Collette
- Adventures by Disney
- Brendan Vacations
- CIE Vacations
- Intrepid Travel
- Backroads
- And more...
Many of our preferred partners are also deeply committed to sustainability, from supporting local communities to protecting wildlife and safeguarding the environment for future generations. Here are some examples of what they’re doing:
- Helping preserve local cultures and traditions
- Volunteering efforts by employees
- Protecting livelihoods and local economies
- Ensuring no harm to animals for entertainment purposes
- Reforestation programs with digital documentation
- Reducing single-use plastic bottles in the USA & Europe
Why are Guided Tours Such a Great Value?
Guided tours offer fantastic value, often at a much lower price than you would pay independently. These companies have negotiated discounted rates with hotels, tour operators, and transportation providers, meaning you get savings on high-quality accommodations, front-of-the-line access, VIP tours, and comfortable modern transportation—all while soaking up local culture, hearing captivating stories, and diving into the destination's history.
Some Unique Travel Experiences You Can Look Forward To:
- Japan: Stay in a traditional ryokan and enjoy lunch while learning about Japanese customs from your hosts.
- Assisi, Italy: Spend the night in a beautifully renovated Franciscan monastery.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: Join a local family for homemade bread and a passionate tango lesson.
- Rovaniemi, Finland: Visit a reindeer farm and meet Santa Claus in his hometown—perfect for fellow Christmas lovers!
- Christchurch, New Zealand: Enjoy morning tea, meet farm animals, and learn what it’s like to live off the land.
- Morocco: See the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a stunning example of traditional Moroccan art open to non-Muslims.
And let’s not forget about the food!
When traveling, food is an essential way to connect with the local culture. From the way it’s prepared to the flavors it holds, it’s a window into the heart of the destination. You’ll return home with not just memories of the sights but an appreciation for new tastes and culinary traditions.
Is a Guided Tour Right for You?
After reading this, I hope you have a clearer sense of whether a guided tour fits your travel style. There are so many itineraries and suppliers to choose from, and I’m here to help you find the one that aligns with your interests. Whether you prefer a small or larger group, an adventurous or more relaxed pace, or you’re looking for something budget-friendly, middle-of-the-road, or luxury-focused—we can work together to find the perfect tour for you.
A guided tour gives you a stress-free vacation that’s rich in culture and immersive experiences, leaving you feeling more connected to the world. Plus, you’ll meet like-minded people who could become friends for years to come!
So, are you ready to make new friends and embark on a trip you’ll remember forever? Let’s start planning!