Benefits of an Escorted Guided Tour

(390 Reviews)
98% Recommended

Pam MacIntyre

Maple Grove, MN

Australia & New Zealand Specialist

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, with curiosity I've asked several the question "What are your must see countries?"  I was hard pressed to find one that did not list New Zealand!  I mean who wouldn't wa...

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, with curiosity I've asked several the question "What are your must see countries?"  I was hard pressed to find one that did not list New Zealand!  I mean who wouldn't want to experience this majestic part of the world? 

Recently I was able to explore several areas of this amazing country, being fortunate in visiting both the North & South Island. What I love is New Zealand can be mellow or action-packed, yet it will still always be epic!

From the endless national parks, dynamic Maori culture, to experiencing the sounds aboard a yacht while gazing upon dolphins. And let’s not forget about laying witness to the majestic beauty of a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura. 

Wait, did you say you enjoy wine?  They have some of THE best in the world....how do I know?  Because how could I go all the way to New Zealand and not visit a winery or two. New Zealand offers the deliciousness of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Merlot and many more! 

I really could go on and on, but no need if you're reading this you already KNOW you want to explore this part of the world. I would love to help you create the best version of New Zealand for you! 

Australia

Let me start by saying, I have been wanting to go to Australia since I was a child. Why you ask? Well to pet a kangaroo of course! And I did! Not only did I pet kangaroos, but I fed 4 simultaneously! It was a childhood dream come true, and I cannot wait to go back and repeat the experience. 

I was in Sydney during the spectacular International lights and music festival, Vivid Sydney. It was their 10th year, and all I've got to say is WOW! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. Although being from Minnesota it was more like our fall temperatures. So again, perfect! It was extra special to experience VIVID Sydney and see the iconic Sydney Opera House light up.  If you travel during this time of year, it truly is a must see.

The Blue Mountains region of Australia was truly lovely to walk amongst. Then headed to Hunter Valley (to locals known as "The Hunter") where wine in this region was flowing plentifully and was quite delicious!

After making a visit to Australia I now understand why many choose to go there for 2 - 4 weeks on a vacation. It's truly hard to grasp the sheer size of Australia until you have been there yourself. To give you an idea, think about the USA. Sydney would be in Florida; Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine; Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas; Melbourne would be New Orleans; and Perth would be Los Angeles.

If you're looking to visit the world's largest Great Barrier Reef, immerse yourself in Aboriginal communities, swim with whale sharks or gaze upon the Uluru (Ayers Rock) the possibilities really are endless in Australia! 

Together we'll create your dream trip to Australia that you'll remember for the rest of your days! 

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Pam MacIntyre

Can Be Reached At

1-763-231-8893

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Dinan, France

While we would ALL love to be with a privately guided customized tour specific to our personal wants, desires and needs -- it sometimes requires a large budget.  That style of travel isn't always in the cards for everyone. 

Therefore, why not consider a perfectly planned unique itinerary with like-minded travelers? You'll visit beautiful towns & cities in an effortless travel adventure where everything is taken care of from hotels, sightseeing, transportation, meals and experiences with additional free time for you to explore and dine as you please. That way you get the benefit of a great value vacation while not compromising on an incredible experience!   

Having been in the industry now for 25 yrs. I've had the benefit of seeing just how significantly guided tours have evolved.  Over the years consumers & Travel Advisors alike have provided invaluable constructive feedback that has truly allowed them to tailor these tours for the majority of travelers. 

Escorted tours can literally take you to all corners of the globe! You'll do and see more while getting an enriching back story of the history, people, must see experiences while saving money! 

Destinations:

• Europe & Britain


• USA & Canada


• Africa & Middle East


• Asia


• Australia & New Zealand


• Latin America


• Antarctica 

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 wholesale partners have put effort into being environmentally focused from helping to support local communities, protecting wildlife and safeguarding the environment for future generations to continue to explore the planet. 

Examples Preferred Partners have implicated the following:

• Helping Cultures preserve their Traditions


• Volunteerism, by their employees


• Protecting Livelihoods


• Zero animals being harmed in the name of entertainment 


• Reforestation programs in place with the e-documentation program


• Zero single-use plastic bottles in USA & Europe

Why are guided tours such a great value over traveling independently? 

Guided tour companies have negotiated discounted rates with hotels, tours & transportation companies.  Therefore, you'll receive a significant savings on centralized, desirable & unique accommodations to front-of-the-line/VIP tour opportunities and comfortable modern transportation all while learning about the culture, hearing stories and diving into history of the country you are exploring.

Unique experiences await, here are some examples of travel opportunities available: 

• Connect With locals at a traditional ryokan and enjoy lunch, learning about local Japanese customs from your hosts.


• Stay in Assisi, Italy where you will spend the night in a beautifully renovated Franciscan monastery.


• Join a local family in Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires who'll share their homemade family recipes, the secrets of kneading bread and the art of the passionate Tango.


• Love Christmas like me? Visit a reindeer farm and meet Santa Clause in his hometown of Rovaniemi, Finland. 


• Soak up the stunning scenery in Christchurch, New Zealand while you enjoy morning tea, meet the farm animals, and discover what it is like to live off the land.


• See the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a masterpiece of traditional Moroccan art and one of the very few Islamic religious buildings open to non-Muslims.

Let's not forget about FOOD! You will have the opportunity to indulge in the delectable cuisines abroad. Food can help you understand other parts of the world from the way it's prepared to the way it tastes! You will depart your vacation with endless memories that will last a lifetime and a deeper knowledge about the destination you visited.

Hopefully after you've read this you now know if a guided tour is right for you. There are a variety of itineraries and suppliers available and we can certainly find one to meet your needs. Whether you are interested in ... small or larger group? Adventure or leisurely relaxed pace? Lower budget, middle of the road or luxury focused? Together, we can help you find the right fit for your travel style. Ultimately, you are booking a stress-free vacation with an immersive culturally rich trip leaving you feeling more enriched.

Are you ready to meet new friends from around the world who will want to keep in touch with you for years to come?