Many people decide to travel with a group, on a tour arranged by a tour operator.  If you have never traveled with a group,  here are some points to think about:

• Group travel is a great value  - tour operators get special rates and discounts not available to individual travelers.
• Tour operators have access to exclusive insider tours and sites that individuals cannot access, so your trip will will inlcude experiences that the individual traveler will not be able to duplicate.
• When you are on a tour arranged by an operator, you don’t wait in line at museums, sites, restaurants and hotels.
• You travel with like-minded people who share your same interests.
• You have the benefit of getting background materials and the expertise of local guides- you don’t need to do extensive research.
• Group travel means green travel: travel by motorcoach is the most fuel efficient and least carbon-intensive mode of transportation.
• Less hassel.  You make one call and relax - your tour operator will do the work.  There are a wide variety of tour options, so you are sure to find one that will meet your needs.
• Tour operators often include travel insurance or have it available.  Again, one call takes care of everything so your travel can be acrefree and secure.
• Check if your tour operator is a member of The National Tour Association, The American Bus Association, The Student and Youth Travel Association or other nationally recognized organizations.  Being a member of one of these groups means the operator has met strick criteria for ethics, insurance and standards.