How to Plan an Escorted Motorcoach Tour

My husband and I have always wanted to visit the southwestern part of the United States, but we did not want to drive the route. I have always had a fascination and desire to visit New Mexico and Arizona. We began gathering information about tour companies that offered travel to the southwest. Once we decided where we wanted to visit, we had to determine what mode of transportation we would book. After conceding to my husband's argument that we would see more traveling by bus than by train, we began checking tour bus companies to check on itineraries, prices and length of tour. We checked several bus companies and travel websites and finally decided to travel in the fall of 2012 and were assigned a travel counselor to answer our questions and concerns. We plan to take a tour of the Southwest United States and will visit several cities in New Mexico and Arizona. I have never traveled beyond the state of Texas, and New Mexico and Arizona are fascinating to me. To prepare for the trip, we now have to consider budgeting, selecting the itinerary, deciding upon the travel dates and researching the geographic area along with the attractions and history of the areas we plan to visit.

Budgeting for the Trip
The approximate cost is $3,500 for a 12-day escorted bus tour for two. Depending upon the tour company you select, you will often find that a discount amounting to a few hundred dollars is offered if certain conditions are met, such as booking early, early bird discount for paying off the balance before the deadline or using credits from a previous trip that you may accumulated from a previous tour with that particular motor coach tour. After sending in your deposit, the motorcoach company will notify you when the last payment is due, which allows you to budget your payments in smaller increments to avoid sudden shock to your bank account. Look for seasonal bargains and plan your trip around those dates to maximize your savings.

Plan your Trip
When you decide where you plan to visit on your escorted motorcoach tour, carefully look over the itinerary of your trip and select the dates for travel that fit your schedule and budget. Many companies plan a yearly open house at the beginning of the year to introduce their itinerary and offer special discount prices if you book early. If possible, try to attend the open house to find out more detailed travel information and trip details. Consult a travel counselor associated with the motorcoach company to answer any questions and to assist you in effectively planning to get the most out of your trip. Some escorted motorcoach tours offer thematic tours that cater to a particular interest, such as horticulture, bird watching, history or a particular sports to name a few. If you plan to take your trip during a holiday, book early to avoid possible disappointment of the trip being filled.

Research the Geographic Area
Read information about the geographic area you plan to visit. Visit the Internet and research the area attractions, history and culture so when you are on the tour you will be somewhat familiar with what you see and are told by the tour guide. Visit local websites to find more in depth information about the area and facts that will make your trip more enjoyable. If you are a shopper, find out what kind of stores are in the area so you can budget your spending wisely.

Read Reviews of the Motorcoach Company
No company is perfect and sometimes there are unexpected snafus. However, most of these problems are minor and can be resolved. A good practice is to take the time to read about the safety record of your selected motorcoach company and to read reviews written by former travelers. It gives you a measure of confidence to know that other travelers make a recommendation to travel with a particular motorcoach company. While we recognize that some reviews may be "sour grapes," if you notice a preponderance of comments from dissatisfied travelers, you may do well to eliminate that motorcoach company from your list.

Familiarize yourself with Company Policies
Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure you know the policy about cancellations, travel insurance requirements, length of time you have to cancel, full or partial refund, passport requirements, covered meals and if airfare is necessary, do you or the motorcoach company handle the travel details. To avoid embarrassment, inquire about the gratuities that are suggested for the tour director and driver. Most companies give a suggested amount per day to allocate for the tour director and driver. Usually the suggested gratuity is between $2 and $4 per day.

Motorcoach Courtesies
To ensure fairness to all passengers, most motorcoach tours will institute a seat rotation assignment. This practice allows everyone to have equal opportunity to view scenery from different areas of the motorcoach. No smoking rules should be stricty observed for the comfort and safety of fellow travelers and returning punctually to the bus at the designated times would be appreciated by everyone. Of course playing loud music, using profanity or imbibing alcoholic beverages on board are all prohibited.

Final Check
A few days before your scheduled trip, take the time to contact your motorcoach company to review trip details and confirm departure times to be sure you have the correct information. More than likely you will receive written or email confirmation of your trip details but it is wise to follow up on your own for peace of mind.

Relax, enjoy the ride, take pictures, drink in the sights and sounds of your long planned trip and cultivate new friendships. May you return home refreshed and renewed in body and spirit. Happy travels!