The 5 Benefits of Using a Tour Operator to Plan a Custom Trip

Besides arranging pre-planned group tours and guided trips, many tour operators offer completely customized itineraries and tours for travelers wanting something unique. With a custom tour package, you can plan the trip of your dreams- without the hassle of dealing with all the required research and logistics. 

Here are 5 reasons why booking a custom trip with a tour operator is worth it in 2021:

1. The extra flexibility

One of the main reasons why travelers choose to design a custom trip with a tour operator is all the extra flexibility. No matter where you want to go, what you want to see, or what you want to do, there’s a good chance there’s a tour operator out there that can make it happen.

A pre-planned tour often locks you into an itinerary, and there’s no wiggle room for extra sightseeing or activities, skipping destinations you’re not keen to visit, choosing your own hotel, filling up your schedule or adding in buffer days, and the like. By working with your tour operator’s destination expert, you can have a say in as much or as little of your trip planning process as you want. 

And even though you’re not embarking on a standard group tour, your tour operator will provide all the benefits that come with one- without the rigidness of a set schedule. For example, they’ll still arrange airport pick-ups and drop-offs, can help you check in to your accommodation, and will provide local guides and meals if requested. 

2. The local support

One of the biggest benefits of using a tour operator over a travel agent or booking your trip yourself is the local, on-the-ground support. Tour operators often have local offices or use in-network guides who can help you navigate emergencies or other issues that may arise during your trip. 

It’s also helpful to be backed by the tour company’s local reputation. Many brands have been operating in their specific regions for years, and have developed strong relationships with local service providers. This reputation may get you better service, quicker support and more personalized help when needed. 

3. The expert advice

Tour operators and their offices of destination experts often have decades of combined expertise and experience in the travel industry. They’re able to fill in the gaps and give advice on things you may not know about, understand or have the time to navigate. And if your assigned expert isn’t able to help with a specific request or question, someone else on their team can step in to support. 

Your tour operator will match you with an expert that likely specializes in one area of travel, like a group of destinations or types of activities. These experts have often visited these destinations themselves (or are from there), and have lots of personal know-how to share. They can help you find all the off-the-beaten-path gems, and know where to catch the perfect sunset or the best days of the week to avoid crowds. They also know how to get the best value for money, and can help you avoid all the overpriced tourist traps or less than stellar hotels and restaurants.

4. The better travel experiences

Trip planning can be fun and exciting- but also overwhelming at times, especially during the new era of COVID uncertainty. Scouring travel blogs and guidebooks can certainly point you in the right direction, but it often takes lots of time to do the amount of research needed to make sure your trip is fun and fail-proof. Tour operators are there to save you time and stress by taking everything off your plate so you can just enjoy your vacation. 

Besides the ease factor, tour operators will also make sure your experience is enjoyable. They’ll help you avoid things like an over-packed itinerary that leads to burnout, outdoor activities ruined by rainy season weather, cramped buses, hotel construction, dodgy eateries and anything else that has the potential to ruin or disrupt your trip. 

5. The perks and discounts

Although booking with a tour operator may be pricier than booking directly yourself, you’ll still be able to get more value for your money. Because of their relationships with various service providers, they’ll be able to score you discount rates, insider access and other perks not available to the general public.