How 'Optional Excursions' Work on Escorted Tours.

Today I would like to explain just a few reasons, and the need, for a tour company’s ‘optional excursions’.

Clients would like the ‘optional excursions’ to be included in every escorted tour package, not only would this be difficult to accommodate, but very unlikely by most tour operators.  It really isn’t in the best interest of the group, or individual, and would end up costing you even more money and less enjoyment for all!

There are many reasons that tour operators offer clients ‘optional excursions’ on their escorted tours.  The first and foremost being that not every passenger wants an ‘optional excursion’ every day, and simply may wish to have some free time to explore on their own.  Also, each client may not be emotionally or physically prepared for a specific ‘optional excursion’ offered.  This allows the traveler to personalize their experience based on what they are interested in (or not interested in) or how active they want their vacation to be.

For example, it is optional to take a cogwheel train to the summit of Mt. Stanserhorn in the Alps because some people cannot handle the high altitude.  If they were to include this in the cost of the tour, these passengers would have paid for something that they couldn’t do.  It is the same situation with an entrance to The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp; some people would prefer to view the memorial, however some find it too emotional and do not wish to participate.

These examples can be shown in each and every tour, the perfect combination of included features and ‘optional excursions’ can and will be found for the perfect vacation!