Escorted & Package Tours

Package tours are simply a way to buy airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (car rentals, airport transfers, and sometimes even activities) at the same time, often at discounted prices.

One good source for package deals is the airlines themselves; most major ones offer air/land packages. Try American Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/321-2121; www.aavacations.com), Delta Vacations (tel. 800/221-6666; www.deltavacations.com), Continental Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/301-3800; www.covacations.com), and United Vacations (tel. 888/854-3899; www.unitedvacations.com). Several big online travel agencies -- Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Site59, and Lastminute.com -- also do brisk business in packages.

Also look in the travel section of your local newspaper; advertisers are bound to be offering packages. Or check ads in national travel magazines such as Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, Travel + Leisure, National Geographic Traveler, and Condé Nast Traveler.

Ask Before You Go -- Before you invest in a package deal or an escorted tour:

• Ask about the cancellation policy. Can you get your money back? Is a deposit required?
• Ask about the accommodations choices and prices for each. Then look up the hotels' reviews in a Frommer's guide and check their rates online for your specific dates of travel. Also find out what types of rooms are offered.
• Request a complete schedule for escorted tours.
• For escorted tours, ask about group size and demographics.
• For escorted tours, ask what's included in the price (transportation, meals, tips, airport transfers, and so on).
• Finally, look for hidden expenses. Ask whether airport departure fees and taxes, for example, are included in the total cost -- they rarely are.

Escorted General-Interest Tours

Escorted tours are structured group tours with the benefit of a group leader. The price usually includes everything from airfare to hotels, meals, tours, admissions, and local transportation.

Although escorted tours require big deposits and predetermine hotels, restaurants, and itineraries, many people derive peace of mind from the structure they offer. Escorted tours -- whether by bus, motor coach, train, or boat -- let travelers sit back and enjoy the trip without having to drive or worry about details. They take you to the maximum number of sights in the minimum amount of time with little hassle. They're particularly convenient for people with limited mobility and can be a perfect way to make new friends.

On the downside, you'll have little opportunity for serendipitous interactions with locals. These tours can be jam-packed with activities, leaving little time for individual sightseeing, whim, or adventure -- plus, they often focus on the most touristy sites, so you miss out on many a lesser-known gem.