Family-Friendly Tours

Feb 21, 2011

Collette Vacations: Families can travel to Canadawith Collette. // © 2011 collette vacations

Traveling with family groups can be a great time and a stressful experience all at once. This is why many families opt to put their travel plans in the hands of an experienced tour operator. However, with so many options, what can travel agents do to recommend the best tour operator for their clients?

Collette Vacations' recently launched Collette Family Vacations, which includes nine itineraries that bring travelers of all ages together to experience destinations ranging from U.S. National Parks to Kenya. We asked Colletteís senior vice president of marketing, Eric Welter, what travel agents should consider when booking a tour operator for a family:

1.Integrity and service. Be sure to check that the tour operator is a member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). USTOA members, such as Collette, are backed by its million-dollar Travelers Assistance Program.

2.Affordability. Market research shows that more and more people in their 40s and 50s want to go on a family vacation but the cost is often prohibitive. Look for substantially discounted rates for children ages 14 and under -- at least 30 to 50 percent less than adult rates. And compare tour operators to see which companies offer child rates even with only one accompanying adult.

3. Keep everyone engaged. Look closely at the itinerary to see what types of immersive activities are offered and included in the tour price. Ziplining over a Costa Rica rainforest may not be for grandpa, but swimming in the volcanic hot springs of Arenal Volcano appeals to almost everyone. These activities are what make a trip a family adventure and should be included.

4.Family perspective. Hotels and restaurants should be kid-friendly. Ask the tour operator about the amenities at the hotels that they use and see whether some of the included dinners are experiences rather than just a meal. Dinner in the Eiffel Tower in Paris, for instance, may sound fancy, but the view is entertaining for children and adults alike.

5.Added value. Look to see what types of features are built into the tours. Added values, such as Collette's complimentary roundtrip home to airport transfer service on all air-inclusive tours, can save a family up to $300 when you factor in gas and parking fees at the airport for a week or more.

6.Worry-free cancellation policy. Let's face it, kids can get sick, but why worry that it might happen right before your family is scheduled to depart? Look for a company that has a worry-free cancellation policy such as Collette's No Worries Cancellation Waiver that allows for a full cash refund up to the day prior to departure.

Quotes

" When considering various tours, I make sure that the itinerary includes individual activities for parents and for children as well as activities that everyone can participate in together as a family." -- Lisa McElroy, mother of two

"I think that it is important to select an itinerary that everyone in the family is interested in. If only half of my family wants to go to the beach, you know that someone is going to be unhappy." -- Maria Wesseler, mother of two