Are Escorted Tours Worth It? Who They Suit
An honest look at escorted tours of the USA: the good bits, the not-so-good bits, and who they suit.
The short answer: for many people, yes, especially if you want to see a lot of America without the planning, the driving or the worry. But they are not for everyone. Here is an honest look at both sides.
What you get on an escorted tour
On our escorted tours, one tour-only price covers all accommodation, ground transportation, the attractions listed in the itinerary, daily breakfast, the group meals listed on the tour page, and all compulsory taxes, fees and charges. You travel with a Tour Manager and a driver, and meet your fellow travellers at a welcome meeting, which is subject to everyone's arrival times. Flights are not included.
The good bits
- No planning or driving. You do not need to work out routes, book hotels or arrange tickets.
- Hotels, travel and listed attractions in one price, so there are fewer surprises.
- Someone to ask. If something goes wrong, or you want a recommendation, your Tour Manager is there.
- Company, if you want it. Group meals and shared days out are a friendly way to meet people, and you still get free time.
- Music places built in. Visits to studios, venues and museums are part of the itinerary.
The not-so-good bits
- You follow a shared plan. You cannot decide on the morning to stay longer somewhere, and itineraries can vary because of scheduling.
- You travel with people you have not met yet. Many people enjoy that, but it can take a day or two to settle in.
- Some days involve coach time. We keep journeys as short as we can, but America is big.
- Solo travellers pay a single supplement, from £650 to £1,200 depending on the tour.
Who escorted tours suit
- Over-50s who want to see more of America without the hassle of arranging it all.
- Solo travellers. You are very welcome to join on your own: "Arrive as a guest, leave as a friend."
- First-time visitors to the USA, who may like having someone to show them the ropes.
- Music lovers, who get to visit the places where the music was made.
Who might prefer something else
If you love to improvise or change plans on the day, an escorted tour may feel too structured. That is a fair reason to choose differently.
Tours to look at
- The Big Texan Adventure: 7 nights, our shortest escorted tour, and a good first taste of group travel.
- Mountains, Moonshine & Music City: 9 nights in Nashville, Muscle Shoals and the Smoky Mountains, including Dollywood.
- Music Cities - Southern Style: 14 nights through Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans and Muscle Shoals.
You can see all of our tours on our Escorted Tours of the USA page.
Questions people ask
Will I be with the group all day?
No. There are group activities and meals, and also free time to explore or relax. It differs by tour, so ask us if it matters to you.
Is it okay to travel on my own?
Yes, you are welcome to. A single supplement applies, and it is shown on each tour page.
How big are the groups?
Our escorted tours typically have 20 to 30 guests, and can run with as few as 8. The maximum is 50. Private groups can be any size.
Are flights included?
No. Our prices cover the tour only. We can book your flights as an extra, or you can arrange your own.
Is my money protected?
Travelling Time is a Member of Protected Trust Services (6332) and as such all your travel arrangements are 100% financially protected. All of our air holidays and flights are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL 7516).
Not sure? Call us on 01738 643 737 or email info@travellingtime.co.uk.
