
What to Know About Multi-Day Tours

For years now, multi-day tours have gradually risen in popularity. It is now not only commonplace, but expected for tourism businesses to offer special grouped deals, offering several destinations and itineraries mixed together as one jam-packed experience. Multi-day tours have more to offer for less money than if you were to purchase the different adventures separately, and they are oftentimes considered more unforgettable simply because you have more time to enjoy them.
In every kind of vacation, preparation is essential. Multi-day tours establish a safer, more secure way of traveling because they are organized, planned, and often done in groups.
In this article, you will learn more about multi-day tours, including what to consider when creating one and what to include.
What is a Multi-Day Tour?
Multi-day tours are a tour option that lasts for more than one day. In order to successfully plan a multi-day tour, here are a few things to be aware of:
1. You may need a Tour Guide.
A tour guide is a necessary component for your multi-day tour. Your guide will be the one to help your guests immerse themselves into the culture, activities, and experiences of the area. Tour guides help to organize the events and help guests to make the most out of their allotted time.
On the other hand, guests who seek freedom and privacy throughout their tour may find it best to book a self-guided tour. Self-guided tours allow guests to flex their organization, planning, and decision-making skills. Some people find it more rewarding to engage in this kind of tour because 1) they are free to decide what to do with their extra time, 2) they do not have to engage in activities that do not interest them, and 3) they can budget their money more to their liking. Self-guided multi-day tours are best for guests who feel knowledgeable and comfortable enough to fully immerse themselves into the area without any extra assistance.
As responsible tour operators, it is important to learn how to gauge guests’ different needs and to help them determine which tour option would be best for them.
2. Create the best schedule you can ahead of time with your knowledge of the area.
As with any other kind of tour, there are certain months or “peak seasons” when multi-day tours may be more popular than usual. As the tour operator and as the expert of the area, it is up to you to find the right time/best time of day/best season to schedule your tours and to plan accordingly with your guests’ best interest and safety in mind. This is a large responsibility and not to be taken lightly.
3. Consider creating a custom tour option.
Guests are more likely to return if their tour meets or surpasses their expectations. An easy way to satisfy your customers is to tailor their tours to their liking and to accommodate them as much as possible. This is why you may want to consider creating a custom tour option.
Based on your own judgement, tour operators should determine which aspects of the tour that guests may have some control over, and then decide to what extent guests may alter their itinerary. Customization can help guests feel more involved, which in turn may make them feel more satisfied with their overall experience. Creating custom experiences for your guests will make their tour feel special and will help your company stand out from the competition.
4. Take into account the distance between multiple tour destinations.
Multi-day tours usually involve complex itineraries and multiple locations. Something important to consider when creating a multi-day tour is the distance between destinations. Being mindful of travel time and transportation will help you estimate how much of the schedule should be allotted to each destination and will help you plan out activities.
5. Prepare for emergencies.
When out in terrain, your tour guide may be the only source of help and safety during an emergency. Make sure you’re prepared for worst case scenarios at all times. It is better to be over prepared than under prepared when it comes to these situations. It is the tour operator’s responsibility to assess the environment’s safety before each tour and to cancel/reschedule tours if need be.
What is included in a Multi-Day Tour?
Multi-day tours should include multiple activities, new experiences, and a well-planned itinerary. Some things to consider include:
1. Ground transportation
To create a smooth and seamless experience, it is thoughtful to include ground transportation or a shuttle service if short or difficult transportation is necessary. Not all tour operators offer this kind of service, but it is a nice touch that would definitely help your company stand out from the competition.
2. Tour Guide
As mentioned previously, a large factor to consider in planning a multi-day tour is the choosing of your tour guides. Your tour guides will serve as your company’s face and will help facilitate throughout the entirety of the tour. This is an important choice, and can make or break the success of the experience.
3. Hotel accommodations
If hotel accommodations are necessary to be added to your multi-day tour, it is important to have the logistics and scheduling of this sorted out in advance.
4. Meal packages
When it comes to multi-day tours, meals are often included in the package. Be sure to work food and drinks into your budget, and to consider meal times when creating the schedule.
5. Custom activities
Multi-day tours can also include activities specifically added at the request and additional charge of your guests. Think about what you’d like to offer as an add-on for your tour, and the logistics of how you’d successfully and smoothly provide these additions.
Promote Your Multi-Day Tour
Creating a successful multi-day tour does not happen overnight. It requires attention to detail, large scale planning, and many moving parts. However, once complete, it could be quite rewarding to create a business through introducing others to some of your favorite destinations and activities.
Let us help you get your dream off the ground. Our skilled team here at AAMP Agency is available to answer your questions, and to help create a marketing plan perfect for you and your needs. Schedule a consultation with us today, and take your business to the next level.