Travel recommendations?

Question

I am researching travel to the UK and Ireland for next year. I am looking for recommendations for travel companies (like Rick Steves') that specialize in tours for Americans abroad. I am hoping to find reliable and dependable tour companies. Thanks!

Answer 1

Brendan Tours specializes in Ireland and the UK. Globus Tours and Trafalgar Tours are also very good for European tours.

All have escorted tours; if you want to do more on your own, check out Monograms by Globus (you'd still look for Globus, but Monograms is one of their divisions, which does independent travel - they help you find hotels and transportation, and guides where you need them, but it's not an escorted tour).

TripDiva

Answer 2

You won't have difficulty finding a reliable tour company. However, it's a lot more difficult to find a good tour operator. I was once a travel agent and quickly became disenchanted with most tour operators.

The problem with tours is that many of them run you around on busses the entire day and try to hit too many destinations in the time allotted. You see Ireland through a bus window, but there isn't much opportunity to actually experience the country and the culture. It's better than watching a video, but not much better.

I spent some time in the Killarney area. It's very beautiful country and there is plenty of great hiking and scenic drives. I had no difficulty finding enough to do for several days. In contrast, the tour busses spent one night and left. I also went to several cool places that busses can't even get to because of their size.

Rick Steves is probably better than most. His 14-day trip to Ireland covers too much ground for my taste, but at least its all in Ireland. Most tour companies try to hit half of Europe in that amount of time.

Frankly, traveling in the UK and Ireland without a tour group is very easy and enjoyable. I've done it several times. You can see what appeals to you on your own schedule instead of spending your days on tour busses at "touristy" sites. You might want to consider this option. (Yes, they drive on the "wrong" side of the road, but it's not that difficult to learn.)

Answer 3

My school's International Club works with EF Tours, it's not too expensive, they plan everything for you, and you have so much fun! Try it: http://www.eftours.com/.
Two years ago the club went to Europe, they went to the UK, France, and Italy. This spring break they are going to Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and some other countries. Maybe you could join up with some group.

Answer 4

trip eu trip Eurotrip street holiday hassle-free Rider The bike Diaries Raiders of the lost Ark Thelma and Louise Boys on the facet Little omit Sunshine The fortunate Ones Pee Wee's enormous journey