Cost of ABD vs other companies

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Other than a trip to Spain in high school, I have never traveled abroad. DH has never been abroad either. We always planned to travel once our kids were older, but after a brush with mortality this past year, I am no longer inclined to put off things I want to do. I have always wanted to see London or Italy, and DH really wants to see Paris, so I was looking at the Knights and Lights trip. But since I haven't done a lot of research, I am wondering how the cost of an ABD trip compares to trips by other companies. There seem to be so many companies out there that I'm not really sure where to start for comparison to make sure I'm comparing apples to apples. My parents have done some traveling lately through a tour company but they are in their mid-60s and were the youngest on the trip. I would enjoy traveling with a diverse group of people and would rather not be 30+ years younger than everyone else on the trip. Any recommendations of other companies I should look at for comparison and whether the extra cost for ABD is worth it? Thanks!!

 

[Bobo912]

Whether it is worth the cost depends on the style of travel you enjoy. I think just about everybody who posts on this board would say that it is well worth it and there are several threads where they explain why. If you like to do all the research, planning and arragements, you're very comfortable traveling overseas, and you don't mind schleping your luggage around, it might not be worth it to you. I've found comparable tour companies to have similar pricing although there may be a difference of a few hundred dollars per person, which can add up for a family of any size. Here is a link to a recent discussion of other touring companies:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2523808

Good luck with your research. I'm with you about not putting off your plans. You never know what's going to happen, but one thing is for sure and that is our kids are going to grow up. I know the time I've spent traveling with my DS is priceless.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Thanks! I am definitely NOT comfortable travelling on my own abroad and want a more guided experience, although I do want some time on my own.

 

[sayhello]

Well, I am hopefully taking the Knights & Lights trip in 2011, so I could let you know then! I've totally felt that the extra money spent for an ABD has been worth it (I've taken 3 ABD's to date). I can't really compare them to other companies; the only other guided trip I've taken was with Backroads, which is really a much more active type of trip (biking across Provence, etc). But they are also much more expensive than ABD for most locations.

Just having someone else handle all the logistics, shlep my luggage, provide that special access (you skip a lot of lines with ABD); knowing that I'm traveling with someone who actually speaks French (unlike me!), it gives me a sense of ease that I just wouldn't have if I traveled by myself. I'm going to spend a bit of time on my own in England before the trip, but would never consider it in France, because I really, truly do not speak any French. Merci is about my limit. I was really glad to have the Adventure Guides handling things in the Mediterranean.

Anyway, I think if you look at the thread Bobo912 linked you to, you can see some of the other companies that she researched. Check out their websites. I know it's very likely I'll travel with some of those companies in the future, but for now, I'm content exploring what ABD has to offer.

Sayhello

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

sayhello,

It really looks wonderful! Maybe there will be room for me on that trip! Thanks for the great advice!

Laurie

 

[Bobo912]

Thanks! I am definitely NOT comfortable travelling on my own abroad and want a more guided experience, although I do want some time on my own.

There is some on your own time with every trip, but since you're considering Knights & Lights you have two options. The Gateway trip will give you more time on your own than the regular trip and cost a little over $800 per person less. If you haven't seen it, there is a compare link on the page for each trip and under the Special Trips - Gateway Trips menu item on the home page, which might help you decide which itinerary is best for your family.

 

[Pakey]

We did Knights and Lights in 2008 and I thought there was ample time on your own. There's also the option to opt out of some of the tours/activities if you don't want to participate. We went in a day early to London and then we went to Disneyland Paris for 3 days on the end. Even without that, I know there were 2 afternoon/evenings in Paris where we were able to do what we wanted and 1 in London.

The age blend on our tour was great. I've read on TripAdvisor that some of the average age groups for some other companies is pretty high up there. On our Knights/Lights, there was one lady who was 60, traveling with her adult son; she was the oldest. There were several college age adults on the young side of the spectrum.

I did a lot of research for this trip and for our upcoming trip to Egypt (with National Geographic). For the quality level (taking into consideration the hotels, meals provided, tour group size, included activities), AbD is reasonably priced. You will not stay in 5 star hotels, have a small group, have fantastic upscale meals, but then again, you aren't paying tour prices equivalent to Abercrombie & Kent either.