Too Young for Bus Tour?

[Sherlee]

We are in our early 40's and have our 15th anniversary next year. Our dream is to visit Ireland. I am a very good vacation planner, but for something this big I would love to put all the details into someone elses hands and "just show up". I have found an Irish tour through Tauck World Discovery that covers everything we would like to do on our own. I am just wondering at our age if we would regret not having our freedom to do as we please.

 

[JohnTBap]

Personally, I couldn't imagine doing something where someone else decided when I was coming and going. I mean, it's bad enough that the boss decides that the rest of the time, you know? Best of luck, whatever you decide.

 

[disykat]

Back when I was in my 20's and single I went on a three week bus tour in Europe (we went on a tour that specializes in ages 18 -35). The person I was traveling with wanted to do it that way and I wanted to be on our own. We ended up spliting the trip and did a three week tour and two weeks on our own. I ended up liking the tour best and she preferred being on our own - go figure!

The thing I enjoyed most about the tour was the lack of pressure to make decisions - I just sort of followed along. It was kind of like taking a cruise in that aspect. We went at a much faster clip than when we were on our own because it had all been carefully timed and there was no sitting around waiting for trains or trying to find accomodations. Also since I had already paid for the tour portion I didn't spend so much worry trying to save a buck here or there. Most tours give you some free time in each place, but it was nice to have major decisions taken care of.

Drawbacks are if you get stuck on a tour with people you don't like or that slow you down. Make sure your tour has a policy where if people don't show up they get left behind - you'd hate to have a slowpoke ruin your vacation. Find upbeat people to sit near so you don't end up with complainers. I actually made some good friends and travelled later with one of them that lived on the other side of the US from me. Also - try to pick a tour that includes a hike, bike-ride, etc - something that appeals to the young or young-at heart - that may help you end up with a group that has compatible interests.

 

[4cruisin]

On our first trip to WDW, my dh and I bought a package that included "bus tours and transportation" to WDW, Cypress Gardens, Busch Gardens and a few other places. I had only been to WDW once before and was not a "pro" at planning. The people that were on the trip with us ranged in age from mid 20's to mid 70's.

We had a great tour guide and driver and got to see much more by going with them and listening to their tips about how to see the parks. We were on our own once we got to each park, but had to be at the bus at specified times. We really enjoyed most of the people on the tour especially the older folks that would take us under their wings. We were only in our early 20's at the time and the people were great.

I would not do another tour like that to WDW since we have been there several more times and know the parks now, but we are planning a future trip to Ireland and will do an inclusive air/bus tour because I feel it is the best way to see the most of an area with limited time especially if you have never been to that particular destination before.

 

[beachbunny]

My husband and I travel extensively. Sometimes we go on tours, sometimes we go on our own. Mostly, we've used tours when we know there will be a language problem (when we've never studied that language). We've done England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, and Spain on our own. We've done tours of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Poland, Russia, etc. with tours.

Tour quality: We have used Tauk and Globus in europe and have found equally satisfying. The hotels are your average Marriott quality, they have large air conditioned buses, and the guides are top-notch professionals. Remember, however, when they say first class, it's about the same as moderate in Disney terms.

Age: You would think you'd be the youngest there, but during summer months there are a lot of families or young adults accompanying parents. We're 30 somethings and have never found it a problem. Also, we've encountered lots of high school graduates with their families.

Structure: Every day you will have some time to explore on your own. But when you're on the go during the day, you do have to follow their plan. You can't spend an extra hour shopping on a quaint street you find or wander through a castle. Also, almost every morning is an early morning. You will return home tired. On the plus side, you see EVERYTHING and don't have to plan. Think of it as purchasing a WDW package versus planning it ala carte on your own.

Finally: There will be several tour options in each city. Take them. They're worth the extra money.

 

[delikado]

I've traveled all over Europe and Canada, both on bus tours and on my own, and personally, I prefer to follow my own schedule. HOWEVER, if you've never been to Ireland before, I would recommend that you and your spouse take the bus tour. While it is great to be able to do your own thing, you will definitely see so much more if you have someone guiding you, and it's also really nice to have your guide explain the history behind the sights. I think most (if not all) bus tours give you time to explore on your own as well, so it's kind of like the best of both worlds! I've also been lucky enough to not be on a tour with inconsiderate people who keep the group waiting, so hopefully you'll be lucky in that aspect as well!

I'll admit though, that the schedule can be quite hectic, especially if the agenda states that you'll be seeing lots of places in a short amount of time. I remember being exhausted at the end of the day, only to have to wake up early the next morning to travel to the next city/country. If you enjoy a more relaxed pace of sightseeing, bus touring probably isn't for you

As far as the age issue, let me assure you that you will NOT be the youngest people there. Obviously not the oldest, either, but you certainly won't feel out of place. I'm 23, and I've done bus tours in the past with my parents (who are in their 60s), and there were always a handful of people who were in their 30s and 40s, and they sometimes brought their older kids (around college-aged). Certainly not the "let's hit the bars" kind of folks, but they were all very pleasant... And if all else fails, just ditch 'em the first chance you get and meet back at the bus at the specified time

So my advice to you would be this: If you've never been to Ireland before and you really want to see all the sights, take the bus tour. I used to complain to my mom every time she would drag me along on one of those tours, and she would always say that tours (of any kind) are the best way to get an overview of a place you've never been to before. In retrospect, I realize that she's right. It's like reading an outline of a REALLY big book, so that the next time you visit, you'll know what you want to investigate further

Regardless of what you decide upon, have a great time in Ireland! I wish I was going, too!