7. Planning & Logistics: Very little is required once you have CAREFULLY chosen your ideal LBT package based on your knowledge of all these LBT Factors. Tours provide worry-free, ground transport, food; lodging, site tickets, and local guides — you are never lost.    

Unless you will travel independently before and after your tour ...
YOU just book your flights, before & after hotels (if needed) & pack. 

8. Lodging: Often, large, sterile, impersonal tour company-owned efficiency hotel or a large chain's hotel for a single night only, unless smaller, higher quality tour's lodging. 

BEST: welcoming small family-owned hotels near or in Old Town or tourist areas for your "free-time"’ independent walking tours.  (Rick Steves Tours).                                                      Dig Deeper.

9. Multi-nite stays v overnight: Multi-night hotel stays are a travel blessing versus the wasted time & energy of ‘pajama' or racing 'Jumping Jack’ large bus tours. These multi-nite hotel stays are ripe with self-fulfilling ‘free-time' options instead of daily long & frenetic drives to multiple site visits ending in nightly exhaustion.

         Level 2:

Multi-nite Stays Benefits

Big bus “jumping jacks’ tours must change hotels daily without a break to visit all sites promised. These huge buses are often unable to access the hotel directly without blocking traffic, so guests must haul luggage down those narrow streets and then upstairs to their room adding to their exhaustion.

OTOH, while multi-night stays in the same hotel may reduce the number of sites & experiences, multi-night stays will dramatically enhance worthiness & comfort of your entire journey.

PROs:
    1. reduce daily packing & unpacking hassle, 
    2. minimize wasteful daily departure & arrival time & chaos, 
    3. reduce energy drain of Luggage Dragging a block or 2 from bus to hotel
    4. reduce energy drain of Luggage Carry up/down flights of stairs.
    5. reduce precious energy drain: of 1-night stands.
    6. more on-site time:  for exploration & reflection
    7. More ‘free-time’  deeper cultural immersion in Old Town’ self-guided walking tours to minor tourist sites, cafes, shops & city parks.

ANECDOTE:  My pre-cruise early morning London walkabout: On my only cruise to prove to friends I did not LIKE cruises,  I awoke several hours before my friends and made a solo self-guided walking tour of the neighborhoods near our London hotel. A redeeming experience in the quiet London morning. ytlk Baltic Cruise  

   8. More relaxed & reflective: rather than constantly exhausted.
   9. Quick refresh: for a self-guided walkabout Old Town areas.

” …. Bus drivers call tours with ridiculous itineraries "pajama tours."
You're in the bus from 8 a.m. until after dark, so why even get dressed?”,
Rick Steves’ Europe

CONs:
    1. Perhaps fewer site visits & activities: but entire trip is more rewarding.                                                         close

10. Food & Restaurants: BEST: small tour’s relaxed, locally culturally authentic or ‘"free-time"’s guide-suggested local town's dining on your own …. rather than big tour’s culturally ‘faux’, rapidly served, dubious quality food.                                        Dig Deeper.

11. Perks: tour companies may offer Loyalty programs, booking incentives and upgraded or luxury packages:

   2nd Level: 

Perks in more detail.

A. Loyalty Programs: may include:
     1. Luxury Accommodations: pre-planned luxury charter    
         bus tours focused on comfort & convenience. CoElite Coach,
     2. Specialty Dining Experiences,
     3. Corporate luxury experiences and personalized itineraries.

B. Booking Incentives: discounts for early bookings, special
     promotions via social media, or online-only deals)

C. Miscellaneous fees/amenities: May include:
     a) airport to/from transfer fees,
     b) meal choice & quality,
     c) pre-tour lodging, no bag limit, free wif (huh?), bottled
         water, no luggage fees, and priority boarding, etc.

Always ask or check the fine print & customer reviews for hidden costs.                             
                                                                                                        (close)

12. Amenities: VP Boarding, Seating, access, Food and Beverage Packages, Special Events or Shows, Merchandise or Souvenirs, Extended Hours or Night Cruises, Photo/Video Services, & large or excess luggage handling. Dig Deeper.

       2nd Level: 

Amenities by Tour Size

Whatever you imagine that can be bought.

Bus tours can vary significantly in size, from small, intimate groups to large, multi-bus operations, each offering different amenities based on the scale, duration, and theme or focus of the tour. 

A. Small Tours (10-20 passengers)
    1. Luxury Seating: Often with more space per passenger,             Chauffeured
        sometimes includes reclining seats.                                              plush

    2. WiFi:  Frequently available to keep passengers connected.        Mercedes
    3. Audio Systems: guests' personal headsets for guide's talk.         Sprinter

    4. Climate Control: Ensures 'all-weather' comfort.                              with            
    5. Bottled Water: Provided for hydration.                                          extended
    6. Snacks: Sometimes included, especially for longer trips.             legroom

    7. USB Chargers:  For charging personal devices.                            

B. Medium Tours (21-40 passengers)
     1. All amenities from small tours, plus:
     2. On-Board Restroom: Particularly useful for longer trips

     3. More Spacious Interior: Allowing for movement or stretching.
     4. Larger Entertainment Systems: Screens for movies or dos.
     5. Storage for Luggage: More organized space for personal stuff.
     6. Coffee Machines or Kitchenette: onboard self-service

C. Large Tours (40+ passengers

All amenities from medium tours, with some enhancements:  

     1.  Multiple Restrooms: To accommodate more passengers.
     2. Enhanced Seating: Perhaps luxury swivel seats or tables.
     3. Catering Services: Perhaps on-board meals prepared.
     4. Tour Guide's Commentary: live, plus assistance.
     5.  Advanced Entertainment: Perhaps, interactive or better sound.

     6. Increased Accessibility: wheelchair lifts & mobility storage.

     7. VIP Areas: Some luxury buses VIP & premium service.

Miscellaneous Considerations

    1. Tour Duration: Longer tours might include sleeping berths.
Anecdote: Laos to Danang, Vietnam sleeper bus: roughly built with triple bunk beds & narrow aisles, a few rest stops; saved 1-night's hotel cost.

    2. Destination: Remote area tour's priorities: better suspension for rough roads, while urban tours focus on connectivity & entertainment.

    3. Tour Theme: Adventure tours: less luxury, but more utilitarian amenities like gear storage, whereas luxury tours emphasize comfort & service.

These amenities can significantly enhance the travel experience, making long journeys more enjoyable and comfortable. If you're considering or planning a bus tour, it would be wise to check what specific amenities are offered by different companies, as these can vary widely even within the same size category.

    4. High-end amenities vary with mission: seasick motion, limited
luggage & privacy.                                                                                                                                                                       [close]

18. Tier 1, 2, & 3 Tourist Sites & activities:  select a tour package with your most desired Tier 1 sites & a few 2nd tier sites, but few, if any, Tier 3, etc unless Tier 3 site is for convenience to break up a long drive. 

BEST: A mix of Tier 1 & 2 sites & perhaps, the occasional unique off-the-beaten-path site or activity when feasible at guide’s discretion. If ‘"free-time"’ afternoons and evenings, then either Tour company's Optional Tours OR self-guide walking tour & a local dining.

.                                                                                                                                        Dig Deeper.

                  Level 2:

20. Sensible Itinerary:   BEST: “Goldilocks” Rule: not too many nor too few; but just the right # of countries, cities, sites etc.”

Beware of:   
    a) wanting too many countries/sights, too fast 
    b) the bragging rights temptation. 
    c) Balance of sights and activities.
    d) 'Free-Time'

              2nd Level:

What is a "Sensible Itinerary?"

a) Too much, too fast: If you try to ‘pack’ too many sights & activities into too short a tour you are demanding a low-quality experience. More, is often dramatically less.

Example: 5 countries in 6 days is:
    1) too much bus time traveling 
    2) site visits & activities are too brief & rushed
    3) hours spent busing means less time at fewer sites, 
    4) you WILL probably be worn out …. remembering &      
        enjoying very little; hating foreign travel experience &
        destroying one of your life’s great passions. 

ANECDOTE: my friend Marylyn’s trip: Marylyn joined a Spain trip planned & executed by an in-law covering too much, too fast by plane & rented car. Inefficient schedules of Tier 1 thru Tier 3 sites with much wasted time, group conflict, and a disaster crushing Marylyn's desire for any future travel.

b) Foolish bragging rights: Some travelers foolishly travel so they can return home and brag about the number of countries, cities or sites visited …. to friends who not only don’t care, but may be put-off by your self-importance & bored by your endless photos. 

If this is your primary reason to travel, save your money, and stay home and watch YouTube travel videos (https://www.youtube.com/@scottsolotravels.

Anecdote: My friend's reaction to my trip on my return: Each time I returned from a foreign trip my BEST friends would, without my prompt, ask, “How was your trip?” I would respond simply, “Great trip", and that was the extent of their curiosity.

I suppose I expected to be welcomed back as the great adventurer. At first, I was annoyed & mystified until I accepted the reality that others have no duty to be enthused with my travels. 

c) Balance of sights and activities. A good tour will take you to both historic sights and places of contemporary interest, to both natural places (or at least outdoor areas), museums AND provide some "free-time".

d) ‘’Free-Time”: is the “hidden gold mine” that maximizes your package tour’s goals & memories.  [jlk: free time]                               
                                                                                                                                  [close]

22. Tailored Specialty Cruises: Themed, Luxury & Boutique Cruises, Adventure & Expedition, Age or Lifestyle, and Educational & Cultural Cruises: Dig Deeper.

23.  Tour Company Reputation: BEST: Online reviews that are NOT curated by a tour company or a site that benefits from tour company advertising: e.g. TripAdvisor etc.  

                           2nd Level

How do you know a Company's Reputation?

Possible Good Sources:
      Social Media Presence: Company's profile’s user posts on ‘X’ & AI, Instagram, et al;    
      Independent Forums:
      Travel Blogs: Beware of travel blogs whose income is dependent on advertising & sponsorship.

If you directly contact tour company, consider their personality, inquiries or complaint responsiveness, & general sentiment of posts.   (Trustpilot & Sitejabber: Often provide  feedback.)

Remember, IMO, most, if not all, companies will try to manage their reputations: some by direct manipulation (Disney), some by extortion (Disney). Be cautiously wise.  Look for evidence of at least a few Good & Bad reviews each to suggest impartiality. Seldom is any company perceived as perfect.

Anecdote: Disney’s attempt to ‘bend’ (extort) X * former Twitter) to it’s will. An attempt openly & boldly thwarted by Elon’s public, “F… You, Bill" referring directly to Disney CEO, William Eisner sitting in the audience. 

Direct Communication: Contact tour company directly with all questions. Evaluate their natural spontaneity & willingness to provide detailed information, the credibility & of their response. If suspect it is a 'customer service call-center' be suspicious.

Digging too much deeper now  may be a Rabbit Hole of diminishing returns. Probably too deep in the weeds. —

24.  Price & extras: BEST: The Tour price you are willing to pay should reflect 1) the availability of your desired sites & activities, quality & comfort level, & amenities you are willing to pay for, 2) your willingness to pay upfront or as sites, etc arise while touring, & 3) of course, your wise evaluation of my various 27 Tour Factors that you have just read thru.   

Three (3) kinds tpur price classifications: 1)

Key Question:  “What is included in the price?” ; tour package price classifications: 1. Inclusive (all inclusive),  2. Partial Inclusive, and 3. All Exclusive.

Only you can value a tour's quality level; only you know how much you are willing to pay.

                                                                                                                     Dig Deeper.

            Level 2:

Deep Dive Discussion of '3 Price Levels'

Again, your ONLY guarantee of tour quality vs cost is the thoroughness of your understanding & evaluation of the 27 Tour Factors I have offered you.

Only you can value a tour's quality level; only you know how much you are willing to pay.
Your human brain superbly amasses this kind of info and reduces it down to a simple decision. 

So trust in yourself.

Usually, as in most purchases, the higher the cost, the greater the quality, but CAUTION, sometimes lower price merely disguises lower quality.    Beware!

Again, your ONLY guarantee of tour quality vs cost is the thoroughness of your understanding & evaluation of the Tour Factors I have offered you.

A. Quick Look: (Please read closely because terms are subtly confusing)
    1. Inclusive (all inclusive): Covers most or all expenses; offers simplicity & convenience, but little ‘free time’ flexibility. 
    2. Partial Inclusive: Some expenses, but not all covered so guest must control their budget AND do their own ‘free time’ planning
    3. All Exclusive (All-Inclusive): Everything is included for a completely worry-free trip, but with higher costs and less flexibility & choice.

B. A Deeper Look:
    1. “Inclusive (All-inclusive)”  (both mean the same)
          Definition: These tours cover almost all expenses at a single price for a worry-free trip
               CAUTION: Usually, as in most purchases, the higher the cost, the greater the quality, but,
                     sometimes lower price merely disguises lower quality.
          BEST deal: if you eat, drink, & participate a lot. 

        PROs: 
   1. Price: Single upfront price. ‘Good deal’, if take full use.  No ‘final surprise bill'!
   2. Price/Quality Options: Many deeply curated levels of quality & price. 
       a. Carol Walton’s Expedition flies high-rollers between African safari sites. 
       b. Some specialty tours (not Carol’s) can cost $100, 000.
   3. Research, planning & logistics: done for you.
   4. Transportation: included, maybe transfers to/from airports
   5. Lodging: Included
   6. Meals: often all meals, maybe snacks beverages & alcohol)
   8. Activities: included a wide range of activities, excursions, or fun.
   9. All planning: …. site, activity & logistics done for you.
   10. Extras: maybe includes; tips, hotel & local taxes, service charges,
         to/from airport, transfers, food, snacks, alcohol (premium brands, 24/7);
         wifi & cell on bus, hotel taxes,
   11. Non-tour expenses: maybe Local Entry & Departure Tax
         (Costa Rica, cash only), on-arrival visas, Currency exchange & ATM Fees.
   12. Worry-free: because rigid, but comprehensive.
   13. Predictable cost budgeting: all costs known upfront & included. 
   14. Less cash to carry: supposedly because initial price covers all, but …..

TIP: Be wise. Always carry cash or cc/dc; you just never know.

        CONs: 
    1. Near-zero flexibility: rigid site/activities/meal schedules, & little ‘free time’.
    2. Less value for $: if you don't use all the included services.

    2. Partially Inclusive:
Definition: Includes some, but not all, expenses in a single package price.
        It Is the middle ground between ‘inclusive (all inclusive)’ & ‘exclusive’ tours including some, but not all expenses in the package price. but, most importantly, probably some 'free-time' opportunities.      

     So guest must control their budget AND do their own ‘"free-time"’ planning.    
        PROs:
    1. Price: low initial cost, but often budget-busting add-ons; must-budget extras.
    2. Better Value for Money: particularly if you highly value “Free Time” options.
    3. Flexible: some “free time” options: local walkabout, meals, local Excursions.
    4. Transportation: maybe to/from airport transfers. 
    6. Lodging: for specified tour nights
    7. Meals: Varies: some or none.  You must ask in advance.
    8. Activities: a few Tier 1 & 2 sites, but maybe not free optional activities.
    9. Guides: guided tours for the entire tour.
    10. Entry fees: included for some attractions/activities, but not all.
    11. ’Free time’ options: some afternoons & evenings.

Rick Steves Tours seems to go out of their way to ensure you have all the pre-booking info you need. https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning/comparing-tours

      CONs: 
    1. ‘Free time’ opportunities: require fun pre-trip planning, & booking.
    2. Extra ‘free-time’ budgeting: excursions, restaurants, Uber etc.
    3. Flights: often not included, unless specified: “air-inclusive"
    4. Meals: most not covered, but varies.  Please ask.
    5. Personal Expenses: Not covered: souvenirs, alcohol, tips, bottled water.
    6. Optional Excursions: NOT covered, often overpriced; may book locally.
    7. Contract & Promo’s Fine Print: Read to avoid surprises & dissatisfaction.
    8. Travel Insurance: I always bought.

25. LBT Book Agreement: most publish own versions of such agreements, tailored to them, but generally the same broad themes. [plpk: sub-pil” xyz Kinds of]                                          Dig Deeper.

4. Late “Return to Ship” DANGER: If you miss your ship’s mandatory Departure Time, very expensive to catch up at next port.[LINK] YT Cruise grp clips ??? ].       Major Risk: Late ship return: 

    Suggestion: Don’t book more than 1 Shore Excursions/ day unless positive you have plenty of time to return to ship on time.

5. Safety & Security: Safer, more secure access to dicey sights/activities. 

Anecdote: St Petersburg’s “The Cheese Cake Palace (Catherine’s Palace) GYPSY benign assault: On a Baltic Cruise, but for some reason without a guide, we were standing as a group of 8 fellow travelers waiting outside for it to open when we were assaulted by a family of gypsies poking & grabbing at us. I immediately warned everyone to be CAUTIOUS. One person touched me and I intuitively karate-chopped his arm away and he backed off.

6. Shore Excursion CAUTIONS:  Your 1^st true exposure to a foreign culture comes on your 1^st in-port day’s Shore Excursions, curated by your Cruise Company for its worthwhileness, quality, safety & reliability.

Your Shore Excursions will travel safely thru the countryside or city to some famous Roman or Greek site or an authentic local cooking class, etc. Your choices are limited only by ship’s in-port hours. 

    a. Rushed shore excursions:  Too little time for too many sites equals a tiring, rushed superficial experience AND risk of ‘late return’. 

    b. Distracting Guide Commentary: large, rushed tour group’s guide commentary at chaotic crowded Tier 1 sites may be boringly ‘canned’, distracts from your reflections, and may not be easily heard UNLESS Tour Earphone System is used. Small group Guides can be more intimate & flexible.

    c. Crowded Tier 1 & 2 tourist sites: long entry wait times & jammed with multiple large, noisy, jostling tourist groups.

7. ’Shop-steering” visits: Unlikely for ship’s Shore Excursions, but possible if self-booked. Confirm with on-shore booking company.

8. Authentic Local Culture Visits: May be your 1^st true exposure to a foreign culture, but often faux, Americanized unless Shore Excursions or self-guided walking tour.

9. Local Guides: with deep site expertise: history, culture, & local stories may have greater expertise & insight. Can be highly motivated & respected experts on their local turf.  Cruise  operators may consistently use a tested local private guide to complement your tour guide.

10. “support local economy’: cruise ships inject massive income into ports-of-call: tourist’s local purchases, all sector job creation, port fees & taxes, good local infrastructure. 

11. Eco-friendly: huge cruise ships have a great eco-impact on local areas belching diesel, polluting waters, overrunning resources, infrastructure & Tier 1  tourist sites …despite recent pro-eco agendas                      
BEWARE: Greenwashing:   [jlk: eco-friendly)

3. Guest Booked 3rd Party Local Shore Excursions:

Most cruise ship ports, if not all, offer Shore Excursions either by local guides, local tour companies or through national online booking companies (think Air BnB-like). (see below) 

40-50% of cruisers might engage in independent activities, which include tours not organized by the cruise company.

Often, in-port local Shore Excursions providers AND local guides offer more numerous, diverse, special focus & less expensive Shore Excursions.

A. Guest’s Booked  Alternative Shore Excursions FACTORs:  [plpk: sub-pil” xyz Kinds of ]    
    1. Pre-trip Google Search: makes Local Excursion research & booking almost as easy as booking thru your cruise company.

    2. Convenience: Less convenience than Ship’s Shore Excursions, BUT greater variety & lower price; sometimes same tour & guide. CAUTION: Late Return issue

    3. Greater Site/Experience Variety: 3^rd Party Shore Excursions companies may offer greater variety &/or lower costs, (ShoreExcursions.com

      2^nd Level: 

Greater Site/Experience Variety

a. All Tier 1,2 & 3 tourist Site & Experience Classification: The travel industry often classifies travel sites & experiences as:
        Tier 1: …. usually globally recognized & revered sites:
                      - Paris’ Eiffel Tower, Peru’s Machu Picchu & Beijing China’s Forbidden City….

        Tier 2: …. lack the global prestige, but are nevertheless significant sites in their regions  
                  or country:
                      - Italy’s Herculaneum buried at same time as Pompei
                      - Esoteric Reykjavik, Iceland’s Penis Museum (really? Really!!! 😀) 

        Tier 3: IMO, are either uninteresting, very minor or very niche & not worth the
                  average cruisers time & money. 

b. Specialized Experiences: (French cooking class, hiking trails)

c. Esoteric interests: (Edinburgh Penis Museum)

    4. Authentic Local Culture: unlikely, unless Shore Excursion is specifically designed OR your self-guided walking tour.

Anecdote: Albania’s Kruja’s Castle: Arriving early before tourists I roamed the castle grounds and,  then,  entered the original preserved residential area. Soon I was met by a gracious young man who ... uninvited ... accompanied me … tossing out tidbits of local history. He & his aged mother actually lived there. Don’t get much more authentic.!

    5. Group Size: Super high cruising demand & Tier 1 & 2 site popularity equals large tour group size.

    TIP: purposely select small or private-guide tours with: 1) priority access tickets, 2) nimble movement, & 3) silent/private Tour Guide Audio System …. or immediately jump-ship on landing, grab a taxi & get to a Tier 1 site before others.

    6. Booking Tips: book through reputable local in-port companies or use independent booking platforms like Viator which can offer both quality, safety & savings, …. BUT MUST GUARANTEE: 
        a. NO Shop Steering
        b.’on-time ship return.” Ship’s don’t normally wait for late non-ship Shore
             Excursion’s late passengers.

         Level 2:

A. My Review Research of world-wide booking platforms: Note: My Review research after ONLY 15 minutes of online research & from personal experience:  
        1. Shore Excursion Group: mostly positive; On Time Ship Rerturn guarantee PLUS $1,000 USD per customer for inconvenience of missing ship.
        2. Get Your Guide: mostly positive  
        3. Tours by Locals: mostly positive except for full group prepay requirement; “… think
                Viator, but a lot better run…”, with both clients & guide support, & dispute
                 resolution service that works. Guides are curated before being listed. 

CRITICAL Guarantee: If late to boat … guarantee to, “ arrange for and cover the costs of overnight accommodation and transportation to your next feasible port-of-call.”

       4. Trip Advisor & Viviator (TripAdvisor company): AVOID, unreliable & overpriced.
           TIP: read a page or 2 of reviews on these organizations, BUT NOT reviews on their site

    7. Late Return: Reputable 3^rd Party Shore Excursions operators usually guarantee “on-time return”.  Check all Reviews

          Level 2:

Captain’s Discretion controls: 
     a) priority to Ship’s Shore Excursion passengers
     b) all other: may be based on …: 
         1) # late, 
         2) how far away (in time), 
         3) wait costs ( ship’s dock fees, extra fuel), 
         4) next port arrival schedule, 
         5) weather etc, 6) tug/harbor pilot availability.

    8. Price: Pricing Strategy: Often competitively lower price to compete with Cruise Ship’s similar or identical offers, perhaps greater booking convenience AND most important: Ship’s Late Return guarantee.

    9. Local Guides: Local folks-turned-guides & local tour companies may have a highly developed knowledge of everything local — sites, history, culture, & local stories & can offer specific & unique Itineraries or will craft one for you. May also guide cruise ship’s shore excursions

    10. VIP Site Access: private access: 

Anecdote: Mandawa, India’s painted Havelis (homes): Jumping on the back of my Nawalgarh guide's motorcycle for a 60-mile loop to Mandawa, Fatephur & other small town's to visit the many remaining beautifully painted exterior & interior old residences of wealthy Silk Road merchants.  Even more exciting were welcomes into private living quarters of several of these havelis.  PIK.     ytembed

    11. Safety & Security: More reliably safe than solo access to dicey sights/activities. 

    12. Dining: included if necessary (e.g.: lunch on 6 hr excursion)

    13. Peer-to-peer local private host & guide:  Peer-to-peer is a relatively new option rapidly growing as travel demand has shifted from ‘destination’ to ‘experiential’ based vacations. 
                                    Reuters Events:  destination to experience-led vacations,  

            2^nd Level:

Tens of thousands of private hosts in 30 cities across Asia and Europe & expanding to more cities, local hosts and local sites & experiences; often language tailored i.e. English for Brits, American, Aussies & Kiwis, etc. 

Private host’s unique, personalized itineraries, sites & activities offered directly to passion-driven traveller’s at an affordable cost, but focused on off the beaten path experiences: actual local events, family dinners etc. sites & activities. 

Typical peer to peer 3^rd party operators:

a. Withlocals.com and heal2go.com.

b. Reuter Events - Travel: https://www.reutersevents.com/travel/social-media-and-marketing/bye-bye-mass-tourism-hello-healing-touch

c. Crunchbase: 1,200 fully customizable, 100% private Cruises & activities led by 900 local hosts in dozens of international cities.

d. Tours by Locals: Slowlife Family Farm: Cooking Experience:  https://www.toursbylocals.com/tours/italy/siracusa/tour-details/slowlife-family-farm-cooking-experience-664d242717832fdc0dbb5afd

CAUTIONS:

1. Shore Excursions Ship ‘Return on-time’ Guarantee.

C. 4 in-port options:.

1. Relaxation on board a half-empty ship:  to relish relative solitude, better amenity & special activities access (pool), and more staff engagement (cool!)  Hour after hour of on/off-site walkabouts can be exhausting to some guests who will seek the solitude & relaxation of a ‘quiet corner.’    

       2^nd Level:

On-board Diversions

Ships often offer great on-board diversions to those who remain on board.
    a. Easier Access to Amenities: pools, spa services, dining, fun venues, gym, particularly on high-end cruises.
    b. Slower Paced: Crew can engage more; tailored services
    c. Special Activities: engine room tours, cooking classes, workshops; high-tech demos, wine tastings, gourmet cooking demos.
    d. Dining Experience: more intimate, private, w/ unique dishes, leisurely.
    e. Ship Photography: minimal people.

2. Ship’s Optional Shore Excursions: Ostensibly, a prime reason for Cruising is to visit notable foreign countries, cities & sites. Ship’s offered Shore Excursions are your prime vehicle for doing that.  

Shore Excursions allow you to visit foreign sights & activities without long & frequent bus rides AND without the intense pre-trip research & planning and full responsibility of the solo independent traveler.

Here are your insights —-
    Cruise company’s offer an array of diverse historical & cultural sites & experiential Shore Excursions to satisfy foreign traveler’s ambition to visit foreign cities & their tourist sites. 

    While most Cruise operators don’t usually create their Shore Excursions, they do meticulously curate them for safety, worthiness, guide experience & overall guest satisfaction … because Shore Excursions are a customer’s prime booking consideration.       

    Guest reviews seem to endorse Shore Excursions as the “icing on the …’ extravagant luxurious cruising lifestyle.                          Dig Deeper

      2^nd Level: 

Ship’s Due Diligence AND Shore Excursion FACTORS: 

A. Ship’s Due Diligence Factors:
    1. Professional Excursion Operator Evaluation: operators meticulously curate their Shore Excursions offerings for:
        a. safety standards,
        b.  service,
        c. safety, &
        d. variety & worthiness of sights experience.

Shore Excursions selections are often based on the experiences that historically appeal to most cruiser’s diverse wants & budgets. all-passenger-access (handicapped, infirm).

        Royal Caribbean: wide range of Shore Excursions tailored to various interests: adventure to cultural & curated local respected vendors.

    2. Feedback Mechanisms: extensive customer feedback loop after Shore Excursions to validate or eliminate Shore Excursions providers. Grok confirms X posters approve of most Shore Excursions. Great effort is expended on upgrading and innovating Shore Excursions packages.

    3. Excursions Standardization: consistency of guest experiences & satisfaction; guide’s knowledge & personalization, language fluency, & group size. But, Royal Caribbean: will customize Shore Excursions for small groups or individuals.

    4. Activity Mix: large variety of sites & activities: cultural tours, adventure sports, & relaxation options; something at a price for everyone. 

    5. Training & Quality Control: mandated guide & local company training & guidelines to ensure service standards. 

    6. Customer Experience Management Teams: constantly developing new Shore Excursions, enhanced customer service, and prompt issue resolution to improve future offerings.

    7. Insurance & Safety Measures: all activities covered by insurance; strict safety guidelines protect company & guests.

    8. Shop Steering: Ships Shore Excursions: unlikely cuz well-curated,

B. Ship’s Shore Excursion FACTORS:  
    1. Start & End Times:
        a. Morning Excursions: 8 AM to 10 AM or ASAP after ship docks, ending by early afternoon to allow boarding 12 PM to 2 PM.
        b. Afternoon Excursions: Uncommon because 2 PM MAX return & final boarding times, but if offered: 1 PM to 4 PM, ensuring passengers on-time return for the ship's late afternoon or early evening departure. (*e.g. Rome Shore Excursions)

    2. Variety availability: wide variety of well-curated excursion, but Local In-port Options may be greater & different

    3. Marketing thoroughness, & transparency: that clearly aligns with & validates guest expectations.

    4. Specialty Options: e.g. National Geographic Lindblad Expedition’s Alaska cruises offers expedition cruises focused on education, eccology, and adventure. 

    5. Customization: Royal Caribbean’s great variety of exclusive, personalized & customized Shore Excursions tailored to various interests: adventure to cultural & curated local respected vendors. for small groups or individuals. 

   6. Specialization: educational, environmental, adventure, & more serious cruises (Nat’l Geo’s Lindblad Expeditions 

   7. Habitually late Excursions guests: 
        a): inconsiderate boors reduce everyone’s on-site visits.
        b) late ship return is very expensive ‘catch up” ($1000s)

    8. Exclusive Access: Shore Excursions’s negotiated exclusive access to sites or services, not publicly available. 

Anecdote:  Canavasry visit & All Saints Church London, Cairo Mosque

Authentic Local Culture: unlikely, unless Shore Excursions intentionally focus or …. your self-guided walking tour. 

    10. Pricing Strategy: Fairly priced compared to similar /identical On-Shore Excursions, activity uniqueness & service level, site access exclusivity, amenities, group size & dining options.

    11. Back-to-ship guarantee: e.g.:  Royal Caribbean's promise: back-to-ship guarantee AND authentic cultural immersion

    12. Extra Costs: entry fees, meals, other transport, etc. etc. etc.

    13. Price-match Policy: against local Shore Excursion operators' prices to reassure Guest’s booking ship’s Shore Excursion.

    14. Quality Assurance: Royal Caribbean: promises immersive & accessibility experiences AND a ‘back-to-ship’ guarantee indicating a focus on quality, safety, and inclusivity.

    15. Guide: professional, trained, screened, trained expert guide handles everything: logistics, your needs & personalized commentary.

                                                                                                 Dig Deeper

        3^rd Level: 

Guide's Professional Responsibilities & Skills

A. Logistics: 1) Transportation, & 2) Food 
   1. Transportation: Shore Excursions vehicles range from very large touring bus to various appropriate smaller vehicles and when appropriate other conveyances : boats, electric rickshaws, etc.

Anecdote:  My Mekong Delta multi-day excursion: included 1) large tour van, 2) ferry, 3) large wooden river cruising boat-hotel with overnight room & meals, and 4) a native’s swamp canoe. 

YT Embed: Mekong Delta canoe footage

    2. Food: Most long (4-7 hours) Cruise Shore Excursions may provide dining options, or if a cultural Shore Excursions, authentic local dishes. 

B. Guest’s care/special needs/concerns: 1) monitors guest constantly, 2) bonds with guests, 3) resolves guest issues

SEE [pplk: TRAV KINDs B for detailed ‘big bus Cruise’ vs ‘small bus Cruise’ differences for each of these factors.

Your Shore Excursions guide is trained & experienced to: 
    1. monitor constantly your safety & security ever alert to pickpockets, lurking thieves, bogus vendors, a broken step or a nasty dog.

    2. bond with guests & encouraging a group camaraderie; perhaps even searching out those introverts in the shadows.

    3. solve guest issues & questions: 1) guest needs: if pre-arranged & agreed to in advance, and 2) unforeseen issues: emergencies, illness, accidents.

    NOTE: Cruise & local Shore Excursions companies should disclose standard of guest fitness etc required before you book, particularly if a demanding, unusual activity to ensure a worthwhile trip for all.

Anecdote: Florence Cathedral’s double dome: The climb up between Brunelleschi’s famously designed Florence Cathedral’s double dome involves 463 steps, through winding staircases, sometimes steep, & narrow corridors. No elevator. Demands fitness & agility. [ytlk: Italy: Dome climb]

    NOTE: Not ethical to complain on Shore Excursions when you ignored ‘physical ability’ warning advice. You must solve YOUR issue, perhaps, by staying on bus or wandering the surrounding area’s shops etc.

SEE [pplk: TRAV KINDs B for detailed ‘big bus Cruise’ vs ‘small bus Cruise’ differences for each of these factors.

C. Guide’s Commentary Quality: Your guide’s goal to expose a site’s Charisma of Place.

Charisma of Place, is a term implying a compelling emotional admiration inherent in a tourist site or person that the world has long revered or that you learned about in school. [jlk: Charisma of Place]

Anecdote: Standing in the drizzling rain in the ancient Roman Forum: I saw, “…. a small mound which was the altar, a few bits of the walls, and not much more, covered by a modern roof.” (Trip Advisor) — one of billions of nondescript mounds in the world, BUT, this is the site of Julius Cesar’s cremation.

I was emotionally overwhelmed by its Charisma of Place. The emotional awareness of standing so near to Caesar absent the transparent glass of ‘time passed.” The vague 1000 yr Roman history somehow, Caesar’s Imperial power and his assassination felt very real.           Not religious, but spiritual.

Your Shore Excursions guide’s narration hopefully will re-ignite your research-inspired, pent-up excitement by summarizing a sight’s cultural importance, exposing its unique history & today’s relevance with bristling exciting & intriguing insights adding to your original curiosity & anticipation. 

Presumably, you are visiting a site because you researched it or have been intrigued since school, a movie or a book you read.  Something about this ‘travel bud’ [jlk] tickled your imagination AND now you are REALLY here. 

        Smaller-sized Shore Excursions Guide’s commentary:
PROs:
    1. Personalized, intimate
    2. Mix of humor & confidence with entertaining insights.
    3. Tailored info to guest’s interests 
    4. Greater depth & detail of information
    5. Encourages guest-guide interactive discussion.
    6. Usually guest’s language although English often added

CONs:
    1. May distract from your contemplation, but probably tour so relaxed you roam a bit with guide’s approval.

        3^rd Level:  

Optional Excursion’s Pros/Cons & Examples:

Variably priced Optional Shore Excursions (group discounts ?) allow guests to enrich their overall cruise experience by choosing from a variety of curated Optional Excursions. Of course, many tourists will have chosen their cruise package because of these sites & experiences.
PROs:
    1. Well curated for quality & guide skills. Check all Reviews. if any.
    2. Ideally scheduled’ for ‘on-time-return.’
    3. Overall experience values
    4. Guarantee ‘on-time -ship-return”
    5. Occasionally, included in cruise packages:
                       Viking Cruises: 888-703-2664/-888-703-2664 1 complimentary
                                                shore excursion in each port of call.

        Typical example of Ship Shore Excursions offerings:                    
                          Norwegian Cruise Lines: 800 657 5773.

Can't install graphic

I did some simple research (10/1/2024) of 3 cruise companies: 
    1. Celebrity Cruises: exuberantly promotes individual short excursions, BUT without much detail, including price, 
    2. Viking Cruises:  offers “One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call.” but gives no further complimentary Shore Excursions or paid for alternatives details. 
    3. Norwegian Cruise Lines: gives limited detail, total time & price 

CAUTION: Do your due diligence when searching a cruise package’s Shore Excursions.

CONs:  
    1. Pre-trip Google Search may offer a greater variety of Local Shore Excursions 
    2. On-shore options may be less expensive.
    3. Pre-trip Google Search makes Local Excursion research & booking almost as easy as booking with Tour Operator.
    4. Usually includes all necessary transportation, but may NOT include meals or site entry fees. Enquire before booking.
   5. Cruise operators may ignore more narrow focus options of limited interest to most guests.

B. How to choose your ideal Shore Excursions:  

I chose many of my travel sites from a lifetime of education, public media, reading, videos, & even the news. Each tiny bit of interesting travel site or activity info was what I now call ‘Travel Buds’. 

Like tiny rose buds, this near-infinite numbered ‘Travel Buds’ were potential travel ideas lying asleep in my mind 'under the snow' waiting for me to turn them into Spring’s travel targets. Same is true for you!

So how can you resurrect those Travel Buds? This can be an exciting personal research adventure in itself.

Very few Travel Buds that you can’t safely visit. You only have to discover them & decide how & when to make your travels a “genuine probability rather than just a mere day-dream fantasy”

Please re-read “2. Ship’s Optional Shore Excursions: "  above          jlk ??

1. My simple 7 step process  :               (2^nd Level) (3^rd Level).  (I should provide links to existing text
List your desired travel sites, Google Search for more, prioritize and match to your ship’s port-of-calls that can access your site(s).                                                                        Dig Deeper

                   2^nd Level: 

My simple 7 step process

1. If you already know what Country region or city you want, then skip to 3) below

2. If you DON’T already know what continent, regions, countries or cities you want, follow these suggestions:
    a) Create a simple Potential Site LIST, written or computer , with 3 columns: See Resources: Docs
         1) region or country, 
         2) cities,
         3) the Travel Bud sites or experiences you have always dreamed of.
                 Your mind is filled with your own Travel Buds, if you look for them.
                                           [pplk; Resources: “Future Travel” document ] [pplk: Future Travel list] 
                 Throughout our lives each of us have been exposed to Travel Buds. 

Anecdote:  some of my Travel Buds:
      Audrey Hepburn’s “Two for the Road’ romantic European travel movie; European travels. 
      Russel Crowe’s “Gladiator's Coliseum; my Rome visits.
      Brad Pitt’s “Seven Years in Tibet.”; triggered 3 months in China .
      Art History class: exposed Athen’s Parthenon's intentional optical illusion of slightly
              bowed steps & bulging columns. 

    b) Watch some TV or Netflix travel shows:    
          “50 of the Best Travel-ish Shows to Watch”: https://www.going.com/guides/best-travel-shows

    c) Explore some Travel blogs. (Don’t search “Travel websites” yet cuz mostly Cruise
           company advertisements)
               “FeedSpot”: ”100 Best Travel Blogs To Read”: https://travel.feedspot.com/travel_blogs/

As you build your list, some country, region, city, sites & activities
will truly speak to your interest.
It will happen. Trust me.

3. Confirm your continuing interest of your lists’s Travel Buds with Google Search your list to. You may have changed your opinions. eliminating those that you have less interest in.

4. Google Search your desired countries & cities for all tourist sights & experiences that you didn’t know about … that excite you enough to add to your list.

5. Prioritize your FULL ‘List’s of most desired sights & activities (maybe with colored circled numbers next to site or activity.

     TIP: I use a different color, often making circled numbers to left of list items. Examples: 

     Tier 1: (1) Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, (2) Vatican, St Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps.

     Tier 2: Baths of Caracalla, Trastevere neighborhood, Galleria Borghese museum, (3) Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica di San Clemente and so on.

You NOW have a condensed checklist for screening through Cruise company internet Shore Excursions offerings

6. Search usual cruise ship ports to discover sites & activities there or accessible from there.
    Example: 
        Cadiz, Spain is a main cruise ship port with a few sites of interest: 1) Old Town (El Pópulo)
            , 2) old city walls and gates, 3) Cadiz Cathedral (Catedral de Cádiz), 4) Plaza de San
            Juan de Dios, 5) Roman Theatre, 6) Museo de Cádiz, 7) Tavira Watch Tower, &
            8) Santa Catalina Castle. 

        Accessible from Cadiz: 1) Seville, 2) Jerez de la Frontera, 3) Ronda’s Puente Nuevo,
            4) Arcos de la Frontera, 5) Gibraltar, 6) Costa de la Luz, 7) Tarifa, 8) Roman Theater,
            and 9) Museum of Cadiz.

7. Choose your ideal Cruise Company quality level & style the cruise package that includes your top available sites & experiences.  Note: maybe only 1 or 2 sites far from Cadiz because usually not enough time for multiple sites & activities unless close together. 

           Cruise Categories: Luxury levels to Adventure, etc.                                 Dig deeper

             2nd Level:

Cruise Categories

Before you wade into the gargantuan pool of all available cruise packages, select the cruise company style that most suits you and, THEN, focus 1^st on their Shore Excursions offerings.

1. Luxury Cruises:    
    - Regent Seven Seas Cruises: all-inclusive luxury, 
    - Crystal Cruises: synonymous with luxury, recently refurbished.

2. Premium Cruises:  
    - Celebrity Cruises: modern & luxury blend, younger clientele, high-end amenities:
         spas & fine dining.
    - Princess Cruises: aka "Love Boat" line, age mix, tends to older adults  & families, a
         luxury step down, but still high standards & fun.

3. Adventure and Expedition Cruises:    
    - Aqua Expeditions: small-ship cruises focused on:
          - biodiversity & culture, intimate & educational experience, very immersive;
             NOT  typical cruise activities.

4. Mainstream/Family-Friendly Cruises: 
    - Carnival Cruise Line: aka "fun ships”: party-oriented, young, families,& lively.
    - Royal Caribbean: innovative activity features: water slides, ice skating rinks, &
          surf simulators; families.

5. Service and Atmosphere:
    - Holland America Line: classic elegance, older, extensive enrichment programs:
          classical music, & onboard music programs.

6. Value for Money:  
    - Norwegian Cruise Line: good mid-tier option,  'freestyle' cruising: flexible dining
          times etc.;luxury & freedom blend.

7. NOW, look for your highest priority Shore Excursions site for each port within your budget                            as you analyze each Cruise Shore Excursions package l

8. Shore Excursions Packages: NOW start combing thru the Shore Excursions packages of the Cruise Company Category you like. You may have so many exciting Shore Excursions options, it may be like “deciding’ which child you love the most.’ BUT YOU MUST.😃

FYI, Again! : Site & Experience Classification: The travel industry often classifies travel sites & experiences as:
    Tier 1: …. usually globally recognized & revered sites:
                Paris’ Eiffel Tower
                Peru’s Machu Picchu
                Beijing China’s Forbidden City….

    Tier 2: …. lack the global prestige, but are nevertheless significant sites in their regions or country:
               Italy’s Herculaneum buried under volcanic flow at same time as Pompei
               Esoteric Reykjavik, Iceland’s Penis Museum (really? Really!!! 😀) 

    Tier 3: IMO, are either uninteresting, very minor or very niche & not worth average cruisers time & money.

V. Guest designed ‘self-guided walking tour’ of port sights & activities. [jlk: Free time]
Your wandering, self-guided walkabout of discovery around an Old Town with a local cafe’s meal may be your most authentic engagement with a country or city’s actual culture.

Anecdote: Tallinn, Estonia: Bus or taxi can whisk you quickly from your cruise ship to Tallinn’s Old Town Square where you can either wallow in tourist kiosks or immediately start exploring surrounding streets for Tallinn's historical flavor & a local’s cafe.

Click link to go directly to FULL discussion of Local Shore Excursions: [jlk:].  ???

Guest-designed ‘free time’ opportunities can be the most rewarding, fulfilling & exciting Cruising experiences because you can shift into your independent travel mode by visiting a port’s sites easily & far less expensively on your own.

A. Self-guided Walking Tour FACTORS:  
    1. Freedom’s flexibility: pre-plan itinerary or just wander with whimsy.

Anecdote: Tallinn, Estonia: Bus or taxi can whisk you quickly from your cruise ship to Tallinn’s Old Town Square where you can either wallow in tourist kiosks or immediately start exploring surrounding streets for Tallinn's historical flavor & a local’s cafe.

    2. Full personal responsibility:  as price for flexible freedom

    3. ‘On-time Ship Return’: ONLY you are fully responsible for On-time Ship Return; expensive catch-up. 

    4. Planning: Pre-trip/onboard internet (Elon’s Starlink) create a sequential site list of sites, etc. plotted
            on Google Maps, or not.

    5. Navigation: on smartphone use guidebook maps, GPSmyCity app or plot yourself on Google
            Maps/Apple Maps —

    6. Sites & activities: same Shore Excursion variety, but more logistically difficult to fit your limited time
            AND YOU MUST self-guarantee On-time 

    7. Local Cuisine: find a local’s non-tourist restaurant. 

    8. Route Strategies: 1) Best: a loop from ship & back, 2) taxi to farthest point & wander back taxi out,
            walk back, 3) "hop-on, hop-off" bus route; many buses run same route.

Anecdote: Yangon, Myanmar:

take taxi to farthest site & then walk back from site to site to ship

    9. Walking Tour Websites/apps: e.g. GPSmyCity smart phone apps,

    10. Less expensive: little, if any, necessary expense 

    11. Curious Cultural Immersion: In Asia I often realized I was an invisible Caucasian wandering amongst the Asian multitude’s buying dinner at local outdoor markets  & poking into antique shops, etc.        I relished that.

Anecdote: QinChina

    12. Miscellaneous: comfortable, broken-in shoes, hat, sun glasses, of course, 

    13. IMPORTANT TIP: always carry hidden emergency USD & local currency for snacks, etc..  pplk: money

Necessary:

My Suggested Cruise Factors research tutorial: 

This Research Tutorial will help you condense & analyze what you learn so you can make a wise package choice.

NOTE: I purposely introduce this research tutorial before the Expanded Cruise Factor discussion so you can anticipate the research process.  ???

1) Review my Succinct Cruise Factors to get a "feel" for Cruise package’s nuances. Make particular note of those Factors that resonate with you.

    NOTE: That each Succinct Cruise Factor’s title is actually a quick link to skip directly to that Cruise Factor’s expanded discussion.

2) Start a written or computer list of my “Expanded Cruise Factors” for recording details you deem important. (At 84 I don’t remember if I don’t write it down.😀 Your list will be critical to your hunting for an ideal Cruise package.

3) Read each Cruise Factor thoroughly noting what's important to you and rejecting the rest.   

If you initially skipped around to different Cruise Factors that caught your attention, I strongly urge you to go back through the entire expanded list for the factors you missed. Those missed factors may well have key information you have not thought of that may be valuable to you.

4) Now you are quite knowledgable about Cruise Factors, Your ONLY reasonable guarantee of wisely choosing your Cruise Package of quality vs cost is the thoroughness of your understanding of my Cruise Factors. [Jump LK]

NOTE: Your ideal Cruise package choice will be based upon the collective value YOU place on your evaluation of my Cruise Factors.  Your summary opinion will guide you toward your ideal Cruise package.

5) Finally condense your rough list into a final checklist you can refer to when screening through Cruise package offerings

NOW, your knowledge of these Cruise Factors coupled with your Google research & prudence, makes you REALLY ready to choose your ideal package Cruise. 

NOW start combing thru the Shore Excursions packages of the Cruise Company(s) whose style you like. You may have so many exciting Shore Excursions options, it may be like “deciding’ which child you love the most.’ BUT YOU MUST.😃

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Save

7) Shore Excursions Packages:

FYI: Site & Experience Classification: The travel industry often classifies travel sites & experiences as:

Tier 1: …. usually globally recognized & revered sites: Paris’ Eiffel Tower, Peru’s Machu Picchu & Beijing China’s’s Forbidden City….

Tier 2: …. lack the global prestige, but are nevertheless significant sites in their regions or country: Italy’s Herculaneum buried at same time as Pompei or esoteric Rekjavik, Iceland’s Penis Museum (really? Really!!! 😀) 

Tier 3: IMO, are either uninteresting, very minor or very niche & not worth average cruisers time & money. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is the end everything else is somehow extra and redundant. Plow through and remove what's not necessary.

3. Guest Booked 3rd Party Local Shore Excursions:

Most cruise ship ports, if not all, offer Shore Excursions either by local guides, local tour companies or through national online booking companies (think Air BnB-like).(see below) 

40-50% of cruisers might engage in independent activities, which includes tours not organized by the cruise company.

Often, in-port local Shore Excursions providers AND local guides offer more numerous, diverse, special focus & less expensive Shore Excursions.

A. Guest’s Booked  Alternative Shore Excursions FACTORs:     [plpk: sub-pil” xyz Kinds of ] ???    
    1. Pre-trip Google Search: makes Local Excursion research & booking almost as easy as booking thru your cruise company.

    2. Convenience: Less convenience than Ship’s Shore Excursions, BUT greater variety & lower price; sometimes same tour & guide. CAUTION: Late Return issue

        Level 2:

My Review Research of World wide booking platforms:

NOTE: My Review research after 15 minutes of online research & from personal experience:  

1. Shore Excursion Group: mostly positive; On Time Ship Rerturn guarantee PLUS $1,000 USD
       per customer for inconvenience of missing ship.

2. Your Guide: mostly positive … 

3. Tours by Locals: mostly positive except for full group prepay requirement;
           “… think Viator, but a lot better run…”, with both clients & guide support, &
          dispute resolution service that works. Guides curated before being listed. 

CRITICAL Guarantee: If late to boat … guarantee to, “ arrange for and cover the costs of overnight accommodation and transportation to your next feasible port-of-call.”

4. Trip Advisor & Viviator (TripAdvisor company): AVOID, unreliable & overpriced.
            TIP: read a page or 2 of reviews on these organizations, BUT NOT reviews on their site

7. Late Return: Reputable 3^rd Party Shore Excursions operators usually guarantee “on-time return”.
            Check all Reviews

        Level 2:

Captain’s Discretion controls Ship's Departure Flexibility 

        a) priority to Ship’s Shore Excursion passengers

        b) all other: may be based on …: 
               1) # late, 
               2) how far away (in time), 
               3) wait costs ( ship’s dock fees, extra fuel), 
               4) next port arrival schedule, 
               5) weather etc, 6) tug/harbor pilot availability.                                          Dig Deeper

8. Price: Pricing Strategy: Often competitively lower price to compete with Cruise Ship’s similar or identical offers, perhaps greater booking convenience, AND most importantly: Ship’s Late Return guarantee.

9. Local Guides: Local folks-turned-guides & local tour companies may have a highly developed knowledge of everything local — sites, history, culture, & local stories & can offer specific & unique Itineraries or will craft one for you. May also guide cruise ship’s shore excursions

10. VIP Site Access: private access: 

Anecdote: Mandawa, India’s painted havelis (homes): Jumping on my Nawalghar private guide's motorcycle for a 60 mile loop to Mandala, Fatehpur and other small towns to visit exquisitely exterior & interior-painted ancient residences of wealthy Silk Road merchants, ....ultimately welcoming my guide & I into a few still occupied private residences.  A real treat.

11. Safety & Security: Safer than solo access to dicey sights/activities. 

12. Dining: included if necessary (e.g.: lunch on 6 hr excursion)

13. Peer-to-peer local private host & guide:     Peer-to-peer is a relatively new option rapidly
      growing as travel demand has shifted from ‘destination’ to ‘experiential’ based vacations. 
                                  Reuters Events:  destination to experience-led vacations,  

                2^nd Level:

Peer-to-peer local private host & guide

Tens of thousands of private hosts in 30 cities across Asia and Europe & expanding to more cities, local hosts, and local sites & experiences; often language tailored i.e. English for Brits, Americans, Aussies & Kiwis, etc. 

Private hosts’ unique, personalized itineraries, sites & activities are offered directly to passion-driven travelers at an affordable cost but focused on off-the-beaten-path experiences: actual local events, family dinners, etc. sites & activities. 

Typical peer to peer 3^rd party operators:

    a. Withlocals.com and heal2go.com.

    b. Reuter Events - Travel: https://www.reutersevents.com/travel/social-media-and-marketing/bye-bye-mass-tourism-hello-healing-touch

    c. Crunchbase: 1,200 fully customizable, 100% private Cruises & activities led by 900 local hosts in dozens of international cities.

    d. Tours by Locals: Slowlife Family Farm: Cooking Experience:  https://www.toursbylocals.com/tours/italy/siracusa/tour-details/slowlife-family-farm-cooking-experience-664d242717832fdc0dbb5afd

CAUTION:    Shore Excursions Ship ‘Return on-time’ Guarantee.

13 Where Tourist Vehicles can go?:

Touring vehicles can go almost anywhere on land, of course, subject to: 1) tour's theme or goals, 2) tour’s duration, and 3) local large bus parking regulations.

Most cities and smaller towns have anticipated & provided reasonable parking, off-loading & loading spaces to facilitate access to their tourist sites. Tourism is usually in a town's economic interest, even if it annoys some.

               2nd Level:

Bus Size Restrictions:    

 A. Large Buses: pose a substantial issue even in large cities.
      1. Large cities: 
            a) some narrow or dead-end streets are too difficult for large buses.
            b) regulations specifically prohibit even brief blocking of streets.
            c) sensitive areas may require special parking & access permits

      2. Small Buses & Vans: Small towns usually recognize their access issues and may prohibit tour vehicles in some areas, BUT, OTOH, most wisely provide special bus parking lots & convenient temporary off-loading & loading spaces near their tourist sites.

Anecdote: Jackson, Wyoming, USA: is a gateway town to Teton National Park & Yellowstone National Park with summer tourist travel in the millions. Buses may briefly drop & load passengers at the Town Square and then quickly move to a BUSES ONLY parking lot a few blocks away.

      3. National Parks etc: may provide minimal access to small roadside sites & trailheads, yet provide large bus & tourist parking at major sites (think Old Faithful Geyer in Yellowstone NP) 

B. Small buses or tourist vans: usually have much easier, flexible access & parking even at the most popular Tier 1 sites and certainly to Tier 2 & 3 sites large bus tours avoid.

NOTE: Access & parking are often easier at early arrival times. BIg tour buses get late start tending to arrive around 10 am & depart by 3:00 pm. More nimble van tours get to busy sites on opening. 

14. Seasonal Dates: Select a season & tour schedule to match your desired climate, weather and tourist goals, but remember the great travel opportunity:
          -- winter in the Northern Hemisphere ....
               -- is summer in the southern hemisphere including Antarctica.

 Dig Deeper.

15. Actual’ travel days vs advertised: Tour operators often define a 'travel day' differently The average tourist may believe an ACTUAL tour day includes substantial touring to tourist site(s), ... rather than merely a 1st day's check-in and a last day's early morning departure.

If 1st day's afternoon tour & hotel check-inl AND is an "advertised tour day', that seems duplicitous, IMO. If the last day is mainly an early departure day AND included as an advertised tour day THAT seems duplicitous.

OTOH, if a tour's 1st day is a morning check-in followed by an afternoon of tour sites or necessary travel to tomorrow's tour sites, then it seems like a legitimate travel day. If the last day is mostly site visit(s) &/or travel back to tour's start point for a late afternoon departure then it may be a legitimate travel day.

Grok (XAI's AI agent suggests that everything you do from home departure to return is in some specious way "a travel experience." I find the transparently self-serving & disingenuous.

I would inherently TRUST the LBT that makes 1st & last day activity descriptions VERY clear. Sometimes, phony advertised travel day vs legitimate advertised travel day is just too close to call.

MAYASITES TRAVEL SERVICES: 7 Night 8 Day Tour of MAYA OF THE CARIBBEAN COAST, YUCATAN PENINSULA AND HIGHLAND RAINFOREST: "ITINERARY: A legit 1st Day Travel Day & a non-travel 8th 'departure day.
       Day 1: At 8 am your driver & guide will pick you up at your hotel (any hotel between Cancun & Tulum) and take you to spectacular Tulum,
       Day 8: Private transfer to the Villahermosa airport for departure.

Based on the above, you must check the itinerary closely to see if the 1st & last days are legitimate travel days or just advertised as 'travel days' to make the tour look longer & thus a better deal.

                                                                           Dig Deeper.                [close]

16. Large Bus Tour Length: your ideal Big bus tour length, maybe dictated by your motivational level and several other factors:   

Typical Tour Length Considerations

A. Motivation:  

Most LBT travelers want to
    1) see the countries & Tier 1 & 2 sites they have read & heard about during their lives (Eiffel Tower, Colisieum, Beijing's Forbidden City or Taj Mahal)
    2) to reward themselves while they still can for multi-decade-long commitment to family & career.  
    3) create memories that will relish the rest of their life:

Anecdote: My Travel Videos: Youtube: <@scottsolotravels> I shot my domestic & foreign travel videos for 30 years including my voice-over commentary of my observations & reflections … so that I could revisit & refresh the ever-fading memories of my travel life's unique moments and thoughts when too infirm to travel. (now—cancer).

Only recently did I realize that YouTube provided the free technology allowing me to publish my 1400+ edited videos for others [atscottsolotravels.com]

However, some BB travelers seem driven to max the ‘bang-for-the-buck’ and gain the dubious ‘bragging rights’ of having visited as many countries, cities, sites & experiences as possible at lowest cost …. with selfies to prove it.

But IMO that is a silly ego-driven, misplaced fantasy because they will simply wear themselves out and bore their uninterested friends on their return inspite of their endless pictures and sprinkling of souvenirs.

Anecdote: My friend's reactions to all my 1½ to 3-month trips on my return: each time I returned from a 2-3-month foreign trip my BEST friend would, without my prompt, ask, “How was your trip?” I would respond simply, “Great trip", and that was IT. No further discussion; no curiosity. 

I suppose I expected to be welcomed back as the great adventurer. At first, I was annoyed & mystified until I accepted the reality that others have no duty to be enthused with my travels.

 True travelers seek the quality of experience.        
 NOT the braggadocio of quantity

* Globus: "Gems of the Balkans: 7 days/3 countries

In contrast, true traveler's seek the thrill of a site’s Charisma of Place … hoping .. day after day -- to be awed & thrilled by its historical & cultural significance.

True BB travelers seek a deeper connection to Tier 1 or 2 sites that they have always dreamed of (Rome’s coliseum etc) or sites their current research exposes that excites their curiosity (Rome’s catacombs.) True independent self-guided traveler’s seek the quality of experience, NOT the braggadocio of mere visitation.

Anecdote: 1st to arrive at Michelangelo’s “David” statue: in Florence’s Accademia Museum, I stood alone for many long minutes contemplating the work itself, but even more so, his effort. I tried to imagine myself 5 centuries earlier, sitting quietly watching Michelangelo’s intense concentration as he ‘chipped here & there, sanding roughness into smoothness, trying to imagine what his thoughts were then.               Charisma of statute & artist. 

“Charisma of Place”: is an old National Geographic Magazine’s geography term that describes the eerie emotional admiration inherent in a thing, person or place. Your tourist site visit should give you that feeling.

Anecdote: When a Cadet at the US Air Force Academy: President Eisenhower, former 5 star General, —- the man who shepherded the WWII Allies to the Nazi defeat’  — ‘passed in review ‘ right before me.   A humbling awe.
                                       Charisma of person.

Anecdote: Rummaging amongst the German cannon bunkers: (aka pill boxes) at Normandy's Pointe du Hoc’s cliff-edge I tried to visualize heroic WWII U.S. 2nd Ranger Battalion climbing & dying to take those steep cliffs. I was emotionally reverent & humbled at the memory of those courageous moments.        
                                 Charisma of Place & Persons! 

Charisma of Place makes a travel site special, not just to the tourist, but to the culture it sprung from. Your Shore Excursion choice should add to your knowledge and intellectual appreciation enhancing your Quality of Life a smidgeon and building lifelong memories. 

ADVICE:  Don’t try to pack in too many sites etc. ------- go deeper into fewer.

Anecdote: Caesar's Cremation site: One rainy morning in Rome’s Forum I stood alone under the canopy that protected the spot where Caesar’s body had been cremated. I fantasized that my spirit was somehow connecting with his across time’s invisible barrier. [ytlk: Eng & France - time stamp].  Moments later I walked the nearby Appian Way imagining that I was walking on the very stones that once felt the weight of Julius Caesar. [ytlk: Eng & France - time stamp]

Anecdote: The Balkans: In grade school, I remembered creating a map of the Balkans which I apparently took pride in. Six decades later I remembered ‘that’ map, researched the Balkans & spent 2½ months SIT traveling thru Southern Balkans & 2 years later, another 2 ½ months thru Northern Balkan countries discovering sites & experiences I’d never imagined before. [ytlk: E EU 1 time stamp]

Wise travelers seek the history, the humanity, the emotional & sensory Charisma of Places of sites the world has long revered or that they learned about somewhere.  

True travelers seek a deeper connection to Tier 1 or 2 sites they have always dreamed of (Rome’s coliseum etc) or sites their current research exposes that excite their curiosity (Rome’s catacombs.)

We only live once! Don’t squander your only opportunity. 

B. Other Important Considerations:
     1. Comfort and Pace: Longer tours offer deeper cultural & tourist site emersion, but can be tiring unless sprinkled with 'free time's self-guided exploration opportunities [jlk free time] 
     b. Site Coverage: The more sites included, the longer the tour might need to be, but also consider the time spent traveling between sites, which can be significant in Mexico due to distances.
     c. Season and Weather: Shorter tours might be preferable during peak heat or rainy seasons to avoid discomfort.
     d. Target Audience: Young, active travelers might prefer longer, more adventurous tours, while older or less mobile tourists might opt for shorter, more leisurely paced trips.

Typical Tour Lengths
   

  a. Short Tours (1-3 Days): Ideal, if limited time or splurging on high-end amenities focused on 1 or 2 significant sites (e.g. Mexico's Teotihuacan from Mexico City or  Chichen Itza from Cancun.

     b. Medium Tours (4-7 Days): More culturally emersive time flexibility focused on several key sites (e.g Yucatan Peninsula's Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba.

      Cruise Lengths depend on several factors:    
          a.  your travel motivation & intensity.
          b. what you want to see & do, 
          c. and how much energy you have
          d. your time & money budget

Dig Deeper.

17. “Shop Steering" are undisclosed or dubious time-wasting, impromptu tour stops usually at retail shops, gee-gaw factory sites that makes & sells goods tourists might be interested in: souvenirs, diamonds; leather/silk clothing, diamond shop, & even occasionally illegal or immoral  so operator &/or guide can get kickbacks on your purchases.  

Tour companies or guide may get kickbacks on your purchases, but often just waste your time or worse.

Such tour operators/guides & shops are not your friends.

Shop-steering” visits are undisclosed or dubious time-wasting, impromptu tour stops usually at retail shops or factory sites that makes & sells goods tourists might be interested in: souvenirs, diamonds; leather/silk clothing, diamond shop, & even occasionally illegal or immoral. 

Tour company or guide gets kickbacks on your purchases, but often just wastes your time or worse.

ANECDOTE: Estonia cruise stop taking tourist’s direct to main square packed with shops & restaurants and then a small tour to other specific shops.  Bangkok tailor shop (respectful).

Dig Deeper.

21: "free-time": afternoons, evenings and pairs of   
   A. What is a package tour’s "free-time"?
       DEFINITION: ’"free-time"’ is when your tour itinerary purposely has nothing officially planned during a morning, afternoon or evening segment. That is your “free-time” to do as you wish.

These afternoons & evenings of ”free-time" are, IMO, a traveler’s greatest, un-discovered “gold mine” hidden in plain sight. “Free-time’ offers you a taste of the “independent travelers’ most freedom-driven, flexible & fulfilling form of travel because you can be fully in control of your travel experience. 

This ‘"free-time"’ offers guests 4 main opportunities: jlk.  ???
    1 personal rest & relaxation,
    2 BBTour Optional Excursions, 
    3. guest designed ‘"free-time"’ sights & activities including Local Excursions 
    4. OR, self-guided walking tour.

So, "free-time" is an “independent travel” option hidden inside your tour package giving you the best of both worlds.  
These should be disclosed before you book, but if not, be sure to ask. 

    B. Is ‘"free-time"’ a rip off or gift?
Some guests argue that when touring companies schedule ‘"free-time"’, guests are not getting the full measure of professionally curated & guided sights & activities that they paid for & are entitled to. IOW they are being short-changed and their valuable travel time is being wasted.

          —- that might be a little short-sighted 

It is true that ‘open’ or 'free-time' afternoons & evenings DO reduce the tour company’s food, guide or transportation costs AND may or may not increase their profits because:
    1) it keeps their advertised tour package cost lower, 
    2) helps compensate for inflationary cost increases, 
    3) attracts customers who are shopping ‘price’ only,
    4) probably reduces workload pressure on guides.

Your most fundamental benefit of a package tour is that all travel research, design and planning has already been done for you by travel professionals. 

Your Large Bus Tour package is providing you with 2 paramount benefits: 
    First, A fully professionally researched & designed, planned & scheduled  tour of sites, activities & logistics (ground transportation, food, lodging, sights & activities.) INCLUDING ‘free-time’ for your personal uncontrolled use. They have already done the heavy lifting. You just show up on time.

     Second, “free-time’s” occasional mornings, afternoons & evenings off to give you the opportunity to create your own self-tailored min-travel experiences within your main tour. How cool is that? 

Anecdote: My 1^st day: After settling into my hostel, I began my self-guided walking exploration of Prague’s Old Town area, strolled the riverside to dinner at a local restaurant early, and spent the early evening loitering around Prague’s River’s famous Charles Bridge and the off- the beaten path John Lennon graffiti ‘homage’ Wall. [yt vid]

IMO, the wise traveler should view ‘"free-time"’ as a double-edged sword recognizing that it benefits the tour company, but MORE IMPORTANTLY, it equally benefits the traveler because: 
    1. jam-packed ‘jumping jack’ itineraries constantly drain your energy, 

    2. ‘"free-time"’ for relaxation or optional opportunities for personal exploration of local off-tour sites or activities (La Scala opera performance or a cooking class),

    3. freedom to craft your own “special’ self-guided walking tour experience,

CAUTION: unethical tour operators sometimes ‘pad’ or fill afternoons & evenings with sub-par Tier 3 ‘filler’ sites not worthwhile to most. 

So, … prize ‘“free-time" AND let me show you how to open this Easter Egg. (Note: remember I don’t get benefits from tour companies. I only write for you.)

So , if you think of 'free-time' as a rip off or as ‘dead time’,
consider changing your attitude & perspective and exciting new opportunities blossom.
Let me show you how to open this Easter Egg.

     C. How to determine your Tour’s Available ‘"free-time"’ segments:
         a) Check each Large Bus Tour package’s itinerary for ‘free-time’ segments: mornings (rare), afternoons & evenings AND particularly,
             afternoon & evening pairs. 

         b) Know BEFORE you book. Ask tour company for a written itinerary with published ‘free-time’ segments.

                     2^nd Level: 

 How to determine a tour’s available ‘free-time?

Let’s explore available 'free-time'  in one of Rick Steve’s older tour packages: RS Italy (Venice, Florence & Rome) 10 day (2023)”: https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/venice-florence-rome

Side Note: After my ~20 yrs of Rick Steve’s Travel Guide’s experience, I have great respect for his organization’s integrity and Mission.

Anecdote: Traveling around France one summer: my taxi cab driver advised that he had driven Rick somewhere a few weeks earlier. Later at a hostel, I was told the same thing by the owner. 

This was SOLID PROOF. that Rick at that time, personally, lived up to his boast that, “Rick Steve's guidebooks are updated yearly.”  Ironically, on that same trip, I walked to a Lonely Planet hostel only to discover it had been closed for 3 or 4 years.

I chose this Rick Steves' tour example because it is: 1) small to medium size, 2) guest-focused, 3) generally higher quality, 4) trends older (late 40s⁺), and 5) considerate of fitness parameters for older guests.  I presumed Rick Steves'  had taken into account a tour’s required walking distance, relaxation times, and guest’s desire to explore on their own.

The goal of this quick & dirty, horseback analysis is to teach you how to calculate your available mornings, afternoons & evening 'free-time' segments so you can fully exploit them. For example, on your arrival day I have only counted the night segment as part of the actual tour, which may often include orientation, dinner and a walkabout tour. AND the last day not counted at all because it may primarily your departure day.

While many days may begin with a most justifiable ‘old or historic town walkabout to quickly give you a sense of the old town or historical context, I also wanted a sense of specific site & activity’s allotted times. 

1. Ruff analysis of Rick Steves Tours: “Best of Venice, Florence & Rome in 10 Days Tour (2023)”:
       https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/venice-florence-rome

Ruff analysis of official tour time segments vs 'free-time': by morning (m), afternoon (a), evening (e) time segments which I will call Tour Units*

2. Synopsis of Ruff Itinerary: 

Rick Steves Tours: Best of Venice, Florence & Rome in 10 Days Tour:
       https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/venice-florence-rome

                                                                                                                                                                                         (close)

   D.  How tour companies design ‘free-time’ packages? 
                          Why should you care?

Your most fundamental benefit of a package tour is that the terribly time-consuming design, research, planning & logistics to create a safe & time/cost efficient tour package at a reasonable cost has already been done for you by travel professionals. You just book your trip and show up at appointed time & place.

Anecdote: Itinerary creation: I know, because I have done it many times. As a solo, independent traveler, I have spent months researching & planning 2-3 month long trip itineraries for 1-4 countries at a time, many cities, and hundreds of sites & activities and all logistics.

I easily invested 6 hrs of planning for every day of travel, IOWs, 540 hours (90 days @ 6hr/day). [pplk: Resources: DOCs > itineraries] 1 mo Research & Planning for every month traveled.

Each tour package reflects the tour designer’s balance between logistics & site touring costs and profit. By design that cost/profit balance includes some ‘free-time’ afternoons & evenings.

So, ….again, …Why would you care? You might care because understanding a Tour Designer’s competing objectives will allow you to design your own simplified & effective 'free-time' itinerary. 

       2^nd Level:

How Tour Company’s Design Tour Packages

1. Design the tour’s parameters:  So, once a trip designer has defined a tour’s characteristics: size, sight locations, guest age & mobility, they then must consider the following factors:
    a. Package Itinerary: (a) jam-packed with site visits & activities or (b) mix of sites & activities and 'free-time' segments.
    b. Package sites & activities vs 'free-time':
        1) a ’busy major sites only, or 
        2) a busy major site plus a relaxed 2nd tier site versus, or 
        3) a mix of sites & activities, or 
        4) just specific activities (cooking, fishing, genealogy).
    c. Pace: comfortable speed with relaxed guide conversations vs rushed with constant canned guide’s commentary, little question /answer. [YTclip. Albania fort tour clip]
    d. Dining & hotel quality: high vs medium vs large box; welcoming vs chilly.
    e. Optional Excursions: highly curated for safety, skilled guide & variety of sites & activities
    f. Transport: interesting & scenic routes vs fast & direct between cities/sites

2. Research & Test the Tour Package’s Design.  Once the ideal package tour is roughly designed it must be thoroughly researched & tested on the road, so to speak. Transport routes, schedules & accessible site parking, restaurants tested for quality of ambiance & food, hotels reconnoitered for bus & luggage accessibility & amenities, and guide’s professionalism…. so your tour’s execution is smooth and professional. 

Anecdote: St. Petersburg ‘cruise’ restaurant: On Shore Excursion’s restaurant served a horrible fish dish. Vast majority of 60 guests left it untouched. Cruise company should have vetted Shore Excursion restaurant better. I would never trust either again.

Also, each newly designed tour must compete with the company’s other tours AND more importantly, with the hundreds of other companies' tour offerings. An extremely complex task.                                                                                  (close)

    E.  How MIght  YOU research & plan YOUR "free-time" segments? 
         There are 4 main “free-time" opportunities: 
             1. Personal rest & relaxation,
             2. BBTour Optional Excursions, 
             3. Guest booked Local Excursions 
             4. OR, self-guided walking tour.

        Level 2:

Planning your 4 ‘free-time’s Opportunities: 

(expanded) ???

1. Personal Rest & Relaxation’s Time:  Hour after hour of on/off bus & site walkabouts can be exhausting to some guests who may seek the solitude & relaxation of a ‘quiet corner’ or a stroll a nearby town’s parks.

How to find & choose your most desired Tier 1 &2 sites & experiences [jlk: to ???  ]

2. Large Bus Tour Optional Excursions: It is near impossible for a Large Bus Tour package company to economically satisfy all 30 to 60 clients with a truly intimate & complete cultural experience. So, Large Bus Tour packages often offer a variety of extra cost curated Optional Tours during '"free-time"' afternoons & evenings to enrich their overall tour experience
    - Argentina’s Buenos Aires flamenco dancing,
    - London’s Thames waterfront evening cruise & dinner. 

This strategy ensures a tour company’s a) minimum required profit & perhaps a bit more, b) overall Tour package cost reduction and  REDUCES your tour price. They are a for-profit business, after all. 😀

Often, however, these Optional Tours are overpriced presumably because desiner believes guests will opt for tour's easy booking option, BUT you may just as easily book by yourself over the Internet.  Please read further below jlk ???

     How to choose a Tour company’s Tour.
         a. There are online companies allied with local Tour companies that may offer a greater variety of Local Excursions & lower prices not offered by your tour operator. Ironically, they may be the same at a lower price’.
         b. Pre-trip Online search makes Local Excursion research & booking almost as easy as booking with your Tour Operator & perhaps for less money.
         c. Locals provide all necessary transport, meals when necessary, & maybe site entry fees. Enquire & confirm before booking.

3. Guest’s Self-Booked Local Excursions.. [jlk: "free-time"]. Guest-designed ‘"free-time"’ opportunities can be the most rewarding, fulfilling & exciting Large Bus Tour experiences because YOU decide what Local Excursions appeal to you. 

ANECDOTE: Tallinn, Estonia’s capital…  has several impressive historical sites & museums: Tallinn City Wall; Freedom Square, Estonia Maritime Museum, & on the far outskirts, Sagadi Manor, & Estonian Open Air Museum. All easily done on a tour or more flexibly on your own. I spent many days wandering these sights and the entire city, avoiding the cruise ship crowds during middle day.

Each city or town’s that Large Bus Tours overnight in probably have a range of additional Local Excursions available to nearby Tier 1 & 2 site tours & unique local activities. Often these local excursions are the same tours as your Large Bus Tour company offers, but at significantly lower prices because they have to compete with your tour company's tours.

The irony is that with simple research & planning AND sufficient, you can book your own local Optional Tours for your “free-time” segments.  Kinda your own “tour within a tour.” Pretty cool, eh?

Your primary challenge is to research what Excursions you want and book them to fit your Large Bus Tour’s '"free-time"' schedule opportunities.

A. FACTORs for Guest Booked Local Excursions
    1. Greater Variety of Sites/Experiences: Often a larger, broader, less costly variety of all Local Tour options including same ones your Tour company offers.
        a. All Tier 1,2 & 3 tourist sites & experiences 
        b. Specialized Experiences: (French cooking class, hiking trails)
        c. Esoteric interests: more narrow interest options than most guests desire: Edinburgh Penis Museum) ignored by biggies.

   3rd Level: 

    2. Pre-trip Online Research: …. almost as easy & convenient as booking with same tour with Tour Operator uses.

    3. Lower Local price: may be less because they know they have to compete with your Tour company; the tour itself may even be the same tour as your company offers.

So, … consider changing your attitude towards ‘"free-time"’ 
& exciting opportunities may appear!

        Note: OTOH, to be fair & honest, a local could be ‘similar’, but food, guides & itinerary might be sub-standard.

   4. Local Guides: You may hire local guides for large & complex sites or to visit multiple sites quicky because local folks-turned-guides & local tour companies can be highly motivated & respected experts on their local turf because they have ‘lived’ everything local — sites, history, culture, local stories & can offer specific & unique Itineraries or will craft one for you. Local guides are a great source of local ‘"free-time"’ options: authentic restaurants and solving minor issue: “I need to replace my lost hat?”    May also be the same guide as LBT’s Tours use. 

    a. Private Site guides:  If official, a popular site may have a formal queue like airport taxis queues. All take the next guide in line.
    b. Informal Local Site Guides: or, you may have to choose from a gaggle of pushy local guides clustered desperately around the site’s entry. 
    c. Private Guides: search guides who advertise their experience & expertise on the Internet giving them the credibility of past client reviews. Online scheduling & booking is usually simple.
    d. Informal Local Guides:

    Anecdotee: Albania’s _____ original residential fortress area’s occupant/guide)

    CAUTION: Confirm NO Shop Steering. May just waste your time & money.

   5. Booking Tips: book through reputable(?) local companies or use independent booking platforms which may offer both quality, safety & savings: 

                Level 2: Condense into 1st level only???

World Wide Booking Platforms

(Note: My Review research after only 15 min of online research
AND from personal experience.)

        a. Get Your Guide: mostly positive … 

        b. Tours by Locals: mostly positive but for full group prepay requirement; “… think Viator, but a lot better run…”, with both clients & guide support, & dispute resolution service that works. Guides curated before being listed. 

        c. Trip Advisor & Viviator (TripAdvisor related): AVOID, apparently unreliable & overpriced.

        TIP: read a page or 2 of reviews on these organizations, BUT NOT reviews on their site.
        CAUTION: Confirm NO Shop Steering; just waste your time usually                                                                            (close)

6. Local Cultural experience: Local guides can often slip in authentic experience into your tour if time allows. 

Anecdote: Inle Lake Guide to me to his home for tea with his family.
Anecdote: Mandawa havelis

7. Safety & Security: Safer, more secure access to dicey sights/activities. 

Anecdote: (gypsy assault outside St Petersburg’s Pink Palace)

8. Group Size: Tier 1 & 2 site’s are very often overrun by large tours between 10am & 3pm. Avoid some hassle by purposely booking a small tour or private guide with: 
    a. VIP or private access tickets, 
    b. ability to maneuver nimbly,
    c. a silent/private Tour Guide Audio System.
    d. …. or once at your hotel for night, immediately grab a Uber & get to top Tier 1 on your own before others.

9. VIP Site Access: Local Tours have arranged VIP access: 

Anecdote: India’s Mandawa painted havelis

10. Safety & Security: Safer than solo access to dicey sights/activities. 

Anecdote: (gypsy assault outside St Petersburg’s Pink Palace)x. Quality, safety & reliability:

Anecdote: Varanasi: boat ride hustler & fee for wat gazing

11. Dining: included if necessary (e.g.: lunch on 6 hr excursion)

12. Peer-to-peer local private host & guide: Peer-to-peer is a relatively new option rapidly growing as travel demand has shifted from ‘destination’ to ‘experiential’ based vacations. 
            Reuters Events:  destination to experience-led vacations,  

      2^nd Level:

Peer-to-peer Deep Dive

Tens of thousands of private hosts in 30 cities across Asia and Europe & expanding to more cities, local hosts and local sites & experiences; often language tailored i.e. English for Brits, Americans, Aussies & Kiwis, etc. 

Private hosts’ unique, personalized itineraries, sites & activities offered directly to passion-driven traveler’s at an affordable cost, but focused on off-the-beaten-path experiences: actual local events, family dinners, etc.. 

Typical peer to peer 3^rd party operators:
a. Withlocals.com and heal2go.com.
b. Reuter Events - Travel: https://www.reutersevents.com/travel/social-media-and-marketing/bye-bye-mass-tourism-hello-healing-touch
c. Crunchbase: 1,200 fully customizable, 100% private Cruises & activities led by 900 local hosts in dozens of international cities.
d. Tours by Locals: Slowlife Family Farm: Cooking Experience:  https://www.toursbylocals.com/tours/italy/siracusa/tour-details/slowlife-family-farm-cooking-experience-664d242717832fdc0dbb5afd                                                                                                                             (close)

B. How to choose your ideal “free time” Local Tours:  Your locally booked “free time” tours should include your most desired sites and experiences available in each town you stay in overnight.  I chose many of my travel sites from a lifetime of education, public media, reading, videos, & even the news. Each tiny bit of interesting travel site or activity info was what I now call ‘Travel Buds’. 

Like tiny rose buds, these near-infinite numbered ‘Travel Buds’ were potential travel ideas lying asleep in my mind ‘under the snow’ waiting for me to turn them into Spring’s travel targets. Same is true for you!

You only have to resurrect your Travel Buds to make your self-booked local Tours travels a “rich experience’ rather than a mere day-dream fantasy”? This ‘resurrection’ can be an exciting personal research adventure in itself.

                                My simple 6-step process should be useful: 
                                     (1) Create a List Form, with 2 columns (town & sites/activities)
                                     (2) list all towns where your tour overnights that has ‘free-time segments
                                     (3) List all your Tour’s officially scheduled site/activities to avoid duplication
                                     (4) discover & list all your Travel Buds, 
                                     (5) Prioritize all sites/activities by town &/or ‘free-time’ segment, 
                                     (6) Tailor prioritized sites/activities to ‘free-time’ segments. Dig Deeper

           2^nd Level: 

My simple 6-step process

This process may seem simplistic, but it works.
    1. List Form: Create a simple Site/Experience List form, written or computer , with 2 columns for town/cities where your tour 

    2. List all towns where your tour lodges that has  ‘"free-time"’ morning, afternoon or evening segments, particularly afternoon & evening pairs.                                    
                             CAUTION:  confirm 'free-time' with tour company …. before booking.

    3. List all Tour’s official scheduled sites & activities to avoid duplication.

    4. Discover & list your Travel Buds for each overnight town or city for which you have a 'free time' segment.
        a. Search your mind for your Travel Buds:  Throughout our lives, each of us has been exposed to Travel Buds: — those places & experiences that we have always dreamed of seeing. Once you begin to look for them, you’ll discover Travel Buds fill your mind. [pplk; Resources: “Future Travel” document ] [pplk: Future Travel list]. 
        Anecdote:  some of my Travel Buds:
              Audrey Hepburn’s “Two for the Road’ romantic European travel fantasy movie, 
              Russel Crowe’s “Gladiator’s Coliseum; my Rome visits.
              Brad Pitt’s “Seven Years in Tibet.”; triggered 3 months in China . 
              Art History class: exposed Athen’s Pantheon’s intentional optical illusion of slightly bowed steps & bulging columns.

Historical Anecdote: In 1897, the original dirt-poor Alaska Klondike miners: .... dragged heavily loaded 'Sacks of Gold' worth millions today off the Excelsior steamboat onto San Francisco’s pier. What valued travel nuggets will you return home with?    PIK miners

           StockCake* https://stockcake.com/i/gold-panning-miners_468231_735279. 
                 *StockCake may not own or have created the content provided.

        b. Online search your ‘free-time’ towns, for all tourist sights & experiences that you didn’t know about ….that may excite you enough to add to your list.

        c. Watch TV or Netflix travel shows for more Travel Buds 

• Rick Steves: 
• Public Television: streaming episodes on Rick Steves' website, through PBS's platforms, & Amazon Prime Video. 
• YouTube: official YouTube channel: clips, full episodes, travel tips, & behind-scenes stuff
• “50 of the Best Travel-ish Shows to Watch ….”: https://www.going.com/guides/best-travel-shows

        d) Explore Travel blogs in search of Travel Buds. (Don’t search “Travel websites” yet because most are Cruise company advertisements)
            “FeedSpot”: ”100 Best Travel Blogs To Read”: https://travel.feedspot.com/travel_blogs/

As you build your list of Travel Buds, some country, region or city sites & activities will truly speak to your interest. It will happen. Trust me.

5. Prioritize & curate ALL your Travel Buds, FULL ‘List’s of most desired sights & activities (maybe with colored circled numbers next to site or activity.
     TIP: I use a different color, often making circled numbers to left of list items.
           Examples: 
                Tier 1: (1) Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, (2) Vatican, St Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps.

                Tier 2: Baths of Caracalla, Trastevere neighborhood, Galleria Borghese museum, (3) Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio,
                            Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica di San Clemente and so on.

6. Tailor prioritized Travel Buds within each “free-time” segment you have. Map out a hypothetical route from one site to the next estimating both travel time & on-site time (just like your tour company does)

Example:
     - Afternoon Segment (1pm > 5pm): site-linked self-guided walking tour.
          CAUTION: Double check Tour Schedule so not late for next ‘Scheduled’ Tour activity . UNLESS ou choose to skip. Your trip remember! 😀…
     - Evening Segment: (5pm > ?): maybe dinner & a river cruise (London)
     - Afternoon & Evening Pair: return to hotel when you like. NO worries except tomorrow's early & busy day. 😀

All this planning you can do BEFORE you leave home magnifying your anticipation & excitment