When travelling one of the best ways to discover a destination and places nearby is through day tours and trips. These can be the perfect way to explore new places and experience new things. Whether you want to take a city tour, go on a nature hike, or explore a historical site, day tours and trips are a great way to get a taste of what a destination has to offer. Below we will guide you through everything you need to know about finding and booking day tours and trips.
Here are our top tips on how to find and book top day tours for your next trip.
Introduction to day tours and trips
Day tours and day trips are guided excursions that take place within a single day. They can be organized by tour operators, travel agencies, or even hostels and hotels. Day tours and trips are popular among travellers who want to explore a destination’s highlights without doing too much planning. They are also a great way to meet other travellers and make new friends.
One of the best things about day tours is that they offer a wide range of activities for travellers of all interests. From food tours to cultural experiences, from outdoor adventures to historical sights, there is something for all interests. Day tours and trips are also a great option for solo travellers who want to explore a new place but don’t want to do it alone.
Benefits of taking day tours and trips
Taking a day tour or trip has many benefits. First, it saves you time and effort in planning and navigating your way around a new place. The tour organiser will take care of all the logistics, leaving you free to enjoy the experience. You also get to learn about the destination from a local perspective, gaining insights that you might not have discovered on your own.
Day tours and trips are also a great way to meet new people. You’ll be travelling with a group of like-minded individuals who share similar interests. This can lead to new friendships and even travel companions for future trips. Finally, day tours and trips are often more affordable than hiring a private guide or renting a car to explore on your own.
Types of day tours and trips
There are many different types of tours and day trips to choose from, depending on your interests and preferences. Here are some of the most popular types:
Outdoor adventures
For those who love the great outdoors, there are plenty of day tours and trips that offer outdoor activities such as hiking, boat trips, or cycling. These tours may take you off the beaten path and allow you to explore nature in a safe and guided way.
Cultural experiences
Cultural tours are a great way to learn about a destination’s history, art, and traditions. They can include visits to museums, art galleries, or historical sites. Cultural tours can also involve hands-on experiences such as cooking classes or pottery workshops.
Food tours
Food tours are a delicious way to experience a destination’s culinary scene. They often involve visits to local markets, food stalls, and restaurants, where you can sample traditional dishes and learn about local ingredients and cooking techniques.
City tours
City tours are a great way to explore a destination’s highlights in a short amount of time. They usually involve walking or taking a bus or trolley tour around the city, with stops at famous landmarks and attractions. City tours can be general or themed, such as food tours or street art tours.
Day trips
Day trips are longer excursions that take you out of the city and into the surrounding countryside or nearby towns or attractions. They are a great way to see more of a destination and experience different landscapes and cultures. Some of the options may also be coach day trips which involve spending time on a coach as you’re taken around to see different places.
Below are a few examples of what you may find. You can see more options on GetYourGuide or Viator
Factors to consider when choosing day tours and trips
When choosing a day tour or trip, there are several things to consider such as below:
Your interests
Consider what you want to get out of the tour. Do you want to learn about the destination’s history and culture, or do you prefer outdoor activities? Make sure the tour you choose aligns with your interests.
Group size
Smaller groups are often more intimate and allow for more personalized attention from the guide. However, larger groups can be more affordable and offer a more social atmosphere.
Length of tour
Consider how much time you have and how much you want to see. Some tours are just a few hours, while others can last all day. A coach day trip might be quite a long tour and involve travelling quite far from your main destination, whilst something within the city might be a lot shorter.
Transport and travel time
Some day trips and tours may involve travelling a long way. You may then be on a coach for quite some time so this might be an important factor for you if you’re travelling with young children or for another reason.
Cost
Day tours and trips can vary in price depending on the type of tour, the length of the tour, and the level of luxury. Make sure to choose a tour that fits your budget. Often there are a range of day trips and tours available which suit all travellers and budgets.
How to find day tours and trips
There are several ways to find day tours and trips:
Online search
The easiest way to find day tours and trips is by doing an online search. There are now many tour operators and travel agencies that offer day tours and trips, and you can compare prices and itineraries to find the one that suits you best. You can often find reviews and ratings from other travellers too which can help you to make a more informed decision and find the best option for you.
At your hostel or hotel
If you’re staying in a hostel or hotel, the concierge or staff can often recommend day tours and trips and even book them for you. They may also be able to offer discounts or package deals. This option isn’t always available in all hotels or hotels but can be fairly common.
Tourist information centers
Most cities have tourist information centres where you can find brochures and information about day tours and trips. The staff can also offer recommendations and help you book a tour. Often tourist information centers are run by the city and will know the best companies and options available.
Tips for booking day tours and trips
Here are some tips to keep in mind when booking a day tour or trip:
Book in advance
Popular tours can book up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Make sure to book your tour in advance to ensure availability. Many online companies now offer free cancellation options now as well which can help if your plans change.
Read reviews
Read reviews from other travellers to get a sense of the quality of the tour and the experience of the guide. This can help you avoid tours that are poorly organized or led by inexperienced guides. Generally we would only recommend going on a tour that has a rating of at least 4/5 or 7/10 (depending on their rating method). It’s also worth looking on sites such as Trustpilot and Tripadvisor too for more input from other travellers.
With Trustpilot keep in mind that if the brand has mainly “Invited” reviews then personally we wouldn’t trust them as much as some companies only invite people who they know will give a positive experience so they are playing the system a bit.
Check where the tour or day trip starts
It’s important to check where the say trip or day tour starts. Sometimes you’ll find options that include hotel pick-up and drop-off, but if they don’t include this and the meeting point is hard to get to then youll want to keep this in mind.
Check the itinerary
Often day trips are well organised and will include all the main highlights of a destination, as well as some hidden gems too. But despite this still make sure to read the itinerary and details of the day trip or day tour carefully to ensure that it covers the places and activities you’re interested in. If there’s something specific you want to see or do, make sure to check that it’s included in the tour.
What to expect on a day tour or day trip
On the day of the tour, you should make sure that you arrive at the meeting point on time. This is important as you don’t want to cause delays for other travellers on the experience. The tour guide will often give you an introduction to the tour and the itinerary for the day as well which is helpful not to miss. You’ll then board a bus/coach or start walking, depending on the type of tour.
Throughout the tour, the guide will often provide commentary and information about the places that you’re visiting. You’ll normally have plenty of opportunities to take photos and ask questions. Depending on the tour, there may be breaks for the washroom, lunch or snacks.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off at the meeting point or at another location. It is normally polite to tip the guide if you enjoyed the tour. For tips make sure you have some cash available as it’s very easy to forget this.
Preparing for your experience
Here are some tips for preparing for your day tour or trip:
Be on time
As mentioned above try and make sure to arrive at the meeting point on time. If you’re running late, call the tour operator to let them know. Being late can delay the experience for other travellers and you may get some unhappy groans as your arrive otherwise.
Bring essentials
Bring a small day bag with essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. As well as make sure to also bring a camera (or just your smartphone) to capture some photos during the experience.
Dress appropriately
Make sure to dress appropriately for the type of tour you’re taking. For outdoor activities, wear comfortable shoes and clothing, a raincoat and other waterproof gear might be necessary, or clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. For city-based tours, you might want to dress comfortably and also be wary of being respectful should you be visiting religious or memorials.
Researching day tours and trips
Before booking a day tour or trip, it’s a good idea to do some research to ensure that you’re getting the best tour for your money. Here are some things to look for:
Reputation
Check the tour operator’s reputation by reading reviews and asking for recommendations. You can often look on websites such as Trustpilot and Tripadvisor to get an idea.
Safety
Make sure that the tour operator has proper safety measures in place and more so for outdoor activities that the guide is trained in first aid.
Inclusions and exclusions
Make sure to read the itinerary carefully to ensure that the tour includes everything you want to see and do. Check for any exclusions, such as meals or entrance fees.
Booking day tours and trips
Once you’ve found the perfect day tour or trip, it’s time to book. Here’s how:
Choose your date
Choose a date that works for you and check availability. Also, keep an eye on the weather too if you’re booking an outdoor or water activity.
Book online or in person
You can often book day tours and trips online or in person. Make sure to provide all the necessary information, such as your name, contact information, and payment details.
Confirm your booking
Make sure you’ve received a confirmation with all the details for your day tour This also helps you feel assured they have your contact details so can let you know of any last-minute changes or cancellations.
Day tours and trips FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about day tours and trips:
What should I wear on a day tour or trip?
Make sure that you wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are appropriate for the type of tour or day trip you’re taking. If you’re going to be outside during the activity then check the weather and conditions.
How many people will be on the tour?
The number of people on a day trip or tour can vary depending on the tour operator and the type of tour. Some tours are private, while others can have dozens of participants. Often private tours will be more expensive than group options that include other travellers.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
This depends on the tour operator’s cancellation policy. Make sure to read the policy carefully before booking. You’ll find many online tour companies now offer these options which can help a lot should your plans change.
Summary
Day tours and trips are a great way to explore a destination’s highlights in a short amount of time. Whether you want to take a city tour, go on a nature hike, or explore a historical site, there is often a day tour or trip for everyone.
When choosing a tour, consider your interests, group size, length of tour, and cost. To find a tour, do an online search, ask your hotel concierge, or visit a tourist information center. When booking a tour, make sure to book in advance, read reviews, and check the itinerary. Finally, prepare for your tour by dressing appropriately, bringing essentials, and being on time.
Below are some examples of the day tours and trips that you may find. You can also use our handy tours and activity tool to find options.
Here are some examples of day tours and trips that you can find. Click the blue button for even more ideas.
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