Leading International Tour Operator Go Ahead Tours Offers Cost Saving Travel Tips and Tours

04-02-2008

 

 

Cambridge, Mass. (April 1, 2008) – With a sluggish U.S. economy and weakening dollar overseas, the travel experts at Go Ahead Tours offers some advice – from when to go, to how to pack – helping travelers save money and still have a great vacation.  Go Ahead Tours, a leader in cultural discovery through guided tours and global journeys, offers cultural and experimental tours that start at less than $200/day including airfare, such as the popular “Barcelona and Northern Spain,” “The Best of France and Italy” and “Paris and the Normandy Coast” tours.

Go Ahead, along with the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), suggest these tips to help save money and maximize travel budgets:

• Travel in the ‘shoulder seasons’ – just before and after peak season – to get discount pricing.  The USTOA recommends traveling outside of peak season, as costs tend to be 10% to 30% lower.  Because it’s close to prime time, shoulder season weather tends to still be dependable and enjoyable.

 

• Aggressively seek out special promotions, even in peak seasons.  Go Ahead Tours is currently offering $400 to $500 discounts per person on the three tours previously mentioned – for tours booked by April 12, 2008 and taken by September 15, 2008.

 

• Look for vacation packages and tours that include airfare and meals.  The USTOA recommends all-inclusive itineraries for the best deals – keeping money in the pockets of travelers for souvenirs and gifts.  It also reduces the ambiguity from planning a trip independently.  Go Ahead Tours also points out that paying for their trips in advance (in U.S. dollars) will lock in the price, protecting travelers from exchange rate fluctuations. 

 

• Avoid currency exchange fees by using U.S. credit cards as much as possible.  Also minimize fees in airports by exchanging just enough money to get the hotel or other first destination.  During the trip, Go Ahead recommends using local ATMs to get cash in local currency to limit transaction or exchange fees.

 

• Pack light as airlines have implemented luggage weight limitations.  Increasingly, checked bags weighing more than 45 - 50lbs can be subject to an airline surcharge.  Also, Go Ahead Tours points out that oversized carry-on bags tend to attract closer attention at security checkpoints, potentially causing additional scrutiny and inconvenience.

 

• Purchase tickets in advance for major attractions or optional tours:  Advance purchase – either through the tour operator or independently – will not only help ensure the best price, but also protect against missing sold out attractions.

 

Go Ahead Tours’ trips provide grand experiences, many for less than $200 per day, including airfare, such as:

“The Best of France and Italy” – A 13-day tour – from the historic ruins of Italy, to the boutiques, restaurants and beautiful beaches of the French Riviera.  Explore the cosmopolitan elegance and village charm of these two culturally rich lands; enjoy a dinner cruise in Paris down the Seine as well as provincial wine tasting adventures.  Packages start at $2,329, including airfare and fuel surcharges.

Features include:

• A guided walking tour of the Parisian markets, sightseeing of Aix-en-Provence, and a guided tour of Arles with Provencal lunch;
• A harbor cruise in Cassis;
• Guided sightseeing in Florence and an Italian Riviera stop in Cinque Terre;
• Wine tasting in Chianti;
• A guided walking tour of Siena.

 

“Barcelona and Northern Spain” – A 13-day tour exploring the classic gothic architecture throughout the region’s Spanish towns and the open quads in Barcelona; plus the tapas foods and wines, plus colorful dancing and arts exhibits.  Packages start at $2,479, including airfare and fuel surcharges.

Features include:

• Guided tours of Barcelona, Parque Guëll, La Pedrera;
• Walking tours of Montserrat Pilgrimage Site and Zaragoza;
• Sightseeing of Pamplona and guided sightseeing of Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum;
• Guided sightseeing of San Sebastian, Walking excursion of Monte Urgall;
• Visit to Oviedo, Santillana del Mar, San Vincente de la Barquera, Naranco Monumentes;
• Guided tour of Santiago de Compostela.

 

“Paris and The Normandy Coast” – A 12-day tour exploring the region’s rich history, gothic architecture and Unesco landmarks, charming countryside often painted by impressionist painters, as well as the sophisticated culture and popular attractions of modern Paris.  This tour starts at $2,199, including airfare and fuel surcharges.

 

Features include:

• Guided Tours of Paris, Champs- Elysées, Eiffel Tower, place de la Concorde, the Opera District, Notre-Dame Cathedral;
• Visit to Giverny, including Monet’s House and gardens;
• Guided tour of Rouen;
• Visits to Caen, St. Theresa Basilica, and Caen Memorial Museum;
• Guided Tour of St. Malo.

 

About Go Ahead Tours

Established in 1990, Go Ahead Tours offers high-quality cultural travel experiences and global journeys at an unbeatable value to adult travelers.  With more than 60 itineraries to over 35 countries across the globe, Go Ahead offers a wide variety of guided tours including walking tours, cruises, independent city stays, safaris, food and wine tours and spa getaways.  All tours include roundtrip airfare, all accommodations, and the services of a professional, bilingual Tour Director.

Committed to providing superior quality and value, Go Ahead offers comprehensive packages and a “Best Price Guarantee” on all of its tours.  Go Ahead Tours’ parent company, EF Education, was founded in 1965 and is the world’s largest private educational travel company.  For more information call (888) GO AHEAD, or visit www.goaheadtours.com.

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