costsaver tours age group

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All Tours Operated By Costsaver

Discover the best Costsaver adventures in one convenient place. TourRadar offers 95 Costsaver tours. You can find the perfect trip spanning across 7 day to 29 day itineraries with prices starting from just EUR 112 per day!

95 Costsaver trips

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

The hotels are good and Mat is funny and knowledgably. The whole travel is well organized and interested.

• Christmas & New Year

Iberian Explorer (13 Days)

Good value for money. Tour director and bus driver were excellent Optional tapas dinner was not good nor was sea bass cooked in salt dinner but most other options were worthwhile

Highlights of Scandinavia (12 Days)

The tours, scenery, guide and driver were great. An exception, the tour of the recreated village on Obrero was not great…just fair.

Spanish Experience (End Barcelona, 9 Days)

Too many panoramic views and not enough getting off the bus. Often the key attraction is on the other side of the bus, or a tree or truck is blocking the view. Great locations visited, hotels a long way from citycenter and often limited other food options.

Italian Scene (Summer, 10 Days)

Overall the experience was great! We LOVED Susan and Tanino. Some of the hotel rooms were not great. The rush I can see was necessary, but was a little frustrating sometimes when I was taking pictures of things while I was walking to rush to the next thing.

• Sightseeing

Glimpse of Europe (End Paris, 7 Days)

Although a short adventure Annerieke made sure we had made the best of it. Her experience, adaptability and sense of humour made this a great trip.

Splendours of Italy (13 Days)

The trip was excellent! All the highlights that my girlfriend and I wanted to see and were promised to us, were all there. The local guides were very nice and knowledgeable and took their time to cater a group of 45 individuals. Our driver Marco was really good at getting us to our destinations on time and his driving was smooth and safe. Our tour director Gordon was extremely knowledgeable, great personality (especially his sense of humour) and accommodating. He kept us entertained by story telling about nearby towns and relevant history even during the long bus rides to our destinations. The trip exceeded all of our expectations! It’s a trip for the ages.

European Cavalcade (End Paris, 18 Days)

Mimi was great. Only thing I would change is a better break about half way through. The older people were exhausted by the end.

Jewels of Italy (Summer, 7 Days)

We loved our Jewels of Italy tour! Giuseppe our host, was so knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor! Nothing was too much for him! He helped make the trip memorable! What a great lot of people we met too! Highlight was San Gimignano and the Tuscan dinner where the food, wine, olive oil, balsamic and dancing was to die for! Irvin our driver was so helpful and the drive was very smooth and easy! All up a fabulous experience!!

London to Rome Highlights (8 Days)

Everything was professionally organised, our tour guide was so excellent with reach information. He has knowledge and skills of dealing with people of different culture. He was so perfect. Our driver waa excellent too, he saved us throughout our journey. I will definitely come back to you.

Britain and Ireland Explorer (16 Days)

I had a wonderful time, such beautiful scenery, historic destinations, good accommodation, good food, (being a vegetarian, it was heart warming to see Pete going out of his way to make sure I got good meals wherever we went) I would have loved more time in Stratford upon Avon as I couldn't visit Anne Hathaway's cottage and see the whole of the play being staged in Shakespeare's birthplace gardens.

Britain and Ireland Experience (12 Days)

Greg made this a wonderful experience. He is one of the most organised, & factually correct guides we could have hoped for. He had the ideal personality for this job, as everyone felt included and equally shared his time with every person on the trip. I was travelling alone and was not sure of how this would affect my experience. Greg made sure that everyone got the chance to sit with new people, which made the "getting to know you" so much easier. I believe that Greg hast he skills to go far in this industry and I sincerely hope that I will encounter him on a trip in The future. He took the time st the end of our trip to say a fond farewell over some drinks. Coming home from our Scottish entertainment is a memory I will never forget. Man we had some fun on this trip & it was all because of Greg.

European Experience (12 Days)

Greek Island Explorer (10 Days)

I loooved this trip! I was worried about traveling alone, but those feelings were quelled as soon as I met our guide Simone. He put me at ease and really took care of our group. And I met some wonderful people in addition! Best time ever!

Essence of Eastern Canada (End Montreal, 8 Days)

I LOVED this tour. This was my first time as a solo traveller. The tour guide and the driver were both excellent. The experiences were incredible. Trying to arrange the amount of cities, and experiences solo, with hotels, travel etc is not possible for anywhere near the amount paid. Value for money is excellent. Hotels overall were good. There were some that were a little out of the cities, however the tour guide and driver did their best to accommodate by driving everyone back into the city if they wanted to go. Most of the experiences were really good. The Montmorency Falls as an extra trip with meal was a little pricey. There was not enough time at the Falls and the best view would be down the bottom. This could have been a free trip, without the meal, I would suggest this is looked at. Also in Montreal the tour guide who took us round, was not very engaging and it was difficult to hear her. Everything else was spot on. Well organised, excellent value for money, lovely people, beautiful country, wide range of experiences. LOVED IT. Will definitely be doing another tour.

Reviews of Costsaver Tours

I really enjoyed the trip

I really loved our tour guide Ana Rita Lima. She helped us through a couple rough patches and I appreciate that. Very energetic and delightful!! I loved every bit of the tour except the hotel quality on the first night of the tour. It needed a vending machine that worked and more opportunity to get snacks upon arrival. It was just very basic. Also the hotel in ( I can't remember which city) we didn't have air conditioning. Our tour guide told us of where to be cautious (pick pockets) and some things we should be aware of. I appreciate that they stopped regularly for food and bathrooms breaks. Our driver, Rui, ( proved to have great skill, navigating in traffic, fog, rain and parking!! Overall, a great tour, with important history and valuable information!! With the exception of two poor quality hotels it was a memory that will last a life time. By the way, the Best Western in Barcelona is much better than the one we stayed in on the tour.

My trip was well organized. The Tour Leader Amanda and the Driver Raffie were both excellent. The cities, sites, people, and events experienced were a joy.

• Europe (50)
• North America (23)
• Latin America (9)
• Canada (10)
• Costa Rica (5)

Unlocking Adventure: The Top 5 Best Costsaver Tours for Every Traveler!

Posted on Last updated: October 13, 2023

Categories Tours

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Costsaver Tours specializes in providing affordable travel options for customers across the globe.  They aim to take the hassle out of travel for their guests, offering guided trips covering all the basics, from transport to accommodation to uncovering the must-see locations and a few hidden gems.  

Let the Costsaver trip planners work their magic and pull your best-ever holiday out of the bag for you with one of their expertly curated itineraries.  Wherever your wanderlust is calling you, Costsaver has you covered.  So what can you expect from the best Costsaver Tours ? 

The Costsaver brand was established by its parent company, The Travel Cooperation, and aims to offer great value while not compromising quality.  By striking a balance between affordability and quality experiences, they focus on bringing guided travel to a broader audience by making their trips affordable, accessible, and appealing.  

The Travel Cooperation Group has grown from humble beginnings to one of the world’s largest and most diverse travel companies.  A portfolio of well-respected brands operates under the TTC brand, and Costsaver Travel benefits from its parent company’s extensive resources and global travel network.  With over 100 years in the travel market, the Travel Cooperation and its associated brands, including Costsaver Travel, can draw on a wealth of experience, facilitating transformative and fulfilling travel experiences.  

Using a flexible approach to travel, Costsaver provides the bones of your trip and gives you plenty of options to customize your tour according to your travel preferences.  The Costsaver travel planners work around the clock to bring their guests a curated selection of the very best Choice Optional Excursions.  By adding customizable optional extras, Costsaver can decrease overall costs and allow a more tailored approach to group travel.  Your world, your way, is the Costsaver moto for travel.  

Choosing a group tour is a hassle-free way to see the world.  Costsavers Travel creates perfect itineraries using their years of travel expertise. All you need to do is decide on your ideal destination, pack your bags, and make your way to the departure point. The rest is looked after for you.  

The Choice Optional Excursions are listed in the trip information, so you can decide how and if you wish to tailor your trip itinerary by selecting the extra activities that catch your eye.   The great thing about Costsaver Travel is that they appreciate travel as more than a one size fits all experience.  By adding extra flexibility, Costsaver makes it easier to craft your ideal holiday.  With all the logistics sorted, all you need to do is pack, leave the planning to the experts, and get on with the good stuff.

Costsaver’s target market is primarily budget-conscious travelers.   They welcome a variety of different age groups and travelers on their tours.  With no specific age group targeted, you will find a good mix of ages and personalities enjoying a Costsaver tour.  Whatever age you are, Costsaver has terrific options for you. 

As the tours are more budget-friendly than other tour operators’ offerings, Costsaver Tours tends to attract more younger travelers than other group tours.  There is no maximum age limit as long as you are in reasonable health.  The tours are open to children above five and families; however, a parent or guardian must accompany all under eighteens.  

Costsaver is committed to providing customers with competitively priced tours.  Prices per tour vary depending on length and destination, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.  Yet, if you are looking for value, Costsaver has some of the best deals in the group tour travel market, and you can be reassured that despite their focus on value, Costsaver does not compromise on their tours’ quality and is committed to delivering first-rate customer experiences.  

What makes Costsaver unique is its simplified itineraries and incredible value.  They offer itineraries that cover the key highlights and must see-attractions of each destination.  By streamlining their tours and focusing on providing their guests with essential experiences, Costsaver can keep their budget down and offer incredible prices on their trips.  The Choice Optional Excursions provided a crucial part of Costsaver’s business model, allowing guests to customize their experience depending on their budget restraints and activity tastes.  

In terms of accommodation, Costsaver Tours aims to strike a balance between comfort and value.  On a Costsaver Tour, all accommodation is vetted by the team’s expert travel managers to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay.  Hand-picked accommodation is chosen with value in mind, so you can expect budget-friendly yet comfortable accommodation options throughout.  

If you want to indulge in a complete vacation package, Costsaver Tours is an ideal option.  Booking with Costsaver means less stress and more travel.  So if you are looking for an all-inclusive travel package with accommodation, transport, sightseeing, some meals, and an expert trip manager included but want to keep costs down, look no further than Costsaver. 

Whatever your adventure style, vibes, or wherever you want to go, Costsaver has it covered.  Read on to find out the best Costsaver tours which we have sorted for you to provide the ultimate travel inspiration. 

We have rounded up some of our favorite Costsaver Trips below, so read on for some travel inspiration.  

Page Contents

Highlights of the Italian Lakes

Iconic china with yangtze cruise, road trip usa: coast to coast, england and scotland heritage, aegean odyssey.

Allow Costsaver to introduce you to the serenity of the Italian Lakes on this eight-day tour. 

The Italian Lakes have attracted admirers since Roman times and remain an ever-popular tourist destination.  Its sparkling lakes are dotted with grand villas with lavish gardens and framed by densely-forested hillsides, vineyards, olive groves, and the towering snow-capped peaks of the Alps.  A network of charming villages and towns populate the area with their narrow cobbled streets, lakeside promenades, and a congenial Italian atmosphere.  

This Costsaver Tour offers an extensive introduction to this spectacular area, visiting Lake Como, Lake Lugano, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda, appreciating each destination’s unique character and heritage.  

Costsaver Tours specializes in providing great value tours for guests looking to travel on a budget but wanting to maintain quality.  This tour includes all the essentials to give guests a satisfying journey around this idyllic area.  

The great thing about a Costsaver Tour is that they provide a framework around which you can craft your dream vacation. Choose from carefully selected excursions, such as a tour of the quaint city of Bolzano with a local specialist or a boat cruise to the hillside village of Pettenasco.  You can add numerous optional extras to your experience, and plenty of free time is worked into the itinerary to allow you the space and time to explore as you wish.  

The Italian Lakes Highlights Tour begins in glittering Milan. Enjoy a two-night stay in the historic town of Seranno. From here, a day trip to Lake Como sees you travel across the lake to the picturesque village of Bellagio.  Meander the steep, cobbled streets, indulging in a spot of gelato, or sit and watch the world go by as you enjoy a cappuccino in a sidewalk cafe. 

Hop over the border to Switzerland for a stop at the magnificent Lake Lugano, with its glass-like water, before heading to the shores of Lake Maggiore for a two-night stay.  Uncover the hidden secrets of this tranquil Italian paradise with a free day to explore at your own pace. Immerse yourself in history and culture as you visit the famous city of Verona before taking a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Garda in the soft light of the afternoon sun. 

Stay two nights in Rovereto, soaking in the stunning architecture, ornate churches, and the iconic Bell of Peace, or enjoy the rich Italian food culture.  Swing by beautiful Bergamo, nestled at the foothills of the Italian Alps, taking in the ancient Venetian walls of the Citti Alta.  Finnish the tour back in Milan with a sightseeing tour of this glamorous and fashionable city with a local specialist.  

If you want a stress-free and cost-effective way to see more of this picturesque region, this Costsaver tour could be just the one for you, with a jam-packed itinerary highlighting the best of the Italian Lakes.  

Have you been considering a once-in-a-lifetime trip to China ? This Costsaver Tour ticks off all the highlights, from visiting the sprawling metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai to the iconic great wall of China,  witnessing the astonishing architectural legacy of Emperor Qin’s terracotta army, and cruising the mighty Yangtze River.  

A group tour can be a worry-free way to experience this vast country’s fascinating culture, history, and diverse landscapes.  With this Costsaver Tour, the logistics are taken care of. All you need to do is pack your bag and jet off to experience the adventure of a lifetime.  Costsavers expert trip planners create perfect itineraries that bring you to the best of the destination. Your accommodations are tried and tested by the Costsaver team and are located in convenient positions for exploring.  

This tour departs from Beijing, where you will enjoy a three-night stay in a centrally located hotel close to the historic Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and local transport links.  A sightseeing tour provides an excellent introduction to the city’s frenetic energy. It ticks off highlights, from Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City, which served as the Imperial Palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties.  

Travel from Bejing to Xi’an.  This ancient city is amongst the oldest in the world and previously served as China’s capital under the rule of multiple influential dynasties.  With its rich history, Xi’an is considered to be at the root of Chinese civilization and functioned as a gateway for the historic Silk Road trade routes. 

A two-night stay here gives you plenty of time to explore.  Your hotel provides the perfect jumping-off point to discover the city and is a short distance from major attractions, including the city walls.  Prepare to be blown away with a visit to the terracotta army, which provides an unparalleled glimpse into the military and cultural history of Emperor Qin’s reign with its exquisitely detailed and hand-carved life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots.  

Head to Chongqing and the start of the Yangtze River to embark on an epic three-night river cruise.  Marvel at the towering twelve-story wooden pagoda known as the Precious Stone Fortress, which sits on the northern banks of the Yangtze.  Stop by Fengue, the City of Ghosts, for a unique view of Chinese mythology surrounding the afterlife and soak in the striking scenery of the Three Gorges Region.  

There is no better way to experience the Three Gorges than by boat.  Travel through the spectacular Wu Gorge.  The lush, green Wushan Mountains flank its steep cliffs, shrouded with rising mists and clouds, adding to its tranquil, mysterious atmosphere. Spot the peaks of the Wu Gorge’s famous Twelve Peaks with their distinct shapes and take a ride on a small motorboat down the tributary aptly named Goddess Stream, where dense, green vegetation and cascading waterfalls line the banks reflecting on the calm, crystal-clear waters.  

As you near the end of your journey on the Yangtze, witness the fruits of a massive engineering undertaking, the Three Gorges Dam, which took over a decade to construct and is the largest in the world.   

The dazzling cityscape of Shanghai awaits you for your final destination.  Immerse yourself in this complex, glamorous, and vibrant mega-city that earns the title of the third largest in the world.  A sightseeing tour takes you to The Bund to witness the architectural legacy of Shanghai’s multicultural past. 

Experience the beauty and craftsmanship of Shanghai silks with a visit to a silk factory outlet and shop until you drop on Nanjing Road, a premier shopping and entertainment district.  With a three-night stay to soak in Shanghai’s beguiling charm, this trip ends on a high. 

This Costsaver Tour gives you the keys to iconic China , so book now for an incredible adventure.  

Dreaming of the big American road trip? Us too.  Costsaver makes it possible with this 25-day coast-to-coast classic road trip .   

This tour crosses incredible distances, but traveling is a breeze with your expert trip manager and professional driver in tow.  Let the Costsaver experts take care of the pesky side of travel while you get on with having fun.  Begin your American adventure amongst the bright lights of New York City and finish in the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles. Depending on your preference, the tour can be booked with a start location of either NYC or LA. 

Your trip leader will provide on-the-road support and valuable insights into the places you visit, while your driver will transport you safely from A to B.  Transport is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with WI-FI onboard, so you can be assured of your comfort as you soak in the diverse landscapes and iconic landmarks of this vast and beautiful country.  

Experience vibrant, gritty, and energetic New York with your own eyes.  Your centrally located hotel puts you right in the thick of the action.  Set in Midtown Manhattan, it is an 8-minute walk to Times Square, a 15-minute walk to the Empire State Building, and three miles to Central Park.   

Pass through Philidelphia on to Washington for a two-night stay in the capital.  Washington, DC , is an extremely approachable city to explore, with many attractions within walking distance.   A city tour with the group ticks off all the major cultural and political highlights, then make the most of your free time here to explore your way or choose one of Costsaver’s expertly planned extra excursions.    

Visit the natural bridge, an impressive limestone arch spanning 90 meters, and head into Allpalachian country with a stop at Shenandoah national park.  Make your way through the endless rolling hills of Virginia toward the mountain town of Pigeon Forge.  Situated only five miles from the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains with its patchwork of greens, burnished reds, and moody blue-tinged mist.  

Then it is on to Nashville for an introduction to the incredible musical legacy of “Music City” before taking Memphis by storm.  Follow in the footsteps of rock and roll royalty with a visit to Graceland for an introduction to all things Elvis.  Next, prepare to be captivated by New Orleans and its good old Southern hospitality. Trails of jazz music permeate the air, and street performers add to the city’s festive atmosphere while the culinary scene in New Orleans is literally out of this world.  

Make a pit stop at Lafayette and take in the distinct Cajun and Creole heritage, vibrant live music scene, lush water-rich wetlands, and abundant wildlife.  Make tracks from Louisiana to Texas for a stop at the Cultural Capital of the Southwest, Fort Worth, where the spirit of the Old West and modern urban energy combine.  Spend a day sightseeing in Cowboy Country, with a day out in Dallas, before heading to the heart of the Texas Panhandle with its rolling grasslands and open prairies.  

Leave Texas to head to the culturally diverse state of New Mexico for a two-day stay in Santa Fe, with its incredible mix of unique and historic Adobe homes. The West Coast is beckoning as you pass through Durango in Colorado and on to Monument Valley with its gigantic red sandstone buttes and spires, stopping by at the Mesa Verda National Park. With the tour rounding to a close, tick off your bucket list with a visit to the Grand Canyon before letting the good times roll with a two-night stay in legendary Vegas.  

This Costsaver Tour takes you across America’s diverse landscape, soaking in the best of the culture, history, and food.  Don’t hesitate to book now for your stress-free American road trip.  

Experience the best of Great Britain with this 8-day tour that takes you through England , Wales, and Scotland . 

This action-packed tour is a cost-effective and convenient way to soak in the history and culture of the United Kingdom.   Departing and finishing in London, circumnavigate the country aboard a comfortable coach taking in the sights of the changing scenery along the way.

Begin with a visit to Windsor to get your royal fix before heading to Bath, which was established as a spa town by the Romans in around 60 AD. Overnight in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, known for its vibrant arts, music, and cultural scene, strong sporting heritage, and attractive waterfront area.  

Make a stop at Chester to discover its rich Roman heritage and well-preserved medieval walls before making your way to the bustling maritime city of Liverpool.  Visit the Albert Docks and take in its iconic skyline. With an overnight stay here, there will be plenty of time to explore and soak in the city’s legendary nightlife.  

Discover firsthand the beauty of the Lake District with its rolling hills, charming villages, and hamlets before heading across the Scottish border to Gretna Green and Glasgow.  Travel through the hills of bonny Scotland, cutting across the Scottish Highlands with its rugged scenery, mist-shrouded mountains, and glittering lochs.      

Pay a flying visit to the prestigious university town of Saint Andrews, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of golf, before heading to Edinburgh, Scotland’s vibrant capital. Explore the winding alleyways and historic buildings of Edinburgh’s old town and uncover the distinct charm of the new town with its wide streets and elegant Georgian architecture.  

Next, it is on to York, which functioned as an important Roman city and has some of the best-preserved medieval walls in England, allowing visitors a unique perspective of the city.  Visit the spectacular York Minster, among the latest cathedrals in Northern Europe, or indulge in a spot of shopping in one of the city’s many boutiques.   

A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon lets you see the birthplace of Shakespeare himself while taking in the picturesque surroundings of the English countryside.  The tour ends in London, where you will farewell your newfound travel friends.  

If you are looking for a comprehensive itinerary across the United Kingdom, this Costsaver Tour might be just up your alley.  

Costsaver makes ocean cruising affordable with this 11-day Aegean cruise through Greece and Turkey .  

This tour offers a premium way to explore the Aegean region with its endless ocean vistas, abundance of fresh produce, and delectable cuisine.  Your time away will be filled with well-preserved ruins, rich history, idyllic islands, clifftop cafes, blazing on-deck sunsets, and a good dose of rest and relaxation.  

Enjoy a two-night stay in Athens, discovering the incredible historical legacy of one of the world’s oldest cities, considered by many to be the birthplace of Western civilization. A sightseeing tour with a local specialist will see you visiting the iconic Acropolis of Athens and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for an immersion into the historic jewels of this ancient city.  

Then step aboard your cruising vessel for a 7-night cruise.  With various cabin classes on offer when you book your tour, Costsaver caters to a range of budgets and comfort levels.  Treat yourself to a traditional all-inclusive cruise with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided when onboard. The boat’s crew will ensure you are well looked after throughout.  

Sail to Thessaloniki for your first stop to explore this coastal city.  Wander its wide waterfront promenade, and discover historical monuments and landmarks, from the iconic white tower to the numerous churches and monasteries.  The silhouette of Mount Olympus watches over this charming city to the west.  

Call in at the port of Kusadasi in Turkey , known for its jaw-droppingly beautiful coastlines and historical sites from the ancient city of Ephesus to the Temple of Artemis.  These incredibly well-preserved ruins bring the rich history of this region alive for visitors.  Next, it is onto Crete, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. Take a city tour of the capital, Heraklion, with its impressive Vencian walls, and visit the Palace of Knossos for an insight into the Minoian civilization that flourished on Crete during the bronze age.  

Santori beckons with its renowned white and blue aesthetic.  The island has been dramatically shaped by volcanic forces and is dominated by the caldera, which was formed during a violent volcanic eruption.  Multi-colored volcanic beaches are found across the island, and cliffside villages are nestled high amongst the cliffs, providing incredible views of the surrounding sea and legendary sunsets.  The white-washed houses, blue-domed churches, narrow alleyways, and courtyards offer an idyllic backdrop for visitors.  

Continue your exploration of the Cyclades Islands with a stop at Mykonos to appreciate the lively atmosphere, picture-perfect towns, sea-front properties, and iconic windmills.  This is the perfect place to indulge in a long Mediterranean lunch, taste regional specialties, and watch island life go by.  

Your last island destination is Milos. This less well-known Greek Island has a laid-back charm, an abundance of beaches, and dramatic volcanic rock formations.  Stunning white cliffs plunge into the sea below, and quaint villages are scattered across the island with colorful houses and hidden tavernas waiting for you to discover them.  

Depart your cruise in Athens with an overnight stay booked so you can pack in a last bit of exploring before the tour ends.  

This amazing adventure combines the best of historic Athens with a relaxed ocean cruise that highlights this idyllic region’s stunning coastal beauty and the unique character of its archipelagos.  So book now for an affordable cruising option.  

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Europe coach tour. Expat explore or Trafalgar Costsaver? - Solo Travel Forum

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l'm thinking of going on a European coach tour, l did a tour with Topdeck years ago and l really liked it but can't go with them again as l am now 42 years old and over age. l've narrowed it down to either Expat explore or Trafalgar Costsaver . ANyone travelled with these companies, which one do you think is better. The only thing l am worried about with Trafalgar is l heard is popular with older people, l would like an age mix and not most of their people in their 60's and 70's. Does Trafalgar 'Costsaver 'have a younger age group then regular Traflagar. Also what about expat explore?

Hi Roger, you are unlikely to find the information on this forum as it's about travelling alone and not with groups or companies.

The quickest way to search and see if anyone else has done it is to put the name of the company + tripadvisor into Google and see which posts turn up. Should work.

Then do a search with name of company + reviews to see if there's any info there.

I don't know any of these but they all tend to be 'prescribed' ie tend to tell you what to do, what to see and when etc. This may suit you as it does many but perhaps in the future you might like to get a destination arranged and want to do your own thing at your own pace. Come back and we'd be happy to help where we can.

Do check the hotels they offer and the pace of the trip. It's good to have a mixed age group, always a bit more life and fun. Bear in mind that travel companies take a quota of singles usually and that doesn't stop you mixing with couples too if it works out that way

I have been on a tour with Insight in Spain (which belongs to the same company as Trafalgar) when I was about 30. I will confess that Topdeck and Contiki did not appeal to me. I found that whilst most of the people on the tour were 60+, there were also some people in their 20s, teens, and in between as well. The complete lack of any age restriction means that it is totally luck of the draw who you travel with. I found that I got along with everyone on the tour. That has also been my experience on other tours I have done with other companies in Asia.

Tripadvisor staff removed this post at the original author's request.

Thanks,what did you like more about costsavers then expat explore/ or what did you not like about expat explore. Was there a wide mix of people from differnet countries and different ages in each tour ?

WHats the main nationality groups with expat explore and costsavers , does one nation makeup the majority such as Americans or Australians?

Roger, We are deciding between theses two companies also - which one did you end up travelling with? Would love you feedback.

tomtrina : Many TA forum members - including myself - do not follow their previous posts. rogernice0 has posted nothing on TA, in over 9 months. You can click on his screen name (blue) or avatar and send him a message, and you may get lucky, or do some more searching....

My husband and I are 65+ We've never done a bus tour - we're concerned about early departures and being stuck all day on a bus. We're both in excellent health. What do you think :)

The Senior Travel Forum is awash with long threads about escorted tours.

It would be a good place to look when considering what might suit you.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g1-i13626-Senior_Travel.html

Barb, I am 70 and find that my patience is less than it was when I was younger and the idea of being trapped for long days in a coach, staying in hotels on the outskirts of cities so I can't explore on my own and driving by places I wanted to stop and see would make me crazy.

Other people like the camaraderie of long bus rides with the same group of people and having someone else make the decisions.

However one thing is clear from the plaintive posts about mismatches between people and tours is that research is essential to any trip and that it takes as much research to chose a tour company as it does to plan your own trip.

As you are "in excellent heath" and speak English, you might consider planning your own trip.

With a good guidebook (I like the Lonely Planet Guides but there are other good ones) Tripadvisor reviews read with a cynical eye, and the man in seat 61 for train information there are very few places you can't plan and go on your own

https://www.seat61.com/Europe-train-travel.htm

. Tourist information offices are everywhere in Europe and can tell you about day tours.

Tripadvisor has destination forums which a full of useful information.

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Global Coach Tours Blog

How to choose a coach tour when there's so much choice!

We feature many brands of tour companies and there's a simple way to decide on which brands to look at first - by age group and budget.

Contiki tours are 'fun and funky' but only available to you if you are 18-35 years old. Sorry if you are young at heart, but this policy is strictly adhered to. However, if there are two of you travelling as a couple, Contiki will consider you if ONE of the partners is 17 and has permission from a parent or guardian, or 36-37 might be considered if ONE partner is 35 or under. They have a worldwide choice of destinations at competitive prices, and in Europe they have tours for different budgets such as hotel, resort and camping choices.

A new arrival in the last few years is Expat Explore They are aimed at 18-40 age group, but unlike Contiki they don't have an upper age limit. Just as long as you are fit, healthy and young at heart you are very welcome on their budget 'comfort' tours which are amazing value.

Can I bring my baby and my great grandma?

The minimum age is 8 with Cosmos  and 5 with Trafalgar and Insight . The tour operators decided years ago that small children don't enjoy coach touring and they introduced these lower age restrictions - there is no upper age restriction. Apart from the Contiki brand, the average age on most coach touring vacations is 50 with a fair mix of 20s-40s and retired folks. 50 is just an average and it's impossible to know the exact age groups on any given tour. If you are in good health and can walk at a gentle pace without difficulty then coach touring is for you. If you can't walk very far, but can manage the steps on and off the coach you will still be able to participate in most of the tour. If you use a wheelchair we must know about this in advance, it must be the fully collapsible, manual kind, not electric. You must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who is capable of helping you on and off the coach and pushing your chair.

Premium, First Class, CostSaver or budget?

Tour pricing varies considerably from country to country. For example the cost of premium touring in Morocco is much less than Scandinavia. 

Insight is a premium first class brand where guests expect and receive personalized service, balanced itineraries and carefully chosen, well located first class and premium first class hotels. The coach has a maximum of 40 guests and extra legroom seating.

Trafalgar has both a First Class and CostSaver brand. Both provide exceptional value for money, with the same professional service of a Tour Director and Driver and comfortable coaches. First Class tours include First Class Hotels, buffet breakfast daily and more sightseeing inclusions. CostSaver hotels are guaranteed Superior Tourist class or better and continental style breakfast daily. Dinner is provided on selected nights.

Cosmos  tours are great value budget tours - hotels vary between 2-4 star, but are usually in edge-of-city locations or at airports. For European tours they include breakfast and some dinners. They don't include any food on their USA tours.

CIE Tours are the market leaders in tours to Ireland and are fantastic value for money.

Leger Holidays are budget tours aimed squarely at the UK and special interest market, such as battlefield tours and Disneyland Paris.

With Cosmos, Insight and Trafalgar you can avoid a single supplement by agreeing to share a room. This is a very popular option.

Whichever brand you choose, you can be sure that Global Coach Tours will look after you and handle your booking with the utmost care and personal attention.

About the Author

Contiki vs Costsaver

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4.7   Excellent 6,285 reviews  

4.4   Great 2,117 reviews  

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We’re firm believers that life’s greatest experiences are made better by the people you share them with. That’s why Contiki invented group travel for young people in 1962 and we’ve spent the past 53 years perfecting it. You’ll explore amazing destinations with a group of 18-35 year olds from around the world who share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories that define what it is to be young, wild and free.

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Costsaver delivers the ultimate unpacked tours, to give guests the freedom to tour how they choose. With all of the travel essentials taken care of, including 3 & 4 star hotels, many meals, transport must-see sights, and a 24-7 on road team, guest have the flexibility to then tailor their trip with a choice of 600+ Choice Optional Experiences from across the globe. Costsaver’s 70+ (and counting) unbeatable budget tours are perfectly planned, so guests can get going with complete ease.

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