Some travelers might shun booking ahead – saying that it takes the fun and spontaneity out of travel. We couldn’t disagree more. If you value your time and money, booking ahead is for you. Here’s why:

1. Choose the Best – Booking ahead means you can research other travelers opinions and decide which company is best for you before you go. Looking for a tour once you arrive means you can’t be sure of what you are in for, and most of the time it’s an unpleasant surprise.

2. Carry around Less Cash – Look for all-inclusive tours that don’t require you to fork over cash up front. The less cash you have to carry with you when you travel, the more secure your money is.

 

3. Save time, Book Ahead and Skip the Lines – Especially during the high season, tickets to the most famous attractions can be difficult to come by and you could find yourself using precious vacation time waiting for hours on lines. Pre-booked tours and tickets mean you Skip the Lines and your place is guaranteed – so you spent far less time waiting and far more time sightseeing. Plus, you can be sure you won’t miss anything.

4. Save Money – Booking ahead online you can compare prices and get the best deal for your money. Avoid the heavy foreign transaction fees and exchange rates that may come along with making cash and card transactions once you arrive.

 

5. Customer Service – When traveling to a new country, it’s good to know you have someone you can count on. Choose a company with great Customer Service, you’ll have a team of experts who will be more than happy answer all of your questions, tour related and not, every step of the way.

6. Flexibility – Booking ahead doesn’t mean you are locked into your travel plans. Most online companies have cancellation and change policies that allow you to change plans until just days before your travel date.

 

7. Keep the Fun and Spontaneity – Many underestimate just how enriching a guided tour experience can be. Once empty monuments and artworks take an a life of their own as your guide puts everything into context. Plus who better than a guide to ask about what tourist traps to avoid – or where to eat an amazing traditional dinner? Having a tour guide is like having a local for a friend. You’ll walk away from your trip feeling as though you really got to ‘know’ the city and you’ll have countless stories and experiences to take back home with you.