Coach Tours Adjust With The Times

People travel differently than they used to. They seek more authentic experiences and want time to fully explore their destination.

Coach tour operators have adjusted to the trends, with more time for visitors to find that unique shop or simply kick around some of the world’s best destinations. And that’s important information to agents who might not think of selling coach tours.

“This is the 40^th year in the travel business for me, and I’ve seen so many changes,” said Marilyn Baird of Travel Professionals International.

“Typically, years ago, coach tours used to be ‘go, go, go’. Travellers were up and out early with full days,” she told TravelPulse Canada. “I can remember selling the 21-day or longer tours quite frequently as people thought that would be the only trip they would take, and they wanted to see it all.

"Now, the coach tour companies have options with longer stays in some cities, avoiding the packing and unpacking so much. They have smaller groups for more attention to detail and are going to out-of-the-ordinary locations.And, because people tend to travel more often, they seem to be doing shorter trips more frequently, with pre or post-stays to enjoy the destination more."

Coach tours are still very popular, Baird said. "There are some clients that prefer to do their own thing, but coach tours are more economical in the end and enjoyable for those travelling together, or a great way for single travellers to experience the world in a safe environment."

“There are so many variations now,” said Stephanie Bishop, Managing Director Canada for the Globus Family of Brands. “The traditional coach tour is still popular, with multiple countries, which we sometimes call the pajama tour because people get up early and go. Those still do very well as they meet the demand of people seeing a place for the first time and want an overview. We still have some tours that last 21 days.

“But in today’s world it’s about choice and flexibility. People want to stay more in one place and do day trips, like a hub and spoke approach.”

Bishop said Globus is the company’s premium coach tour offering, while Cosmos is less expensive. They tend to use different hotels in different locations. Less meals might be offered with Cosmos, as well. The company also offers Monograms, which she calls “the tour without the coach,” with travellers often taking trains and being met by local hosts at their destination and being taken to their hotel.

Bishop said Globus companies have changed the way they offer their tours.

“Folks don’t want a rigid schedule these days,” she said. “In today’s world there’s so much more flexibility built in. And they’re not all full, jam-packed coaches. Today we offer private touring. It could be a multi-generational family trip or a group of 12, 14 or 16. We can take any itinerary in our brochures and actually create a private tour just for your group.”

“We like to think we’ve really evolved what a coach tour or guided vacation is,” said Anita Emilio, VP of Sales for Trafalgar and Costsaver Canada. "One major thing we’ve done is create the ‘Be My Guest’ experience on all our trips. We give people the opportunity to spend time with locals in a destination, so they learn about a farm or a vineyard or a family business. The old myth is people just got driven around and only saw things from inside a coach. But we use the coaches to get our guests between places so they can get out into the local community and really experience a destination. They get an opportunity to talk with locals and maybe ask what it’s like to live in a 15^th century castle.”

Emilio said Trafalgar travellers have a good deal of personal time. Most dinners and breakfasts are included, but most lunches aren’t set up, which allows guests to get out and explore.

The coaches themselves also have changed.

“We have the newest coaches out on the road,” said Emilio. “They’re more eco-friendly. They have comfortable seats that recline and Wi-Fi on board. They have facilities on board so you don’t have to make that extra rest stop, and they have TV’s so you can watch videos. The coaches also are air-conditioned and you sit up high, with big windows.

“Because the coaches are newer, they’re also very quiet, so you can have a little nap if you want.”

Bishop said the coaches Globus uses have special seats that are set on angle, allowing guests at the back of the coach to see out the front.

Bishop said Europe remains extremely popular for Globus, with customers still flocking to Italy, Britain and Ireland, France and Spain & Portugal.

“Eastern Europe also is tracking very nicely, as folks want to see other parts of Europe. The same for Croatia and Greece. And coach tours in Canada are a trend that started a number of years. It’s very popular in the Maritimes/Atlantic Canada. I just wish there were more hotels and that the season was longer.”

Emilio said Trafalgar added Antarctica trips this year, giving them a foothold on all seven continents.

“If you asked agents, Europe would be the first place that comes to mind, but we really do have great tours in North America, South America, Asia, Australia/New Zealand and Africa. We have smaller groups in Africa; maybe 26 on a coach. We’ve definitely filled a niche in that market.”

Baird said not all her clients desire a coach tour holiday.

"But those that go love them and tend to stick with the same tour company, as they have had such a wonderful experience and, of course, life-long friends are made along the way."