Why going guided is one of the safest ways to travel in 2021

As we all adjust to the “new normal” in a post-COVID-19 world, we’re also looking for ways to return to our pre-2020 lives—and a big part of that includes travel. Here at Go Ahead Tours, we’re discovering new ways to travel in 2021 and beyond, and you can count on us to provide the high-level of comfort and security that make going guided with us one of the safest ways to travel.

We’re flexing with the new travel landscape and reinventing the types of travel we offer. Whether it’s a Private Tour for you and your posse or a Small Group Tour, our new Travel-Ready Approach is one way we help you plan your next trip with confidence. It also serves as our commitment to making travel just as fun and accessible as it has ever been. Going guided is the future of travel, and we’re excited to share all the benefits of traveling on tour with us!

Giving travelers more flexibility when booking

We understand plans change and situations come up that could prevent you from joining us on a previously-booked tour. That’s why we offer flexible, fee-free rebooking options. You can change your tour date or the destination until your Final Payment Date. On top of that, you don’t need to stress about paying the whole tour cost up front! Enroll in our AutoPay plan, put just $99 down, and don’t worry about another payment for 60 days. With AutoPay, you’ll enjoy interest-free, fee-free monthly payments, and you can even roll airfare, travel coverage, excursions, and extensions in whenever you choose.

Tapping into local expertise with guides from around the world

Our Tour Directors and local guides are fun and knowledgeable, not to mention passionate about showing you the best parts of each city. They also act as communication liaisons, translate foreign language menus, assist with reservations during free time, and help to navigate cultural nuances. As your point of contact throughout the trip, our Tour Directors and local guides are your best in-country resources and support.

Having everything planned for you has its benefits

One of the biggest benefits of our over 175 guided tours is that we’ve got the planning part covered. You’ll receive a detailed itinerary prior to your departure so you know where you’re going, what you’re doing, and how you should prepare. Letting us do the planning also means you won’t be standing in line with a gaggle of other visitors, which helps us all to respect social distancing.

Global leader in travel and safety

We hold ourselves to the highest level of travel safety standards and follow guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and government authorities around the world. In addition to monitoring COVID-19 on a global level, we also stay up-to-date on the requirements in every destination so we can keep our travelers and staff informed.

As part of our Travel-Ready Approach, we’re constantly look for ways to ensure our tours are the safest way to travel and see the world. Our strict safety standards and open communication with global partners is just another one of the benefits of booking a guided tour.

Connecting you with our global network

EF’s global network is 50 countries deep and 365-days-a-year strong. Around the world, our experts stay well-informed about domestic and international guidelines and keep our local suppliers up-to-date on our safety stance. Our On-Tour Support and EF crisis response teams are available 24/7. If you need us, we’ll be there.

We put our travelers’ well-being first on every leg of the journey. As part of our Travel-Ready Approach, we only work with trusted airlines, hotels, and restaurants who follow enhanced hygiene measures and social distancing protocols. Together, we make all of the necessary itinerary adjustments to keep you safe and healthy. That includes avoiding crowds during peak visitation hours and staggering activity times to comply with social distancing.

Sanitized transportation

Your tour bus is cleaned and sanitized prior to your departure, as well as throughout your journey. You can always expect plenty of space between you and other passengers, and we always supply hand sanitizer.

Creating a travel pod for a Private Tour has its perks

Tap into your social “bubble” and form your own personal travel pod. You only need seven people to turn any of our 175+ itineraries into a Private Tour. You even have the option to design your own tour by adding customized extras like special activities or inclusions, or you can create a themed trip. Going private or customizing your dream trip allows you to pick when you travel, personalize your experience, and snag an expert Tour Director dedicated exclusively to your group. It’s your tour, and what you say goes.

Traveling in a group of 10–22 people deepens your experience

One of the best ways to travel in 2021 and beyond is on one of our Small Group Tours, all of which comply with international guidelines and follow social distancing protocols. Whether it’s a Food & Wine Tour, a Safari & Wildlife Tour, or an Adventure Tour, we’ve got something to entice every type of traveler.

The possibilities for immersive travel flourish when you travel with a small group. With just 10–22 other travelers, you can broaden your horizons and deepen your experiences with hands-on cultural activities and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Small Group Tour options include indulging in the flavors of Tuscany, boarding a safari in Tanzania, or engaging in the local lifestyle in Morocco—all while forging meaningful connections with the local community and your fellow travelers.

Safe Travel Certified

The World Travel & Tourism Council awarded us the Safe Travels stamp, acknowledging our success in meeting and following their global safety protocols for COVID-19. This stamp is the first of its kind and another reminder that our travelers are at the center of everything we do.