I’ll be in Greece at the Oracle of Delphi next week. But today, in a sense, I was already there. My tour department managers and I had breakfast with a “tour organizer consultant.” Talking to him was the modern-day equivalent for a tour organizer of going to the Oracle of Delphi. Two thousand five hundred years ago, movers and shakers from throughout the ancient world went to Delphi to get advice from the Delphi priests. The priests weren’t in cahoots with the gods. They just interviewed everyone who came to them, thinking that they were. Because of that, the priests knew what the competition was up to (politically, militarily and so on) and could give divine-quality advice. Our consultant is like the Oracle of Delphi — he’s smart because everyone thinks he’s smart and brings their situation to him. As a result, he knows everyone’s situation and can give excellent advice to competing tour companies. He’s brilliant as a sounding board. We tell him our dreams of where we could or should be going as a tour company and he tells us how we can sell more tours. We consider his ideas and incorporate only those that don’t violate our vision of who we are as a tour company. Here’s a bit of what I learned between the omelet and the English muffin: We lose lots of people by not promising baggage handling. (We make people carry their own bags to their hotel rooms.) We advertise peak-season prices and discounted off-season prices. It would be smarter marketing to advertise the off-season prices and charge a supplement to go during popular times. Americans travelers want to pay extra for a single supplement. A “twin bed” in Europe is often single mattresses sharing the same frame…too cozy for many Americans. The huge new influx of Chinese and Indian tourists (there are 200,000 people in India with enough money to consider traveling in Europe and their tour organizers love to negotiate) is making hotel booking more difficult (and expensive) for American tour organizers. To get into the Vatican museum during the 90-minute, groups-only window (each morning from 8:30 to 10:00) you must fax your request exactly one month in advance (literally within a 20 minute window of when you want an appointment). Otherwise, you’ll wait with the masses for up to several hours in the general admission line. When competing with the bigger tour companies, we need to stress our undeniable strengths. We claim to have excellent guides…but every company can claim that. Examples of ways we have a distinct advantage are small groups (28 people max — versus the standard 40 to 50) and centrally located hotels (other moderately price tour companies are being driven far from the city center for hotels within their budget). Many midrange tour companies are using the term “deluxe” — so the real deluxe companies are no longer using the term. They just take out the superlatives and rely on their reputation. A key perceived value for top-end clients with a top-end tour organizer is the assumption that the bus will be filled with a more sophisticated crowd…not the low-end riffraff. The caliber of our clientele is golden. Print and Web promotions feed on each other. For instance, even Amazon.com (the king of Internet commerce) sends out a print catalog. We’ve had such a huge success with our “family-friendly” tours. How else can we grow? Rather than scraping the barrel for new destinations, we might do well to offer “free and easy” tours for more “mature” travelers. The fact is…many have traveled with us for a decade and would like to continue. But our pace is faster than they want. Grand Circle Tours grosses $700 million a year by catering to this market. Many of their customers would travel with us if we offered a less physically demanding tour. People of different generations get along better. Therefore, if contemplating a tour for older travelers, advertise young guides…not older, more empathetic guides. Cruise companies are more popular then ever — even on Europe’s rivers. The comparative cost to organizers is better, since hotel costs have skyrocketed. Tourists like the “one hotel” concept of not having to pack and change every day or two. A seven-day tour is no big deal from the East Coast. But from the West Coast of the US, a seven-day jaunt to Europe is too short. Oh well. Enough marketing. I need to tune into my own travel dreams. Next week Anne and I get a vacation together — we’re taking one of them Rick Steves Tours…to Greece. Can I go and just relax? We’ll see.
The Oracle of Delphi and the Wisdom of Single Supplements
Comments
I wonder how Rick’s tour guide/director/manager will do with “the boss” being on the tour.
Hi Rick- I’m a big fan of your tours, I’ve been on 3 of them since September 2006 and have 2 more booked for November. Every experience I’ve had has been unique and exceeded my expectations in every way. I’m not suggesting complacency, but if something is not broken, don’t fix it. There have been things that other tour members didn’t like, but we all got along fine and in the end, most of this little annoyances were totally overshadowed by the wonderful travel experiences and great guides we had. Keep stressing the things that will ensure a good experience for those that sign up. Like being in shape, packing light because you carry all your own things, leave your grumpiness at home, and be a willow (flexible). You’ll never be all things to all people.
Who said Americans like single supplements..I don’t!
You don’t need a tour for 7 days in a one city unless you need your hand held!
I often go alone to London and/or Paris and always have a lovely time. Did Avignon this year on my own and made lots of new friends.
Thanks for some of the inside info on your company. I always find it interesting to know “how things work” and to see behind the “glamour” of a travel company. So many people think that every body in a travel company or agency is forever going on vacation and not having to deal with daily business needs and worry about how good or bad business is today. I will again suggest that when you and Anne go to Greece, to have Anne blog. It would be great to hear from someone who has traveled a lot but isn’t “in” the travel business (although I am certain she is a tremendous assist to you in so many ways). Bon Voyage!
I can’t add anything as John and Man of Leisure (I hope there are no leisure suits in your wardrobe) succintly summarized my thoughts. Let’s hear from Anne and looking forward to reading the tour evaluations from other travelers on their tour with Rick and company. Have fun!
I absolutely loathe this idea. Personally, I like to see the peak-season prices and then feel I’m getting a deal if I go in the off season. Advertising the off-season prices and then charging a supplement for the peak season seems like a bait-and-switch tactic. I do think that a 7-day tour from the West Coast is a bit short, especially as it winds up being more like 5-and-a-bit days. However, I’ve done two of your 7-day tours and loved every minute! (By the way, I’d love to see a 7-day tour of Vienna and Salzburg.)
Americans travelers want to pay extra for a single supplement. Not this American. I love to travel, but always choose ETBD because I can’t afford the exorbitant single supplements charged by other tour companies. I don’t mind sharing a room, but my travelling would come to a halt if I had to pay double.
Rick, I’d like to see a tour offering a focus on wineries and wine tasting. I’ve notice in your blogs comments about increasing appreciation for good wine. How about a guide book focusing on wine regions and backdoor wineries? Could be a book like Mona Winks or Art History 101.
I love to walk but, because of knee problems, I am no longer able to do so at a fast pace or for long periods of time. For that reason I could not go on one of Rick’s tours to Greece. I am sure there are many other potential travelers who are in the same situation. Tours for different levels of physical ability would be a good idea.
Frequent solo traveler said, “Did Avignon this year … .â€
I can’t resist telling this story. When the bridge, Le Pont D’ Avignon continued, before it became a ruin of four arches, it arrived at an island in the middle of the river.
Can you imagine, on that island is the campground, with the floodlit Le Pont D’ Avignon, the Pope’s Palace, and the town wall all in view from our dining/bedroom window. My Sweetie and I have spent nights on that Island in three years, and enjoyed another daytime visit.
The Häagen-Dazs store and McDonald’s restaurant are just across the main street from each other, a couple of blocks from the Pope’s Palace.
Aw well, I violated all the rules, but I just couldn’t resist.
Like several people who have been posting, I disagree with some of the marketers’ comments and agree with some. I think we can all agree that this is likely one of the few companies that actually listens to its customers. I went on the 7-day tour to Paris and loved it. While some people can do Europe alone, it intimidates others. The only other person I could find to go to Europe with me that year was someone who felt intimidated by going to Europe alone, so these tours definitely fulfill a need. The Graffiti Wall (which is excellent!) is the place to go for solo travelers. But gosh, I love the discussion I find on this site! :-)
BTW, I didn’t mean to imply that the Graffiti Wall is ONLY suitable to the solo or non-tour group traveler. I think my previous post might have given that impression.
Stay with what you know. Find something you like, and be really good at it. Diversifying too much can dilute the product. Complacency is bad. Cliches, yes. But those are my thoughts. I’ve bought your books and used them in Europe, thank you. Never took your tours. I’m 58 and might be unable to keep up your pace. But that’s no reason to slow it down. Appeal to people who can keep up, if that’s your demographic. How big do you want to get? Go after the Asian/Indian market? I don’t like twin beds; double beds are separate. Hauling your own luggage is good. I haul my own, at 58. Lots of Europeans haul their own. Are Americans too soft ? Too bad you never did a coffeshop tour of Amsterdam, Haarlem, etc.; that’s a big market, seriously.
I have read all of Rick’s blogs, and all the commments, but have not written until now. I agree with Judy C. PLEASE consider a tour for people with different physical abilities. I love your philosophy of travel, your appreciation of different cultures, and the focus of your tours. But I fear that replacement knees and aging bones might not make it even on your lower physical impact tours. So give it a try and see what happens.
Dear Rick, Please don’t change your strategy. We have not taken your tours because we are comfortable on our own. But we stayed at your preferred hotel in Untepinzwang, Austria and one of your tour groups were there. We just really enjoyed spending an evening with them at the local Concert Band. They were young, middle age and older. But when we went to Greece last year we spent one week on a Greek cruise ship to tour the islands and on that ship were big Grand Cirlce and other well known groups and they were all pretty much over 70 and it just seemed like being in the Army. I know there is a place for that, but there are almost no tours like yours out there. Be ready for some heavy hiking and heat at Delphi! Wish I were there! Judy
I agree with Ellen. I am 66 and not disabled but think of the mature traveler that would like to continue traveling but just don’t have the young body and want to continue to travel through the backdoor. You would have a huge market but you would have to “train” your guides to accept the slower pace. Continue what you are doing. It’s all good! I know many “maturing” adult travelers that would love a tour with you at a slower pace. Rick and Anne, I hope you enjoy the tour of Greece from the backseat! Let’s hear from Anne on the blog. Good idea! Keep on traveling.
The travel industry is competitive. I like the idea of adding more appeal to the sector of travelers who want a easier pace. Some of the tours are a whirlwind. Some people love to savor their experience. Have a good vacation in Greece, Rick. Bye-bye.
If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it! And growth for the sake of growth isn’t such a great idea, either. But, most important, NO single supplements!!! And if you do feel a need to change something, how about bringing back the B,B and B tours?
Thanks for all you do and enjoy that vacation – I am sure it is richly deserved. The Greek organizer obviously has a different vision and Olympic travel Gods than we do.. humorous. I am planning a quick jaunt to Paris to see a friend, but even so , can’t even think about Europa without a visit to your website. I have used your books, travel ethic since the 70s. What a great way to be! Keep up the good work of eradicating ‘ugly American’ travelers! I want to go on your tours someday, where it is somewhere I wouldn’t go solo.
A Rick Steeves-type European wine tour sounds intriguing! I think it would be a fun way to learn about the history of wine in Europe, while imbibing in the wine itself! My partner and I recently experienced a wine tour in Napa and had a great time. Even a Rick Steeves “wine guidebook” focusing on small European wineries would be fabulous!!
Not that Rick would give up tours for the hard bodies, but adding some tours for the softies would be good too. People are not all alike, and having a choice of an active tour or an easier tour would be great. What works for one person may not be good for another, so lets have more types of tours out there to choose from. Sure there are other companies to choose from, but all Rick Steves tours at any level would be unique.
Lisa P.
We advertise peak season prices and discount off season prices. Keep doing the honest thing with your pricing. It sets you apart from your competitors. You could also set yourself apart by counting your days a little more honestly. Your 7 day London tour is only six nights, and is guided for just a little over five and a half days. Would it kill you to call it a six night tour? At least you don’t call it an 8 day tour, “Your vacation starts as you board your plane for your overnight flight to Europe (airfare not included).”
I guess I am in the minority by wanting a single supplement option. I am just not interested in sharing a room with a stranger and would gladly pay extra in order to travel solo on a ETBD tour…..
I agree with jensenly. I would also pay the single supplement.
I read Sandee’s comment about the single supplement. I hate paying those, but will be doing so in Croatia this time for a weeks worth of kayaking, biking and hiking. When you travel in Dubrovnik few rooms are available as a “single” so you pay just like in the good ole USA–for a double room, even though you are alone. It adds up pretty quick. I think single supplements stink, especially because the acommodations are typically much more cramped in Europe. Not that this is a bad thing. Also the bait and switch of advertising low season rate then adding a supplement stink. Don’t do it, Rick. I have never done your tours, but I sure wouldn’t do one if you took that tact. Be up front on costs. People appreciate honesty. And show the tiered pricing based on season. My current trip is low season rate, so even though I pay single supplement, it’s less expensive than a shared room in high season. Happy travels.
I read Sandee’s comment about the single supplement. I hate paying those, but will be doing so in Croatia this time for a weeks worth of kayaking, biking and hiking. When you travel in Dubrovnik few rooms are available as a “single” so you pay just like in the good ole USA–for a double room, even though you are alone. It adds up pretty quick. I think single supplements stink, especially because the acommodations are typically much more cramped in Europe. Not that this is a bad thing. Also the bait and switch of advertising low season rate then adding a supplement stink. Don’t do it, Rick. I have never done your tours, but I sure wouldn’t do one if you took that tact. Be up front on costs. People appreciate honesty. And show the tiered pricing based on season. My current trip is low season rate, so even though I pay single supplement, it’s less expensive than a shared room in high season. Happy travels.
I would like to add my vote for the less active tours. My wife and I love Rick and have used his books and followed his advise many times through the years. However, her health will not allow a lot of physical exercise any longer. I can handle our luggage but we just need a bit slower pace in getting through that back door.
Re “slower paced” tours. My wife and I did a 19 day “Europe at Leisure” tour some years ago and were still worn out by the pace. However, when chatting to our guide she said that the company had, in the past, tried adding slower-paced tours but had no-one sign up. She said they had concluded that potential customers lined up the various tour catalogs, added up the number of places visited on each tour and picked the tour with the highest “score”. Perceived value can be a funny thing. However, perhaps the key is in the marketing – surely there should be enough experienced tour-takers that would appreciate a slower tour if the rationale is carefully explained in the publicity.
I hope Rick’s people really read all these comments. I have talked to several people here at work about taking “slower” paced tours–and they thought it was a great idea. (All older people.) The last time I went to Europe, I ran through with a backpack on my back, my Eurail pass, and Rick’s book. I would like to do it differently this time.
I was delighted to see mention of “free and easy†tours in your blog, not because I’m interested, but because it may be a logical step in your company’s evolution. I’ve noticed that your tours have been attracting otherwise wonderful people who just happen to prefer a more comfortable style of travel or have physical limitations, and was afraid you hadn’t. Like other posters, I hope you stick to the traditional backdoor style that has differentiated your tours from the rest. If you want to appeal to the “free and easy†market, please consider doing so by developing a separate style of tour rather than adding more comfort features to your backdoor tours. On the flipside, it would be nice if you offered some tours that were a little more backdoor. For me, those would be the most fun.
I’ve taken several ETBD tours since 1995. I would love to see them bring back tours such as “Slow Dance Through France” that stopped for 3 nights in most towns. I never got around to taking that particular tour, but it would be a nice way to savor a particular region at a slower pace. Also, I’ve learned that when you are on an ETBD tour, you don’t have to do everything the group does. Just let the tour guide know you won’t be joining the tour for a particular activity (so the group won’t be waiting for you) and you can go do your own thing at your own pace. (Of course, you risk missing out on something really great that the group does!)
I wish more ETBD tours had single supplement options! I don’t care to share a room with a stranger–I like my space and privacy at the end of the day. And my sleep habits would drive a roommate crazy. Only a couple more Rick Steves tours (all have been fabulous!!) and I will have to move on. I’d love to do some of the longer “Village” tours, but there is not a single supplement option. Please add more! Also, keep your integrity, and know your core business, Rick. You are a huge success for your travel style. Don’t change, except to offer your experience to accomodate levels of ability. Thanks!
I agree with Frank’s posting of September 18th. We use your guide books when travelling independently but are reaching the age when your tours are of interest. A “free and easy” component of your offerings would suit us because of (so far, mild) physical limitations. I do hope you consider developing this.
I have never gone on a tour of any type, but If I did take a tour it would be a Rick Steves one. The reason is small groups and the back door idea. I like the fact that they don’t charge a single supplement. I have seen big bus tours doing more “seeing” and shopping than visiting and absorbing. People who go on cruises seem more interested in what they can do on the ship itself rather than the places they see. For example they offload in Villefranche Sur mer and go directly to nice (thankfully for those of us who love it) but missing something in the bargain. I guess its all about whether you are interested in growth for growths sake or interested in keeping up the through the back door philosophy for travelers who are looking for more than just the highlights and want a chance to get more up close and personal. I always read the Rick Steves guide books becuase of their style and back d oor philosophy and wish there was one for Athens and Tinos where we are going in Spring. Bye
Just one quick comment about tours for people who can’t get around as well as others due to a physical disablility such as a bad knee or arthritis or use a cane etc. A less strenuou itinerary would be nice.. But there are people in this category in all age groups not just senior citizens. Also A longer time in each locality with fewer places might be nice. I have found through independent travel that less than three days in one place unless you are there for just one sight is not enough to really get into a place. you need one day for aclimitization especially in a new place. I now do not count a travel day as a touring day even if you get to a place fairly early. We like to take our time and walk around exploring without necessarily visiting any attraction the three days minimum gives us time to do this and see everything we want to visit leisurely always wheting interest in another visit. 7 days in a city is not too much if you want to “smell the roses” and enjoy its ambience.
The ETBD tours are my kind of travel! Last December, I had the opportunity to take the Paris 7-Day ETBD City Tour. Incredible! This was the first time I had taken advantage of the single supplement. What a difference! I will never go back to sharing a room. On the first night of the tour, a couple other travelers on the tour asked how much I had paid for the single room. They both commented that it was too much. Four days later they were kicking themselves for NOT taking advantage of the single supplement. Quite a few of the ‘single-matched roommates’ were not getting along and were troubled by the challenges as opposed to enjoying the moment in that incredible city. Traveling with others is often a challenge – having some space to re-energize is well worth the single supplement in my book. I sure wish all ETBD tours offered the single supplement option. I’m almost out of ETBD tours that offer them – at which point, I’ll have to go to another tour company – regretably.
Hello, This Education site is very useful. You can visit it!
I'd also be *very* interested in a tour of the great wine areas – especially (but not only) France and Italy. (We did visit Beaune, France, with our Rick Steves' guide in hand, and enjoyed finding our way around the recommended wine tastings. But a dedicated tour! I imagine we'd need a separate <a bottle wine cooler for each stop along the way. Please do give it some thought.