Seven reasons why you should travel on an escorted tour

Whether you're a seasoned traveller or taking your first steps towards wish-list travel, there are more than a few reasons to book an escorted tour.

Depending on who you talk to, you might hear that solo travel is the most rewarding way to travel, or that beach breaks with the family are the only way to go. As travel experts with more than 40 years' experience operating wish-list holidays, take it from us: when it comes to escorted touring, there's no comparison. If you're busy planning your next escape and haven't quite decided which style of travel is right for you, here are seven reasons why an escorted tour might be for you.

Why book an escorted tour?

Forge new connections seamlessly

Travelling can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you're going alone, but it doesn't have to be. As part of an escorted tour group, you'll be joined by up to 40 like-minded travellers, meaning you'll also have someone to share experiences with. Add to that the services of a friendly and experienced local tour manager, who'll be your first port of call while exploring your chosen destination, and you'll have ample opportunities to make lasting friendships. 

On our escorted tours, you can also expect a number of carefully curated experiences to help you break the ice when you first arrive, from welcome dinners on the first night and intimate excursions to spots you won't find in any guidebooks. 

What's more, if you'd feel more comfortable exploring with only other solo travellers, we also have a range of Exclusively Solo tours which are perfect for those who prefer exploring independently. "Our friendly tour managers are always on hand to facilitate welcome gatherings, drinks and meals so that you can mingle as much or as little as you wish," says our Head of Product Innovation, Jo. "They will typically meet you at your overseas airport and accompany you to your hotel, be with you during excursions and at included mealtimes too."

Take the stress out of holiday planning

"Joining an escorted tour takes the hassle out of planning, organising and booking all the elements of your perfect holiday. Let us take care of all the little details, then just turn up and enjoy your holiday," says Jo.

Rather than worrying about the spots you simply have to visit or stressing about the travel planning, you can rest assured that we're taking care of the details so that you can enjoy your dream escape the way you always imagined you would. Simply put, it's how holidays should be!

Save your hard-earned money

Unless you've got a particularly good eye for bargains, or you're open to cutting a few corners, your money will often stretch further when you choose an escorted tour over independent travel. On an escorted tour, you'll have accommodation, flights, transfers and additional transportation covered, as well as some meals, attractions, and an informative tour manager to keep you safe and ensure you're getting the best travel experience possible.

Also, you won't need to worry about any hidden or unexpected costs during your trip, leaving you with more funds to spoil yourself with or to use to buy gifts for friends and family. With our Easy Payment Plan, it's never been easier to secure the trip of a lifetime. Once you've paid the deposit, you'll be able to chip away at the cost of the holiday over several manageable monthly payments. What's more, the price you're quoted when you're booked won't change, so you can rest assured that you'll be getting the best price no matter what happens in the future. 

Bring your dream holiday to life in safe hands

Your safety and comfort are our priorities, and we appreciate that having the peace of mind to fully immerse yourself in your dream holiday can often make the biggest difference. That's why choosing to travel with experienced tour operators is the best choice when it comes to the trips you've always dreamt of. "We've been successfully organising holidays since 1983, so rest assured you're in safe hands," says Jo.

Besides knowing the best spots in town for entertainment, culture and dining, our tour managers are well-versed in the practicalities of travel. They are all highly knowledgeable in local culture, etiquette, laws, rules, environment and weather patterns, so you will always have somebody to answer your travel questions.

Go beyond the guidebooks

While you might have more freedom to explore under your own steam when you're travelling alone, it's often actually more rewarding to do so as part of a group, and that's largely thanks to our expert tour managers. As passionate locals and veteran travellers who know their chosen destinations like the back of their hands, our tour managers are always keen to set your mind at ease and give you an authentic taste of the local culture. Take it from us: it's our tour managers who often add the extra and often most memorable touches to our escorted tours.

"I lead tours in Edinburgh, which is my hometown and the place I spent my university years in. It's a real pleasure to return and show our customers the highlights of the city, and some of the lesser-known sights." – Gordon, tour manager

Whether you're naturally inquisitive or simply aren't as familiar with the subtleties of your chosen destination, our tour managers are always happy to help and share their passion for their region.

Save precious time

Standing in line can be a bit of a drag on any experience, and that's especially true when it comes to waiting in line on holiday. With only a limited time to fit in all that you've been waiting to see and experience, it's more important than ever to make the most of every moment.

Travelling on an escorted tour often allows you to skip the line, meaning you can spend more time experiencing the highlights of each destination rather than waiting for them. With exclusive access to certain spots, tickets pre-booked for all the best landmarks, and the services of expert local guides, you can rest assured that you'll spend less time waiting and more time exploring.

Get the perfect photo a little easier

If you're travelling on your own and you don't relish the prospect of asking total strangers to help you take a photograph, don't worry! Travelling on an escorted tour means there will always be a friendly tour manager to capture that perfect travel shot for you, which certainly beats carrying around a selfie stick!

Say yes to escorted touring in 2026 with Newmarket Holidays

So, ready for your own adventure? We've got a wide variety of escorted holidays, spanning six continents, and our friendly holiday planners are always on hand to help you choose the right one for you. For more information or to get the ball rolling on your dream getaway, give one of them a call today. You can also browse our full range of award-winning escorted tours on our dedicated destinations page.