Tours escorted don’t have to be rigid and regimented. Joanna Booth discovers how the market is offering increasing flexibility (excerpt 29 April 2010)

Some things just don’t go together. Like an amicable divorce or a free lunch, surely a flexible tour escorted just doesn’t exist? Isn’t the whole idea that the trip is pre-organised with all the elements in place – and isn’t that the attraction?

Not always. While some passengers still want the warm cocoon of a traditional tour, with everything set in stone, increasing numbers of escorted tour providers are recognising that there is a proportion of their customers who, despite enjoying the security and hassle-free nature of an escorted tour, would like to introduce elements of choice into their holiday.

Whether it’s optional excursions, dining freedom or extra days here and there, many operators have begun adding flexible elements to their tours.

Most operators offer the option to add extra nights on pre or post-tour, so clients can book-end the trip with time on their own, link up with a cruise or another tour, or visit friends and family in the area.

On a Canada tour, why not suggest a cruise up the Inside Passage from Vancouver to Alaska? Travellers to Latin America can head out to the Galapagos or into the Amazon.

Food plays a major part in any holiday, and many travellers enjoy choosing restaurants and finding romantic spots for an intimate meal.

There are preconceptions that escorted tours include big group dinners every night, but this is not the case. Meals are not included in the operator’s tours, so clients are free to make the most of their evenings as they see fit. If they’re tired, they can pop out for a quick snack and head back to catch up on their sleep, or they can make the most of a culinary hotspot with a substantial banquet, or even hit the town.

Tours Escorted don’t have to involve rushing around and living out of a suitcase. Tours can offer extra freedom to relax, simply because they are based in one location for the entire trip, with sightseeing trips by coach included in the price. While many operators offer a few optional excursions, the majority of the trip tends to be organised and, crucially, included in the price.

However, the extras are there as and when they wish. Guests can decide on the spot whether to join the optional half or full-day excursions, so they can see what mood they’re in when they wake up. For those who want the hard work done for them, but to retain an element of independence, these tours offer the best of both worlds.