How to Compare Different Tour Packages – learn to compare tours using a simple tabular format.

Many tour packages are available. Finding the best one for you can be a daunting task. The differences between them are not always apparent. It is not uncommon to find identical tour itineraries and activities where the only difference is the cost. Then it really hits home that some operators are price gouging. Remember “caveat emptor” – let the buyer beware.

Fortunately you can fight back and get your money’s worth by applying the method outlined below. You are working on the assumption that each tour operator is reputable and stable. But just in case, always make your bookings using a gold level credit card just in case. If the company does happen to go out of business for whatever reason you can obtain a refund.

At the time of this writing I am planning vacation to Peru and Bolivia. When I visit La Paz, I want to visit the ancient city of Tiwanku (Tiahuanaco). I found a number of bus tours advertised on the internet and compared them for the best deal. The website addresses are not required for the illustrative purposes below.





Background Information on the different tours:

1) Not all of the tours include the cost of admission to the archeological site ($10 U.S.).

2) Not all of the tours include a visit to the church in the town of Tiwanku.

3) Not all of the tours include lunch after returning to La Paz.

4) All of the tours included a professional tour guide.

Note: it is possible to take public transportation to Tiwanku however I read that it was sometimes difficult to obtain a seat on the returning bus. My time was limited so I did not want to take any chances.

The tours are compared in tabular form below:

Based on the information presented in the table above, I chose tour package 4. I can bring my own lunch and I can pay my own way into the archeological site.

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