⚠️ 6 Tour Operator Gotchas to Watch For
- Itinerary Not Guaranteed: HIGH Tour operators reserve the right to modify, substitute, or skip destinations for any reason. Your "bucket list" site may be replaced with a shopping stop
- Minimum Group Size: HIGH Tours can be cancelled if minimum participants aren't met—often with only 30 days notice. You may need to scramble for alternative plans
- Single Supplement Fees: MEDIUM Solo travelers often pay 50-100% extra for single occupancy. "Join a roommate" programs may match you with strangers
- Tip/Gratuity Requirements: MEDIUM Expected tips for guides, drivers, and local staff can add $10-30+ per day—not included in the tour price
- Fitness/Mobility Requirements: MEDIUM Tours may have undisclosed physical requirements. If you can't keep up, you may be left behind with no refund
- Third-Party Supplier Liability: HIGH Tour operators disclaim responsibility for hotels, airlines, and local operators they book. If suppliers fail, your recourse is limited
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