Travel Tips

How to Choose the Right Tour Package: 8 Things to Check Before You Book

Smile Memory Team •
How to Choose the Right Tour Package: 8 Things to Check Before You Book

Booking an international tour package is a significant investment — both financially and in terms of your precious holiday time. Making the wrong choice can mean cramped schedules, hidden costs, disappointing accommodations, or worse, a cancelled trip. Making the right choice, however, results in a genuinely transformative travel experience.

At Smile Memory, we've been helping Thai travelers navigate this decision for years. Here are the eight most important things to evaluate before committing to any tour package.

1. Check What's Actually Included (and What Isn't)

This is the most important check. Read the inclusions list carefully and look for what's not mentioned:

  • Flights: Are international flights included? Which airline? Are seats economy or business?
  • Meals: How many meals are included? Breakfast only? Half-board? Full-board?
  • Entrance fees: Are attraction entry fees included, or will you pay on top?
  • Tips: Is tipping for guides and drivers included or expected extra?
  • Travel insurance: Is basic coverage included?

Red flag: Packages that say "starting from ฿XX,XXX" without clearly listing what's included are often using a base price that requires many expensive add-ons.

2. Verify the Departure Guarantee

Some tour packages require a minimum number of bookings before they confirm departure. If that minimum isn't reached, your trip may be cancelled — often just a week or two before you were supposed to leave.

Always ask: "Is this departure guaranteed?"

A reputable tour company like Smile Memory clearly states guaranteed departure dates and will not cancel on you at the last minute.

3. Research the Hotels

Hotel quality varies enormously even within the "3-star" category. Things to investigate:

  • Look up the specific hotel names on Google Maps and TripAdvisor
  • Check the distance from city centres (a "central" hotel that's 45 minutes from attractions by bus is not central)
  • Read recent reviews — not from 5 years ago
  • Check if the hotel has air conditioning (important in summer destinations)

4. Understand the Itinerary Pacing

Some tours pack so many destinations into a short timeframe that you spend more time on buses than actually experiencing places. Look for:

  • Number of destinations vs. number of days (visiting 8 countries in 10 days is a red flag)
  • Daily departure times (5am starts every day is exhausting)
  • Free time built into the schedule for personal exploration
  • Realistic transfer times between cities

5. Read the Fine Print on Payment and Cancellation

Always understand the financial terms before booking:

  • Deposit amount: How much do you pay upfront?
  • Final payment deadline: When is the balance due?
  • Cancellation policy: What percentage do you lose if you cancel 30/60/90 days before?
  • Trip interruption: What happens if you need to leave early due to a family emergency?

6. Verify the Guide's Language and Experience

For Thai travelers, having a Thai-speaking guide makes an enormous difference. They can explain cultural context, handle situations at restaurants and shops, and translate whenever needed. Always confirm:

  • Will there be a Thai-speaking guide throughout the trip?
  • How many tours has the guide led to this specific destination?
  • What is the guide-to-traveler ratio?

7. Check the Group Size

Tour group sizes can range from 8 to 50+ people. Smaller groups generally mean:

  • More flexibility in schedule
  • Easier access to restaurants (large groups always get the worst tables)
  • More personalized attention from the guide
  • Less waiting time at each attraction

At Smile Memory, our groups are capped to ensure every traveler has a quality experience, not a cattle-drive tour.

8. Ask About the Tour Operator's Track Record

Finally, research the company itself:

  • How long have they been operating?
  • Are they registered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand?
  • Can they provide references from past travelers?
  • Do they have clear contact information and respond promptly to inquiries?

Booking through an established, transparent agency protects you from scams and last-minute surprises.

At Smile Memory, we believe tour packages should be clear, honest, and deliver exactly what they promise. Browse our packages — every tour listing includes full details on inclusions, hotels, and departure guarantees. Have questions? Contact our team — we're happy to help you find the perfect trip.

Share:

Related Articles