For those that have been on one of Rick's tours, how much have you spent in addition to the cost of the tour itself (not including airfare)? I know a lot is included, but I'd like to get a feel for how much I'd need to budget for a trip. I'm not sure which tour I want to take, but I would say the most likely is one of the European tours.
Thanks!
Hi Dan
I am going on my 4th RS tour this year. When I look back on the extra money I spent, it would have to be on food and souvenirs. Two years ago I did the Paris and South of France and I spent about $400 extra which included gifts for everyone at home. Breakfasts and half of your dinners are included and also some of the lunches even though they don't list those. On the dinners on my own, I usually went out with some of the group so we did eat out almost every night, just usually at smaller restaurants. I don't think I paid extra for any sight-seeing as most were covered and they even threw in some extra sites.
On other trips, there have been concerts and plays that I have paid extra for but they don't add up to much and they are optional. In France, we were given Museum Passes and in Paris and London (on another trip) we had travel passes. This year, I am doing the Eastern Europe and there a few things that I might do that are not included but most don't cost much.
I also have always used public transportation to and from the airport which saves a lot and is easy and try to get lunches from a market or small bakery.
I know there are people who will tell you that you can do it cheaper yourself and though that may be true I think that the information you gain from you guide and the people you meet on the tour are worth it. I met friends on my first tour that I am still traveling with and have never had a guide that wasn't outstanding. Have fun!
Hi Dan
I have only done one RS tour, it was the 14 day Family Europe tour, and it was great. It is not a cheap tour, but , the value is definately there, I felt I had to spend very little extra,, just half my dinners,, and some lunches,, but lunches are often just grab and go sandwiches etc,.. I do not recall paying any extra really for sightseeing,, except the gondola ride in Venice.. which is optional( but everyone took!) They also threw in a few things I was not expecting,, drinks on the gondola, champane on the Pont Des Arts in Paris, a visit to the "Ice Man " museum on the Tirol mountains,,
I wish I could give you an exact number,, but really alot is left up to you,, how you will choose to spend your spare time,, some people on our tour chose to go hangliding in the Alps.. that was not cheap.. but my dd and did a hike and bought sandwiches that day,, which was cheap!
Figure 6-15 euros each for lunch,, less for sandwiches, more for sit down meal.. and about 10-20 for dinners,, wine could be more if you are lavish, or could be cheap... I find 50 euros a day covers me for ALL ( even breakfast) my meals in a day when I am NOT on a tour,, so on tour I definately did cheaper..
Dan,
I've been on a couple of tours and will go again in September. We and I think many seasoned travelers go 1-2 early to get acclimated to time differences, comfort zones, etc. and many stay one extra night after the tour. The tour ends after breakfast so you have that day free.
Being on the east coast you may have more options for departure and arrival times to coincide with the tour. The first couple of days of a tour can be strenuous (lots of walking, interaction with new people) so you need to be rested and ready to go. If you can arrive at least one day early it would help. That will increase your daily costs for lodging and meals.
All the tours have bottled water, beer, and perhaps soft drinks you can purchase cheaper than on the street. The tour guide always have provided some unexpected treats as Pat mentioned.
I'm probably extravagant (too many souvenirs, postcards mailed home) so I allot my about 75-100 euros a day but I come home with euros for the next trip. When you are caught up in the fun of a tour group, it's easy to spend more money. On my last tour I paid extra for additional luge rides and we went to a Mozart dinner concert which was 40 E without drinks. It was worth every cent!
Dan, I figure 10-20E per day for incidentals (light lunch, snacks, etc). More on some days, less on others. For example if the bus stops for lunch at an autostrada its easy to watch 10E disappear right there; but if you're spending a day in a city you can get a panini or equivalent for much less. If you stop somewhere for a glass of wine or beer during the day while sightseeing, that can be several E a pop. On days you buy your own dinner I'd estimate 20-25E for that. On nites that dinner is included wine and/or beer is usually not, so people often pool together with the people at their table for a bottle of wine, figure 5E. Add in souvenirs, phone calls home, transportation to/from airport to the start/end of the tour.
I'm going on my first ETBD tour this fall. The materials I received said to plan to spend between $90-$100 per day for purchases, beverages & sightseeing on my own.
Hi Dan -- I just returned from a RS 11 day tour to France. I received the same booklet that Rose (above) did but I think the $90-$100 a day is overstated. As mentioned by others, all the breakfasts were included, 4 or 5 dinners, and 2 lunches (the food was great). We also received a museum pass that could be used during free time (we used it to visit 5 additional museums in Paris). I incurred “extra” expenses for the Eiffel Tower $13, Marmottan Museum $9 (not included in pass), Opera $5, museum in Giverny $5, and Leonardo DaVinci’s home $7. Most days you don’t have time for a leisurely lunch so figure $8-12, dinners can be anywhere from $15 up. This was my second RS tour and I’m planning the next one. In my opinion, they are a good value and you see a lot (a lot more than I would ever see on my own). For more info, take a look at the “tour member evaluations” on this website. Hope you have a great time.
