What Do You Appreciate In Others On A Rick Steves Tour? (Soon To Take My First RS Tour)

I've never been on a tour and probably never will but here are some things I appreciate while in the midst of strangers. People and myself introducing to each other and inquiring about each other as individuals. Get to know each person, who is worthwile, have good conversations with them. Abhor slow eaters. Don't be slow. Ask excellent questions, not like a lot of what you see on the Travel Forum.

Now that I've said that, I have been on one tour, ten people to Llasa, Tibet for ten days. It was the only way for me to get there.

Tour members who gladly abide by Rick's "no grumps" policies...priceless! That covers just about everything for me. Everyone on my (only) tour was well-traveled, courteous, inquisitive, flexible, and easy to get along with. As a solo traveler, I had "roommates" assigned to me and had no problem whatsoever because RS tours seem to self-select certain kinds of travelers (those who share a more or less similar philosophy re: travel, lodgings, etc. make the trip very smooth).

I have only taken one RS tour( Family Europe , with my then 11 yr old dd)
.What I likes was most everyone on tour was upbeat, open to different customs( NO grumps allowed!)!

Everyone was social, but not clingy.

We all sat in bus where ever we wanted, no one got weird and territorial.

We watched out for each other in crowds.

My favorite part of the group dynamic is learning about everyone's prior travels. No one in my regular life is interested in traveling, so I loved sitting at dinner and hearing stories about all the interesting places people have traveled to. Most people on the Rick Steves' tours seem much more well traveled than I am. The only things that really bother me in group settings are when people are late and when they are know-it-alls. If you have some insight on a topic, by all means, share it. But it bugs me when the same person monopolizes the conversation or has a comment about everything. I've been lucky on both these accounts on my tours. The Rick Steves tour groups I've traveled with are by far the nicest, smartest and most interesting groups I've ever been in.

I appreciate how most RS tour members are social. In fact, I would recommend making a point to sit next to someone new each morning at breakfast, that way you get to know everyone. I also appreciated the little things that made the tour fun (and that I would never think to plan on my own), such as the dry luge in Germany, and a group tasting of Black Forest Cake. Showing appreciation to the guide in front of the other tour members makes for a positive environment, and really lifts spirits (say, in the face of pouring rain). Sharing a bite of chocolate on the bus, or passing around a book to look at. These things add cohesiveness to the members. Conversely, no one likes a grump or complainer (see above mentioned rain). Mother nature happens. The tour guide can't change it. No need to go on and on about it. Also, being on time is greatly appreciated.
Have fun on your tour!!

Things I appreciate in other tour members are friendliness, punctuality, looking out for others (like inviting a solo traveler to lunch or lending an adapter), openness/approachability, and a genuine interest in the [Irish/French/German/Belgian/etc.] culture.

Things I dislike are major grumps (everybody gets a little cranky from time to time but major grumps are another kettle of fish), people who loudly snap their chewing gum while in a closed environment (like the bus) or listening to a guide, and those who wear too much perfume/cologne.

Theresa said it: punctuality. It really screws up the schedule when someone is unapologetically late. Some people just can't get going in the morning.

On last tour, the bus driver told me that he loves driving Rick Steves tours, because the people are "above average for Americans".

Twenty-one RS tours so far. I hate, hate, hate the name game and buddy introductions. Love the buddy system. The best part of the tours is the quality of people they draw - always an amazing group of fellow travelers who truly help shape our experience.

This is a wonderful question, and I can tell that you will be a great addition to your tour group.
Punctuality, friendliness, the "no grumps" mantra, and a sense of adventure are appreciated qualities. In my 5 RS tours I only can remember 1 person who was a "royal pain," but we thought that he probably had serious anxiety issues and tried to treat him with courtesy. (The guide actually considered sending him home ...)
As to annoying, many of us have become sensitive to fragrances and we hope that our fellow travelers leave the perfumes and aftershave at home.
Have a wonderful trip!

"....what you find annoying." The name game and the buddy introductions. But I fear it's so ingrained that it'll never go away.

I have found the people who participate in RS tours to be interesting, kind and caring people. However, there is one type of person I find very annoying - the extreme shutterbug. This person will frequently ask you to move so they can take a picture or even step in front of you or push you aside. This type of person often takes pictures in museums where photos are not allowed, or hold up their iPad (along with 50 other people holding up phones or iPads) in order to get a picture of a painting. There was a person on one of our tours who constantly ran up and down the aisle of the bus, or back and forth from one side to the other, trying to get a picture.

I appreciate hearing other tour members who do activities (in the free-time) that I wasn't able to/did not go see and tell me about what happened (e.g. at dinner), because everyone can't go and see everything in one day. I appreciate the stories (some very memorable even though I did not experience them) they tell me from other tours they have taken (some RS, some not).

I would not be surprised if I was one of the above described less-than-wonderful tour members at some point but my pet peeves I wish I could tell my tour group: 1) please don't smoke. I know you are craving it, but please go far far downwind, and don't do it anywhere near me when the tour guide is talking. If you do, I will forgive you that I can smell you and your clothes even when you are not smoking. 2) please don't over-drink when we're at a group dinner. It was so embarrassing to be with the tour group and be the only extremely loud North American tour group because you are over indulging on the wine. And then walking home acting like lushes is embarrassing because all the locals stare. 3) Don't stand in front and block the rest of the group's view. A certain person on one tour would always stand in front and block the exhibit out of view, to look at something when the group was together and the guide was talking. (Even when the rest of the group was not taking pictures). Worse yet, he was completely oblivious how other tour members were annoyed, and he wasn't petite that we could see over him.

I also hate the games and buddy introductions. I have actually considered not going again because of this. Not everyone enjoys giving a speech in front of a group. On the tours where they have not done this, everyone managed just fine getting to know each other and bind as a group after a couple of days.

Oh my gosh.....to this day, I STILL remember my assigned buddies on the two Rick Steves tours we took several years ago. In fact, when I mail our annual holiday card to my last buddy and his partner, each year I write "Buddy Check" when I begin a short, personal note to them :)

I guess the system of not losing people works for RS guides, but yes, it does feel a little first-grade-like at that first orientation meeting. But, then, no one was lost on either of those tours, so logistically it seems to work. But, then again, we've taken several Tauck Tours, which don't use the buddy system, and no one ever went missing on those.

Agree with most of the qualities the other posters have already written. Having a positive attitude and being considerate of the other tour members are the over-arching qualities we value.....along with no socially obnoxious behavior (which is rare with RS groups), and yes, definitely being on time! Be interesting and be interested!! Don't criticize the country and the customs......roll with it. Have a sense of humor, but don't be a constant jokester (which can get old). We enjoyed our fellow tour goers....some we bonded with, and others we just found pleasant.

After reading the responses I have two thoughts. There must be quite a few introverts on the Steves tours. I thought there were no grouches.

You can be a grouch, just keep it to yourself.

Doug, that you asked this question in the first place is a pretty good indication that you'll be a joy to travel with.

I haven't done an RS tour, and my only experience with a group for any length of time was a month traveling with a chorale years ago. What I recall from that trip plus some shorter jaunts with others is being annoyed with the constant whiners, people who were consistently late and disorganized, and who talked ALL the time - even in situations where we were supposed to be listening to a guide or observing respectful silence. Oh, and people who just can't refrain from frequently and loudly airing their political/social/religious viewpoints get very old as well.

The cologne thing is a biggie: good idea to leave that stuff at home when sharing enclosed quarters.

What I really enjoyed were cheerful, upbeat companions who were visibly taking an interest in what we were seeing, and having engaging discussions about our experiences/impressions at the end of the day. Picking up tips from others who've been to places I've yet to go, or who have interesting little insights to share regarding art, culture, architecture, history, etc. of places we're seeing along the way is great too!

Thanks to everyone who has responded to my post. Your insights provide worthwhile perspectives to ponder. Several of you have mentioned how great the Rick Steves travelers are to spend time with...not surprised. I like the suggestion to mix it up so you get to know each other...and as well enjoy the stories of cotravelers' prior travels. Thanks for sharing...

Since when does being an introvert make one a grouch?

We are considering our first RS tour, which will be our first group tour of any kind. What in the world are "assigned buddies"?

Barbara.
At the first day gathering of the group, the guide will introduce himself/herself, then each person will be assigned a buddy. If I remember correctly, instead of then introducing yourself at the gathering, your buddy would introduce you. Sort of gets people talking to one another.

Then, throughout the tour, whenever the group is getting ready to move en masse (think boarding a bus or jumping on the Metro to go from point A to point B, the guide will say Buddy Check, and each person is to look for his/her buddy and make sure they are with the group. In addition, I'm almost certain that the guide counts noses. But, if someone is missing, and it is your assigned buddy, you could quickly say, 'Ah....Ralph is not here.'

So, that's the buddy mystery. It's really not bad.

And, I don't think anyone is necessarily an introvert if they have commented about not loving the introductions of buddies. I'm extremely extroverted, but I'd probably just as soon introduce myself vs. trying to quickly get to know someone well enough in a few minutes (often when both individuals are still quasi jet lagged and having to hope one does justice to introducing the fellow tour goer). But, the system seems to work okay....so maybe don't fix what isn't broken. But, if given the choice, again, I would just as soon speak for myself in the introduction vs. having someone else represent me and my having to represent someone else.

Barbara, it's a Rick Steves way of making sure everyone is present and accounted for. Each person is assigned another person in the group, not their spouse or partner, to be their buddy. When the bus leaves, or the group goes somewhere together, the guide calls, " buddy check," and people are responsible to make eye contact with their buddies and give a thumbs up to show that everyone is there. My husband and I have been on to Rick Steves tours, and so far have avoided the name game, which I would also find not fun. The group stands in a circle, and the person to the right of the guide says the name of the person to his left. The second person must name the person to his left and the guide. The third person must name the second person, the first person and the guide, etc. around the circle.

As for what I find enjoyable in my fellows, genuine friendliness without being clingy. There are times when my husband and I have wanted a quiet dinner alone, and others have not taken the hint that we have purposely gone away from the group to have dinner. Or, because I speak several other languages, some folks have suggested that I be in charge of translating the entire menu for them, in their words, " I'll use your brain, not my phrasebook. " Dislike.

@ Margaret & Particia - Thanks! I was getting nervous that the RS Tour required babysitting another tour member. Just speaking up if your "buddy" is missing doesn't sound that onerous.

Barbara, the buddy system is a great (and efficient) way to keep track of everyone. It's the buddy introductions that so many of us dislike. When we first gather, we're told that we'll each need to give a short talk to the group about our buddies in a few days. Unfortunately, RS doesn't think we adults can get to know each other on our own.

Nancy and Doug.
Interesting.....on the two Rick Steves' Tours we took (granted a few years ago now, so maybe the formula has changed), we only did the front-end, first-meeting intro of the buddies.....no pressure for a talk about the buddy later. Most intros were maybe 3-4 sentences (name, where they were from, was this their first trip or had they traveled the world, maybe occupation, maybe comment if they were celebrating a milestone, maybe their hobbies, etc.)

After that time, other than 'spotting' the buddy and saying if he/she were missing, one (in theory) could go the entire rest of the tour time never even speaking to the buddy.....but, of course, everyone is friendly and chatty, so that would be unlikely.

I can appreciate the value of the buddy check...a quick matchup of everyone is fine with me. Being left behind, especially if it were me, could be quite a sinking feeling. Easily distracted people like me... "Squirrel!" ....can need shepharding from time-to-time!

You're already more thoughtful than many by thinking of this question. I've done 4 RS tours solo - much of the advice I would give has been provided above. There have been a couple of notable examples on my RS tours where forgetfulness, tardiness, and lack of awareness (e.g, the standing in front of the view) were irritating to all. Being aware of yourself and that your behavior could impact others will go a long way toward peace and harmony. Plus, you don't have to be best friends with everyone in the group - remember it's YOUR vacation, not the group's vacation. If you aren't clicking with someone (especially if you're solo) be sure to set your boundaries...and be respectful if someone does the same in return.

All of that said, I really can only think of three people (out of nearly 100 tourmates) that I would have preferred stay home instead of joining my RS tour. Not a bad rate...compared to a tour group I had in SE Asia where the rate was more like 75% (RS needs to expand). Have a wonderful tour and bon voyage.

We liked the buddy check system, it made accounting for the group fast and easy! It was just catching buddies eye, you don't hang out with them! It makes a lot of sense that your buddy is not one of your travel companions, since if you are missing you most likely would be with them, and not a random person on the tour.

I've only been on one RS tour. I'm a big fan of the buddy system. Takes about 2 seconds and gets you to connect with other folks.

As others have said don't be the last one to the bus every day.

We had a mother daughter team that are ALWAYS the last ones to the bus. The guide took them aside after a couple of days and asked them to pull it together. That afternoon they were the first on the bus! Unfortunately our group was meeting somewhere else so we waited and waited for them until someone thought to check the bus.

But they weren't grumps!

Have a great time!

After four RS Tours these are my perspectives which I hope helps others, especially newbies. What’s appreciated by me is the opportunity to open myself up to being with new people, seeing new places and having new experiences. I also sincerely appreciate hearing other people’s stories and adventures of travel and life experiences. We can always continue to learn from others and not just about travel.

What’s annoying was said, Punctuality and Grumps: The group will be more cohesive and work best when people are on time. Whiners and complainers are not group people and likely may not see themselves as a Grump.

Communication: This is very important. If you have any issue about the Tour in any manner or questions about things, don’t hesitate to speak with the Tour Leader. They can’t fix what they don’t know is bothering you, and they can’t read your mind. This can eliminate people being grumpy or moody.

Buddy system: It’s important for head counts and leaving no one behind. It works and normally improves the group dynamic. Yes, the Name game icebreakers can be uncomfortable or boring for some, but they work, too. Those dealing with jet lag or memory issues benefit greatly.

Socialization: I try to sit at meals with different people to get to know everyone early in the tour. By the end of the tour, it’s nice to at least have had a coffee or glass of wine with everyone in the group. Some people just naturally click more together and others shouldn’t be offended by that. Be mindful that both couples and solo members need alone time. Yes, it’s a group tour but we all need some down time to ourselves.

Clingy people: If your buddy or someone else is too clingy for you and becomes your shadow, you need to gently assert your own needs. Some people are just anxious, have never traveled alone, or never traveled in Europe. Help your Buddy or tour mate understand they can go off on their own, too, and not be afraid. Suggest to them you meet back up for dinner or for drinks to share your day.’

When the Roster arrives in the mail read it over a few times to learn the names. Make a photocopy for your day bag. Exchanging phone numbers and e-mails is optional but easily improves exchanging tour information, making plans, and sharing the after tour experience.

We are all coming from different places and things in our lives. Travel with an open mind. Be respectful and be flexible about each other’s quirks. It goes a long way in having a more enjoyable time. Relax, have fun, and enjoy!

I thought that the tour I was on had just the right amount of group interaction and friendliness. People were interesting and I really enjoyed getting to know them. I also felt comfortable just going off by myself to see what I wanted to see and then rejoining the group.

I also very much appreciated the quality of the guides--Christof, our tour leader was great. But then we had city guides who each brought a wealth of knowledge about the places and their history.

Pam

I have never been crazy about the Name Game and have only done Buddy introductions on one of the 5 tours I've been on. The buddy intro was on the 3rd night so you got to know them a little by then. What was hilarious about that one was that we could tell truth or lies and the one guy who told a tall tale about his buddy was hilarious. We actually laughed about that every day for 3 weeks and yes, it has continued on FB now months afterward. (The story was he had left his wife Phyllis at home to mow the yard while he brought his girlfriend on the tour.)

I do take the name roster with me to the first meet up where everyone introduces themselves. It helps me make a connection with either writing down where they are from, their occupation or something to help me remember them. The longer the tour the more bonded you will become with your tour-mates. I found that on the City tour (I've done Paris) that although I knew everyone by the end of the week I didn't know them as well as my travel companions on the 21 day BOE.

Out of 5 tours, so more than 100 people, I've only had one grump.

On my first RS tour the guide suggested families, couples and traveling companions split up at meals and try to sit with others. I do try to sit with someone different for each meal and it is very interesting!

The tour guides and the tour members are why I keep signing up for RS tours. (REally, I know that makes me sound like a shill but I'm just a satisfied customer!)

Like Pam, we had one tour where we could tell the truth in our buddy introductions or make something up. I'll never forget the look on one rather quiet member's face as her buddy made up a story about her. Afterward, she turned to me and said with a sad look, "I guess my life isn't very interesting." What a terrible way to start a tour. And, what possible gain is there in making up an introduction?

While I'm more than happy to introduce myself, I don't care to have a stranger do it. And, I'm really not interested in listening to my buddy tell me his life history - I've listened to people go on for a good hour when we've been directed to get to know each other. I'd rather spend my time enjoying the tour rather than hearing minutiae about a stranger's life. Then, there are the actual introductions, which can go on forever. I've heard buddies describe things as ridiculous as their favorite color! I'm obviously feeling a little grumpy about this subject, probably because we're leaving tomorrow for the St. Petersburg tour and reviews tell me that our guide has tours do these introductions. I'm dreading it already, but I won't be a grump on the tour 😊.

My experience has been that, on the tours where the guide mercifully doesn't do either the name game or buddy introductions, we get to know each other just as well. People who aren't interested in meeting others probably won't choose a tour anyway.

Just to clarify, the buddy system is great. It has nothing to do with buddy introductions.

Oh Nancy, the introduction story is heartbreaking. I never thought if it in those terms.

BTW, on one tour 3 people opted out of the Name Game which worked out fine. I am not sure if they knew what was coming or not because while it was not my first RS tour, it was the first one with the Name Game. No buddy intro on that one.

The name game doesn't bother me as much as buddy intros. Those I really dread. I do not like to stand up and speak to a room full of strangers. It makes me nervous and it shows. Plus, it just seems so forced. I've had one buddy never speak to me and just made up the buddy intro information. I must admit it was very humorous and much more entertaining than my real life. He had the crowd in stitches, including me. I agree, I have been on tours where we did not do either the buddy intro or the name game. The group bonded just as well as when either of these activities are done.

For what it's worth, I always try to be on time and not speak while the guide is talking.