First Day Tour Welcome and The "Name Game"

We didn't do it on my 2023 tour. I wish we had - took awhile to learn names, especially with many sound alikes (e.g., Julie, Judy, to name one).

Edit to add - Judy, a veteran of 15 tours, took notes at first meeting, likening people to people she knew, or other distinguishing characteristic. She was my go-to for the first while.

Our tours in 2023 didn't use the "Name Game". One guide had the best solution I've seen so far - he snapped pics of each couple or single and organized them into one "cheat sheet" document with name labels by each photo. Everyone carried the sheets around a few days and remarkably everyone seemed to pick up each other names much more quickly.

I've done 2 RS tours, and I am extremely happy to say that we didn't do the name game on either tour.

Do what I did.......just make up names as I went along. I usually used the names of famous people. I made sure I called the guide, male or female, Rick Steves. Then turn to the next person to play and smile. I would usually say "your turn."

This always got a laugh.

Why should you feel bad or pressured to partake in a silly game you don't want to. How much money are you paying? Do you think the RS office is going to call you to scold you?

Instead of playing the "Name Game," one guide asked everyone to say why they were named what they were. This was more interesting and less stressful.

I don't remember doing this on either RS tour we did, but we did have to introduce our travel "buddy" to the group. However, I always print the participant list before I leave and familiarize myself with the names and locations. It seems to help!

We've been on 19 RSE tours, and have played the name game on only 3 or 4 of them. Maybe 5, no more than that. And never on the first day, usually several days into the tour.

I do know most people find it stressful, but I must say it works. It helps to see it as a collaborative effort, with everyone rooting for and helping everyone else, rather than a competition. And one guide told me he always has his groups play the game, not just for their benefit, but also for his.

Frank II: I do like this variant:

Instead of playing the "Name Game," one guide asked everyone to say why they were named what they were. This was more interesting and less stressful.

I have completed 15 of Rick’s tours and this was done on only one in 2005.

As a retired educator, I have developed a good sense of immediate name recognition. Unfortunately (for me) I've never been able to show off my "skill" as none of my RS tour experiences included (the dreaded) Name Game.
It's the closest thing I have to a superpower.

However......

While on the Basque Tour, on the third day, one of our fellow travelers sat with us and our guide (who was catching a few winks) in the back of the bus. He called me "Russ" (which is not my name) as we traveled over the Pyrenees. I passed a note to our fellow traveler simply stating "My name is Doug not Russ". Much to my surprise, he read my note aloud. Our guide turned to me and said, "You know, Rick really does want us to do that Name Game".

We did not do the game on my Best of Turkey tour last year. We made self-introductions at the welcome meeting and then about half way through the tour we did "buddy" introductions at a happy hour. Even then, some people forgot they needed to learn about their buddy and were madly cramming while gulping down their wine. Not everyone is good with names and it's perfectly fine to admit so - with a dose of humor as Frank II noted most people are quite forgiving. Our guide also made the cheat sheet with photos and included names and contact information which was handy.

We did the Name Game on our RS tour in 2003. I was glad to be towards the front half of the circle. Same for the 2006 tour.

The 2015 tour didn’t do it.

On the 2023 Adriatic tour, our guide mentioned that we were going to do the Name Game on Day 3 but in a way we didn’t need to worry about it. (I still was trying to learn names as quickly as possible.). On Day 3, after our enjoyable wine-tasting lunch, the mellow group gathered together in a circle. She had the first person say their name, then we all repeated his name. The next person said their name. We all repeated Name 1 & Name 2, and so on. At the end, a couple of people wanted the chance to show they knew all of the names; otherwise, that was it.

Hint: I do try to note something about each person the first evening on my paper to help me remember them. It might be that they remind me of a friend, they’re the loud talker, their hair color, high voice, vivacious, their shoes, their bag, etc.

And I try to sit with someone different for breakfasts each day which helps a lot.

Blue439--As a retired educator, I have developed a good sense of immediate name recognition.

Ha ha--wish that was me. Even being a high school teacher for 22 years, I was always slow with names, despite all the little name tricks/methods/short cuts. When I first started teaching, it usually took me until Halloween to really get people's names down. By the time I left, I had gotten better and usually had names down by end of September. I have not done a RS tour, but for me the name game sounds scary and stressful!

The "name game" has taken place several times. We're against it because it just adds stress to what is supposed to be an enjoyable time. An many older individuals simply have mild memory issues. We've found, as several have suggested, that taking the participant list with us (or making our own version) and making notes on it about tour members really helps. After referring to it over two or three days, it's easy to put names with faces.

Three tours and only one did the dreaded name game with only a couple people in the hot seat. As I get senior person forgetful, I’m lucky to remember anyone’s name, much less where I put the car keys.

I have been on 13 Rick Steves tours. Only done the "Name Game" on one tour. And it was done about halfway during the tour so we had plenty of opportunity to remember (most) names. On another tour years ago, a guide did her version of the name game. She explained the reason behind her name (it was actually a nickname her older sister gave her) and we went around explaining if there was a special meaning or reason for our names. Some people just said something like "My name is Bob, no story or reason behind it."

Can someone please explain what the Name Game is? All I know is the 1965 song by Shirley Ellis!

I've been on 12 RS tours and done the name game out 4 or 5 times. A guide in Italy, took all our photos and made a cheat sheet, which I thought was the most effective. I find the name game doesn't really help me remember names and it's a bit childish. Just my opinion

"Can someone please explain what the Name Game is? All I know is the 1965 song by Shirley Ellis!"

The group stands in a circle. The first person, usually to the guide's left, says their name and the name of the guide. The next person says their name, the 1st person's name and the guide's name. Third persons says their name and everyone's name. Usually by 3 or 4 in, I start saying the names out loud so that the person isn't alone and usually people will join in so you have the whole circle chanting.

The "buddy" introductions, tell 2 truths and a lie about your buddy, etc are also awful and silly.

I've probably done then on 1/2 my 12 tours. On the Best of England, the guide said he refused to do them after a tour member burst into tears due to stress and possible embarrassment.

I DON'T mind going in turn to introduce yourself and I usually take notes for that but I think going forward I'll not participate in the Name Game or buddy introductions. I'm an adult. I can eventually remember people's names. I don't need games to make me feel part of the group and bond.

Just take it for the whimsical ice-breaking attempt that it is. We had it on 2 of 4 tours, and yes it helped me identify people, even when I was the last one in the chain. But there's no penalty or shame for not getting them right. Just a way of hearing everyone's name at least once, and the repetition helps. If you've ever been to business training classes or meetings, there are many variations on quick ways to get people to know who else is there.

I'm as introverted as anybody else, but it's an unwarranted fear. Just say "no I refuse" if you must. Unless you expect to go through a whole tour with people referring to you as "hey you". There really isn't much forced socializing, even at group meals, but knowing names facilitates things.

I still like our BOE guide’s solution, asking at the second group dinner for everyone to sit at a table with people you don’t know, including separating spouses and get to know your traveling companions over a meal.

well, per margie, I take it back. Forced socializing. That sounds more school-teacherish than the name game. I'd prefer to sit with my wife.

Thank you for that explanation. We've done 5 RSE tours (dating back to 2000) and have never done that. For each tour, all we did was introduce ourselves, give a quick biography, and say if this was our first RSE tour or how many we've done. We always had the list of tour members and made notes to help us remember names. I'm assuming it's up to the guide whether or not to play the game; thankfully, ours never did!

I like to take a photo of the tour roster and make it the default background image on my phone, so that I can take a quick look at my phone to see the names. I might be thinking "I know they live in Spokane - so who is .... ah! got it, it's Persephone and Guido. How could I forget?"

"I'm assuming it's up to the guide whether or not to play the game; thankfully, ours never did!"

At one time pre-Covid it was a requirement according to one guide I discussed it with. I found that the guides who'd been with the company longer were more apt to skip it over those that are newer hires.

Well Stan, if I had my druthers, I would rather sit with five people I don’t know and talk a bit over dinner versus stand in a circle of 28 and make a fool of myself by not remembering names. Or stand in front of 28 and make a fool of myself by messing up the 5 significant facts I was suppose to learn about some person I really know little about. (And unfortunately, I’ve done both) Frankly, I would rather not be “forced” to do anything but let things happen naturally. And thankfully the last 4 tours I haven’t had to say, “sorry, but I’d rather not play.”

My last 2 tours did not play this silly game. I am very glad and if they are going to have the name game on a future tour I have decided I will opt out and go do something else. Although I really like the idea of making up names for everyone.

After my first tour and name game, I resolved to bow out if I encountered it on a future tour. That didn't happen. At least twice when a guide mentioned it, he/she received groans and stated we would do something different.

My least favorite "introduction" was on a tour in spring 2023. The meet up was in the breakfast room of the hotel with people sitting at various small tables facing each other (like you would in a restaurant). The room had various types of furniture and some pillars. I could neither see or hear about half of the participants when we were to introduce ourselves and share a bit of information.

Pam, it may have been a requirement, but if so, it was honored in the breach. I think of the 14 pre-Covid tours we've taken, we did the name game on only 3. And buddy introductions on only 2.

When I saw “Name Game” I immediately felt Miss Anxiety creep in. We have been on 5 RS tours and played the Name Game on the very first tour. Memory has never been my friend, so panic set in quickly. Next tour was so great because the amazing tour guide took a picture of each of us and put all the pictures on a page with name below each picture. She then photo copied it and gave us each a copy. Bless her heart! One tour we did the interview your buddy and do a short stand up in front of the group report on your buddy. On two tours we just introduced and said a little something about our ourselves. This works the best for me because I have the tour roster in my little notebook and I then make notes next to their name as they tell us a little about them selves. I tend to learn by association so this method works the best for me. Plus I am able to go back to my notes first few days for name reinforcement and also help my husband out with the names. We have our 6th tour coming up in September and I will admit that as a 73 year old person I am still doing🤞🏼in hopes we don’t do the Name Game.

I am glad Pam explained what the 'name game' is. I had no clue.
On the 2 RS tours I have been on , it wasn't done.

If I were the last person in the circle I would be inclined to respond thusly ( after introducing myself)

Larry, Curly, Moe, Tom Dick, Harry, Dopey, Sneezy, Doc .......ending with Boris, Natasha and Fearless Leader( for the guide)

Obviously a good thing the guides on my tours skipped the 'name game'

No telling how long my wife and the guide would have been arguing over who would get 1st crack at the chance to beat me to pulp.

Last couple tours I went on didn't do the Name Game.

It's not a competition, just a friendly way to break the ice. And not a big deal, and maybe falls under Rick Steves' philosophy of "no grumps!"

If someone is an introvert and doesn't like speaking in a group, then it is a big deal.

Rick has said he believes extroverts have more fun traveling and he wants everyone to be an extrovert.

https://www.ricksteves.com/press-room/ricks-travel-philosophy

Thank you, Frank!

I’ve never heard of this….but I don’t take organised tours.
If you are indeed a shy person, this might be quite awful for you to have to participate in.
I’m not shy, but I would be the one making up fake names for everyone.
Who can remember 25-30 names?!
Yikes.

I’ve done 7 tours and it was only done on the first one, thank goodness. The last tour guide did a very easy version of only knowing the name of the person you happened to be standing next to and it was day 3 and after we all had a shot of a local liqueur 😉. I think the guides don’t like having to do it either.

I've been on 4 RS tours so far - have yet to do the Name Game.

We have done the name game on 8 of our 9 tours. Our Scandinavia tour leader had the best approach. Instead of each person having to recite names alone, the whole group said the names everytime - noone could tell if anyone goofed on a name. I enjoy the name game - helps me learn names quickly but understand people's discomfort if having to recite names.

I took my first RS tour in 2004 as a solo traveler. I am normally pretty shy and introverted, but I realized that in order to have the best experience, I would have to do something different. I made a resolution that I would know everyone’s name by day 3. I accomplished this by walking with someone different each time we were going somewhere, and sitting with different folks at each meal. I’ve continued to do this on all 14 tours, and it just makes for a richer experience for me. On the last tour, I took pictures of everyone during the tour and identified them in my photo roll, since unfortunately I would forget everyone’s name once I got home. 🫤

Wow, so interesting to see the incredible variety of reactions on this forum. There will always be something, probably more than one something, that is not your preferred activity on a tour. You can get upset or frustrated or just go with the flow. For me it is the wine tastings. I just go with a positive attitude realizing that it is something others value. I think it is the same with the “name game”. It is 10 minutes and may be helpful to others, so just go with it.

For me it is the wine tastings.

Carol now retired -that's a tedious experience for me too. I tolerate it because my partner's an aficionado and actually took notes and pics at Virginie's cheese and wine tasting. I was roundly chastised when I favored the sweetest champagne :) .

Silas Marner, phooey on being chastised for preferring the sweet champagne! I probably would have been drummed out, since I prefer cava or prosecco to genuine champagne. Actually, I always choose still wines, not bubblies.

And Carol now retired, I agree about going along with whatever. The name game is nobody's favorite, but it takes just a few minutes of a tour that may last 7 to 21 days, and is helpful to many. I do like the idea of the entire group chanting the names; the last time we had to do the name game, that's what we did. And it was the group members who started the chant, not the guide. It was a bonding experience for most of us.

I've done three tours, we did the name game around the third day of the first one, standing in a circle on the edge of town where we wouldn't scare the horses. I thought it was silly, probably others did too, but no one objected. I try to learn people's names, making notes on the roster and sitting with different folks at meals and on the bus. It takes me a couple of days to get them down. Easier for me because I do these tours solo and I'm extroverted anyway. On the second tour the guide said we wouldn't do it, that was fine too. On the third tour, I think the second morning, the guide had us line up outside the bus in alphabetical order by first name. That was kind of fun, as we knew more or less where we belonged in line and we sorted ourselves out without anyone being "on the spot." Then the guide went down the line naming everyone, a self-test on her part. Of course she got 100%.

On one tour, a few days in, we had dinner together and the guide (who hadn't done the game) suggested that we sit with people other than our partners. I appreciated that chance to interact with people individually.

Recently I took a Road Scholar tour and we all wore nametags, at least the first few days. I'd rather learn names than do that.

I've been on thirteen tours. A couple did not do the name game - and I never really learned everyone's name. A couple did the classic where first everyone says their name and then each person has to name everyone (usually with a lot of help for the first few 'players'). A couple went around the circle two or three times with everyone saying a person's name. One did a great intro and I quickly learned and remembered all the names. We each had to introduce ourselves with a tag that started with the same letter as our name. So we had Lofty Lary, Precious Pauline, Bodacious Ben, etc. It made the game fun - and we all learned the names.

I've done Road Scholar - and I hate wearing those name tags!!

I understand why many tours do something to help us remember other people's names. It may seem silly, or forced, but I always try to remind myself: "you're not the only one that...(feels embarrassed, has memory challenges, thinks it's dumb) ...but do it anyway." I think this is a valid part of the "no grumps" policy. I can find a way to be a part of the group, and accept the group's help. In the long run, I'd much rather do that than opt out.

Charles, why would I want to remember their names? Who are these people anyway?

Mr E, They are the names of all of the people on a Rick Steves’ tour. Your tour-mates, bus-mates, dinner-mates, so it’s nice to know the names of people you are spending 1-2 weeks with.

Ohhhhhhhhhh...................

If someone is an introvert and doesn't like speaking in a group, then
it is a big deal.

Rick has said he believes extroverts have more fun traveling and he
wants everyone to be an extrovert.

I've always thought that RS statement was idiotic. For me, there's nothing worse then extroverts pointing out an introvert at a party and asking why they're so quiet, hate people, etc. I'm perfectly capable of having fun in my own way and don't need conversation to have fun. In fact small talk is my definition of not fun.

As far as the name game goes, I didn't like it at the time but will admit it was helpful. I was about 5th in the circle to go and got about 2 names in before messing up. My wife though, who is an extrovert, went after me and went through every name like a hot knife through butter. I'm sure by day 3 she could have also told where everyone was from and their first-borns.

I know Rick has said the first part - extroverts have more fun. I agree with him. I travel with a lot of extroverts and my wife's family are all extroverts, and they do have more fun. Or really, what is fun to them is different

The last sentence is the key. What is fun to them may be different than what is fun to you or me or anyone else. And why do you have to follow someone else's definition of fun?

I travel solo. In many cases, I prefer to stay by myself. Yet I have a "fun" time because I am doing what I want and enjoy.

I don't buy into the "this is how I travel so this is how you should travel" philosophy. I pick and choose ideas from what I hear or read that will work for me.

Everyone needs to travel in a way that makes them happy. Not in a way that makes someone they don't even know happy.

Edit: It seems the posting I quoted from has disappeared.

So, FrankII. Allen, it's okay I don't learn the names of strangers and get chummy on a tour?

Sorry FrankII, I took down my post as it was an unhelpful rant. But you ID'd the most relevant part.

Hate the name game! Luckily the last few tours haven’t had it. But we experienced it several times.

On the RS tour we went on we sat in a circle and went around and said our name and where we were from. Our guide took pictures of the circle and sent the pictures to us on What’s app with everyone’s name written on the photo. It worked really well.

This discussion makes me even less likely to ever go on a tour. Ugh!

Yeah, this is not making it sound like a fun event.

I'm surprised how much traction this post is getting, it's 5 minutes out of a 2 week tour.

I'm surprised how much traction this post is getting, it's 5 minutes out of a 2 week tour.

Apparently, it's an important and unliked five minutes by many.

Since so many are voicing they hate the Name Game, let’s brainstorm some alternative ideas for getting to know the people in your tour group.

• Tour guide has a name tent of each person and changes the location at the group dinners, so everyone has the chance to converse with each other.

• During the intro night, hand out the Bingo paper with “loves opera”, “ran a marathon”, “first Rick Steves tour”, “wearing green”, etc. in the blocks. Each person can write their name on up to two items per card for ten minutes. This activity helps you remember people’s hobbies, too!

Do people get a list of names of who is going before a Rick Steves tour? I have always received a participant list with guided outdoor trips I have done. It helps to familiarize myself with who is going and what the names + hometowns are before I actually see everyone so I can at least have some idea of who is there. Granted, I haven't done a trip with 20+ people. I haven't done RS, but I would not be a big fan of the name game--seems stressful and being put "on the spot."

Pete, we receive the list of first names. I can’t remember if it includes the cities, but it does include the state where they live. 27 people are a lot to remember, so I bring a copy of the list and make notes on it.

"...so I bring a copy of the list and make notes on it."

I love this idea Jean. As a secret introvert, I sometimes find it hard to start conversations and get to know people. Forgetting people's names always stresses me. On my BOE21 we stood in a circle and I was two-thirds of the way around. But I did it. (With a little help from my new friends). -:-)

Siouxzie

On Best of Switzerland tour, our guide took everyone’s pictures, placed them on one sheet with names and handed out to everyone the next day. If you are a visual learner it really helped and was able to refer to throughout the trip.

I’ve been on 2 RS tours, with a third one coming up this September. Luckily I never had to do the “name game”.

When I received the list of tour participant’s first names with their home towns, I did a bit of google searching. If they were from small towns, I looked up some of the tourist or historical sites, and scribbled a note beside their names. If they were from a larger city, I looked up a landmark or museum from that city. This allowed for conversations where I could ask them about the things I learned. People seemed to appreciate that I was interested in where they lived , and allowed for some interesting conversations. It didn’t take long to put a face to the name or where they were from.

I love that I have an opportunity to get to know like minded travellers with interesting backgrounds. It enriches my experience on the tour.

I have never taken a guided multi-day tour. Frankly, much of this seems quite invasive to me. Are the games and pictures and advance fellow traveler name lists common to other companies mentioned frequently on this board - OAT, Odessey, etc?

I have done long day trips that included shared meals and “adventure” activities. No games, but I learned names and enjoyed the company. Why the forced camaraderie at the onset? I would think friendships would better develop over time and shared experience?

I know many enjoy RS and don’t mean to criticize the choice of others. Just looking for more general background on guided tours in case I need to that route!

Mr E, the pre tour list sent to all participants includes only first name and home town. Any photo or other personal information would be provided by the traveler during the tour if so inclined. Most share email addresses and group photos.

I had not heard of the "Name Game" before I paid for a RS Tour. If I had heard of it, I would think twice about a tour. I am a friendly person, enjoy meeting people and have entertained individuals from six continents in my home. I have a large circle of friends and acquaintances, sending out over 100 holiday cards each year. However, I detest group activities where I am asked to involuntarily sit with people I don't know at dinner and "Name Game" activities where I'm asked to share my information and attempt to guess other participants names. I lost sleep last night fretting over this. I don't even know if my tour will have a "Name Game" activity. I'm certainly not against meeting new people. During my professional career I met new clients on a daily basis. However, for a trip I am paying a lot of money to take I don't think this activity should be asked of me. I think a previous poster mentioned this. I am taking this tour because I am weary from years and years of caregiving, too grief-ditzy to plan a trip independently on my own, and wanted to see if a group tour was for me. Do other tour companies do these types of activities? What about this buddy check thing? Is this common too? I hope I have not made a mistake in purchasing this tour. I won't be a grump about it. However, if it is "played" during my tour I will be relieved when it is over. My husband and I have traveled independently to three continents for over 40+ years. Maybe I'm too independent. Maybe we'll need to go back to independent that if this is how all group tour operators work. I have several more RS Tours in mind so I hope this tour works out okay.

Ever hopeful,

Traveler Girl

Why the forced camaraderie at the onset?

I've only done one RS tour and so my sample size is small. On the first day there was a meetup where the guide introduced herself and then went around the room and introduced ourselves. I think it was during this time that our guide took photos and said she'd email us all a cheat sheet.; which I very much appreciated and studied the next morning because I'm not good with names. After that we did a short city tour and a group meal. It wasn't until the afternoon of day 3 when we arrived at our hotel that we played the name game and I thought it was extremely helpful. As I mentioned in a previous comment, I failed miserably but my wife went through the names like a hot knife through butter.

To me it's the looong group dinners that are forced camaraderie, and I'm sure whoever was forced to sit beside me at any of these dinners thought it was the longest meal of their lives as I'm not one for small talk. Luckily I and my fellow introverts could sneak out and get more exploring in. The tour was beneficial to both me and my wife as she is a social butterfly and happily mingled at every group gathering and as a result she was OK with me escaping.

travelergirl and others: There is no requirement to play the name game, or take part in any other group activity. Including meals.

If it's a bus tour, you do need to show up when it's time for the group to move on to another destination.

I don't like the name game either, but as Allan said, it is helpful. And it can be a cooperative exercise, rather than the "pop quiz" and humiliation that people fear. Just say "no." Really; it'll be okay.

Someone else was amazed about the "hate" for the system. Not wanting to be a part of somehting is a lot different than "hate". Its great if you are into it.

I hope the RSE folks read this thread and analyze what people are saying. They were pretty careful about respecting privacy, and not sharing email or last names prior to tour. Every tour we've done, the leader didn't instigate it, but someone would pass around a voluntary sign up sheet so people could share email addresses for sharing of photos. Strictly voluntary. Photos to identify people? , I've never seen that done. Or name tags, if thats what some would prefer.

What else can you do but sit together if the meal is in a small restaurant with limited seating and the leader is paying the restaurant on one check? Don't want to interact? Don't. Don't want to share personal information? Don't. Want to get up and leave as soon as you're done? No problem, as long as you can find your way back to the hotel. Skip activities? Sure.

The buddy system is not forced camaraderie. It's about accountability, so that no person is left behind if they've wandered off, or passed out in their room. You are not expected to hang out with your buddy, just look for them when the coach is loading. Just about having another person who can speak up for you if you're not there. And if you've ever traveled in large groups, you know it's not that easy for one person to keep track of everyone.

Tours are not for everyone.

Travelergirl.....I sent you a PM.

Thanks, Jane and Stan!

I am of an age, 1980s - '90s, when "team building" activities and forced corporate overnights to "interact with others outside the office" were common in my professional field. I have no desire to return to these sorts of coerced affairs.

I don't like the notion of RS guides or pre-tour dossiers with name, hometown, contact info, etc defining me. As travelergirl says, if I am taking (and paying for) a tour, it is because I am tired of all DIY with the accompanying responsibilities and sole accountability. I would hope to be treated as an adult capable of managing interpersonal relationships appropriately with consideration for others, but also with respect to my personal privacy boundaries. I am not averse to meeting others while traveling - in fact, I have made several important business contacts which began with chats in various Executive Lounges worldwide.

I have no doubts that someone on an RS tour would label me a "grump" simply because I am more introverted than RS would like.

I love the no grumps policy of RS tours. I've been several RS tours-- all excellent-- and several Tauck land tours-- all good. Tours aren't for everybody. If you worried about learning folks names or sharing email addresses with other tour participants or having to carry your own luggage or engaging in group meals or hearing 10 part history of such and such, well, there are other ways to travel and those ways are great too!

Personally, I'm not a name-game type of guy myself but with that said I know that it can be part of the RS tour experience. And the RS tour experience is outstanding!

I’ve done 7 RS tours, only played the name game formally on the first one, a very casual and abbreviated version on the last tour, none at all the other 5. Paper was sent around to share emails at the end of a tour, completely voluntary, 3 times, never had pictures taken.

We do get a list of first names only and city of fellow tour members about a week or so before the tour which I print out and make notes on during the introductory meeting to help me remember faces and names. I’m very far from an extrovert and I am a solo traveler and I’m here to reassure everyone that it is not situation where you feel like your personal autonomy is violated. Some of the responses are a bit over the top I feel. You sign up for a 1-2 week group endeavor and read the expectations what that doing means when you plunk your money down. I normally combine solo travel time with the tour because I enjoy both dynamics. But touring in a RS group is really ok and enjoyable and not some version of the stepford wives.

As Stan said, hopefully the RS people are hearing what people are saying about the "name game". In a prior post I stated that we're against it because it just adds stress to many during what is supposed to be an enjoyable time. Some people are just shy, some individuals simply have mild memory issues (and not just the old folks), others don't really like to reveal much about themselves, and some people really don't care who their tour mates are nor what they do. If a getting to know folks is "necessary", a voluntary self introduction should be enough. For those who are interested in who their tour mates are and what they do, making notes on about them on one's own should help them remember who's who and what's what.

I think people are making a big deal out of nothing. Especially those who have never been on a Rick Steves tour and are making lots of assumptions and are declaring that the tour is a forced exercise. Based on my experiences, out of 13 Rick Steves tour, I have done the Name Game only ONCE! Most guides have admitted they don't like the game and don't play it. Chill out people and stop fixating on this one TINY aspect of the Rick Steves tour. If the Name Game was such a negative forced activity, hated by many, then the tour members would have provided such feedback to the company or chosen to never go on a Rick Steves tour again. But they keep coming back...

Hi all,

I sent a ping to the Webmaster that this post topic would be beneficial for the RS staff to review. People & guides don’t seem to be enjoying the current method.

“Most guides have admitted they don't like the game and don't play it.”

I'm an introvert who despises forced camaraderie. As an adult who is paying to participate in a tour, please let me get to know my fellow tour members in my own way.

My husband and I were recently on our first guided tour (not Rick Steve's). The first evening we had a tour welcome meeting and introduced ourselves. I remembered some names and not others, but we were all friendly to each other. I didn't really care if I knew everyone's name. And our guide was capable of counting us, so I wasn't expected to keep track of a buddy.

I guess Rick Steves tours aren't for me!

I dislike the name game, but really it’s a very small part of the tour, and in 7 tours, we only had it happen twice. I’m sure there are annoying things in every tour with every tour company. If 90-95% is good, I’m good. Also, I tend to opt out of things I’m not into, usually miss at least one group dinner and one activity. It’s interesting the posters who say I’m out for something they can opt out of that takes 15 minutes on a 2 week trip. There are so many wonderful things to love about the tour, and what keeps me signing up.

For those interested, I worked as a tour director--what Rick Steves calls "Guides"--for numerous tour companies. None played the
"Name Game" nor had a "Buddy System." They do what Patricia stated--people introduce themselves at an orientation or welcome dinner and then get to know each other.

It's a sightseeing tour not summer camp.

Every individual will have personal preferences about meeting and interacting with others. I don't disagree with that. Each tour will be conducted slightly differently, so I'm sharing my experience on five RS tours. The company and the tour leader never give out any personal information other than first names and hometowns. Someone often circulates a list at the end of the tour so people who want to can share email addresses or other contact information. The tour leaders are not allowed to do that. Early in the tour, different leaders have different ways to help the group get acquainted. They make take photos, some people choose not to have their photo included, and then the photos with first names are circulated within the group. At an orientation meeting or within a few days, people may be asked to introduce themselves. In my experience, this has never been about bragging, professions, or other credentials. It is typically something like "my name is x and I'm traveling with y on our third Rick Steves tour." At that first meeting, everyone chooses a buddy. This is not a mandatory friend or companion. In fact, it is quite the opposite. The only purpose of the buddy is to notice if you are missing and make departures more efficient. Leaders often point out that you should not pair up with anyone you are traveling with because if you are off somewhere together, you won't have a buddy there to say you are missing. On the occasions when there is some sort of name game, it is optional, quick, and often clever and funny. I'm describing my experiences so that people considering taking a tour will know what to expect and whether it's the right kind of travel for them.

This thread has confirmed that group tours aren't for me, but then, I already knew that.

I don't want to play icebreaker or name games.
I don't drink wine. At all. I think it tastes awful.
I want to sit with my husband at dinner, and, if we must sit with others, I want to be free to choose to sit with people with whom I've already connected (if applicable).
I'm an introvert, but I can be very friendly and fun if left in peace to get to know people in my own way.

I was on a tour in the 80s where the rule was the last person on the bus had to sing a song. It was hilarious. Everyone who was the last on were good sports and sang a song. Sometimes just a few bars and sometimes an entire rendition of popular songs of the day or from times of the past.
My song would have been a little diddy from my childhood that would have drawn a laugh and a lot of moans! I was never last on the bus.

Looking at this from a UK perspective, I have been on a number of guided tours with UK companies (both in the UK and overseas) and have only once come across a communal dinner like those described here.

Maybe it is just a different cultural thing.

Yes- ultimately a bus tour is not my travel style- but several of them fulfilled a need (like Travelergirl describes) as I emerged from a long period of care giving (and, co incidentally directly post Covid). I lacked a certain planning capacity at that stage, and they just gave me a comfort and ease factor. That they gave me. I don't regret them.

Any tour I have been on dinners have not been a communal table- but have been individual tables where you could choose a solo table or a different table of two or four each night, as suited the individual each day. All very casual, no enforced bonhomie.

I have never encountered any way of formal introductions. You just get to know each other naturally (or not) on the coach, or during the day, or at dinners.

The one exception to communal dinners was a tour I ultimately did not do- what was to have been my 2nd time round the world by train (east about). That tour was to begin with a formal group dinner at The Renaissance, St Pancras- which would have been a fitting start. Ultimately I didn't back out due to that dinner, but rather due to a guilt complex of handing over my care giving responsibilities for too long. I was able to hide that behind the capriciousness of RZD being unable to book groups of over 6- forcing the group to fly from Budapest to Moscow, and then a private luxury train for the Trans Sib section, rather than the regular train.
The 1st time round the world (west about) we just all arrived at the Royal York at Toronto with no formal 1st dinner due to differing flight arrival times then met up properly next day at Union Station.
That company did send out a list of participants full names and home towns before the tour- a useful intro for casual introductions.

The baguette of consequences rarely arrives buttered.

If we're talking about "The Name Game," I'm surprised no one has brought this up:

https://youtu.be/NeF7jqf0GU4?si=FauXVx7iiX5J2wm1

Based on the reports on this thread, it looks like there is about a 10% chance that if you go on a Rick Steves tour that your tour guide may ask you to play the name-game. All reports here is that the game is optional for any individual. And this small chance of being asked to play an optional game has led multiple folks to be alarmed so much as to consider cancelling their RS tours, others to proclaim they will never go on Rick Steves tours and others still to join in the outrage that Rick Steves tours may occasionally employ a short optional game.

Social media appears to be an outrage machine and this thread has succeeded fantastically in that regard,

Rick Steves tours based on my personal experience and shared reviews are excellent. Could they be improved? Sure. Indeed they welcome suggestions They are always tuning their programs. The embrace constructive suggestions. I would not be surprised if the odds of playing the name-game have dropped based on this thread, Rick Steves listens to customers, They politely respond to suggestions.

In that spirit, I have another suggestion to give them. Please lock this thread.

Yup. I agree. It's locked.

Folks, I've led tours for Rick. The version of the name game that some here don't like is rather rare these days and, while participation is encouraged, it's not forced. Most guides have a variation that takes any stress out of it. Plus, like anything on a RS tour, a tour member can voice concern with their guide and it's handled appropriately. The goal is to help everyone learn each other's name, and that's a good thing when everyone's traveling together for 1-3 weeks. It is effective and makes a big difference in how the tour goes.

"And I don't really understand the buddy system."

It sounds like the buddy system needs to be clarified because I'm seeing some big - and incorrect - assumptions. It's really simple. Your "buddy" is not your forced friend. It's just another person in the tour group, someone you're not already traveling with (aka not your spouse, family member, or friend). When the guide says "buddy check" as everyone enters the bus, you look your buddy in the eye. If you don't see your buddy, you call out "(name) isn't here." That's it.

It's a fast way to get the bus moving, it's reliable to ensure you aren't missing anyone (if you're thinking of ways it may not work as described, we have that covered), and if someone is missing then you know who it is right away so that the guide can track them down. It cuts down on a lot of waiting on the part of the members of the tour group.

Context: There are no assigned seats on the bus, and we only half-fill the busses to give everyone space. So, it's not easy for the guide to know if everyone is on the bus or identify who's missing, and a headcount isn't reliable as I've personally seen when e.g. the local guide briefly steps onto the bus and gets their head counted or someone moves during the count, etc.

Fwiw, "buddy introductions" are something else that some guides do, and I believe that's been described above. Again, it's a low-pressure thing.