Open Forum

Hello All!

I am considering a trip to NYC with my students and I was curious if you have recommendations of travel companies as well as price ranges that indicate value. 

Presently, I'm considering EF Tours, but they do not provide an itemized breakdown for the tour and to me, it seems a bit expensive.  I need to know is this common, reasonable or what I should expect?

Here is a link to the Sample Itinerary http://www.efexploreamerica.com/eliterature/DBD/2016/NBW.pdf

The cost for students is $1999 and adults is $2,299.  Here is the link for pricing:http://www.efexploreamerica.com/print-quote/1851685/e1112c7dba694cb7b6/TC

Please let me know other companies I should consider and what price range I should expect.  I appreciate your frank, candid opinions!!

Thanks!!

Joy Hammond, Troupe Director

The Champion School - Troupe 89129

Hi Joy!

At a glance, the numbers you posted seem reasonable. As an EF competitor, I think they run a respectable tour company, and that sample itinerary is in-line with industry standards. There are some OTHER tour operators that I’d recommend you stay away from, but a little searching on this forum should uncover those names. ;)

That said, there were a few things that stood out to me in the itinerary that you should request some clarification on:

HOTEL - It’s important to know where your hotel is located, as this has a HUGE impact on your trip. EF’s quote doesn’t specify location and its sample itinerary lists “downtown hotel” as an optional upgrade, which makes me think they quoted a New Jersey property. Be forewarned: staying in New Jersey is a very different experience than staying in Midtown Manhattan. With a Jersey hotel, you are locked into a strict schedule set by the pickup/drop-off times of the motor coach, and that can add up to an hour of commute time as well as an unnecessary level of stress.

ROUND-TRIP TRANSPORTATION - The quote also does not specify if you’ll be traveling to NYC by coach or by air. It’s likely that your tour consultant discussed this with you, but it’s important to ensure that you’re getting what you want. The difference between an over-night bus or a two-hour plane ride can greatly affect your experience. Do they give you option of purchasing/providing your own transportation to and from the city? That’s worth exploring, as well.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION - The quote also doesn’t specify how you’re getting around the city. Some companies use coaches, some use public transportation, etc. They each have strengths and weaknesses, but you should at least know what you’re signing up for, and if there’s any mobility questions that need to be addressed with your travelers.

HIDDEN COSTS - There aren’t a lot of “gotcha” fees with EF, but here are some things to look out for with other operators.

• Airline Baggage Fees - The baggage fee isn’t covered (which is pretty standard), and that depends on the air carrier you use. With some charging $50+ for two bags, it can easily add to the cost of your trip


• Hotel Portage Fees - Most operators include this in your quote, but it’s important to be sure.


• Meals - Dining in New York City is more expensive than back home, so it’s important to know which meals are included in your tour program. We use hotels that include a hot breakfast, but some don’t. Getting the included breakfast allows your students to eat a big meal before starting their day. Lunch is generally not included and evening meals can vary based on the desires of your group.


• Broadway Tickets - It’s important to consider not only the show, but your seats within the theater. Clarify with your operator whether you want Orchestra, Mezzanine, or if Balcony is acceptable.

One final note, the most consistent piece of feedback we get about choosing a tour company regards communication. Specifically, how quickly and reliably the operator responds to and accommodates your questions and requests. Thorough and transparent communication regarding the details and development of your tour program ensure that you get exactly what you want out of your New York City experience. That’s what you’re paying for, after all.

Hope this helps!
Brian Bird

Hi Joy!

At a glance, the numbers you posted seem reasonable. As an EF competitor, I think they run a respectable tour company, and that sample itinerary is in-line with industry standards. There are some OTHER tour operators that I’d recommend you stay away from, but a little searching on this forum should uncover those names. ;)

That said, there were a few things that stood out to me in the itinerary that you should request some clarification on:

HOTEL - It’s important to know where your hotel is located, as this has a HUGE impact on your trip. EF’s quote doesn’t specify location and its sample itinerary lists “downtown hotel” as an optional upgrade, which makes me think they quoted a New Jersey property. Be forewarned: staying in New Jersey is a very different experience than staying in Midtown Manhattan. With a Jersey hotel, you are locked into a strict schedule set by the pickup/drop-off times of the motor coach, and that can add up to an hour of commute time as well as an unnecessary level of stress.

ROUND-TRIP TRANSPORTATION - The quote also does not specify if you’ll be traveling to NYC by coach or by air. It’s likely that your tour consultant discussed this with you, but it’s important to ensure that you’re getting what you want. The difference between an over-night bus or a two-hour plane ride can greatly affect your experience. Do they give you option of purchasing/providing your own transportation to and from the city? That’s worth exploring, as well.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION - The quote also doesn’t specify how you’re getting around the city. Some companies use coaches, some use public transportation, etc. They each have strengths and weaknesses, but you should at least know what you’re signing up for, and if there’s any mobility questions that need to be addressed with your travelers.

HIDDEN COSTS - There aren’t a lot of “gotcha” fees with EF, but here are some things to look out for with other operators.

• Airline Baggage Fees - The baggage fee isn’t covered (which is pretty standard), and that depends on the air carrier you use. With some charging $50+ for two bags, it can easily add to the cost of your trip
• Hotel Portage Fees - Most operators include this in your quote, but it’s important to be sure.
• Meals - Dining in New York City is more expensive than back home, so it’s important to know which meals are included in your tour program. We use hotels that include a hot breakfast, but some don’t. Getting the included breakfast allows your students to eat a big meal before starting their day. Lunch is generally not included and evening meals can vary based on the desires of your group.
• Broadway Tickets - It’s important to consider not only the show, but your seats within the theater. Clarify with your operator whether you want Orchestra, Mezzanine, or if Balcony is acceptable.

One final note, the most consistent piece of feedback we get about choosing a tour company regards communication. Specifically, how quickly and reliably the operator responds to and accommodates your questions and requests. Thorough and transparent communication regarding the details and development of your tour program ensure that you get exactly what you want out of your New York City experience. That’s what you’re paying for, after all.

Hope this helps!
Brian Bird

Hi Joy!

At a glance, the numbers you posted seem reasonable. As an EF competitor, I think they run a respectable tour company, and that sample itinerary is in-line with industry standards. There are some OTHER tour operators that I’d recommend you stay away from, but a little searching on this forum should uncover those names. ;)

That said, there were a few things that stood out to me in the itinerary that you should request some clarification on:

HOTEL - It’s important to know where your hotel is located, as this has a HUGE impact on your trip. EF’s quote doesn’t specify location and its sample itinerary lists “downtown hotel” as an optional upgrade, which makes me think they quoted a New Jersey property. Be forewarned: staying in New Jersey is a very different experience than staying in Midtown Manhattan. With a Jersey hotel, you are locked into a strict schedule set by the pickup/drop-off times of the motor coach, and that can add up to an hour of commute time as well as an unnecessary level of stress.

ROUND-TRIP TRANSPORTATION - The quote also does not specify if you’ll be traveling to NYC by coach or by air. It’s likely that your tour consultant discussed this with you, but it’s important to ensure that you’re getting what you want. The difference between an over-night bus or a two-hour plane ride can greatly affect your experience. Do they give you option of purchasing/providing your own transportation to and from the city? That’s worth exploring, as well.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION - The quote also doesn’t specify how you’re getting around the city. Some companies use coaches, some use public transportation, etc. They each have strengths and weaknesses, but you should at least know what you’re signing up for, and if there’s any mobility questions that need to be addressed with your travelers.

HIDDEN COSTS - There aren’t a lot of “gotcha” fees with EF, but here are some things to look out for with other operators.

• Airline Baggage Fees - The baggage fee isn’t covered (which is pretty standard), and that depends on the air carrier you use. With some charging $50+ for two bags, it can easily add to the cost of your trip
• Hotel Portage Fees - Most operators include this in your quote, but it’s important to be sure.
• Meals - Dining in New York City is more expensive than back home, so it’s important to know which meals are included in your tour program. We use hotels that include a hot breakfast, but some don’t. Getting the included breakfast allows your students to eat a big meal before starting their day. Lunch is generally not included and evening meals can vary based on the desires of your group.
• Broadway Tickets - It’s important to consider not only the show, but your seats within the theater. Clarify with your operator whether you want Orchestra, Mezzanine, or if Balcony is acceptable.

One final note, the most consistent piece of feedback we get about choosing a tour company regards communication. Specifically, how quickly and reliably the operator responds to and accommodates your questions and requests. Thorough and transparent communication regarding the details and development of your tour program ensure that you get exactly what you want out of your New York City experience. That’s what you’re paying for, after all.

Hope this helps!
Brian Bird

Hello All!

I am considering a trip to NYC with my students and I was curious if you have recommendations of travel companies as well as price ranges that indicate value. 

Presently, I'm considering EF Tours, but they do not provide an itemized breakdown for the tour and to me, it seems a bit expensive.  I need to know is this common, reasonable or what I should expect?

Here is a link to the Sample Itinerary http://www.efexploreamerica.com/eliterature/DBD/2016/NBW.pdf

The cost for students is $1999 and adults is $2,299.  Here is the link for pricing:http://www.efexploreamerica.com/print-quote/1851685/e1112c7dba694cb7b6/TC

Please let me know other companies I should consider and what price range I should expect.  I appreciate your frank, candid opinions!!

Thanks!!

Joy Hammond, Troupe Director

The Champion School - Troupe 89129

I would recommend Junior Tours. They are the former Manhattan Tour and Travel which served Thespians well over the years. Now owned by Rich Abrams. 800-879-6828. They will design a tour to meet your needs. I used to take students to NY. Now I take 70-80 year olds. They can serve any age group.