North America Tour & Trip Reviews

What to Look For in North America Tour Reviews

Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary.

Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.

 A negative review on a tour also does not necessarily mean that the tour is not right for you. Comments on the level of activity, luxury, professionalism, and value of the tours should be kept in mind when reading tour reviews; you can use this information to decide for yourself if the tour matches your preferences. 

Canada, Mexico, and the United States are very large countries, so most tours will need to restrict either the number of destinations or the time spent at each destination in order to fit the trip length. Many negative reviews of North America tours express frustration with the fast-paced nature of the tour or the amount of travel time spent getting from place to place.

If you prefer spending time getting to know one destination, then a road trip across the United States may not be for you. However, if you want to see as many places as you can and don’t mind constantly being on the road, that same tour might be perfect. Making sure that your chosen tour fits your preferred travel style is essential. 

For tours focused on activities such as backpacking, kayaking, and cycling, it is important to be aware of the skill level and physical activity required. For example, experienced cyclists may be frustrated with an easier tour, while others may be overwhelmed with the amount of activity on a more strenuous tour. If you are unsure of the physical requirements, it may be beneficial to speak with the tour operator directly prior to booking a tour. 

Some critical reviews of tours in Mexico express disappointment with the lack of luxury accommodation or the amount of time spent visiting archeological sites such as Mayan ruins. Travelers should be aware that tours in Mexico are not limited to resorts and beaches.

Itineraries focused on cultural experiences will usually include visits to cities, attractions, and restaurants that are different from what some people are used to, and travelers should remain open to learning about the culture and history of the country. 

If you want a professional take on traveling in North America, see the Travelstride North America Guide »