YMT Vacations

Standing for “Your Man Tours” YMT Vacations, or just YMT, was founded in the late 1960s - as a pioneer guided tour company, responding to a rapidly emerging travel industry.

What Makes YMT Vacations Stand Out?

One of the main things to note about YMT is their breadth of experience in conducting guided tours. Starting in 1967, as a small local operator in the US - they have grown practically right along with the guided tour industry. This gives them the knowledge and expertise necessary for the kinds of tours they operate.

Today they offer three styles of travel: guided tours, river cruises, and ocean cruises (which include a land portion).

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With YMT?

Mature travelers in the 50+ range seeking a comfortable and easy all-inclusive travel experience will love the YMT approach. You’ll find a good balance of cultural activities, an easy going pace, and frequent breaks for photo stops and leg-stretching.

YMT tours are geared toward the budget conscious traveler.

These tours are fully escorted, and involve transportation in large coaches, or via cruise. You will be around the same people and guides for the tour’s duration. Older travelers who are concerned about the opportunities to stretch their legs needn’t worry. Coaches stop every two hours, and cruises are large with plenty of room to walk around comfortably.

YMT is about classic packaged travel - don’t expect to get too far off the beaten path during the itinerary. Additionally if having some free time to yourself to explore is important, you may want to look into other options first. The appeal of YMT is in their low prices and package deals; nearly everything is included other than meals.

If you are the kind of traveler who likes culturally immersive small group, thematic tours, you may find the YMT approach a bit underwhelming. YMT Vacations are ideal for first time travelers, or travelers for whom relaxing on a large cruise ship sailing through Europe on a sundeck with a pool is the perfect travel experience.  

Top Destinations

Currently YMT offers tours around the globe. They are especially popular for Europe travel, including large cruises plus land tour portions. Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, Asia, and The Americas are also offered.

They have their roots in the US however, and are well known for their Hawaii, Alaska, and California tours (some specifically dedicated to the Rose Parade).

YMT Travel Style

Tours are designed to fall into 5 broad activity levels, the lowest being “Relaxed” and the highest being “Active.” In their case “Active” refers to longer itineraries and less leisure or free time. Groups are small to large. Trips are affordable and certain customizations are available.

1. Relaxed - You’ll travel at a leisurely pace, with very little walking. You should be able to navigate stairs or gangways to board cruise ships.

2. Easy Going - These tours usually include walking tours. Be prepared for very slight gradations and some stairs. You’ll also encounter uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones, on some tours.

3. Moderate - More activities are included on these tours, and you may be standing a lot as well as walking for longer distances.

4. Active - These trips may visit more exotic destinations where you could experience dramatic changes in temperature and altitude. You’ll also be expected to be able to climb several stairs and walk long distances.Travel days may also be longer, with a lot of climbing up and down from the bus.

5. Very Active - Expect limited free time and a very busy, jam packed tour schedule.

Why Choose a Tour with YMT?

YMT has a long history in the travel industry - their guides and planners have everything down to a science. You know you’re in incredibly good hands when traveling with them. They are attractive to older travelers so you’re sure to meet good friends in the same age range. Trips are fun, easy, and all about seeing wonderful sights in comfort and ease.

If you are new to international travel and don’t want to miss the classics, this could be a great place to start. You don’t have to do any of the planning, and can enjoy many amenities available aboard large cruise ships, river cruises, and wonderful hotels. It’s a great combination of cultural and historical travel with all the best that comes from a vacation package.