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SPECIAL EVENTS, RETREATS, THEMES: What events are included (Dance programs, meditation sessions/ days, visits to galleries, workshops with local artisans, museums, antique shopping, etc.)? Is there a special program suited to your interests? A trip with a theme is more likely to include others who have similar interests. For instance, if you are a spiritual or reflective person, a trip advertised to the public at large could be a very negative experience. On the other hand, a trip with a meditative or spiritual program is likely to attract people that you would enjoy meeting and traveling with. Of course, when a special program or special leaders or teachers is included, the trip price will reflect the cost of bringing those people aboard and the cost of special equipment or meeting rooms. A program including yoga and meditation can give a trip a very special feeling also and enhance the quality of the whole trip.
One caveat: If the trip is centered around Buddhism and you are not interested in the Buddhist / spiritual side of Tibet, and, if this is just another destination to add to your travel history, you may want to tear out your hair when you reach the 15th monastery filled with Tibetan art. It will not be fair to the meditators and Buddhists on board if you sit on the bus and pout when they spend hours in a temple.
WHAT LOCAL AGENTS WILL BE USED? Agents range from the solid and well run ones that have been in business successfully for years to the slipshod and dishonest. Do you know the difference? Many agents spend a lot of money advertising and producing a glossy brochure yet they skimp on the package. Do not be fooled. Stateside agents advertise a trip, and collect the money, take a cut and pay the local agents to do everything. When a stateside agent is not used, more funds are available for the trip itself. The other side of this is that you may pay more going through a Stateside agent and it may be worth it to you to have someone there who understands your needs. If you lose a passport or suffer an injury will your agent be there to look out for you? What is the agent's reputation? A good travel agent can get you out of a mess that you would find difficult to manage without help. Use a search engine and get referrals.
IS YOUR MONEY SAFE? Beware of web scams and shaky agents who can go bankrupt, take your money and turn around and incorporate the next day under a new name. (Apply this warning to air ticket consolidators as well.) The money you deposit should be held in an account until it is dispersed to local agents, etc. for that particular trip. Avoid the financially shaky agent who uses your deposit to pay old debts. When the time for your trip comes, the money may not be there or the agent might be tempted to substitute cheaper accommodations, use a bus rather than a land cruiser, etc.
WILL THE TRIP ACTUALLY HAPPEN? It is common for agents to advertise specialty trips hoping to have someone sign on. Many advertised adventure and theme trips never actually take place. Does the sponsoring organization really want to do everything possible to make the trip a reality? Or is this trip always advertised, in hopes that someone will sign on. How many are already signed on and deposited?
WHAT DO FORMER TRAVELERS HAVE TO SAY? An agent should be able to supply you with references from actual people who have done the same trip with the same leader. If there is no positive history, be a bit wary. Did they feel safe? Did they like the ambiance and the way things were run? Was the guide nice to everyone without playing favorites, professional, knowledgeable, competent? Would they go again?
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