5 steps to choOSE a reputable yellowstone tour company
When we go on vacation, we always book with a tour company to ensure a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. But when selecting a tour company, I often wonder how someone unfamiliar with the industry can make an educated decision. With that in mind, I’ve written this article to share five essential steps for choosing the right tour company to make-or break- your vacation.
Step 1: Private vs Public Tour
These are very different experiences.
Public Tours: These tours follow a set itinerary, and are typically shared with a group of strangers. They are the most economical option, but the least flexible. The guide must stick to the itinerary to avoid disappointing customers or receiving bad reviews.
Private Tours: These tours are customized to meet your specific interests and needs. Private tours are far more flexible and comfortable, as they allow for a more personalized experience without being crammed into a van with 15 strangers. For example, if you want to spend an hour watching wolves feed on a carcass or linger at the falls for 30 minutes, a private tour gives you that freedom.
Step 2: CHOOSE A cOMPANY YOU Can Trust
After ten years of guiding in Yellowstone, I’ve learned how critical it is to book with a trustworthy tour company. Yellowstone has it’s risks, and many things can go wrong.
Look for companies that list their permits to operate on public lands. Why wouldn’t you advertise your permit? Most public agencies require companies to include their permit number on websites. If a company doesn’t advertise its permits, that’s a huge RED FLAG! It raises questions, about other corners they might be cutting - like vehicle maintenance, guide training, insurance, first aid training.
I’ve seen customers left stranded because an unpermitted guide was escorted out of the park and their vehicle towed. That’s not the once-in-a-lifetime Yellowstone tour you’re hoping for.
Step 3: Avoid Bait and Switch Tactics
Bait and switch is a classic fraudulent marketing strategy that is illegal in several states. A company advertises a tour at an appealing price (the “bait”), but when you start the booking process, the actual cost is much higher (the “switch”).
For example, I know of a local company offering private tours to Yellowstone for $150-$375. Sounds great, right? But when you dig into the details, you’ll discover the $150 is for a child’s ticket-and the real cost for the tour is closer to $900. If you encounter this, just move on.
We believe in transparency, which is why all of our prices are clearly listed on our website.
Step 4: TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
If something feels off, don’t book.
In our small community, word gets around. One individual offering tours in Yellowstone didn’t have the necessary permits, insurance, or the proper training. After getting caught, he started riding in the back seat of his customers’ cars to avoid detection.
This kind of behavior is pretty sketchy and unprofessional. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and move on. There are plenty of honest, trustworthy, and reliable companies to choose from.
Step 5: MEET THE Guides
A tour company that values its guides will proudly feature them on its website. Guides are the heart of any tour company, and each guide brings their own unique specialties to the table.
When a company burns through guides or hires non-locals, they often avoid showcasing them online. This can be a red flag. Customers should be able to see who their guide will be and choose one who aligns with their interests. After all it’s always a bit unsettling to book a tour without knowing who will show up to pick you up.
I hope this article helps you choose a reputable tour company to make your hard-earned vacation a memorable one, for all the right reasons! If there are any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us. Are you wondering what the best time of year to visit Yellowstone National Park is? Check out our article: WHAT’S THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT YNP?
