Compare tours, activities and vacation rentals

Travelers booking a tour, an activity or a place to stay.

Short answer

How do you choose a tour, activity or vacation rental?

When you book a tour, an activity or a vacation rental, choose an operator that holds the permits and insurance its activity needs, lists the full price with every fee, and states its cancellation and weather policy. Compare operators on what is included, group size, safety practice, cancellation terms and the total price.

The OpenlyCompared guide to tours, activities and vacation rentals explains what to compare, which questions to ask and which warning signs to look for. The first companies are being checked before they are listed.

Which tour operators and rentals are listed?

We are verifying the first companies for this guide. Each listing is built from facts the company has published, and checked before it goes up.

What should you compare when choosing a tour, activity or vacation rental?

What is includedEquipment, transport, food and park or permit fees should be listed, so you can compare like with like.

Group sizeAsk for the maximum group size; it changes the experience more than almost anything else.

Cancellation and weatherKnow when you can cancel for a refund, and what happens if the weather cancels it.

Safety and permitsWater, air and backcountry activities should carry the permits, insurance and trained guides they require.

The total priceTaxes, booking fees, cleaning fees and gratuity expectations should be clear up front.

AccessibilityAsk about fitness level, age limits and access needs before you book.

What should you ask before choosing a tour, activity or vacation rental?

What does the price include, and what is extra?
What is the largest the group can be?
What happens if the weather cancels it?
Are your guides trained and certified for this activity?
What is the total price with all fees?
Is it suitable for children, older travelers or limited mobility?

What are the warning signs when choosing a tour, activity or vacation rental?

Fees that only appear at checkout
No stated cancellation policy
No mention of permits for activities that need them
Prices far below every other operator for the same trip

Frequently asked questions about tours, activities and vacation rentals

Should I book tours and activities in advance?

For popular tours and activities, and during peak travel seasons, booking in advance secures your date. Check the tour operator's cancellation terms before you book.

Is it better to book a tour directly or through a booking platform?

Booking a tour directly with the operator can mean clearer policies and direct support, while booking platforms make comparing tours easier. Either way, compare the total price and the cancellation terms.

What makes a vacation rental reliable?

A reliable vacation rental has clear house rules, a total price that includes every fee, a written cancellation policy, and a host who answers your questions before you book.

How do I choose between two similar tours?

To choose between two similar tours, compare the group size, what each tour includes and the cancellation policy, then read recent accounts from travelers who took each tour.

How this page works: companies are listed by the method on our Methodology page. Companies marked “Toutmark client” pay Toutmark, which publishes OpenlyCompared; paying never buys a position or an award. Request a correction.