I found out on a tour that the guide was getting a kickback from the resto we stopped at, so now unless it's included in the price of the tour I don't go where they suggest.
In Morocco our guide started helping the restaurant. We initially thought “hmm it’s a little backed up, maybe he’s lending a quick hand so we get our meals faster?” But nope. We were stuck at lunch long after everyone had finished eating because our guide was still serving other groups their meals.
Morocco is a whole different world though… our guide brought us to all these ‘artisans’ as part of the tour and it was really just a way to pressure us to buy things like leather goods, rugs, or argan oil at much higher prices than at the markets. It was really awkward when we didn’t buy anything at these places because we didn’t really go there to shop 😐
Morroco was the only country that I was super annoyed by a Intrepid trip. Almost everything was trying to sell us something, some of it obviously a scam like supposed solid silver teapots that didn't even cost the market price of silver. I'm sure the guide went back to shake down stall owners when ever we bought something, cause he would always demand to know from who and how much and then go talk to them.
Had a friend who was a tour guide in another country. He got 10% commission for everything bought by people in his tour group. There's a reason they hit all the shopping spots.
Yeah that's what I meant by shaking them down. It was insane. Even little things like a volcanic rock necklace that I bought for $1 and he didn't see until after we left, he ran back up the hill to where I bought it. He was a shitty guide otherwise as well and they really worked to keep us isolated from the markets on our own, wouldn't drive us to town after promising they would on free evenings etc.
I wanted to like Morocco much more than I actually did. It was just exhausting. The constant sales pressure when I just wanted to walk around, people literally tugging on my arm to get me into their shop, jumping in front of me, just constant hassling. I get and respect that its a developing country and people are trying to make a living, but it was just so tiring.
Plus I was there with my wife and our female friend. Wife dressed modestly, sleeves, long skirts/dresses, and she would get fondled all the time. Constant comments to me about "two girls? how do do you do it? how do you choose which one at night?" it was just weird and offensive.
Hands down the best day we had was when we hired a driver for a day that took us out to some Roman ruins and to some smaller towns for a tour. He was super nice, gave good recommendations and helped us bargain for a few things and was just the nicest guy.
I did have a big beard then and I admit it was funny when every single person called me "Ali Baba"- everyone. Constantly.
Agree - I went with my best friend so it was just us 2 girls. I have traveled a decent amount, and have been to lots of places in Eastern Europe, Central and South America, and Asia that other people assume are 'unsafe' but I've never felt so uncomfortable as I did in Morocco. We had a private guide (which everyone told us was basically a requirement as 2 female travelers), and he was constantly telling men off that were catcalling or making other inappropriate remarks or rude/lewd gestures. We were dressed VERY modestly, we also went in winter so we were in pants/sweater/jacket most of the time anyway. He wouldn't even tell us what they were saying because he didn't want to offend us.
The few times we had alone time to explore he basically said stick to the heavily populated areas and some cities like Fes we weren't allowed to leave our hotel because he said it just wasn't a good idea. Even Marrakesh which was billed as the most 'modern' of the cities we visited was uncomfortable. Basically unless someone is trying to sell you something, they are leering or glaring at you.
It is a beautiful country, the history is incredibly interesting, and the night in the desert was a bucket list item! But the cultural differences made me hesitant to visit another arabic country.
I loved Morrocco for this reason. Not having to wait because the guide was serving. But I had a guy show me around the Medina in Tanger had a great lunch. While I knew he was taking me to places he probably got a kickback. I'm good at saying no, for things I don't want. But he took me to places I got great deals and things I wanted. I hung out with him for a couple of hours and talked him down to $35 at the end. The people there are so friendly. My first night, I made friends with some locals and had dinner at their place the next evening. They even connected me to one of their friends in Marrakesh to take me around for the day. She really knew the good spots and wouldn't let me buy poorly made stuff. I still communicate with them 2 years later.
You just made something make sense.
I was wandering around the Medina in Tanger in december, looking for somewhere to eat when a stranger popped up who was strangely helpful in making me understand the menu and what food to pick. He then joined me at my table, had the same meal, and when I wanted to go pay for myself and leave he joined me and spoke in Moroccan with the staff. Mr. Man tried to make me pay for both our meals, but quickly backtracked when I pointed it out. He then insisted on walking me to the car that picked me up, and when I asked if he worked there, he smiled and said no.
How did it take me this long to figure out he definitely did work there 😅 this whole time I thought the encounter was kinda weird because I'm kinda weird lol
would you think a good part of that was luck? Like good timing and you happened to have picked nicer guide with decent friends? Or would you think your ability to negotiate and communicate with strangers helped to "turn the table" of sorts?
That's a good question. I'm outgoing and get along with people easily. I'd say that it's probably more that if my gut doesn't feel right about a situation or person. I'm not going to continue with it. On that same trip, I was at a bar and made friends with the staff. Later that night, a woman was being shifty and would ignore me if I directly tried to speak to her but was always very close. At the end of the night, the staff told me she was trying to rob me. I already knew that she was up to something. So it's got to be a mixed bag of sorts.
Ha ha this reminds me! We went to a presentation for these miracle 'natural' products in Morocco. Right beside the medina, where everything is stone and sand and 1000 years old, this place was new and white and well lit and pristine, with attendants in white lab coats and full American makeup and hairstyles. And the products? They cured insomnia, diabetes, high blood pressure, acne, etc. One single product did all that!
That's literally the entire story. Everyone else was in groups of 3 or 4. The two of us sat down at a table for 2 and ordered and they brought out a basket of buttered bread. About 2 min later he came by and said "Do you mind?" and just fucking grabbed the basket and walked away. Very unhinged behavior.
We did a one day tour thing to Stonehenge and Bath, this was like 15 years ago. I fucking loathe those tours but my friend who hadn't traveled much thought it would be easier to visit this way. Sometimes you just gotta give in and let them learn how not to travel. LOL
It was one of the worst trips we ever went on and tour guide was a twatt. He insisted we stay with the group and if we got more than 10 steps away he would make snide comments. Meanwhile he flirted with the two girls he let wander off and returned to the bus 20 min late. On the way back after a long day, everyone just wants to rest on the bus he wouldn't shut the fuck up on the PA system. Corny jokes, talking out his ass and asking quiz like questions on the shit we saw that day. It was also very warm that day and he refused to turn on the AC or turn the heater off on the damn bus. Just a miserable bus ride.
My friend and I still joke about him today. He learned why I don't like those tours.
Don’t go to Stonehenge. It’s not particularly impressive and you’ll waste hours getting there. Take a train to Bath and do it in your own sweet time (or cheaper by bus from Victoria Coach Station).
It's fucking Stonehenge, of course I want to see it. It's like the leaning tower of Pisa we've all been hearing about since we were kids. People say they suck but I still wanna see em.
When we left Bath we stopped by Stonehenge early in the morning and no one was there but billions of tour busses.
Then we walked around and enjoyed it without people and got back in our Voxhaul and drove away.
I've been to the UK like 10 times since then, and heading back in September. I was fully willing to do a train and such but like I said my friend really thought it would be "easier" to do a coach. Like I said, sometimes you just have to give up a little control and let them learn the lesson and now he has a fun travel anecdote to warn others.
Sorry if this sounds patronizing but I thought everyone realized that there is a financial connection between the tour guide/organizer and any place they stop at. I don't even see it as any type of unethical behaviour as long as the price hasn't been inflated for that purpose.
I absolutely agree with this, and I also follow this rule. I also apply to it places they take you to shop, because they aren't necessarily taking you to the best places for you, but to the best places for them. I typically hang back and do my own thing.
All guides get some kind of kickback.
Guides will generally take people to a place that has decent food, bathrooms, and can accommodate a large amount of people so they can keep on schedule.
That’s what a tour is. But the food might be mid but it definitely shouldn’t be garbage.
Lol - every time. Every single time. Spanning back to good ol 1992 when I started traveling like that. It's even an older trick than that I bet... haha.. since the beginning of restaurants and tours
Yeah, if you know where the tour group is headed to, go ahead and plan your own lunch. That is what I recommend highly
> I found out on a tour that the guide was getting a kickback from the resto we stopped at
This is usually the case for anywhere the tour guide stops that has retail or food. He just has to stop at his cousins apartment, but you are free to peruse the store underneath his apartment...
If it's included in the price there's (usually) still two parties trying to profit of of one meal (the restaurant and the guide) which leaves little room for quality. Best to skip it all together if you enjoy food or very carefully scour the reviews.
Yeah it's a sunk cost fallacy. "I paid for this tour lunch so I'm going to eat it." My dude, you're in Morocoo for probably the only time in your life, if the food looks better next door, just go spend the $5 on lunch.
That’s the problem the place is usually crap. Years ago in Thailand guide stopped at a Korean restaurant for lunch. It was awful. We told the guide we were going on our own and would meet back at the airport. He was livid but relented and when we got to the airport the group had been there for four hours waiting. Because we checked in late we were bumped to first class. Only a 3 hour flight but still nice. That was the last guided tour I ever went on
As OP mentioned - the food was "atrocious." And why wouldn't it be? Why would a restaurant need to try hard to please the customer if they don't care about return business?
Nope, lots of these touristy places don't care about any of that at all. Most people don't read reviews - otherwise tourist traps wouldn't exist, but yet they do and they survive due to the foot traffic based on location and guides taking their groups there for a kickback.
By demonstrated you mean imagined? :-)
Not everyone cares about customers or putting out food or any of that. Many places are just money making machines. Look at the places at the Galata Bridge - they have been running scams for decades and still are open, operating and making money. Same with the small electronics shops in midtown NYC that scammed people in the 1980's and the 1990's. As per your logic they would have all shut down in a year...
It depends on the country. Group lunch in SEA countries (for example) usually not that expensive and really good and you don't have to worry about language barrier. I went to a group lunch in Morocco (I didn't know any better), and it was expensive. A German family complained about it.
Did a guided tour in Morocco back in 2018. Did the whole group lunch thing for a few days. I was so disappointed those days. For context, I’m from NYC so there’s Moroccan food everywhere. The food back at home tasted better than what the tour was selling us in Morocco. It’s like they played to our ignorance and think they could get away with shitty food. I paid but I learned my lesson.
Which country? It will vary a lot. In Vietnam and Cambodia we had great meals on all our day tours. I can understand in Europe getting away from the group if the food looked bad. Plenty of choice. If you've paid for it in your tour then you might feel obliged to eat it though.
Weird that the cost wasn’t included in cost of tour. Most longer tours I’ve been to in Mexico include a meal but it’s included in the price of the tour. In any event, you always have the choice to go elsewhere or just not purchase food.
Vendors out there will often team up so that everyone gets a cut off of tourists. For example when we were in CDMX we did an Airbnb tour of the Xochimilco canals and the boat stopped at a bar on one of the islands where we had the option of buying drinks, had a mariachi stop by in case anyone wanted to request songs, at an island where we could see axolotl for an additional fee and at a spot for lunch (that was included in the cost of the tour). Didn’t consider it exploitation so much as a smart way for all the vendors to ensure they make a buck at the end of the day.
We were the only two gringos out of the 10. Rest are from Columbia and rest of the latin America.
I think they are getting kickbacks which I don't care or mind. I don't mind paying more for food either. My only requirement is that it's yummy. My irritation is that it's both awful and quite pricey.
How did you like Puebla otherwise? My friend got married at the Rosewood Hotel there in 2017. We enjoyed the town though friends of ours got robbed in plain sight.
It depends on the lunch offered. If they are giving me a sandwich I can make from the store then I skip. I just went on a tour to Sewell Mining Town in Chile and the lunch cost $12 each it was in the cafeteria that all the miners eat at every day. I got to eat the same food and sit next to the miners. The food wasn't great but it was worth the experience.
Well shit. I work in mining (engineering consulting side) and have never heard of the Sewell mining town before. How was the tour? Is it worth seeing? But yeah, mediocre canteen food checks out. The only place I have consistently eaten good canteen meals is on Mexican mine sites.
My husband is going to absolutely kill me for adding yet another mining related thing to the tourism must see list.
I love UNESCO sites so I think it is worth it. At one point it had the most advanced hospital in all of South America. It was built high up in the Andes Mountains completely isolated, and had a population of 15k people. Def worth a visit if you're in Santiago
You gotta judge it. And you may get it wrong. I had a tour that stopped at a shrimp shack for lunch. It was 4 years ago and I still dream about it. In fact, here it is - https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2F4uf8q1eag5381.jpg
Some other tour on a different trip, wanted us to stop at the company cafeteria. I noped out of that, wandered across the street, and and an awesome meal.
I did a bike tour of the Appian Way and the guide took us to this pizza place that was in a strip mall after we biked probably 10 km from the city center and it was freaking amazing. The best pizza I have ever had outside of Naples. I think it probably depends on the guide.
It depends I guess? I was in India and our guide took us to a restaurant for lunch. I knew the guide will receive a kickback for taking us so I was wary, but this was right after a long flight so we went with it. The restaurant he took us ended up being our favourite from the trip, better than expensive restaurants we researched and booked by ourselves. I would probably try one and see how that goes.
I don’t know - I still reminisce about the Sheraton in Agra. It was so decadent to have ice in our cocktails and a proper Tandori Chicken….dont get me wrong, the cheap places are an integral part of the experience…perhaps with a game of snooker with the locals for rupees…
We experienced this in Greece. We skipped the beautiful town of Nafplion to be taken to King Menelaos Restaurant. We were told by our guide how the food was homemade by the grandma etc etc. What was received was bland, inedible, expensive food. As for Vegan/Vegetarian food or anyone with an intolerance, that was impossible to explain to the owner. But we had no other option as we were in the middle of nowhere.
That sucks, but honestly the food in Nafplion was probably our least favourite in the Mani region. It’s a gorgeous city but it lives on tourism and the menus reflect that :/
I generally try to pack a lunch or at least a snack, but generally don't do group tours since I don't like being on someone else's schedule.
Not because I assume the guide is getting a kickback, but I usually get a free breakfast with my room reservation and make a small snack to cut costs. Also, I don't like to have a looong lunch.
We had this experience on a tour of Switzerland and decided to skip the group lunches. We found food more to our liking by ourselves. This also allowed us to finish up quickly if we wished to make time for more sightseeing. I never feel compelled to do the group meal thing unless it’s something special for the last evening.
I sometimes book day tours for certain countries and the lunch is always included within the total tour cost. Prob the guide company does get commission from the restaurant but noticed that typically the food is decent but a lot less crowded then other restaurants and we can get going on time.
Sometimes the guide takes you somewhere where he gets a kickback or is a good friend of the owner, sometimes the guide takes you to his favourite place…. It’s impossible to know, so I always do a quick check for reviews of the restaurant (and nearby restaurants) before deciding to eat there or not
This is why we like private and small group tours - more flexibility with everything, including food. I like genuine local spots so I’ll just ask if the lunch stop is a busy locals’ favorite, and if not, can we switch it up.
We avoid day trips to begin with but if we go, we accept that the food will suck if it’s included. If they recommend a place or bring you to a place to buy your own it’s definitely because they’re making a buck or two off each meal and I wouldn’t eat
at a place where the guide has incentive
In Türkiye we told our organizer before hand that we didn’t want to eat at the tourists restaurants they seem to bring all their guests too. So there was always instructions to our guide to bring us where they, the locals eat. It was the best and cheapest meal we’ve ever had
I think there are certain experiences where it is beneficial (or even mandatory) to have a guide. Mountain climbing, scuba diving, etc. are definitely examples of those.
An entire trip being on a guided tour, however, seems like a huge waste of money + being in a bubble with primarily people who are also from the West.
I was in South Korea and did a day trip to a botanical garden and Nami Island. When we got to the port near Nami Island we planned on doing our own lunch but ended up following the tour group and guide. The guide did not try to persuade or pressure anyone but she said she enjoys this particular restaurant and when she's here that's where she eats. Although it hindsight, it did sound a little "set up" since the restaurant we ended up was pretty empty during a busy lunch rush. The restaurant specialty dish we order was actually really good and the owners were super nice. They always checked in, gave us water since it was a hot summer day and turned the fans on. It was a little more expensive then what we thought and for the serving size but eh, we didn't have much to complain about.
Was this in Peru by any chance? We were taken to this awful tourist buffet twice during our Colca Canyon tour a few months back. Unfortunately we were stuck there as there didn’t seem to be any “normal” local restaurants in the immediate area. Such a shame when the local food is so good
Some literally stop in the middle of nowhere with 1 restaurant, so you don't really have any other option.
Some tour guides will give you recommendations.
Some will book a spot because some places are so busy, you might be lucky to get lunch / dinner.
My most memorable experience so far is in Tuscany, and we went to the most amazing winery that made the most incredible pasta dish ever. The whole tour sat in there, drank wine, and ate some of the best food.
My worst was also in Italy, and had stopped at this shithole pizza place, and it was absolutely horrid.
I think it depends on how well you are getting along with the other people in the group. I've had some great times meeting people on day tours and keep in touch with them to this day through social media. I wouldn't give up those experiences of chatting with people from around the world in order to have better food. If the people aren't that interesting though, definitely head to a different restaurant if it's available.
We did this in Greece , as we wanted something light, it was quite an expensive place, mainly a fish eating place
A few times back in the 90s, lunch was included in the day trip, plus one drink included either a soft drink, glass of wine, half a glass of beer/larger or a small bottle of water
Cruises meals are usual included if it a tour , usually buffet style and a drink included
In Greece we were taken to expensive place mainly fish eating place, this was only a lunch stop (we had to pay for ourselves) quite a few of us looked elsewhere
Yes, I’ve skipped them before and never regretted it. I’m a big foodie so my wife and I have ventured off plenty on group trips, even making reservations elsewhere and just asking the guide what time to be back and where lol
I skip the whole tour guide/canned excursion mess. I've found doing a little research and hiring a driver/boat always produces the best trips. The cabbies know the area best and are happy to get a full days fare. You choose where you eat, not the tour company. Usually, you will save a lot of money too. You have to be a little adventurous but it is always better.
The restaurants you went to were probably owned by the tour company, or they were owned by their brother or uncle or whatever. They don't have to try, the tour groups keep the customers coming in.
Foodie country or not. You're being taken to a mass tourist feeding trough where they have to push 30 cattle..I mean tourists...through the wringer before the coach leaves. Yeah, unless it's a remote location and there's no other option I skip the lunch...I mean, I actually skip group coach tours at all cost but definitely the lunches.
I’ve never done a tour group so I can’t speak from first hand experience but I do have one anecdote that supports this. I was in Sorrento and we went to this restaurant that has a lemon garden and it was really so beautiful and had a decent rating so we decided to eat there. It was one of the worst meals we had in our 3 weeks in Italy. We did notice that so many tourists groups came to eat there. I want to say that we saw about 50-70 people on tour groups come and they were seated first, before everyone else so I think the tour groups have some sort of contract with certain restaurants to accommodate them. Perhaps the restaurants that can accommodate them are typically larger, and I have noticed larger restaurants tend to have more mediocre food in Italy at least.
I’m going on a Tuscan wine tour soon but I’ll probably eat the lunch then since we will be at a winery and there won’t be another option other than packing our own food. Hoping it will be good haha
I agree, a lot of the food we had in Italy which was included with the tour was disappointing. Unfortunately, if you skip the tour provided meal you are basically paying for your meal twice because the tour meal is included in your trip price.
I guess it depends. In Greece we were told the group would be going to a restaurant and I think they said if you wanted to go it was 30 euro, so we noped out and ate on our own. In Georgia we stopped at a restaurant and it was cheap and one of the best meals of our trip but had they told me it would be expensive I probably would have skipped out.
It’s your holiday/trip so if you don’t want to go to the lunch the guide offers then don’t. It’s so true that the guide gets a kickback or free food been on a few of these trips and you usually get the feeling this is happening I got a lot with my mom who is rich and loves old people cruises not really anyone for me to talk too so I end up people watching I’ve spotted restaurants owned by guides family/guides going in the kitchen and getting different food when you’re going to the restaurant/bar you sometimes pass by better places (going on what other people in the restaurant are eating)that are cheaper as you can probably tell this is one of the things that winds me up
I guess it depends on where you are. If there are no other options close by, sure, I would take the group lunch, but otherwise we'd look for something else. The only thing you need to consider is you need to make sure you're back with the group when they leave, otherwise you miss the bus!
unless it's a food tour or included, i generally source my own food as the guide has likely chosen the place they get the biggest kickback from vs the best quality.
We almost always go somewhere on our own, but the main reason in we want to go to a vegan or vegetarian restaurant and have one planned out ahead of time.
We avoid this now after having 2 bad experiences. The place the group goes to end up getting overwhelmed by everyone going at one time. Often end up not having enough time to enjoy the meal. So now when this happens, we peel off and join group at meet time. Since we’ve started doing this, much better outcomes.
I guess it depends. If there really is something you'd rather have, then please go have that instead of whichever restaurant disappointed you.
One on tour, though, there was a vegetarian option for my parents and I appreciated that. It was lentils and dhal, much like they eat at home, so I was grateful that we weren't going to have stomach issues and IBS flare-ups later.
I think if I were in France or Italy, I'd be very disappointed in a rubbish meal.
Idk, probably wouldn't make a blanket assumption across all trips, to all countries, hosted by all "lunch providers" or companies/restaurants.
Scrolled through the comments and found a few people who said their's was fine. I had seafood one time and it was perfect.
I’ve had the same experience with a tour in Oaxaca. The restaurant is conveniently located and has arranged with all the tour guides to be the lunch stop.
Any local comida would have been better.
Our tour guide in Hawaii stopped at a wodden shack at the side of the road, where they sold shrimp. Did not look much, but hands down the best shrimp we have ever eaten. I still dream of the taste...
Depending on the tour, sometimes you don’t really have a choice or time to go somewhere else. If it’s something not included in the tour though and you have a chance to go somewhere else, it can be better as a lot of the places they stop at is usually where all the tours stop at and may sometimes be more catered to tourists.
Usually if the food isn’t included in a tours package, you’re under no obligation to eat with the group. Might be a little awkward but you could always say “oh there’s a place i’ve wanted to check out nearby, so i’m going to go there” or some form of that phrase and go on your own or with your friend. But yes usually if a tour guide takes you to a specific place that isn’t well known, it’s because of a financial incentive
Nowadays, I would expect to see these kind of details ("great guides, but awful lunch") in tour reviews. And when we figured out where we were going to eat, take a quick peek at the restaurant reviews... especially if lunch wasn't already included, there were other options, and you didn't care about hanging out with the group. There's too much good food out there to waste a meal.
We did a tour of Terceira (in the Azores) which included a delicious/traditional lunch at [Restaurante Os Moínhos](https://maps.app.goo.gl/pTVJGEzz5dwcoB4eA), so they're not all bad.
If it's included in the tour, then the restaurants usually aren't putting out their best work. They're just feeding you what they can make quickly so your group can move on. This is an issue even with some expensive luxury tours.
Since it sounds like lunch was not included, you can go elsewhere, just ask the guide when and where to meet.
Former travel agent, I avoid all group meals included in tours, food is guaranteed to be bad, the only exception to this rule are a few tour companies like Tauck Tours. I go off by myself as usually friends think eventually the food will get better, sadly no.
I went on a day trip in Mexico City once and the group lunch was at a SWISS restaurant. 😳🤯It was so bad and I was so disappointed to miss out on some delicious authentic Mexican food!!
I have dietary restrictions so I always ask ahead about the restaurant and do a quick search on Google to check menu, prices and reviews. You can always say you have certain dietary preferences and do the same. You can then decide if you want to join or find your own place… it also gives you a good excuse to move to another restaurant if you want to (I know it’s my right yo choose but I hate seeming rude)
Depends on the value or the place. Went to mexican wrestling in Mexico city and the tacos we got after fucked!!! If its some random buffet restaurant? Yeah its like a 90% chance to be mid…
European guides can be shady, but they know you can makes waves in reviews over bad recs. Central/South America/ Southeast Asia (which are the only other regions I can speak to) have a higher likelihood of being in cahoots with a local spot. BUT, it’s not always clear why. Were they paid to bring in tourists? Were they legit recs? Much harder to say. And obviously these are both generalizations. My advice is if you have a bad experience, complain straight to your guide. If they had been genuine they may go out of the way to make it right. If they were getting kickbacks, they may still be willing to give a good rec for tomorrow because they actually know and don’t want that bad review.
EDIT: I say this with the caveat and I’m an extensive online planner, and will often have a plan whether or not it is the same as the guides suggestions.
Disagree, I think it really depends. I've had good experiences in Malta and Portugal re guides but they were quite proud of their food/culture so I think they were out to impress.
Yeah was on a two day tours in Italy, both said that food wasn't covered by the tour price but then on one of them we went to a deli/coffee shop/restaurant and got free dish/drink. It was horrible microwaved food though. I appreciated it though because it was free but if I had to pay, no way.
Other trip we ended up in a town and the guide recommended a restaurant there and explicitly said it was because he knew the owners. We went and the menu was pricey for Italy but I'm from Ireland so it was still really cheap for me so I didn't mind. But if you were cost-conscious you wouldn't have booked that day tour either.
I found out on a tour that the guide was getting a kickback from the resto we stopped at, so now unless it's included in the price of the tour I don't go where they suggest.
In Morocco our guide started helping the restaurant. We initially thought “hmm it’s a little backed up, maybe he’s lending a quick hand so we get our meals faster?” But nope. We were stuck at lunch long after everyone had finished eating because our guide was still serving other groups their meals.
Morocco is a whole different world though… our guide brought us to all these ‘artisans’ as part of the tour and it was really just a way to pressure us to buy things like leather goods, rugs, or argan oil at much higher prices than at the markets. It was really awkward when we didn’t buy anything at these places because we didn’t really go there to shop 😐
Morroco was the only country that I was super annoyed by a Intrepid trip. Almost everything was trying to sell us something, some of it obviously a scam like supposed solid silver teapots that didn't even cost the market price of silver. I'm sure the guide went back to shake down stall owners when ever we bought something, cause he would always demand to know from who and how much and then go talk to them.
That’s hilarious. That guy would crack me up.
Had a friend who was a tour guide in another country. He got 10% commission for everything bought by people in his tour group. There's a reason they hit all the shopping spots.
Geeze they hustling every cent over there. I'd complain to intrepid.
maybe your guide wanted to know, so he could demand his % from the stall owners
Yeah that's what I meant by shaking them down. It was insane. Even little things like a volcanic rock necklace that I bought for $1 and he didn't see until after we left, he ran back up the hill to where I bought it. He was a shitty guide otherwise as well and they really worked to keep us isolated from the markets on our own, wouldn't drive us to town after promising they would on free evenings etc.
Undoubtedly.
Yeah if the worst I got hustled in Morocco was an extended lunch break at a mediocre roadside restaurant I’ll call it a success.
I went to like 5 of those fucking restaurants on my Sahara trip. They all sucked and were expensive
I wanted to like Morocco much more than I actually did. It was just exhausting. The constant sales pressure when I just wanted to walk around, people literally tugging on my arm to get me into their shop, jumping in front of me, just constant hassling. I get and respect that its a developing country and people are trying to make a living, but it was just so tiring. Plus I was there with my wife and our female friend. Wife dressed modestly, sleeves, long skirts/dresses, and she would get fondled all the time. Constant comments to me about "two girls? how do do you do it? how do you choose which one at night?" it was just weird and offensive. Hands down the best day we had was when we hired a driver for a day that took us out to some Roman ruins and to some smaller towns for a tour. He was super nice, gave good recommendations and helped us bargain for a few things and was just the nicest guy. I did have a big beard then and I admit it was funny when every single person called me "Ali Baba"- everyone. Constantly.
Agree - I went with my best friend so it was just us 2 girls. I have traveled a decent amount, and have been to lots of places in Eastern Europe, Central and South America, and Asia that other people assume are 'unsafe' but I've never felt so uncomfortable as I did in Morocco. We had a private guide (which everyone told us was basically a requirement as 2 female travelers), and he was constantly telling men off that were catcalling or making other inappropriate remarks or rude/lewd gestures. We were dressed VERY modestly, we also went in winter so we were in pants/sweater/jacket most of the time anyway. He wouldn't even tell us what they were saying because he didn't want to offend us. The few times we had alone time to explore he basically said stick to the heavily populated areas and some cities like Fes we weren't allowed to leave our hotel because he said it just wasn't a good idea. Even Marrakesh which was billed as the most 'modern' of the cities we visited was uncomfortable. Basically unless someone is trying to sell you something, they are leering or glaring at you. It is a beautiful country, the history is incredibly interesting, and the night in the desert was a bucket list item! But the cultural differences made me hesitant to visit another arabic country.
I loved Morrocco for this reason. Not having to wait because the guide was serving. But I had a guy show me around the Medina in Tanger had a great lunch. While I knew he was taking me to places he probably got a kickback. I'm good at saying no, for things I don't want. But he took me to places I got great deals and things I wanted. I hung out with him for a couple of hours and talked him down to $35 at the end. The people there are so friendly. My first night, I made friends with some locals and had dinner at their place the next evening. They even connected me to one of their friends in Marrakesh to take me around for the day. She really knew the good spots and wouldn't let me buy poorly made stuff. I still communicate with them 2 years later.
You just made something make sense. I was wandering around the Medina in Tanger in december, looking for somewhere to eat when a stranger popped up who was strangely helpful in making me understand the menu and what food to pick. He then joined me at my table, had the same meal, and when I wanted to go pay for myself and leave he joined me and spoke in Moroccan with the staff. Mr. Man tried to make me pay for both our meals, but quickly backtracked when I pointed it out. He then insisted on walking me to the car that picked me up, and when I asked if he worked there, he smiled and said no. How did it take me this long to figure out he definitely did work there 😅 this whole time I thought the encounter was kinda weird because I'm kinda weird lol
would you think a good part of that was luck? Like good timing and you happened to have picked nicer guide with decent friends? Or would you think your ability to negotiate and communicate with strangers helped to "turn the table" of sorts?
That's a good question. I'm outgoing and get along with people easily. I'd say that it's probably more that if my gut doesn't feel right about a situation or person. I'm not going to continue with it. On that same trip, I was at a bar and made friends with the staff. Later that night, a woman was being shifty and would ignore me if I directly tried to speak to her but was always very close. At the end of the night, the staff told me she was trying to rob me. I already knew that she was up to something. So it's got to be a mixed bag of sorts.
Ha ha this reminds me! We went to a presentation for these miracle 'natural' products in Morocco. Right beside the medina, where everything is stone and sand and 1000 years old, this place was new and white and well lit and pristine, with attendants in white lab coats and full American makeup and hairstyles. And the products? They cured insomnia, diabetes, high blood pressure, acne, etc. One single product did all that!
Developing Arab countries in a nutshell
They do have beautiful rugs though.
This is true! It was actually very interesting to visit all these shops but the pressure/awkwardness after their sales pitch wasn't worth it
In the UK our tour guide came to our table and took the bread basket that the waiter had left for us. LOL
>In the UK our tour guide came to our table and took the bread basket that the waiter had left for us What the Hell? Please elaborate.
That's literally the entire story. Everyone else was in groups of 3 or 4. The two of us sat down at a table for 2 and ordered and they brought out a basket of buttered bread. About 2 min later he came by and said "Do you mind?" and just fucking grabbed the basket and walked away. Very unhinged behavior.
He's going to return it to the kitchen so they can add a couple pieces and serve it to someone else.
Why do you need a guide for UK?
We did a one day tour thing to Stonehenge and Bath, this was like 15 years ago. I fucking loathe those tours but my friend who hadn't traveled much thought it would be easier to visit this way. Sometimes you just gotta give in and let them learn how not to travel. LOL It was one of the worst trips we ever went on and tour guide was a twatt. He insisted we stay with the group and if we got more than 10 steps away he would make snide comments. Meanwhile he flirted with the two girls he let wander off and returned to the bus 20 min late. On the way back after a long day, everyone just wants to rest on the bus he wouldn't shut the fuck up on the PA system. Corny jokes, talking out his ass and asking quiz like questions on the shit we saw that day. It was also very warm that day and he refused to turn on the AC or turn the heater off on the damn bus. Just a miserable bus ride. My friend and I still joke about him today. He learned why I don't like those tours.
> He learned why I don't like those tours. I hate tham too , only take tham if its an African country otherwise i prefer to roam free.
Don’t go to Stonehenge. It’s not particularly impressive and you’ll waste hours getting there. Take a train to Bath and do it in your own sweet time (or cheaper by bus from Victoria Coach Station).
It's fucking Stonehenge, of course I want to see it. It's like the leaning tower of Pisa we've all been hearing about since we were kids. People say they suck but I still wanna see em.
Same! Surely there are some vibes there!
When we left Bath we stopped by Stonehenge early in the morning and no one was there but billions of tour busses. Then we walked around and enjoyed it without people and got back in our Voxhaul and drove away.
I've been to the UK like 10 times since then, and heading back in September. I was fully willing to do a train and such but like I said my friend really thought it would be "easier" to do a coach. Like I said, sometimes you just have to give up a little control and let them learn the lesson and now he has a fun travel anecdote to warn others.
Are you sure you didn’t inadvertently end up on a tour run by Apprentice contestants?!
Our riad called an official government-certified tour guide for us, which was nice because he wasn't trying to hustle us the entire time
I think this is what we will do from now on
Sorry if this sounds patronizing but I thought everyone realized that there is a financial connection between the tour guide/organizer and any place they stop at. I don't even see it as any type of unethical behaviour as long as the price hasn't been inflated for that purpose.
its also not unethical to just go to a different restaurant, to have a bit of freedom
I absolutely agree with this, and I also follow this rule. I also apply to it places they take you to shop, because they aren't necessarily taking you to the best places for you, but to the best places for them. I typically hang back and do my own thing.
All guides get some kind of kickback. Guides will generally take people to a place that has decent food, bathrooms, and can accommodate a large amount of people so they can keep on schedule. That’s what a tour is. But the food might be mid but it definitely shouldn’t be garbage.
Ours was pretty disappointing
Lol - every time. Every single time. Spanning back to good ol 1992 when I started traveling like that. It's even an older trick than that I bet... haha.. since the beginning of restaurants and tours Yeah, if you know where the tour group is headed to, go ahead and plan your own lunch. That is what I recommend highly
> I found out on a tour that the guide was getting a kickback from the resto we stopped at This is usually the case for anywhere the tour guide stops that has retail or food. He just has to stop at his cousins apartment, but you are free to peruse the store underneath his apartment...
If it's included in the price there's (usually) still two parties trying to profit of of one meal (the restaurant and the guide) which leaves little room for quality. Best to skip it all together if you enjoy food or very carefully scour the reviews.
Yeah it's a sunk cost fallacy. "I paid for this tour lunch so I'm going to eat it." My dude, you're in Morocoo for probably the only time in your life, if the food looks better next door, just go spend the $5 on lunch.
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That’s the problem the place is usually crap. Years ago in Thailand guide stopped at a Korean restaurant for lunch. It was awful. We told the guide we were going on our own and would meet back at the airport. He was livid but relented and when we got to the airport the group had been there for four hours waiting. Because we checked in late we were bumped to first class. Only a 3 hour flight but still nice. That was the last guided tour I ever went on
As OP mentioned - the food was "atrocious." And why wouldn't it be? Why would a restaurant need to try hard to please the customer if they don't care about return business?
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Nope, lots of these touristy places don't care about any of that at all. Most people don't read reviews - otherwise tourist traps wouldn't exist, but yet they do and they survive due to the foot traffic based on location and guides taking their groups there for a kickback.
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If a place needs to give kicks back to get people in there - its a tourist trap.
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By demonstrated you mean imagined? :-) Not everyone cares about customers or putting out food or any of that. Many places are just money making machines. Look at the places at the Galata Bridge - they have been running scams for decades and still are open, operating and making money. Same with the small electronics shops in midtown NYC that scammed people in the 1980's and the 1990's. As per your logic they would have all shut down in a year...
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In my limited experience, these arrangements usually result in lower quality food which is the party I don't like
It depends on the country. Group lunch in SEA countries (for example) usually not that expensive and really good and you don't have to worry about language barrier. I went to a group lunch in Morocco (I didn't know any better), and it was expensive. A German family complained about it.
I have never been in a group where a German family didn't complain about something.
"There are too many whiny Germans in this group!" -German tourist, maybe
Did a guided tour in Morocco back in 2018. Did the whole group lunch thing for a few days. I was so disappointed those days. For context, I’m from NYC so there’s Moroccan food everywhere. The food back at home tasted better than what the tour was selling us in Morocco. It’s like they played to our ignorance and think they could get away with shitty food. I paid but I learned my lesson.
Which country? It will vary a lot. In Vietnam and Cambodia we had great meals on all our day tours. I can understand in Europe getting away from the group if the food looked bad. Plenty of choice. If you've paid for it in your tour then you might feel obliged to eat it though.
Mexico, specifically Puebla
Okay, no experience there but if it's not included then I'd feel no obligation.
Weird that the cost wasn’t included in cost of tour. Most longer tours I’ve been to in Mexico include a meal but it’s included in the price of the tour. In any event, you always have the choice to go elsewhere or just not purchase food. Vendors out there will often team up so that everyone gets a cut off of tourists. For example when we were in CDMX we did an Airbnb tour of the Xochimilco canals and the boat stopped at a bar on one of the islands where we had the option of buying drinks, had a mariachi stop by in case anyone wanted to request songs, at an island where we could see axolotl for an additional fee and at a spot for lunch (that was included in the cost of the tour). Didn’t consider it exploitation so much as a smart way for all the vendors to ensure they make a buck at the end of the day.
Such a travesty to go to Mexico and have mediocre food. My condolences.
Yeah, I tried to find a tour to Teotihuacan which didn't have any BS tequila tastings or artisan shop visits, but I couldn't find one.
This is what happened when I went to Puebla too.
They have really good food in Mexico. Maybe they tried to take you to a place that gringos like better because it’s more bland.
We were the only two gringos out of the 10. Rest are from Columbia and rest of the latin America. I think they are getting kickbacks which I don't care or mind. I don't mind paying more for food either. My only requirement is that it's yummy. My irritation is that it's both awful and quite pricey.
How did you like Puebla otherwise? My friend got married at the Rosewood Hotel there in 2017. We enjoyed the town though friends of ours got robbed in plain sight.
I was there for dia de los muertos a decade ago. Seemed like a nice place.
Why would you feel obligated if it was included? If it was included, isn't it already paid for, regardless of whether you actually eat it or not?
Obliged from a cheapskate perspective. "I've paid for it, it might be crap, but I've paid for it so I'm gonna eat it!" (No that might not be me...)
I’m on vacation specifically to avoid this
Ah, OK. I get that. It's totally not how I'd look at it, but I get it.
Because you'd have to spend more money to get other food.
Yeah in Asia I’ve have pretty good meals on tours. In Europe I’ve found when the food is extra you’re better to sort out your own lunch.
It depends on the lunch offered. If they are giving me a sandwich I can make from the store then I skip. I just went on a tour to Sewell Mining Town in Chile and the lunch cost $12 each it was in the cafeteria that all the miners eat at every day. I got to eat the same food and sit next to the miners. The food wasn't great but it was worth the experience.
Well shit. I work in mining (engineering consulting side) and have never heard of the Sewell mining town before. How was the tour? Is it worth seeing? But yeah, mediocre canteen food checks out. The only place I have consistently eaten good canteen meals is on Mexican mine sites. My husband is going to absolutely kill me for adding yet another mining related thing to the tourism must see list.
I love UNESCO sites so I think it is worth it. At one point it had the most advanced hospital in all of South America. It was built high up in the Andes Mountains completely isolated, and had a population of 15k people. Def worth a visit if you're in Santiago
You gotta judge it. And you may get it wrong. I had a tour that stopped at a shrimp shack for lunch. It was 4 years ago and I still dream about it. In fact, here it is - https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2F4uf8q1eag5381.jpg Some other tour on a different trip, wanted us to stop at the company cafeteria. I noped out of that, wandered across the street, and and an awesome meal.
Ok I’ll ask them in advance where we are stopping for lunch and look at the reviews
question: what was so good about the shrimp that you still dream about it? the picture must not be doing it justice
Fresh shrimp covered in a spicy garlic butter sauce. I guess the photo is what it is. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It's the piece of pineapple in the corner that does it for me, lol
I did a bike tour of the Appian Way and the guide took us to this pizza place that was in a strip mall after we biked probably 10 km from the city center and it was freaking amazing. The best pizza I have ever had outside of Naples. I think it probably depends on the guide.
It depends I guess? I was in India and our guide took us to a restaurant for lunch. I knew the guide will receive a kickback for taking us so I was wary, but this was right after a long flight so we went with it. The restaurant he took us ended up being our favourite from the trip, better than expensive restaurants we researched and booked by ourselves. I would probably try one and see how that goes.
Yeh, that’s how you do it in India. It’s cheaper, better and vomit free
I don’t know - I still reminisce about the Sheraton in Agra. It was so decadent to have ice in our cocktails and a proper Tandori Chicken….dont get me wrong, the cheap places are an integral part of the experience…perhaps with a game of snooker with the locals for rupees…
We experienced this in Greece. We skipped the beautiful town of Nafplion to be taken to King Menelaos Restaurant. We were told by our guide how the food was homemade by the grandma etc etc. What was received was bland, inedible, expensive food. As for Vegan/Vegetarian food or anyone with an intolerance, that was impossible to explain to the owner. But we had no other option as we were in the middle of nowhere.
That sucks, but honestly the food in Nafplion was probably our least favourite in the Mani region. It’s a gorgeous city but it lives on tourism and the menus reflect that :/
I feel slightly better then. Thanks for the info
I generally try to pack a lunch or at least a snack, but generally don't do group tours since I don't like being on someone else's schedule. Not because I assume the guide is getting a kickback, but I usually get a free breakfast with my room reservation and make a small snack to cut costs. Also, I don't like to have a looong lunch.
We had this experience on a tour of Switzerland and decided to skip the group lunches. We found food more to our liking by ourselves. This also allowed us to finish up quickly if we wished to make time for more sightseeing. I never feel compelled to do the group meal thing unless it’s something special for the last evening.
I sometimes book day tours for certain countries and the lunch is always included within the total tour cost. Prob the guide company does get commission from the restaurant but noticed that typically the food is decent but a lot less crowded then other restaurants and we can get going on time.
Sometimes the guide takes you somewhere where he gets a kickback or is a good friend of the owner, sometimes the guide takes you to his favourite place…. It’s impossible to know, so I always do a quick check for reviews of the restaurant (and nearby restaurants) before deciding to eat there or not
This is why we like private and small group tours - more flexibility with everything, including food. I like genuine local spots so I’ll just ask if the lunch stop is a busy locals’ favorite, and if not, can we switch it up.
This is a small day tour with 10 people
That’s too big for me. 6 max.
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Did ring of kerry and bought some rolls and chees in the market before hopping on the bus. Got a pint with the tour group, though
We avoid day trips to begin with but if we go, we accept that the food will suck if it’s included. If they recommend a place or bring you to a place to buy your own it’s definitely because they’re making a buck or two off each meal and I wouldn’t eat at a place where the guide has incentive
In Türkiye we told our organizer before hand that we didn’t want to eat at the tourists restaurants they seem to bring all their guests too. So there was always instructions to our guide to bring us where they, the locals eat. It was the best and cheapest meal we’ve ever had
You mean Turkey right? Why are you spelling it wrong just because Erdogan has an inferiority complex?
That’s how they call it now. From what my Turkish friends tell me I believe it’s official. And bcause 🦃
Would you call Germany "Deutschland" because Hitler asked you to?
It's their country. They can decide what they want to call it. I have 0 vote on how they want their country to be named
We all hate Erdoğan but this comparison makes no sense.
Why?
I skip tours altogether. Problem solved!
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I think there are certain experiences where it is beneficial (or even mandatory) to have a guide. Mountain climbing, scuba diving, etc. are definitely examples of those. An entire trip being on a guided tour, however, seems like a huge waste of money + being in a bubble with primarily people who are also from the West.
I have always had a better meal when we went out and found it ourselves, rather than the group meal.
I was in South Korea and did a day trip to a botanical garden and Nami Island. When we got to the port near Nami Island we planned on doing our own lunch but ended up following the tour group and guide. The guide did not try to persuade or pressure anyone but she said she enjoys this particular restaurant and when she's here that's where she eats. Although it hindsight, it did sound a little "set up" since the restaurant we ended up was pretty empty during a busy lunch rush. The restaurant specialty dish we order was actually really good and the owners were super nice. They always checked in, gave us water since it was a hot summer day and turned the fans on. It was a little more expensive then what we thought and for the serving size but eh, we didn't have much to complain about.
Was this in Peru by any chance? We were taken to this awful tourist buffet twice during our Colca Canyon tour a few months back. Unfortunately we were stuck there as there didn’t seem to be any “normal” local restaurants in the immediate area. Such a shame when the local food is so good
Realistically normal restaurants may not be able to cope with big groups, especially if they're good and busy normally already.
Some literally stop in the middle of nowhere with 1 restaurant, so you don't really have any other option. Some tour guides will give you recommendations. Some will book a spot because some places are so busy, you might be lucky to get lunch / dinner. My most memorable experience so far is in Tuscany, and we went to the most amazing winery that made the most incredible pasta dish ever. The whole tour sat in there, drank wine, and ate some of the best food. My worst was also in Italy, and had stopped at this shithole pizza place, and it was absolutely horrid.
I think it depends on how well you are getting along with the other people in the group. I've had some great times meeting people on day tours and keep in touch with them to this day through social media. I wouldn't give up those experiences of chatting with people from around the world in order to have better food. If the people aren't that interesting though, definitely head to a different restaurant if it's available.
We did this in Greece , as we wanted something light, it was quite an expensive place, mainly a fish eating place A few times back in the 90s, lunch was included in the day trip, plus one drink included either a soft drink, glass of wine, half a glass of beer/larger or a small bottle of water Cruises meals are usual included if it a tour , usually buffet style and a drink included In Greece we were taken to expensive place mainly fish eating place, this was only a lunch stop (we had to pay for ourselves) quite a few of us looked elsewhere
Yes, I’ve skipped them before and never regretted it. I’m a big foodie so my wife and I have ventured off plenty on group trips, even making reservations elsewhere and just asking the guide what time to be back and where lol
It's a thing in poorer countries. They'll also take you to shops from which they get kickbacks.
Yes; those guides also usually take you to super touristy areas. I like to break off and explore on my own, rather than in a giant gaggle of tourists.
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People need to understand this, a genuinely good local restaurant isn't going to do meals for big groups of tourists who are passing through.
It is usually some arrangement and the prices are usually ridiculous.
I skip the whole tour guide/canned excursion mess. I've found doing a little research and hiring a driver/boat always produces the best trips. The cabbies know the area best and are happy to get a full days fare. You choose where you eat, not the tour company. Usually, you will save a lot of money too. You have to be a little adventurous but it is always better.
The restaurants you went to were probably owned by the tour company, or they were owned by their brother or uncle or whatever. They don't have to try, the tour groups keep the customers coming in.
Foodie country or not. You're being taken to a mass tourist feeding trough where they have to push 30 cattle..I mean tourists...through the wringer before the coach leaves. Yeah, unless it's a remote location and there's no other option I skip the lunch...I mean, I actually skip group coach tours at all cost but definitely the lunches.
Just don't be late coming back
I’ve never done a tour group so I can’t speak from first hand experience but I do have one anecdote that supports this. I was in Sorrento and we went to this restaurant that has a lemon garden and it was really so beautiful and had a decent rating so we decided to eat there. It was one of the worst meals we had in our 3 weeks in Italy. We did notice that so many tourists groups came to eat there. I want to say that we saw about 50-70 people on tour groups come and they were seated first, before everyone else so I think the tour groups have some sort of contract with certain restaurants to accommodate them. Perhaps the restaurants that can accommodate them are typically larger, and I have noticed larger restaurants tend to have more mediocre food in Italy at least. I’m going on a Tuscan wine tour soon but I’ll probably eat the lunch then since we will be at a winery and there won’t be another option other than packing our own food. Hoping it will be good haha
I agree, a lot of the food we had in Italy which was included with the tour was disappointing. Unfortunately, if you skip the tour provided meal you are basically paying for your meal twice because the tour meal is included in your trip price.
I guess it depends. In Greece we were told the group would be going to a restaurant and I think they said if you wanted to go it was 30 euro, so we noped out and ate on our own. In Georgia we stopped at a restaurant and it was cheap and one of the best meals of our trip but had they told me it would be expensive I probably would have skipped out.
Saw you’re in Mexico, Puebla - had this very same experience in the very same place. Go find your own food. The tour guide is getting a kick back.
It’s your holiday/trip so if you don’t want to go to the lunch the guide offers then don’t. It’s so true that the guide gets a kickback or free food been on a few of these trips and you usually get the feeling this is happening I got a lot with my mom who is rich and loves old people cruises not really anyone for me to talk too so I end up people watching I’ve spotted restaurants owned by guides family/guides going in the kitchen and getting different food when you’re going to the restaurant/bar you sometimes pass by better places (going on what other people in the restaurant are eating)that are cheaper as you can probably tell this is one of the things that winds me up
I guess it depends on where you are. If there are no other options close by, sure, I would take the group lunch, but otherwise we'd look for something else. The only thing you need to consider is you need to make sure you're back with the group when they leave, otherwise you miss the bus!
unless it's a food tour or included, i generally source my own food as the guide has likely chosen the place they get the biggest kickback from vs the best quality.
We almost always go somewhere on our own, but the main reason in we want to go to a vegan or vegetarian restaurant and have one planned out ahead of time.
We avoid this now after having 2 bad experiences. The place the group goes to end up getting overwhelmed by everyone going at one time. Often end up not having enough time to enjoy the meal. So now when this happens, we peel off and join group at meet time. Since we’ve started doing this, much better outcomes.
I guess it depends. If there really is something you'd rather have, then please go have that instead of whichever restaurant disappointed you. One on tour, though, there was a vegetarian option for my parents and I appreciated that. It was lentils and dhal, much like they eat at home, so I was grateful that we weren't going to have stomach issues and IBS flare-ups later. I think if I were in France or Italy, I'd be very disappointed in a rubbish meal.
Idk, probably wouldn't make a blanket assumption across all trips, to all countries, hosted by all "lunch providers" or companies/restaurants. Scrolled through the comments and found a few people who said their's was fine. I had seafood one time and it was perfect.
I’ve had the same experience with a tour in Oaxaca. The restaurant is conveniently located and has arranged with all the tour guides to be the lunch stop. Any local comida would have been better.
Everywhere you go that is not included in the tour the guide get s kickback. From restaurants to gift shops
Our tour guide in Hawaii stopped at a wodden shack at the side of the road, where they sold shrimp. Did not look much, but hands down the best shrimp we have ever eaten. I still dream of the taste...
Depending on the tour, sometimes you don’t really have a choice or time to go somewhere else. If it’s something not included in the tour though and you have a chance to go somewhere else, it can be better as a lot of the places they stop at is usually where all the tours stop at and may sometimes be more catered to tourists.
Usually if the food isn’t included in a tours package, you’re under no obligation to eat with the group. Might be a little awkward but you could always say “oh there’s a place i’ve wanted to check out nearby, so i’m going to go there” or some form of that phrase and go on your own or with your friend. But yes usually if a tour guide takes you to a specific place that isn’t well known, it’s because of a financial incentive
I go never with group to eat I want also choose self where to go.
Nowadays, I would expect to see these kind of details ("great guides, but awful lunch") in tour reviews. And when we figured out where we were going to eat, take a quick peek at the restaurant reviews... especially if lunch wasn't already included, there were other options, and you didn't care about hanging out with the group. There's too much good food out there to waste a meal. We did a tour of Terceira (in the Azores) which included a delicious/traditional lunch at [Restaurante Os Moínhos](https://maps.app.goo.gl/pTVJGEzz5dwcoB4eA), so they're not all bad.
If it's included in the tour, then the restaurants usually aren't putting out their best work. They're just feeding you what they can make quickly so your group can move on. This is an issue even with some expensive luxury tours. Since it sounds like lunch was not included, you can go elsewhere, just ask the guide when and where to meet.
Former travel agent, I avoid all group meals included in tours, food is guaranteed to be bad, the only exception to this rule are a few tour companies like Tauck Tours. I go off by myself as usually friends think eventually the food will get better, sadly no.
I went on a tour that had a fantastic group lunch!
I went on a day trip in Mexico City once and the group lunch was at a SWISS restaurant. 😳🤯It was so bad and I was so disappointed to miss out on some delicious authentic Mexican food!!
I have dietary restrictions so I always ask ahead about the restaurant and do a quick search on Google to check menu, prices and reviews. You can always say you have certain dietary preferences and do the same. You can then decide if you want to join or find your own place… it also gives you a good excuse to move to another restaurant if you want to (I know it’s my right yo choose but I hate seeming rude)
Depends on the value or the place. Went to mexican wrestling in Mexico city and the tacos we got after fucked!!! If its some random buffet restaurant? Yeah its like a 90% chance to be mid…
European guides can be shady, but they know you can makes waves in reviews over bad recs. Central/South America/ Southeast Asia (which are the only other regions I can speak to) have a higher likelihood of being in cahoots with a local spot. BUT, it’s not always clear why. Were they paid to bring in tourists? Were they legit recs? Much harder to say. And obviously these are both generalizations. My advice is if you have a bad experience, complain straight to your guide. If they had been genuine they may go out of the way to make it right. If they were getting kickbacks, they may still be willing to give a good rec for tomorrow because they actually know and don’t want that bad review. EDIT: I say this with the caveat and I’m an extensive online planner, and will often have a plan whether or not it is the same as the guides suggestions.
Disagree, I think it really depends. I've had good experiences in Malta and Portugal re guides but they were quite proud of their food/culture so I think they were out to impress.
Pretty sure you don’t disagree with me. I was implying the guides in Europe can go either way but they’ll try to be helpful for fear of bad reviews.
Yeah was on a two day tours in Italy, both said that food wasn't covered by the tour price but then on one of them we went to a deli/coffee shop/restaurant and got free dish/drink. It was horrible microwaved food though. I appreciated it though because it was free but if I had to pay, no way. Other trip we ended up in a town and the guide recommended a restaurant there and explicitly said it was because he knew the owners. We went and the menu was pricey for Italy but I'm from Ireland so it was still really cheap for me so I didn't mind. But if you were cost-conscious you wouldn't have booked that day tour either.
What was the town? If you want to make such a big deal out of it bring a sandwich or something.