If you associate a guided vacation with over-elaborative tour guides and run-of-the-mill itineraries that take you to the same ‘must-see’ sights…think again! We’ve gathered 10 of the top reasons to take a guided vacation in 2012 to convince you otherwise and show you how guided vacations are one of the best ways for Avoya Travel / American Express guests to travel this New Year.

1. Local Experts

With different languages, foreign roadmaps, and tons of sites to visit in a set timeframe, visiting a new destination may not be as easy as you think! During a guided vacation in 2012, you’ll have access to an experienced Guided Vacation Director as well as local experts who definitely carry more knowledge than a guidebook. These individuals will be your friend in an unfamiliar place, and provide you with valuable insider knowledge about your destination – whether this includes bargaining down shopping prices or making sure you taste the best authentic local cuisine, your Guided Vacation Director will help you live the cultural lifestyle of your destination to its fullest. Your travel destination is their backyard!

2. Exclusive Cultural Experiences

Guided vacations treat Avoya Travel guests like an insider, and not a tourist. Beyond popular sites you’ll have exclusive cultural experiences all expertly arranged by your guided vacation company. From Trafalgar’s ‘Hidden Treasures’ that uncover a unique surprise that you’ll never discover while traveling on your own; to Contiki’s city events that include embarking on new and exciting adventures with a fun-loving crew of travelers ages 18-35, these exclusive cultural experiences can only be discovered during a guided vacation in 2012.

Trafalgar's Hidden Treasures are available on every itinerary, including guided vacations to Europe. Plus, for a limited time you can take advantage of last minute savings of up to $2,204!

3. Hassle-Free Planning

Compare taking a guided vacation to traveling on your own, and you’ll be surprised by how hassle-free the entire process is. While traveling independently, you’ll need to plan weeks – or maybe months – in advance and map out your itinerary, catch onto different languages, prepare to pay with different currencies, carry your own luggage, find your own transportation, and much more. And, once you are at your destination and the sites you want to visit, you’ll need to stand in lines, pay fees, and deal with other things you may not be aware of or prepared for. The preparation that goes into planning your vacation can be very stressful, however with a guided vacation everything will already be planned and handled in advance so you can just simply travel, enjoy your destination, and not have to worry about a thing.

4. Beyond Popular Sites

While you’ll definitely visit all the ‘must-see’ sites of your destination during select guided vacation itineraries, you’ll also have the chance to go beyond the usual tourist paths to see hidden gems and cultural highlights. Visit local wineries in Europe, or bike ride along river valleys, or see secluded village squares and much more with the help of your local expert. With guided vacations, you’ll also have an ample amount of leisure time so that you can experience everything that defines the beauty of your destination.

5. Like-Minded Travelers

On guided vacations, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy every bit of your destination while meeting new people and like-minded travelers from all over the world! It’s a pleasure to travel with others who are just as interested in your destination as much as you are, and makes the guided vacation all the more worthwhile. Thinking about traveling alone? Guided vacations are known for offering solo travelers a fun experience filled with new friends and adventures. And, with select guided vacation companies such as Contiki, you’ll have the chance to explore new lands with travelers your age. Exclusively for guests 18 – 35, Contiki allows you to link up with young people from around the world and discover new and exciting experiences together.

Meet like-minded travelers your age on Contiki guided vacations to Europe. And, you can take a guided vacation in 2012 and kick off the year with secret New Year savings!

6. More Value

Contrary to popular belief, traveling on your own doesn’t always offer more bang for your buck. On a guided vacation, all your accommodations and transportation are included in the cost of your vacation, and sometimes these rates are negotiated to lower prices than what you would typically pay if you were traveling on your own. In addition, these vacations also include sightseeing with an expert, several meals, as well as amazing local experiences; the cost of traveling on your own can definitely add up when including all of these factors! Don’t want to wait in line to enter one of Europe’s many museums? With guided vacations, you’ll have the chance to bypass these lines!

7. Quality Accommodations

With accommodations included in the cost of your guided vacation in 2012, you’ll be surprised with the quality of the hotels that that are part of your vacation! From a Roman Villa in Italy to an Eco-lodge in the Daintree Rainforest in Australia, the accommodations you stay at during your guided vacation will be centrally-located and offer great value. With Insight Vacations, you’ll have the chance to stay at mainly first class superior and deluxe hotels that include premium brands from the world’s leading hotel groups. In addition, Insight Vacations’ new Gold itineraries feature luxury hotels that boast complete elegance and style.

To experience Insight Vacations' quality accommodations, check out some of Insight Vacations' Europe guided vacations that also include new 'Gold' itineraries. Hurry before it's too late to also take advantage of last minute savings of up to $828!

8. Authentic Food & Meals

Visiting a new destination isn’t complete without getting a taste of its local cuisine! Forget about stepping into a restaurant that intentionally increases its prices and lures tourists in. On guided vacations, your local expert will take you to the best restaurants in town! And with Trafalgar, you’ll have the chance to also experience exclusive ‘Be My Guest’ dining experiences on select itineraries. You’ll be invited into private homes, working farms, wineries, and family-run restaurants to savor delicious authentic meals. From delicious hors d’oeuvres and learning how to make tasty empanadas in a local Buenos Aires home, to visiting a family’s working olive grove estate in the Tuscan countryside and enjoying a meal complete with Italian favorites and Chianti wine, you’ll sample some of the most delicious fare during a guided vacation in 2012!

9. Help When You Need It

From something as simple as reading a road sign or finding a good place to eat, to more complicated problems such as leaving behind luggage at a hotel or needing to find a particular store or item, your Guided Vacation Director will be there to provide help and assistance to you during every hour of your vacation. There is always the possibility of random occurrences happening when you’re traveling, and during a guided vacation you’ll never have to worry about figuring everything out on your own.

10. Modern & Comfortable Transportation

Traveling in a foreign country is a good experience, however can also get very complicated if you miss a stop, don’t speak the language, or run out of money. On a guided vacation in 2012, you’ll have a specialty motor coach that will get you from place to place – without any additional fees. All the driving and navigation from one city to the next will all be taken care of, and you won’t have to worry about paying additional toll fees or figuring out how to park in city centers. Plus, these vehicles provide comfort so you can rest from one destination to the next.

Discover firsthand why these are the top 10 reasons to take a guided vacation in 2012 and contact an Avoya Travel Vacation Specialist today to begin planning your trip for the new year!