The tour company Costsaver specializes in “unpackaged” tours. That means the company breaks down its tours into two parts: It handles the essentials, like accommodations at three- and four-star hotels, many meals, tour transportation, must-see sights, and a 24-7 on-road team. But guests can then tailor their trip to their interests with a choice of more than 1,000 optional experiences around the globe.
This flexibility to mix and match helps travelers pursue their own interests and stick to their budgets, since any extras are up to them. Responsible travel is also part of the equation when itineraries are created, and Costsaver makes these efforts as part of the family-owned and -run The Travel Corporation (TTC), which also owns other tour brands including Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight Vacations, and Brendan Vacations.
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TourScoop takeaways
- Destinations: More than 70 tour itineraries across Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand
- Tour size average: Tours average 30 guests
- Tour type: Guided motorcoach tours and cruises
- Price range: Budget
How to book
Tours can be booked on the Costsaver website, by calling 866-530-6085, or through your preferred travel agent.
Credibility check
Costsaver has a rating of 4.6/5 on Feefo based on more than 20,000 reviews. You can also read reviews from travelers on the Costsaver website.
Tour destinations
Costsaver offers more than 70 itineraries that travel throughout Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Popular tour options include the 10-day London to Rome Highlights, one-week Jewels of Italy tour, 10-day Japan Discovery trip, and nine-day Irish Wonder tour.
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Tour types
Costsaver offers tours that focus on several different themes. Wildlife & Nature Tours help travelers explore scenic spots around the world by foot, raft, safari vehicle, and zip line. For a totally difference experience, Street & Urban Explorer Tours spotlight cafes, galleries, bars, and other notable city spots.
Creative Tours & Art Travel delve into the cultural side of destinations, while Music Tours take in everything from Elvis’s Graceland to Irish pubs. Boats & Cruising Tours travel well-known rivers and other waterways, and Local Travel Tours help guests see some of America’s most iconic sights. Groups of 10 or more can also tailor their trip with options for Custom Tours.
Tour guides
Costsaver’s Travel Directors are experts in the destinations in which they lead and readily share their knowledge with guests. They also help coordinate all the optional experiences for guests, so logistics are never an issue.
What’s included
Costsaver tours include:
- Accommodations at three- and four-star hotels
- Many meals (as described in the trip itinerary)
- On-tour transportation
- Restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes
- Sightseeing and activities as described in itinerary
- Airport transfers depending on destination (see Airport Transfers for more information)
What’s not included
Costsaver tour prices do not include flights or extra hotel nights before and after a trip (both can be added during the booking process). Choice experiences are also not included in the initial tour price and can be booked and paid for during your trip.
Typical travelers
The typical Costsaver traveler is between the ages of 50 and 60. Children ages five years and up can participate in tours, and all children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult responsible for their supervision.
Communication
Once booked on a Costsaver tour, guests can log into their Costsaver account to find information about their itinerary and hotels (posted about two weeks ahead of departure). Their Travel Director will also get in touch over email and may share their WhatsApp or phone number for guests to get in touch during the tour.
Loyalty program
Costsaver guests receive automatic entry into the Global Tour Rewards program. Past guests receive 5% off future tours and priority access to new trips and offers for Costsaver tours and tours from sister brands Trafalgar, Brendan Vacations, Contiki, Luxury Gold, and Insight Vacations.
Sustainability efforts
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation (TTC), which launched its five-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right in 2020. Goals include reaching net zero GHG emissions by 2050, sourcing 50% of electricity from sustainable sources, and reducing food waste by 50%.
Another element of the strategy is the inclusion of “Make Travel Matter” Experiences on itineraries, which address issues related to climate change, waste reduction, sustainable food production, cultural preservation, diversity and inclusion, and wildlife protection. On Costsaver tours, that could include a visit to the Choco Museum and a chocolate-making class on the Peru Explorer trip or a tour and tasting at a family-run traditional tea farm on the Japan Discovery tour.
Health and safety practices
In its FAQs section, Costsaver includes info about pre-trip health and medical needs and wellbeing and safety during tours. Travel insurance is recommended, and Costsaver offers a Travel Protection Plan for guests.
