(Repost) The Cost of Taking a National Geographic Expedition

“I’m Mario Perillo — Mr. Italy — for Perillo Tours and Alitalia…”

Growing up, those TV commercials were burned into my brain. That, along with tales of my grandmother boarding the bus to Atlantic City with 40 other senior citizens, shaped my juvenile opinion that tours were for old people. It wasn’t until I grew up some that the question of value even occurred to me. After all, Rick Steves was just some guy on PBS, and it isn’t that hard to find cheap hotels and flights online — or so I thought.

While I wouldn’t call myself an expert, I am a planner and enjoy researching every possible avenue before making a decision. Something about doing things myself makes me feel smart and economical — even when I come home from a trip completely exhausted because of all the extra work I did.

Last year, when the chance to take a big trip presented itself, I decided to do something “different.” In the midst of figuring out what that meant, I stumbled upon National Geographic Expeditions. Like Mr. Italy, something about it spoke to my childhood self and, true to brand, the tours looked exciting — and, dare I say, a good value.

Digging deeper, I found the option to spend 9 days in South Africa and Zimbabwe for $3,000 plus airfare (and the constant presence of fellow travelers). Given what the trip promised – 8 nights’ accommodation, 17 meals, arrival transfer, touring vehicle, internal flights, safari drives and more — the price seemed too good to be true. Or was it?

This article originally appeared on The Billfold. To continue reading, visit: https://www.thebillfold.com/2018/09/the-cost-of-taking-a-national-geographic-expedition.