by Belinda Youlten

Created on: March 24, 2007   Last Updated: April 05, 2007

"You just missed it!" Words you don't want to hear when you've booked a guided tour and left your Nike's at home so running after the bus isn't an option. Or is it?

If it's a day tour, determine exactly when the bus left. If they're just pulling out of the driveway - start running. But if they're out of sight. Check the tour itinery and get a cab to the first sightseeing point. When you arrive there ask at the ticket office if your group has come through.

Alternatively ring the tour company, there's always the chance they can contact your tour guide or bus driver by mobile phone. However if you're told you don't have a chance of catching up with them. Ask about a refund and consider it a lesson learned then retire to somewhere comfortable with a cool drink.

But if you're determined to see the places on the tour, you can do it yourself. You've got the itinery right there with you. The only difference is you'll have to be your own guide. But that can always be solved as most guided tour destinations usually sell some kind of information on site.

In places like the Grand Palace in Bangkok, you can hire your own personal guide just inside the gates for a fraction of the price you'd pay on a tour. Also they don't rush you through and you have someone dedicated to answering your questions. Plus you'll miss the stop at the end of the tour where the refreshments are served at a jewellers.

So missing the bus might might be the best thing that could happen.

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