GTC Philosophy and FAQs
Generations Touring – Purveyors of "remember when" travel moments with loved ones.
Generations Touring Company (GTC) promotes intergenerational bonding through exciting small-group travel experiences designed to enrich and entertain both adults and children. We created GTC out of a desire to help families connect with each other and the fascinating world in which we live. GTC tours are designed with family and loved ones in mind.
GTC is a family owned company whose founders have more six decades combined experience in leisure travel. If your family is like ours, you have extended family and dear friends living in distant places, and you and your immediate family all lead busy lives. Our first-hand knowledge of connecting with family, coupled with our professional experience, means we really understand family travel. We also realize the changing definition of the word family and know that no two families are alike. We invite all families no matter the age combination to enjoy one of our tours, adventures, KinTrips or Voluntours.
Even with the best of intentions, we know it is difficult to maintain the bonds that keep a family strong. We believe that traveling together is a perfect way for families to discover the world and rediscover each other. It is even harder if distance separates you from your loved ones, or if the hectic daily routine of life erodes connections to your immediate or extended family. Shared travel experiences can revive those bonds by creating an intimate scrapbook of memories that remind us of our heritage and our connections to each other. These "remember when" moments with loved ones are a legacy that will last a lifetime.
We know that grandparents and parents want to encourage the intellectual and social development of the children in their lives. Our children are the future, and they will make a difference in our often challenging and uncertain world. A GTC travel experience opens a child's eyes to a world of diverse people places and experiences. Since our world is increasingly intertwined with other countries and cultures, we feel it is essential to equip children with the wisdom of their own shared experiences resulting in a better understanding of our global community. Our tours are designed for families—children, adults, and grandparents—who are curious about their world and wish to share discoveries.
Every GTC tour is an experience that goes well beyond the traditional vacation. We understand families are looking for a vacation that is interesting, enriching, rewarding, plus relaxing and fun. On a GTC vacation experience, you can expect to enjoy the must-see components and also encounter the unique one-of-a-kind events. Various GTC unique experiences include: meeting sportswriters on the Baseball Tour; meeting a Shaman on the Peru Tour. Must-see experiences include a sunset at Machu Picchu, surreal rock formations in the Black Hills; Grand Canyon at sunset; Bay of Fundy at tidal change; Anazai cliff dwelling; Kitt Peak stargazing.
Q: What do you mean by "unique and must-see"?
We want your travel experience to be memorable and rewarding. One way we ensure this is to keep our group sizes small. Fewer guests mean that we are able to offer accommodations and dining experiences with a local flavor. Those travel companies with larger group sizes are just, well—too big—to take advantage of the truly local experience. Small-group size also means we are able to take our guests for little-known, off-the-beaten path encounters, such as witnessing the Atlantic Green Sea turtles nesting. Of course, we recognize that a visit to Peru, for instance, would be incomplete without a "must-see" visit to Machu Picchu, so we make sure our guests see a variety of "must-see" places at their chosen destination as well as experiencing one-of-a-kind, unique, encounters.
Q: What is the difference between a GTC Journey and an Adventure?
GTC Journeys and Adventures include both cultural experiences and physical activities, such as nature walks, hikes and kayaking. While GTC Journeys are not demanding, GTC Adventures are for the more physically inclined. If you have any questions concerning the level of activity on any of our trips, please call us, as we would be glad to help.
Q: I'm not sure I can take care of a child full time…
Although this is a legitimate concern for adults traveling by themselves with one or more children, here at GTC, we would encourage you to look carefully at our itineraries. Every day is a careful balance of activities and downtime that allows kids and adults alike the opportunity to be busy and to rest. In other words, although as the adult you are responsible for the child(ren) in your care, you are not burdened with providing all the entertainment, meals etc. That's our job—and our pleasure. Let us do what we do best, so you can relax (really!) and enjoy the vacation with your young companion(s).
Q. Can I bring my dear friend on a GTC tour?
Definitely! The GTC focus is to connect with the significant people in your life— whether it's family, extended family or friends. GTC's definition of family is all-inclusive. A GTC adventure is perfect for friends—adults and children alike—to connect with each other and cement important friendships. Don't think you have to limit the number of friends you bring along. We can help you plan a memorable experience for all your friends, both children and adults.
Q. I am in charge of planning the annual family reunion. Can GTC help me?
A family reunion is the perfect way for families to reconnect and share their heritage. We would be delighted to make this special occasion a truly memorable experience for your family. Please call us to discuss your needs. Then you can sit back and relax, and let us take care of everything!
Before You Leave
Q: What clothes and supplies do I need to bring?
That will depend on where and when you're traveling. Generally, we advise guests to travel light; we provide a list to help you decide what to pack and what to leave behind. Don't forget your camera and binoculars. We'll send you a more specific packing list once you've made a reservation and we've received your deposit.
Q: How much money should I bring?
How much money you want to bring is really up to you. Only you know your budget for nonessential items, such as gifts or local crafts and art. However, you should know that all gratuities (tips) and almost all of the meals are included in the price of your tour. You should not have to worry about carrying large amounts of foreign currency or having to find money for a late-afternoon snack, we have it covered. If your destination is to Central or South America, we recommend you do not bring large-denomination U.S. bills on your trip.
Q: What about shopping?
Of course you will have opportunities to shop for authentic local crafts. We pride ourselves on avoiding—forgive us—tacky tourist stores, but at some of our destinations there are places where you can buy something really special. However, many of our tours are not organized around shopping experiences, and in some destinations, it may be impracticable because of baggage and shipping limitations. Check our itineraries for more information about shopping opportunities.
Q: What is the purpose behind the reading list?
Along with a packing list, we will send you a list of reading resources concerning your destination that make your trip more interesting. While reading before you leave is not mandatory, a book or Web site can prepare you for what you will see and do. We want to give you an overview of your chosen destination in order to make your adventure even more meaningful. Understanding where you will be going and how the people live in each destination is invaluable.
While on Tour
Q: Are all meals are included in the price of the trip?
GTC's value pricing means that the majority of your meals are included in the price of your trip. That means on most days we take care of breakfast, lunch, dinner (B,L,D). These meals are noted in the daily Itineraries on our Web site and in the packet of information we send you before you travel. We carefully design our trips to allow you and your family free time (time away from the group). You are responsible for the cost of meals during this time. On these occasions, you have the opportunity to dine with your family wherever you would like.
Q: What kind of foods will we eat?
While we cannot describe every meal, we can say the meals are both nutritious and delicious! Some meals may be buffet style, but each buffet will be different depending on the tour destination. Food is, of course, part of culture, and we ensure that culturally specific foods are offered to our guests. We can also request kid-friendly alternatives at each meal. In all cases, we include a healthy mix of fresh foods. If you have specific dietary needs please notify us. You can use our Special Requests Web page to do so, or call us directly at 1-888-415-9100.
Q: What kind of snacks are there? Should we bring our own?
Snacks are designed to give you a quick energy boost, if necessary, between meals. Our Snacks Onboard! feature provides a snack of granola bars, nuts, cookies, water, etc., when you are on the motor coach and on some trips. Due to agricultural restrictions, you won't be able to bring any food with you from the U.S., so snacks will be purchased at the destination that you are visiting. You won't have the same choices available as at home, but there are many delicious treats to be found all over the world—and that's part of the fun of travel!
Q: Who will we meet in these destinations?
Our GTC philosophy embraces the opportunity for travelers to meet and interact with local people in each travel destination. We do this in a variety of ways. We may, for example, visit a school, dine with local families, play games, hear traditional music and learn about customs specific to the people we meet. We want you to see what it's really like to live in each destination versus being part of a mass-market tourist experience.
Q: What kind of beds will we be sleeping in?
We will not always be staying in a traditional hotel. Each place is different. Generally, beds are twin size and in the more traditional hotels, there will probably be an attached bathroom. However, there may be no adjoining bedrooms.
Q: What does responsible tourism mean?
Today's tourist needs to be sensitive to the people and places we visit. We may be able to provide a source of income to people who really need it. But tourism can also hurt the environment or be disrespectful of another's culture. We must be careful about littering or damaging the environment. Most of all we must build bridges and friendships by understanding other cultures and their customs.
Q: What is global awareness? Why is it important?
We think it is important for young and maturing people to be educated from a global perspective. There is so much going on and changing in our world. We see it every day on TV, at the movies or in magazines. Every decision made has consequences that may affect you, your community and the world in which we live. We want you to understand that our globe is home to many different and unique people. Making connections between you and others, understanding similarities, differences and common concerns of people everywhere, will make you a better citizen and human being.
After You Get Back
Q: How does GTC's Photography Contest work?
When you get home and see what your photos look like, send or e-mail us your favorites. If we can use them, you will get a photo credit wherever we display your picture on our Web site or in our brochure. Should you win our contest, you will also receive a GTC Contributor's Certificate. Your goal to become a professional photographer will be off to a great start!
