Choosing a vacation should be exciting, not overwhelming. With so many incredible destinations, travel styles, and experiences available, it’s easy to wonder, Which tour is right for me?
Whether you’re dreaming of scenic coastlines, bustling cities, relaxing cruises, or once-in-a-lifetime adventures, the best tour is the one that matches your interests, budget, and travel style. At Starr Tours, we’ve been helping travelers create unforgettable memories for more than 75 years with carefully planned vacations that take the stress out of travel.
Here’s how to narrow down your options and find your perfect getaway.
1. Start with Your Interests
The easiest way to choose a vacation is by thinking about what excites you most. Instead of asking, “Where should I go?” ask yourself, “What do I want to experience?”
History Buffs
If you love learning about the past, consider tours featuring historic cities, museums, battlefields, presidential sites, or architectural landmarks.
You might enjoy:
- Washington, DC – Visit iconic monuments, memorials, and Smithsonian museums.
- Boston, Massachusetts – Walk the Freedom Trail and discover where American history began.
- Quebec City & Montreal – Discover centuries of history in two of North America’s oldest and most charming cities.
- Frank Lloyd Wright & Flight 93 Memorial – Explore two architectural masterpieces before visiting the moving Flight 93 National Memorial.
- Gettysburg, PA – Experience one of the nation’s most significant Civil War battlefields.
Looking for even more history-filled adventures? Browse all of Starr’s Historical Tours.
Nature Lovers
If breathtaking scenery is your happy place, look for tours that showcase national parks, mountains, coastlines, gardens, waterfalls, or wildlife.
Popular Starr tours include:
- Maine – Coastal beauty, fresh seafood, and iconic New England lighthouses.
- The Great Smoky Mountains – Experience stunning mountain vistas, charming towns, and southern hospitality.
- Black Hills & Mount Rushmore – Discover national monuments, rugged landscapes, and western history.
- Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon – Explore one of the Northeast’s most spectacular natural wonders.
- Skyline Drive & the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia – Enjoy scenic overlooks, mountain views, and peaceful countryside.
Ready to reconnect with nature? Explore all of Starr’s scenic and nature-focused vacations:
Tours with Sailing & Boat Activities
Food & Wine Enthusiasts
One of the best ways to experience a destination is through its local cuisine. From wineries and food markets to regional specialties and hands-on culinary experiences, these tours are perfect for travelers who love to eat their way through a destination.
Look for itineraries that include:
- Winery visits
- Culinary experiences
- Regional specialties
- Local markets and festivals
Delicious examples include:
- Finger Lakes of New York – Sip award-winning wines while enjoying beautiful lake views.
- Chelsea Market Food Tour & Hudson Yards – Taste your way through one of New York City’s most famous food destinations.
- Brooklyn Chocolate Tour – Visit beloved Brooklyn Chocolatiers and sample handcrafted chocolates while learning the borough’s rich confectionery history.
- Brooklyn Pizza Tour – Taste authentic New York-style pizza at several legendary pizzerias.
- Vermont Culinary Delights – Experience the flavors of Vermont with farm-fresh cuisine, maple syrup, artisan cheeses, cider, and other locally crafted specialties.
- Baltimore, MD Crab Feast – Enjoy an authentic Maryland crab feast aboard a scenic cruise.
Hungry for your next adventure? Browse all of Starr’s Culinary & Food Tours.
Entertainment Lovers
If you enjoy music, theater, and live performances, you’ll love tours built around Broadway shows, dinner theaters, concerts, or seasonal events.
Guest favorites include:
- Broadway Bus Trips – Experience the excitement of New York City’s legendary theater district.
- Sight & Sound Theatre – Witness inspiring biblical stories brought to life with spectacular sets and live animals.
- Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre – Enjoy Broadway-style productions paired with delicious meals.
- Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – Enjoy a festive holiday favorite filled with dazzling performances from the world-famous Rockettes.
See what’s playing next! Browse all of Starr’s Live Theatre Tours or explore our Broadway Trips.
Sports Fans
There’s nothing quite like experiencing the excitement of live sports with fellow fans. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team or attending a bucket-list sporting event, Starr makes getting there easy.
Popular sports vacations include:
- Phillies Spring Training – Escape to Clearwater, Florida to watch the Phillies prepare for another season.
- Saratoga Springs, NY: Thoroughbred Horse Racing – Experience the thrill and tradition of live horse racing at the historic Saratoga Race Course.
- Eagles vs. Jaguars in London, England – Cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles across the pond with an unforgettable international football experience
See all of Starr’s Sports Travel Packages and find your next game-day getaway.
2. Think About Your Budget
A great vacation doesn’t have to break the bank.
Before browsing tours, decide what you’re comfortable spending.
Remember to consider:
- Tour price
- Meals included
- Attractions and admission fees
- Transportation
- Hotel accommodations
- Optional spending money for shopping or souvenirs
Sometimes a tour with a slightly higher price actually offers greater value because so much is already included.
One of the biggest advantages of traveling with Starr Tours is knowing many of the major vacation expenses are bundled into one easy booking, making it easier to budget before you leave home.
3. Match the Tour to Your Travel Style
Everyone vacations differently. Understanding your travel personality can help you choose a trip you’ll truly enjoy.
“I Like to See Everything”
If you’re someone who loves checking destinations off your bucket list, choose sightseeing-focused itineraries packed with guided tours and iconic attractions.
Perfect for travelers who love:
- Learning
- Photography
- Exploring new places
- Staying busy
“I Prefer a Relaxed Pace”
Not every vacation has to be go-go-go.
Look for tours that include:
- Free time
- Scenic drives
- Coastal destinations
- Resort stays
- Cruises
These vacations allow you to slow down and enjoy the journey.
“I Love Meeting New People”
Group travel is one of the easiest ways to make new friends.
Many Starr guests travel solo and quickly discover they’re never alone for long. Shared meals, guided sightseeing, and traveling together naturally create opportunities to connect with fellow travelers.
Starr also offers a special multi-day Solo Traveler Experience each year. Designed for solo travelers, this popular trip features a fun, social atmosphere, thoughtfully planned activities, and plenty of opportunities to build friendships.
Interested in traveling solo? Visit our Solo Travelers page to learn more about the program, upcoming events, and vacations designed with solo travelers in mind.
4. Consider How Much Time You Have
Not every vacation requires a week away.
Think about how much time you can comfortably spend traveling.
Starr offers vacations for nearly every schedule, including:
- Day Trips – Perfect for a quick escape without overnight accommodations.
- Weekend Getaways – Great for busy schedules.
- Multi-Day Motorcoach Tours – Ideal for deeper exploration.
- Cruises – Relax while visiting multiple destinations.
- Fly Vacations – Reach farther destinations while still enjoying Starr’s expertly planned itineraries.
5. Be Honest About Your Activity Level
The best vacation is one you’ll enjoy comfortably. Before choosing a tour, think about the pace and activities that will make your trip enjoyable.
Ask yourself:
- Am I comfortable walking several blocks?
- Do I enjoy museums and guided tours?
- Would I rather relax than stay on the go?
- Do stairs or uneven terrain present challenges?
Reading the itinerary carefully helps ensure the pace matches your comfort level. Every Starr tour includes accessibility notes to help you determine if a trip is the right fit for you. You can find these details at the bottom of each tour webpage under the Detailed Overview tab, where you’ll see helpful information about walking requirements, stairs, terrain, and overall activity level.
Taking a few minutes to review the itinerary and accessibility information before booking will help ensure your vacation matches your expectations.
6. Travel During Your Favorite Season
Every season offers something unique.
Spring
- Gardens in bloom
- Cherry blossoms
- Mild temperatures
Summer
- Coastal escapes
- Festivals
- National parks
Fall
- Colorful foliage
- Harvest festivals
- Scenic mountain drives
Winter
- Christmas markets
- Holiday light displays
- Warm-weather getaways
- Tropical cruises
Choosing the season you enjoy most can make your vacation even more memorable.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something New
Many travelers discover their favorite vacation wasn’t one they originally planned.
Maybe you’ve always taken beach vacations—but a scenic rail journey or New England fall foliage tour becomes your new favorite.
Trying a different destination or travel style often leads to unforgettable memories.
Why Travelers Choose Starr Tours
For many people, the hardest part of vacation planning isn’t choosing a destination—it’s organizing all the details.
That’s where Starr Tours makes traveling easy.
When you travel with Starr, you can enjoy:
- Carefully crafted itineraries
- Experienced Tour Directors
- Comfortable deluxe motorcoaches
- Quality hotel accommodations
- Convenient departure locations
- A friendly group travel experience
- More than 75 years of travel expertise and exceptional customer service
Instead of worrying about driving, parking, directions, or coordinating reservations, you can sit back, relax, and focus on making memories.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Tour?
No matter your travel style—whether you crave adventure, relaxation, history, entertainment, or breathtaking scenery—there’s a Starr vacation that’s just right for you.
Browse hundreds of expertly planned motorcoach tours, cruises, and fly vacations, and let our experienced travel professionals help you find the getaway that fits your interests, schedule, and budget.
