When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
smarTours
Why smarTours is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
smarTours was a leading travel company specializing in affordable guided group tours to over 40 exotic global destinations. Founded over 30 years ago, smarTours built a reputation for providing direct-to-consumer, pre-packaged itineraries that catered to diverse travelers seeking curated, life-changing travel experiences. Their tours typically featured small groups with comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides, often enhancing the journey with perks such as room upgrades and local engagement. Travelers appreciated the well-planned schedules that balanced rich cultural and historical exploration with opportunities for leisure and socializing among fellow travelers. Highlights of the smarTours experience included destinations across South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, with trips that combined sightseeing, immersive local experiences, and optional excursions.
Here's what people think of smarTours
As of recent, smarTours holds a 4.4-star rating based on 531 reviews.
User reviews for smarTours generally reflected a strong satisfaction with the quality of accommodations, transportation, meals, and guides, with ratings often in the 4.5 to 5 out of 5 range in these areas. Positive feedback highlighted the well-organized itineraries, friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, and the community atmosphere within the tour groups. Travelers often noted memorable experiences on trips to Italy, South America, Greece, Portugal, Spain, New Zealand, and Australia. Many repeat customers valued the frequent traveler program perks and personalized service. However, some negative reviews mentioned occasional disorganization in certain tours and a perception of decline when the company changed ownership. A few travelers noted that some itineraries were very busy and fast-paced. The Better Business Bureau had a low rating for smarTours due to unresolved complaints and lack of accreditation. Despite this, the overall customer sentiment leaned positive based on longtime traveler experiences and the company's longstanding history. In conclusion, smarTours was viewed by many as offering a good balance of value, curated travel, and engaging group adventures before ceasing operations at the start of 2025.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ursula Garbien
I recently had the incredible opportunity to experience the “Heart of India” tour led by our fantastic tour director Mr. Rohitash Sharma and I can’t recommend it highly enough! From the moment we arrived in Delhi and began our journey, Rohit’s passion for India and its rich culture was noticeable. His extensive knowledge of history, art, and local traditions truly brought each destination to life. Whether we were at the stunning, breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, or guided us through majestic Forts and Royal Palaces, or introducing us to local artisans and their crafts, showcasing the vibrant art scene that flourishes alongside age-old traditions or whether we were wandering through the colorful, bustling markets of Jaipur or exploring the serene landscapes of Udaipur, Rohit made every moment unforgettable. Rohit is not just a guide; he is a cultural ambassador. His storytelling skills were captivating, weaving tales that made the history and culture of India resonate deeply. Rohit’s tours are infused with culinary adventures as well as first class hotel accommodations. Rohit had a knack for finding hidden gems - local restaurants and eateries where we tasted authentic regional dishes often lead us to memorable dining experiences. What stood out most was Rohit’s ability to connect with each of us personally. He took the time to understand our interest and preferences, ensuring that everyone felt included and engaged throughout the tour. His warmth and humor created a relaxed atmosphere, making it easy for our group to bond and share experiences. My personal regret is that I have not extended my travel to Varanasi, India’s holiest city, but perhaps that will be another adventure to come. Overall, The “Heart of India” tour exceeded all my expectations, thanks in large part to Rohit’s dedication and expertise. If anyone is looking for an immersive and enlightening experience in India, I wholeheartedly recommend this tour - And, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to experience it with Rohit as your excellent tour director. Namaste 🙏 Ursula Garbien
John Osborn
We had a wonderful experience on our South African Tour. Jonathan Muller was an excellent tour guide. We saw all the big 5 animals plus many more. The Chobe safari and boat trip was amazing. Exceded our expectations
Michelle
Iceland tour was phenomenal. So much included great value. We had a knowledge and interesting tour guide who went above and beyond to ensure we all had the best possible experience Our driver was friendly and safe on the road. The hotels were clean and comfortable. Food was delicious. And all we had to do was show up. Highly recommend!!
Melissa Hancock
This is my second tour with this company. I went on my own and had the most amazing time in Egypt this Nov. We had one of the most amazing tour guides any of us have ever had. Kalied Lotfy was a true storyteller that brought this whole county to life. We traveled from one end to another and everything was so well planned and organized that I would never do Egypt without them. I can not say enough about it all. Thank you so much Kalied! Planning my next this week.
Joan Leroy
I recently journeyed to Cuba on the Captivating Cuba tour. It was one of the most amazing trips I’ve done. It was organized and we did so much in the time that we were there. I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting to go to Cuba!
How to reach smarTours
None
Website: None
Why smarTours may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why Rally at This Place with Your Friends?
When planning a memorable gathering with friends or family, finding the perfect destination that offers a seamless blend of adventure, comfort, and rich cultural experiences is essential. smarTours stands out as an exceptional choice for group meetups due to its unique approach to travel and exploration. Unlike typical tour companies, smarTours specializes in thoughtfully curated travel packages that allow you to explore iconic destinations with ease and affordability. This means your group can focus on creating lasting memories rather than worrying about logistics. Imagine rallying your friends to embark on a journey where every detail—from transportation to accommodation to sightseeing—is expertly handled, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy their time together.
The value proposition of smarTours extends beyond convenience. Their tours are designed to foster bonding, shared discoveries, and group camaraderie in vibrant, welcoming environments. Whether your group is composed of close-knit friends seeking a cultural escape or a large family aiming for a hassle-free vacation, smarTours provides options that cater to diverse interests. Their strong reputation, reflected in a solid 4.4-star rating from over 500 reviews, highlights consistent customer satisfaction and reliability. Rallying your crew to this travel company means stepping into an experience where every moment is crafted to enhance connection, exploration, and fun, making it a superb choice for your next group meetup.
What Activities Does smarTours Offer for Groups?
sMarTours offers a variety of engaging activities that elevate group travel into memorable adventures. Their tours typically include visits to iconic landmarks, guided city tours, museum visits, and opportunities to experience local culture firsthand, such as food tastings and traditional events. These activities are designed to keep groups entertained and engaged, fostering shared experiences that strengthen bonds. For instance, their popular New York City tours include explorations of Central Park, Times Square, and famous museums, providing an immersive city experience that’s perfect for group photo ops and lively conversations.
Beyond sightseeing, smarTours frequently includes unique group activities such as boat tours, walking tours with expert guides, and free time to explore neighborhoods at your own pace. This balanced itinerary offers a mix of structured group events and personal exploration, allowing everyone the freedom to enjoy the trip according to their interests. For family groups, these activities offer something for all ages—children and adults alike can enjoy museums, parks, and local cuisine stops tailored to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The versatility of smarTours’ offerings ensures that no member of your group feels left out or overwhelmed, making it an excellent choice for gatherings where diverse interests need to be accommodated.
Why Is smarTours Perfect for a Group Meetup?
sMarTours is a standout choice for group meetups primarily because of its streamlined approach to travel logistics, which can otherwise be a significant source of stress. Coordinating a trip for multiple people often involves juggling schedules, booking accommodations and transport, and ensuring everyone’s preferences are met. smarTours removes this burden by providing comprehensive packages that cover most travel essentials. This means your group can focus on bonding and enjoying the experience rather than dealing with individual bookings or worrying about travel mishaps.
Additionally, the company’s tours are designed to accommodate different group sizes easily, whether you're planning a small gathering of close friends or a larger family reunion. Their group-focused services often include special rates or personalized attention to ensure the group feels well cared for. The ability to travel together in comfort on private or semi-private motorcoaches is particularly valuable, allowing your group to share the journey and build anticipation together. These features make smarTours not only convenient and cost-effective but also a fantastic vehicle for shared experiences. The customer support and safety standards upheld by smarTours further reassure travelers that their group meetups will proceed smoothly and enjoyably.
What Are the Benefits of Booking with smarTours Compared to Other Tour Companies?
Booking with smarTours offers several advantages that make it an appealing option for group travel compared to other tour operators. First and foremost, smarTours emphasizes affordability without sacrificing quality. Their pricing model is transparent, and many customers appreciate the balance of cost and included amenities such as transportation, accommodation, and guided experiences. This all-in-one pricing structure helps groups avoid hidden fees or unexpected expenses, making budgeting for a group trip straightforward and less stressful.
Moreover, smarTours’ itineraries are thoughtfully crafted to maximize time spent enjoying destinations rather than being bogged down by transit or overly rigid schedules. This focus on a balanced tour experience means groups can enjoy highlights of famous cities like New York, Washington D.C., or Niagara Falls while still having some flexibility built-in. The knowledgeable guides add immense value by sharing rich historical context and entertaining anecdotes that make even well-known landmarks come alive. Compared to other companies that might offer rushed or cookie-cutter tours, smarTours provides a more enriching, personalized experience that is especially beneficial for groups who want to deepen their travel connections together.
How Does smarTours Enhance Social Experiences During Group Trips?
One of the most outstanding aspects of smarTours is how the company enhances social interaction among group members. Travel is inherently a social experience, and smarTours recognizes this by designing tours that naturally promote group bonding. Transporting the group together on comfortable coaches allows for shared anticipation and lively conversation throughout the journey. These shared travel moments help establish a sense of cohesion among friends or family members before even stepping foot on a sightseeing tour.
During excursions, expert guides facilitate interactive experiences by encouraging questions, discussions, and group participation. Many tours include planned breaks and social times, such as group lunches or coffee stops, which provide casual settings for people to connect outside of structured sightseeing. Furthermore, the shared experience of discovering new cultures, foods, and landmarks often draws groups closer, creating a sense of shared adventure that is hard to replicate in everyday life. This collective exploration fosters deeper relationships, making smarTours tours not just about the destinations but also about strengthening the social bonds among your group.
What Customer Feedback Makes smarTours a Trusted Choice?
sMarTours boasts a solid 4.4-star rating based on over 531 reviews, reflecting high customer satisfaction that underlines its reliability as a group travel company. Many reviewers commend the company for organized itineraries, prompt and professional guides, and memorable sightseeing experiences. Customers frequently highlight how well smarTours handles large groups with ease while maintaining personal touches that make each traveler feel valued. This reputation for excellent service and seamless coordination reassures anyone considering it for a group trip.
The positive feedback also emphasizes the affordability and value for money that smarTours consistently provides. Travelers appreciate that the company offers comprehensive packages with minimal surprise charges, which is a major plus for groups on a budget. Additionally, the company’s responsiveness to questions and problems further encourages trust from customers planning trips that require coordination across many individuals. Whether for close friends or multi-generational family reunions, these testimonials show smarTours as a dependable, efficient, and fun way to turn group travel dreams into reality.
Conclusion
When it comes to hosting a successful meetup with friends or family, smarTours offers a superior blend of convenience, affordability, and enriching experiences tailored to group dynamics. Their well-organized tours invite travelers to discover celebrated destinations in a stress-free, social, and engaging way. With numerous activities designed to appeal to diverse interests and ages, smarTours ensures every group member has something to enjoy. The company’s carefully crafted itineraries, excellent customer service, and strong reputation make it easy to trust smarTours as the go-to choice for your next group adventure. By rallying at smarTours, you’re investing not just in sightseeing, but in shared memories and connections that will last long after the tour ends.