My huband and I are considering taking a Tuack or comparable escorted tour this summer to see the Grand Canyon and other national parks. We are in our mid-40s and one of our concerns is the average age of the other folks on these types of tours. Any comments from this forum on this topic?

Over the years there have been loads of glowing reports on Tauck tours, mine among them. We have been on seven and cannot think of a thing we would change and I don't believe we could do the tour on our own for the same amount of money. We have met the most wonderful people of all ages, but most are over 60, if that bothers you. I have always said that tours are not for the faint of heart, you have to have alot of get-up and go to keep up. We receive more info. than we can take in, accomodations, guide, food are just always outstanding. I doubt we will ever taken another tour company...remember, it will be very hot on that Canyonlands tour. We live in Phoenix and it is already warm.

In past have always traveled alone--mainly because I liked having no restrictions on my time. However, last year i did Tuack Tour of New England Fall Colors. My reasons--it woiuld have been a monumental task to research the best routes. get lodgings that were nice and "safe" AND do all the driving..
The tour was great--first class everything--EVERYONE was over 65 but a nice group of people..It was wonderful not to have to struggle with luggage. All the meals were nicely arranged and menus were varried.
In retrospect , I won't do another tour of any kind because I missed my independence. My feeling was, I was
"tied to the bus" We had allotted time to look around various areas but not able to explore further. Also while the meals were wonderful, I don't usually eat 3 meals a day and I donot like to eat my biggest meal late in the day. I know I could have "adjusted' my selections but you know human nature--since I paid for it I am not skipping a meal!!!
Considering the area that you are covering I would NOT take a conducted tour. At anyone of the national parks you may want to take a hike, visit adjacent areas or just sit by the pool.
This site is wonderful for getting advice on planning trips:lodging choices, routes and "don't miss" places to visit.
Go for it....

I took Cosmos tour of the area, and loved it! The age was from a teen travelling with parents to.... About 25% were young people, some from England and Australia. The tour director always advised which trails are easier, and with a group of stronger people he'd take the most difficult one.

I like organized tours as I hate to drive in unknown places. Besides, you don't have to worry about anything except running out of film

I have been looking at a variety of companies for a trip to SE Asia. Tauck is the only tour company, of those I have checked, which as cancelled their April trips to China (SARS).
To me this says they care more about the health and safety of their clients then "making money".
I have not used their service--but their actions have certainly earned my respect.

We took a Tauck tour to Southern France two years ago and thought it was great. It was very expensive but it was certainly nice to let someone else pick the hotels (all very good except one which was still fine), select the restaurants (all good or very good), do the driving (which I really appreciate after doing the driving myself in a tour of Oregon), and do the research about what we visited and saw. We are considering another Tauck tour this Fall.

Most of the tour participants were in their 50s and 60s but there were a few younger and a few older travellers as well.