Bird watching tours
If you want to take your birding hobby further, you may want to travel to a place known for its variety of bird species. Although it can be tempting to plan and organize your own vacation, an organized birding tour may be a better alternative.
Many travel companies offer nature holidays, including birding tours, and it can be cheaper than planning the holiday yourself, as the tour operator can get you group discounts on nature parks and attractions. If you pay for everything in advance, it will be easier for you to budget: there is nothing worse than running out of money in the middle of your vacation and not being able to do everything you had planned.
A tour company will have a planned itinerary and pre-booked visits to bird parks, nature reserves and other attractions, meaning you can save time for bird watching. They will also know the best time to visit places to make sure you see the most birds.
Most tours will be led by a local guide who will also act as a translator and will know the area well and understand the customs and culture of the local people. Having a knowledge of local wildlife habitats means you may spot some rare birds that you’d miss on your own. They will also have established good relationships with local tourist attractions so that you can access places that you would not be able to access if you were traveling alone.
By booking with a reputable holiday company, you’ll be insured so that if something goes wrong, you won’t have to go home on your own. Check the company’s credentials before you book, and take out additional insurance to cover sickness and anything else not covered by the tour operator.
A birding holiday is also a great opportunity to meet other enthusiasts to share knowledge and advice. If you’re worried about traveling alone, a birding vacation is for you.
When you are out, remember to respect the environment you are in, as well as the culture of the local people. There are responsible travel companies that offer eco holidays to minimize the damage that tourism can cause to the environment.
Wherever you go, take some time beforehand to learn about the bird species you are likely to see, and if there are any you want to see in particular, ask your tour operator about customized trips; a small business will often be more than willing to accommodate your requests.
