05 Apr Tips for a Great Group Veteran Sightseeing Tour
It’s an amusing thing: when you’re younger, it looks like time can’t go quickly enough. You’re nervous to be old enough to drive, date, start your first job, marry, have children, and pursue your life dream in college. When you’re a small person, each day, week, and month can seem to tick slowly by, and all of those life events seem like they’re never wanting to arrive. Time seems like cold molasses. And then, gradually, almost without you recognizing it, they start happening, and the ride seems to accelerate. All of a sudden, you end up approaching middle age, with an established career and maybe a family of your own and you begin to realize that the ride will be over before you realize it. It becomes clear that time is brief and doesn’t pick up anyone.
The wonderful irony is that, though time seems to be speeding by, we have significant moments that occur and they change us. As a result of how they affect us, we try to find some way to memorialize them, to consider them and pass those memories on to those who follow after us. With big life events that are a shared experience for many people and shape a nation, we create monuments and tell the story of history for those who need to see and come.
That last example is definitely true of war monuments and museums, and for people that served, these are sacred places that aim to reverence an experience that was profoundly personal and shaped the lives of many. Visiting these places can be a great activity for a commemorative veteran sightseeing tour, and if you’re putting together a special occasion for a group of veterans, listed here are some things to remember.
Think about creating a brochure, pamphlet, or program with details that would be of interest to your group of veterans. This was likely a huge part of their life story and it isn’t something they get to talk about consistently with others who can link with it. Because of this, it’s nice to make it something that will take them back in time and let them review those memories, whether they be painful or victorious. Having something to give them about your visit for the day will be meaningful and appreciated.
If you’re having an enormous group, call earlier to request tickets. You don’t want to undergo all the hassle of getting everyone together and arrive, only to be told that they can’t settle a group of that size that day. You can also find out what other things are available to do or see at the monument when you call. Is there a special commemorative film to see? Is there an outlet for veterans to share their experiences and add to the “memory bank” of that place? These excellent questions to ask as you are planning out the day. And while you’re at it, ask about group rates. Generally they’ll have a senior rate, but they likely also offer a special rate for veterans themselves and their families.
Plan ahead for food (and lodging if necessary). If you’re doing a day trip or overnight excursion, you’ll have to figure out how to manage food for a large group of people. Find out if they offer a discount to a huge group (since you’re bringing them lots of business).
Don’t forget to figure out transportation! If you’re not sure of the best way to go, you should absolutely GoMotorcoach! We specialize in group transportation without compromising on comfort or convenience for our riders. In addition, we have ample undercarriage storage for anything that needs to come along, be it food, luggage, souvenirs, or equipment that’s needed to help people get around (walkers, canes, etc.). Plus, we offer great rates and unbeatable customer service!
As you aim to put a sightseeing tour for veterans together that will be meaningful and something to remember, focusing on the details is necessary. We hope that all the details come together and that it’s something everyone will never forget!