The Problem with Hidden Fees in Performance Tours

Planning an international performance tour is an exciting opportunity for your ensemble, but understanding the true cost of a trip can be frustrating. Many tour companies advertise an attractive low price upfront—only to surprise directors and travelers with hidden fees later. Costs for tipping, venue rentals, meals, and even transportation often aren’t included in the initial quote, forcing groups to adjust their budgets mid-planning or scramble for extra funds while on tour.

We do things differently. Our pricing is fully transparent from the moment you receive a proposal, so you know exactly what’s included before you book. No surprises. No unexpected expenses. Just clear, upfront pricing that allows you to plan with confidence.

What Makes Our Pricing Different?

Many tour providers lure groups in with a low initial price but make up for it with add-ons that can quickly add hundreds or even thousands of dollars per traveler. With us, you’re paying for the best experience, and that means no hidden costs and unmatched quality in every aspect of your journey.

When you receive a proposal, you’re not just getting a price—you’re getting a full breakdown of what’s included in your experience. We include accommodations in prime city locations, eliminating costly daily transfers. Standard gratuities for guides, drivers, and group meals are covered, so you don’t have to budget extra. The venues we arrange for your ensemble come with no surprise rental costs, and we clearly specify which meals are included to ensure no out-of-pocket expenses.

All planned transportation, including airport transfers and private coaches, is part of your package. A dedicated Tour Manager accompanies your group at no extra cost, and all excursions and entrance fees are included—so there are no unexpected ticket costs.

Our pricing also eliminates financial uncertainty. Your quoted price remains the same, even if airline costs or exchange rates fluctuate. We outline potential airline instrument fees upfront, and our Ultimate-Plus Protection Plan includes $5,000 in instrument insurance. Additionally, we provide 24/7 assistance, ensuring help is always available without additional charges.

Why “Cheaper” Tours End Up Costing More

Some companies may appear more affordable at first glance, but their pricing structure often leads to unforeseen expenses. Many competitors:

• Place groups in hotels far outside city centers, requiring extra transportation costs.
• Do not include gratuities, leaving directors and travelers responsible for tips.
• Charge extra for high-quality performance venues, leading to last-minute fundraising needs.
• Require travelers to pay out of pocket for meals that should be included.
• Offer limited tour manager support, forcing group leaders to handle logistics on their own.
• Add on airline price adjustments, currency fluctuations, and emergency rebooking fees.

By the time these costs are factored in, a tour that seemed “cheaper” on paper may actually be more expensive than an all-inclusive experience.

More Than Just a Price: What’s in Our Proposal?

Unlike other tour providers that offer a vague cost estimate, we provide a detailed proposal outlining everything included in your trip. You’ll receive a breakdown of venues, hotels, and inclusions so you can see exactly what’s included. Our pricing options are clear, with no hidden charges appearing later.

Every traveler is automatically enrolled in our Basic Protection Plan at no extra cost, with the option to upgrade to our Ultimate or Ultimate-Plus plans. These upgraded plans provide the flexibility to cancel for any reason up to four days before departure and receive a full cash refund. While some competitors may advertise similar flexibility, their refunds often come as vouchers or have restrictions close to departure. Additionally, we ensure all flight and transportation details are clearly outlined upfront, so there are no unexpected last-minute charges.

Additionally, director benefits like Prelude—our exclusive professional development event—are available for eligible directors, providing valuable networking, workshops, and firsthand travel experience to prepare for your trip.

Our goal is simple: to provide directors with a clear and honest look at their tour from day one. That way, you can confidently budget, recruit, and fundraise without worrying about last-minute expenses.

Save Time, Money, and Stress

Choosing us doesn’t just mean avoiding hidden fees—it means traveling with a company that prioritizes quality, service, and peace of mind. Our all-inclusive approach means you won’t get stuck with unexpected costs, and you’ll never have to compromise on hotel location, venue quality, or the overall travel experience.

By eliminating unexpected expenses and offering top-tier accommodations, meals, and venues, we help ensembles save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in unplanned expenses, while ensuring an unforgettable, stress-free tour.

If you want the cheapest tour, you can find one. But if you want the best experience—one that prioritizes your ensemble’s comfort, performance quality, and peace of mind—we are the right choice.

Ready to plan a transparent, stress-free performance tour? Contact us today for a detailed proposal with no hidden fees!