The internet ushered in an era of self-sufficient travelers . Some people prefer to explore with a smartphone in their hand instead of going on professional tours. However, 89% of travelers say they still join some tours, although not all the time. One couple decided to join a group tour, and chose the family tour option since it was cheaper.
The kicker? They were a childfree couple . When they showed up with no kids, the tour company refused to give them the tour, since the policy clearly stated there had to be at least one child present. The story sparked a discussion about whether it’s appropriate to book family tours even when you have no children.
A tour company refused to let a childfree couple join a family tour
Tour guide showing map to group of tourists on stairs, highlighting family tour amidst childfree couple controversy.
Since the tour was designed for families with children, the company felt the couple lied to outsmart them and save some money
Alt text: Text discussing a tour company refusing a childfree couple from a family tour, sparking bad reviews online.
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Text about a tour company organizing family tours for parents with young kids, leading to reviews after turning away childfree couples.
Text describing a family-oriented tour company focusing on kids’ enjoyment and social opportunities on family tours.
Three girls holding hands and walking outdoors, representing family tour experiences amid childfree couple controversies.
Text excerpt discussing a tour company’s family pass pricing benefits and policies for new families.
Text about family pass costs for tours, relevant to tour company reviews after childfree couple turned away.
Text explaining the mandatory child policy of a tour company amid backlash from a childfree couple on a family tour.
Text excerpt describing a childfree couple turned away from a family tour, sparking tour company bad reviews.
Text excerpt discussing a tour company’s policy causing dispute with a childfree couple on a family tour.
Couple walking outdoors with backpacks, highlighting controversy over tour company and bad reviews for childfree visitors.
Text discussing the online booking system requiring number of kids and claim of lying to book family tour.
Text excerpt about a tour company bombarded with bad reviews after turning away a childfree couple from a family tour.
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Tour company guide speaking to diverse group of tourists outside historic building during a family tour experience.
Text excerpt showing a conversation about legality and threats of small claims court involving a tour company dispute.
Text about tour group receiving fake reviews from childfree Facebook page after turning away couple from family tour.
The tour company offered families cheaper tours to encourage kid to be outside
Therefore, it seems that the family and the non-family tours are very similar. And the reason the tour company charges families less is, according to them, to encourage people to spend time outside with children. “We’re simply encouraging new parents to have family outings.”
Some people questioned why they offer a family tour that’s not profitable. After all, isn’t that how business is supposed to work? But one commenter tried to defend the OP and their family, explaining why they might be doing that.
“They are offering it cheaper to people with children for the benefit of the children,” they wrote . “It’s a project his mum has started to try and give something back and perhaps help struggling families take their kids on a day out. It’s charitable.”
Still, the situation makes it seem like childless couples are discriminated against. “In this situations the kids are coupons. All tickets cost X. Bring a kid, get $10 off,” another commenter wrote .
Which side do you think is right, Pandas? Did the childfree couple really try to take advantage of an offer not meant for them? Or was the tour company wrong to deny them the cheaper tour just because they don’t have any kids?
Traveling is usually more expensive for families than for childfree couples
Family-friendly offers like this may make it seem like traveling and booking attractions as a family is cheaper than when you’re traveling as a couple or solo. But the reality is quite different: families often face hidden fees and extras.
Professor at the Edinburgh Napier University Lynn Minnaert agrees that traveling as a family can get expensive. “Airlines make it difficult [and] expensive for families to sit together. Hotels often lack family rooms and connected rooms, which is a particular issue for larger families.”
Generally, cheaper hotel rooms and even Airbnb’s are aimed at couples or solo travelers . Finding cheaper accommodation for a 3+ party can be more difficult. “Fire regulations are often cited for the four-person limit on bedrooms, so if you have a large family you will have to fork out for an additional room or a suite,” travel editor for The Times Claire Irvin writes . “Anyone who can afford adjoining rooms will have found these almost impossible to secure.”
She wonders why the tourism sector seems to hate families so much. After all, they comprise around 30% of the global tourism market.
Of course, financially-savvy parents know how to travel on a budget . They travel during shoulder seasons, and book plane tickets, accommodations, and experiences well in advance. Instead of a hotel or an Airbnb, they may choose a house sitting situation or a home exchange.
Sure, families may get some discounts because they’re traveling with kids . But assuming that they’re more privileged in all aspects of traveling would be wrong – so, maybe we should let them have this one?
“We charge as little as possible and run it as a community service, not a for-profit tour,” the owner explained
Screenshot of a forum discussion about differences between regular tours and family tours by a tour company.
Screenshot of an online discussion about a tour company refunding adults when a child is sick on a family tour.
Screenshot of an online discussion about a tour company bombarded with bad reviews after turning away a childfree couple.
Screenshot of an online discussion about a tour company receiving bad reviews after turning away a childfree couple.
Online discussion showing customer opinions about a tour company facing bad reviews after refusing childfree couples.
Screenshot of an online discussion about tour company policies after turning away a childfree couple from a family tour.
Most people believed that both sides here acted like jerks
Comment explaining tour differences for families versus adults amid tour company bombarded with bad reviews after turning away childfree couple.
Screenshot of a social media comment criticizing a tour company’s family tour pricing and childfree couple policy.
User comment discussing refund and service issues after a tour company turned away a childfree couple from a family tour.
Screenshot of a forum discussion criticizing poor customer service by a tour company turning away childfree couples from family tours.
Screenshot of a forum comment discussing discrimination claims against a tour company accused of bias on family tours.
Others blamed the tour company: “It’s a stupid way to do business”
Screenshot of a detailed online review criticizing a tour company over family tour pricing and childfree couple rejection.
Reddit comment criticizing tour company for refusing service and not refunding childfree couple on family tour.
Screenshot of a detailed online comment discussing a tour company bombarded with bad reviews after turning away a childfree couple.
Screenshot of an online comment criticizing a tour company for policies that caused backlash from a childfree couple on a family tour.
Screenshot of online comment criticizing a tour company’s pricing policy, related to childfree couple and family tour reviews.
Screenshot of a negative online comment criticizing a tour company after turning away a childfree couple from a family tour.
Screenshot of a user comment discussing a tour company bombarded with bad reviews after turning away a childfree couple.
Screenshot of a forum comment criticizing a tour company for discriminating against childfree couples on a family tour.
Screenshot of an online comment criticizing a tour company for charging more and turning away a childfree couple from a family tour.
Yet some sided with the company: “They lied and tried taking advantage of your generosity”
Screenshot of an online comment discussing a tour company receiving bad reviews after turning away a childfree couple.
Screenshot of an online comment discussing a tour company bombarded with bad reviews after turning away a childfree couple from a family tour.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment criticizing a tour company bombarded with bad reviews after turning away a childfree couple.
Screenshot of a forum comment defending tour company policies amid reviews after turning away a childfree couple from family tour.
Screenshot of online comment supporting a tour company’s rules amid bad reviews after turning away childfree couples from family tours.
Screenshot of an online comment explaining a tour company requires kids for family tours, linked to bad reviews.
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