Find out what a guaranteed departure is, how minimum group sizes work, and how to check if your tour will go ahead.
Most tours go ahead as planned. Some operators need a minimum number of travelers for a departure to run. It's uncommon for a tour not to go ahead for this reason, but if it does happen, the operator may reschedule or cancel it, and if your tour is canceled, you'll receive a full refund.
What does guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure is a tour date that the operator has confirmed will run, however many travelers have booked. Some operators, often larger operators running group tours, mark the dates that are already certain to run, so you may notice that some dates are guaranteed and others aren't yet.
How do I check if a departure is guaranteed?
When you look at the available dates on the tour page, you may see Guaranteed departure listed with the date details. This means the operator has confirmed that date will run.
Not all operators use this label, so if you don't see it, it doesn't necessarily mean the departure isn't guaranteed.
What is a minimum group size?
On the tour page, the group size may show a range, for example 20 to 48. The lower number is an indication of the minimum number of travelers the operator needs for the tour to run, so in this example, at least 20 travelers would need to book.
Minimum numbers vary between operators. Some are small, and some larger operators will still run a tour with only one or two travelers booked, so your tour can go ahead. Minimum numbers usually apply to fully guided group tours, while partially guided and self-guided tours usually run regardless of numbers.
The operator's Terms and Conditions, which you can find on the booking page, may include more details about minimum numbers. Find out more about group sizes in How do I check the group size on TourRadar?.
How can I find out if my tour will go ahead?
If you're unsure whether a departure is guaranteed, you can ask the operator:
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Before you book: select the Contact Operator button on the tour page and ask whether your date is guaranteed to run.
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After you book: send the operator a message from your Booking Conversation Page. Find out how in How do I send and read messages on TourRadar?.
Should I book my flights before my departure is guaranteed?
It's a good idea to wait until the operator has confirmed your departure is guaranteed before booking international flights. If you need to book earlier, choosing flexible or refundable fares can help. Find out more in Should I book my flight before my tour is confirmed?.
What happens if my tour doesn't reach the minimum number of travelers?
If a departure doesn't reach the minimum number, the operator will let you know and may need to reschedule or cancel it. If your tour is canceled, you'll receive a full refund. As you booked through TourRadar, our Customer Support team can also help you find a similar tour with another operator. Find out more in What happens if the tour operator cancels my tour?.
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