Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Travel insurance is available through Travelex Insurance Services and is strongly recommended on every trip. Options include standard coverage and Cancellation for Any Reason plans. Details are available on each tour page or by contacting the Prime Tours team.

Inclusions vary by trip but typically cover lodging, daily breakfast, select meals, luxury motorcoach transportation, all listed admissions, and a Prime Tours director traveling with the group for the full duration. Each tour page at goprimetours.com/current-tours lists complete inclusions and exclusions clearly.

Yes. Prime Tours welcomes solo travelers on all group tours. The team can also connect solo travelers who are open to sharing accommodations with a compatible travel companion to reduce costs. Group travel is one of the best options available for solo travelers because the community and logistics are already fully built in.

All current tours and availability are listed at goprimetours.com/current-tours. You can also contact the Prime Tours team directly at info@goprimetours.com or 614-766-5553. Deposits and payment schedules vary by trip and are listed on each tour page.

Are Prime Tours trips suitable for solo travelers? Yes. Prime Tours welcomes solo travelers on all group tours. The team can also connect solo travelers who are open to sharing accommodations with a compatible travel companion to reduce costs. Group travel is one of the best options available for solo travelers because the community and logistics are already fully built in.

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Yes. Prime Tours plans and operates Leisure Tours and Cruises as part of its full tour calendar, including ocean cruises and island adventures such as the Hawaiian Horizons Tour and Cruise. These are fully supported group experiences where the Prime Tours team handles all coordination so travelers can focus entirely on enjoying the trip.

Group sizes vary by trip. Some Prime Tours experiences are small and intimate while others accommodate a larger number of travelers across multiple coaches. Every tour is fully staffed with directors and guides regardless of group size, and every traveler receives the same level of attention and preparation.

Yes. Prime Tours has an extensive track record of international group travel including Ireland, Scotland, England, Costa Rica, and Hawaii, with new international destinations added to the calendar regularly. Every international trip includes a Prime Tours director traveling with the group for the full duration, along with local guides and pre-arranged logistics from arrival to departure.

Prime Tours plans and operates Boomer and Senior Tours, Active Adult Adventures, Ohio State Tours, Celebrity and Band Tours, Leisure Tours and Cruises, Haunted Tours, Holiday and Christmas Tours, Special Event Tours, and Educational Student Travel through Prime Tours EDU. All tours are planned and operated directly by the Prime Tours team from Columbus, Ohio.

Prime Tours operates group tours to destinations across the U.S. and internationally. Current and recent trips include Ireland, Scotland, England, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Washington D.C., among many others. Domestically, Prime Tours runs Ohio State Tours, Ohio Wine Country escapes, haunted history tours, holiday and Christmas adventures, and special event travel departing from Columbus. New destinations are added regularly and all current tours are listed at goprimetours.com/current-tours.

Prime Tours EDU is a group tour planner and operator, not a travel agency or booking service. Our team plans and operates every trip directly, travels with your group the full duration, and handles all logistics including transportation, lodging, meals, admissions, and performance scheduling.

Prime Tours operates group tours to destinations across the U.S. and internationally. Current and recent trips include Ireland, Scotland, England, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Washington D.C., among many others. Domestically, Prime Tours runs Ohio State Tours, Ohio Wine Country escapes, haunted history tours, holiday and Christmas adventures, and special event travel departing from Columbus. New destinations are added regularly and all current tours are listed at goprimetours.com/current-tours.

Contact the Prime Tours team directly at info@goprimetours.com or 614-766-5553, or visit eduprimetours.com to learn more.

Prime Tours EDU is a group tour planner and operator, not a travel agency or booking service. Our team plans and operates every trip directly, travels with your group the full duration, and handles all logistics including transportation, lodging, meals, admissions, and performance scheduling.

Prime Tours carries a one million dollar Liability and Errors and Omissions Insurance policy with Berkshire Hathaway. Optional student travel insurance is also available, including Student Deluxe Travel Insurance and Cancellation for Any Reason coverage.

A dedicated Prime Tours director and guide travels with the group from your school to the destination and back. They coordinate with trip leaders throughout the journey and are present for the full duration of the trip.

Domestically, popular destinations include Washington D.C., New York City, Philadelphia, Gettysburg, and Colonial Williamsburg, among many others. Internationally, Prime Tours EDU has operated trips to Ireland and other destinations, partnering with trusted local operators to ensure every detail is handled on the ground.

Prime Tours EDU works with schools, performance groups, clubs, and other organizations. This includes marching bands, choirs, student government groups, honors programs, history classes, and other school organizations. We serve groups ranging from 12 to 250 participants on both domestic and international trips across more than 20 Central Ohio schools annually.

Prime Tours regularly plans and operates large group tours internationally. Travelers interested in future Ireland tours or OSU Marching Band trips can browse all available tours at goprimetours.com/current-tours.

A full Irish breakfast is included every morning. Several group dinners are also included: a welcome dinner in Dublin, a traditional Irish dinner and show at Taylor's Three Rock, dinner on parade day, dinner in Cork, a VIP banquet dinner in Cork, and a BBQ dinner at the Sheraton Athlone before the evening at Sean's Bar.

Most days begin with a full Irish breakfast at the hotel, followed by guided touring by luxury motorcoach to included attractions. Evenings include group dinners, cultural experiences, and free time to explore. A dedicated Prime Tours director manages all logistics throughout each day.

Yes. Prime Tours operates the official authorized companion tour of The Ohio State University Marching Band. Travelers receive reserved grandstand seating alongside Ohio State University staff and families at the Dublin St. Patrick's Day Parade, along with exclusive OSU Marching Band performances woven throughout the itinerary.

We schedule all performance venues, secure admissions and tickets, and coordinate directly with receiving organizations. For international trips, we partner with local incoming tour operators such as Celtic Horizons in Ireland to ensure performances are properly arranged and supported on the ground.

Prime Tours has extensive experience operating performance group trips to Washington D.C., New York City, Philadelphia, and other domestic destinations, as well as international trips including Ireland. We have coordinated parade appearances, concert hall performances, festival slots, and venue performances across a wide range of settings.

Yes. Prime Tours EDU works with all types of school performance groups including marching bands, choirs, orchestras, and other ensembles. We handle performance venue scheduling, receiving organization coordination, and full trip logistics for groups of 12 to 250 participants across domestic and international destinations.

We plan and operate Boomer and Senior Tours, Active Adult Adventures, Ohio State Tours, Celebrity and Band Tours, Leisure Tours and Cruises, Haunted Tours, Holiday and Christmas Tours, Special Event Tours, and Educational Student Travel through Prime Tours EDU. All planned and operated from Columbus, with destinations across Ohio, the U.S., and internationally.

Absolutely. Group travel is genuinely one of the best options for solo travelers because the community and logistics are already built in. Many of our most enthusiastic repeat travelers started as solo guests.

Popular tours fill quickly, especially seasonal and event-based trips. Booking early secures your spot and, for group air, can mean better pricing. Final payment deadlines are listed on every tour page.

Prime Tours plans and operates Boomer and Senior Tours, Active Adult Adventures, Ohio State Tours, Celebrity and Band Tours, Leisure Tours and Cruises, and Educational Student Travel through Prime Tours EDU. All trips are planned and operated from Columbus, Ohio, with destinations across Ohio, the U.S., and internationally. Learn more on our Current Tour Page.

Yes. Prime Tours is particularly well-suited for seniors, active adults, and couples who want to experience international travel with the confidence that every detail has been handled. The level of pre-departure preparation and on-the-ground support is specifically designed to make international travel feel accessible and stress-free.

A dedicated Prime Tours tour director and consultant travel with the group for the full duration of every international trip. They coordinate all transportation, hotel arrivals, admissions, meals, and any on-the-ground adjustments so travelers never have to manage logistics themselves.

Yes. Travelers receive a full day-by-day itinerary with meal inclusions, departure times, and site information. Prime Tours also communicates itinerary updates closer to departure as timings are confirmed with local guides and venues.

Every Prime Tours international trip includes detailed pre-departure communication covering required documents, packing guidance, currency and payment tips, electricity and phone preparation, hotel specifics, gratuity guidance, and on-the-ground logistics. For major trips, Prime Tours also hosts a pre-departure Zoom session for travelers to ask questions directly.

Prime Tours regularly plans and operates large group tours both domestically and internationally. Travelers interested in future Ohio State tours, Ireland tours, or similar group experiences can browse all current tours at goprimetours.com/current-tours.

Yes. The tour is rated moderate in activity level (3 out of 5), blending active sightseeing days with more relaxed days. It is a great fit for active adults, seniors, and couples who want a fully managed, stress-free international group travel experience.

Airfare is not included in the base tour price. Prime Tours offers optional group air from both Columbus and Cleveland. Group air booked through Prime Tours is fully refundable until closer to departure, unlike standard non-refundable airline tickets.

Included attractions are the EPIC Museum Dublin, Kilkenny Castle, Titanic Belfast Museum, a Blue Badge guided tour of Belfast, Blarney Castle, the Midleton Whiskey Experience, Cork English Market, the Titanic Trail Walking Tour in Cobh, the Cliffs of Moher, Caherconnell Stonefort, a sheepdog demonstration in the Burren, and Sean's Bar in Athlone, the oldest bar in Europe.

Prime Tours assigns dedicated tour directors and consultants who travel with the group the entire trip, coordinating luxury motorcoach transportation, hotel check-ins, meal reservations, and all admissions. Travelers never have to manage the logistics themselves.

It is the official authorized companion tour of The OSU Marching Band, planned and operated by Prime Tours from Columbus, Ohio. Travelers receive reserved grandstand seats at the Dublin St. Patrick's Day Parade and explore Ireland over 9 days including Kilkenny, Belfast, Cork, Cobh, the Cliffs of Moher, and Athlone.

Within the US you are now required to have either a REAL ID or a passport to board a plane.

For international travel to all countries including Canada you must have a valid passport. We recommend that it is good until at least 6 months past your return travel date.

If you have your heart set on a specific tour, we recommend you make your reservation early. Many of our tours sell out. Since they are always refundable until the cut-off date (except for a processing fee) you have little to lose by securing your space early.

We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Am Ex, electronic debit, personal checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders.

We want to make sure that you are booked on the most convenient flights possible. While direct flights are not guaranteed or even available from all departure cities, if we can get you a direct flight, we will. Please contact a member of our Team for details at 614-766-5553 or email info@GoPrimeTours.com.

Different flight options are available on most of our tours.

When group air is offered, you can choose the convenience and security of flying with others in the group, and refunability until the published non-refundable date.

Or, you have the option of choosing to have us book you a different flight from your departure city.

Booking your own flight is always an option too.

Give us a call at 614-766-5553 or email us at info@GoPrimeTours.com to speak with a member of our team about air options.

Customizing your tour starts with choosing the dates that work for you. If you’d like to spend time on your own before or after your tour, we’re happy to help make those arrangements. Work with a member of our team to finalize your itinerary before your final payment is due. 614-766-5553 or info@GoPrimeTours.com.

Prime Tours recommends that every guest purchase travel insurance for the unexpected. Not only does it provide travel-related benefits like compensation for trip delay or delayed/lost luggage, but it provides cancellation insurance for covered emergencies before your trip, and medical insurance while you travel. Did you know that your regular medical insurance will not cover you while traveling out of the country? Travel insurance does.

Prime Tours recommends Travelex for superior coverage underwritten by Zurich Direct and the opportunity to add on Cancel for Any Reason Insurance if purchased within 21 days of your tour registration.

In most cases, we have stayed in our tour hotels before. When it's not possible, we turn to Trip Adviser and Google Reviews and Maps to thoroughly vet the location. Whether it's a small-town country inn, a modern cosmopolitan hotel, or an eco lodge tucked into the rainforest, we handpick all the accommodations. A hotel makes the cut when it meets our standards for comfort, value, location, on-site breakfast and whenever possible, that little bit of flavor that can turn a stay into something unique.

Food allergies, needs, or preferences shouldn’t keep you from seeing the world. Just notify us of any dietary restrictions when you book and we’ll make sure that your Tour Manager is made aware and can provide options for you.

We want everyone to be able to explore the world with us, and we encourage the participation of physically challenged travelers. Still, the reality of world travel is that some sites are not accessible to everyone. Give us a call at 614-766-5553 to talk to a Tour Manager about any physical disabilities or limitations and they can help you choose the best itinerary for you or suggest alternative options during the tour. If you require dedicated assistance, we ask that you plan to travel with a companion who can help out.

Generally, bus tours would not exceed 45, but we are more than capable of handling larger groups, with the caveat that they may need to be split up into smaller subgroups and multiple buses at times.

Tours that are limited to smaller group sizes will be noted as "Small Group Tours."

While our travel experiences are designed for adults of all ages, in some cases children are welcome to join. Travelers must be at least 14 years old at the departure date for most tours. Exceptions include Senior Center sponsored tours (unless stated on the flyer) and Haunted Tours. For Private or Customized Tours, the entire family is welcome. We are happy to discuss your specific group needs and design the perfect trip for your family or group. Call us at 614-766-5553 or email info@GoPrimeTours.com to discuss your idea.

Yes! One of the best parts about a group tour is that when you travel by yourself, you’ll never be alone. No matter which of our tours you pick, when you go solo, you’ll have your Tour Director and fellow travelers to keep you company. Plus, our tours are designed with lots of flexibility, so you can seek out as much (or as little) alone time as you’d like. NOTE that single rooms for solo travelers are limited, so it pays to register early.

Your tour is exactly that: yours. If your itinerary includes a guided tour, but you’d prefer to spend your time doing something different, that’s perfectly fine. Enjoy your time however you like! Just be sure to tell your guide, so the group isn't waiting for you to show up. And of course, be sure that you meet up with your group in time for any transfers between cities or countries!

Yes! If you organize a group, you can earn a discount for every person who signs up at your invitation. Or you can donate the money back to the organization or your favorite charity. Let us show you how you can travel at a huge discount or even travel FREE! 614-766-5553 or info@GoPrimeTours.com.

While most countries do not require U.S. citizens to purchase an entry visa, some do. If a visa is required it will be listed as a requirement within the individual tour information and requirements.

United Kingdom travelers are now required to purchase an ETA (Electronic Travel Visa) on-line prior to departure.

European Union has a similar program coming.

Ask your doctor about the current recommended vaccinations for travel to the destinations on your tour. The travel section of the Centers for Disease Control website is a good reference for the most up-to-date information. Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination may be required for entry into some countries.

Visit the U.S. Department of State’s website here for more information and complete entry requirements.

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8-10 USD per person per day for your driver or any local guides if applicable. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping. Any tips to staff aboard cruises are not included.

All motor coaches should have air conditioning, and most have restrooms. We also stop approximately every two hours or so on longer transfers to give everyone time for a bathroom break and to stretch their legs.