[SIRE1]

We have traveled with Caravan (Nova Scotia and PIE) and Globus (Yellowstone and other western Natl Parks, as well as Nashville to New Orleans, and Europe). We were VERY happy with both of these tour companies. I've never heard of KISST and if you do select them, please submit a post to TOTV. Would be very interested in hearing about your experience.

The one thing which I've told other people, and you mentioned, is one of the biggest differences in the various bus tour companies is the hotels that they stay in. And the cost of the tour usually reflects that. After all, it cost the same for all companies to run the bus, pay for the driver & guide, etc. So the big price difference is the hotels they book. We found that even though Globus usually cost more, their hotels are right at the location you are visiting. When we were at Yellowstone, our hotel was at Old Faithful and we could walk out the front door to see it as many times as we wanted. Cody would be nice, but how can you beat being right next to the geyser ????

We also got a lot of the extra activities, and that REALLY adds to the trip. So I don't know if I would exclude KISST just because they don't stay in the park. But I know that Caravan included a lot of extra activities on their tour as well. And a few weren't listed in their brochure.

But since I haven't ever heard of KISST tours nor can I even find a web site for them, I would be a little cautious. I suggest that you might check with one or two of the other Travel Agents in The Villages and see what they have to say about that company. That way you can find out how reputable they really are. And then let us all know who you choose and why.