Honoring the Package Tour

On this day, May 17th, in 1861, the world's first package tour took place in Britain. Organized by the Workers' Committee and arranged by travel agent Thomas Cook a tour departed from London to Paris, marking the world's first package tour. It was a great idea and it is no wonder that more than 150 years later, package tours - although not as popular as they once were - remain a common way to travel. 

So what is the difference between a package tour (known as an 'organized tour' in Japan) and just an overseas trip? Well, a package tour is usually a group trip planned and organized by a travel agency. The accommodation, transportation, meals, and other expenses are included in a set price. Sometimes, there is a tour guide involved and even the itinerary is managed by the travel agency.

Interestingly, Thomas Cook visited Japan back in 1872. It is said he was fascinated by the country. Thomas Cook travel agency still exists today, but it has changed ownership over the years and gone through major changes. It even collapsed in 2019, but was relaunched as Thomas Cook Tourism in 2020.