Beyond retail: Smart add-on ideas by tour type
We’ve brainstormed impactful add-ons, segmented by niche, to help you boost earnings with minimal extra work.
As peak season approaches, it’s time to fine-tune the parts of your business that directly drive revenue. One of the easiest ways to increase your average booking value? Strategic add-ons or upsells.
These aren’t your average souvenir shop items. We’re talking about experiential upgrades, convenience boosts, and premium perks your customers will actually want to pay for before their tour even begins.
You can offer tour add-ons at the time of booking or during your experience — but either option is a chance to elevate the guest experience and unlock additional revenue.
Below, we’ve brainstormed impactful add-ons, segmented by niche, to help you boost earnings with minimal extra work.
Universal add-ons
No matter your niche, these ideas help enhance the guest experience while increasing your revenue per booking.
Add-on ideas:
- Trip protection: Guests get cancellation flexibility, and you keep the extra earnings
- Early bird / late start time options: Less crowded, better light, etc.
- Priority check-in / skip-the-line access: Move through faster and stress-free
- “Celebrate with us” package: Include balloons for birthdays, champagne for anniversaries, rose petals for proposals, etc!
- Pre-ordered snack or beverage pack: Great for longer tours
- Professional photo package: Tour guide or partner photographer captures guests during key stops
- Digital photo album: Includes snapshots, behind-the-scenes moments, and scenery
Why it works: These add-ons create convenience, exclusivity, or emotional value — all things guests are happy to invest in before they arrive.
Food, history, and walking tours
Guests on these tours are curious, culturally driven, and ready to indulge. Add-ons should deepen the experience, add fun surprises, or offer lasting takeaways.
Add-on ideas:
- Boozy drink upgrade: Add a drink to each restaurant stop or a bonus drink
- Printable “local favorites” map: Includes hidden gems, food recs, and guide picks
- Non-alcoholic drink pairing: Kombucha, mocktails, or local sodas for younger guests or non-drinkers
- Additional stop or extended tour: For example, a private chocolate tasting or a close-up look at a historical site
- Printed food passport: Includes spots from the tour and bonus local tips
- Restaurant discount voucher: For a partner restaurant nearby, post-tour
- Guide-curated nature or history journal: Includes space for notes, fun facts, and reflections
Why it works: These guests are already engaged — offer ways to enrich their journey and give them something to talk about long after the tour ends.
Outdoor adventures
Whether your guests are trekking a scenic trail, paddling downriver, or soaking in the views on a mountaintop, these add-ons can make their outdoor adventure more comfortable, exciting, and memorable.
Add-on ideas:
- GoPro or action camera rental: Includes mounting gear for capturing the journey
- Transportation to/from trailhead or meet-up location: Easy and stress-free access
- Binoculars or wildlife spotting kit: Great for dolphin, whale, or bird-watching tours
- Curated playlist setup: Guests can send song requests in advance
- Snack or charcuterie box: Individually packed for convenience
- Premium cooler rental: Pre-filled with ice and bottled drinks for private groups
- Post-hike recovery kit: Cooling towel, electrolyte drink, mini foot massage ball
- Premium backpack rental: Lightweight, padded, with water pouch compatibility
- Eco kit: Trash bag, gloves, and mini tongs for “leave no trace” experiences
- Campfire add-on: S’mores kit, hot chocolate, and cozy blanket for evening tours
- Astrophotography mini session: For night hikes or stargazing tours
- Reusable water bottle with logo: Eco-friendly souvenir guests can use on tour
- Motion sickness kit: Ginger chews, bands, and wipes for sensitive stomachs
Why it works: These extras amplify guests’ connection to nature while offering convenience and personal touches they’ll remember.
Boat tours and private charters
Guests booking time on the water are looking for a laid-back, luxurious, or celebratory vibe. These add-ons help customize and elevate the experience.
Add-on ideas:
- Guaranteed shade: Reserve a shaded spot or umbrella area on the boat
- Welcome cocktail or glass of champagne: Start the tour with a celebratory toast
- Drink ticket bundle: Buy discounted drink tickets ahead of time
- Premium seating upgrade: Shaded, cushioned, or front-deck options
- Additional hour for private charters: Discounted rate for more time on the water
- Custom cake or dessert add-on: Perfect for birthdays or proposals
- Decor package: Balloons, banners, or flower leis for special occasions
- Swim float or water toy rental: Noodles, loungers, or paddleboards
- Snorkel gear rental or upgrade: Premium mask, fins, and snorkel vs. standard gear
- Fishing rod rental: For boat tours with recreational fishing
- Underwater action camera rental: GoPro or similar
- Sunscreen & reef-safe pack: Mini sunscreen, aloe wipes, and lip balm in a pouch
Why it works: These are often celebratory or group occasions — perfect for upsells that feel like indulgences or thoughtful touches.
Equipment rentals
Guests renting gear want a smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free experience. Add-ons should enhance gear performance, increase safety, or provide peace of mind.
Add-on ideas:
- Premium gear upgrade: For example, a lighter bike, carbon paddle, or performance board
- Waterproof dry bag rental: Great for paddling, beaches, or rainy weather
- Extended rental time: Keep the gear for a week vs. full day or. half-day
- Route or trail map bundle: Includes curated recommendations
- Extra battery pack: For e-bikes or e-scooters
- Performance seat or suspension upgrade: More comfort for longer rides
- Cooler pack: Small cooler with ice for snacks and drinks
- Trail snack pack: Energy bar, trail mix, mini water bottle
- Sunscreen + bug spray kit: Reef-safe and wilderness-ready
- Portable Bluetooth speaker: Waterproof or trail-safe
- Guided GPS audio tour: Self-guided narration with highlights
- Custom itinerary planning: Includes recommended stops or scenic spots
- Emergency roadside assistance add-on: Support in case of breakdown
- Reflective or safety gear rental: For early morning or evening use
Why it works: Small gear upgrades can significantly improve comfort and confidence, leading to more satisfied and repeat guests.
Family-friendly add-ons
Families travel with convenience, comfort, and kid-focused fun in mind. Add-ons that reduce stress or spark delight are an easy win.
Add-on ideas:
- Kids activity booklet: Scavenger hunts, puzzles, or trivia tied to the tour
- Snack pack for kids: Nut-free, mess-free, and age-appropriate
- Family photo package: Includes a few posed and candid shots
- “Junior explorer” badge or certificate: A souvenir and sense of accomplishment
- Toy rental: Sand toys, floaties, or beach kits for younger kids
- Comfort kit for parents: Wipes, sunscreen, band-aids, portable fan
- Guide shoutout or surprise: Birthday song, treasure hunt, or fun treat
Why it works: Families are often juggling a lot — simple perks that ease the day or entertain the kids go a long way.
A Few Tips for Add-On Success
- Keep it simple: The best add-ons are low-lift for your team and easy to understand at checkout.
- Sell it with context: Make sure add-ons are described clearly, with benefits highlighted (e.g., “Stay hydrated during your 3-hour hike with our pre-packed snack kit.”)
- Test and iterate: Try a few options and track what sells — then double down on your winners.
Small add-ons, big impact
Even a $5 or $15 upsell can significantly grow your revenue when multiplied across dozens (or hundreds) of bookings. The best part? You’ve already done the hard work getting the booking — add-ons are your chance to enhance the experience and increase profitability with minimal extra effort.
Want help setting up your add-ons in FareHarbor? Reach out to our team or explore our upselling guide here.
