So you want to take a trip to an exotic destination, but maybe are a bit nervous going to a different region alone or don't have the time to travel for months in a row but still want to get the most of your time. If you fall into these groups you might want to look into a guided tour rather than traveling independently. This is the first of many posts that will discuss the pros and cons of using a guided tour versus traveling independently.
(Pictured: Tour Coach in Austria - Sometimes Included for Large Tours)
In this entry, I am going to focus on breaking down what exactly a guided tour usually entails. Future posts will expand on this list, primarily focusing on the economics of a guided tour, and giving my experiences I have had while interacting with tour companies in different regions of the world.
For me, this RTW trip will be the first time I have traveled without a guided tour. At first I was planning on doing a string of guided tours, however after looking at the economics factor I decided to give it a go on my own with small tours along the way. But what exactly do you get from guided tours?
What's Included and Pros
Hotels and Transportation - Most companies offer tours based on various levels of luxury in terms of sleeping arrangements and transportation. As with independent travel, you will have to decide what style is right for you, or fits your budget. Typically in the tour package the company will include hotel nights and city to city transportation based on your choice of trip.
Food - Like hotels and transportation, the amount included is based on the tour. Breakfast is almost always provided, and some lunches and dinners are given based on the destination and are either themed or basic.
Sight Seeing - Some major sight seeing is included in the price, and tour managers are usually very knowledgeable and provide good walking tours of sites along the way.
Full Itineraries - One very positive thing about guided tours is that they are full of many sites in a short period of time, great for the fast paced. The tour managers are very good at helping you navigate areas that are not as open to tourists or have large language barriers.
Optional Excursions - Tour companies typically will offer additional site seeing possibilities above the included tours such as day trips or extreme sports.
(Pictured: Optional Dinner with other tour members in Florence)
What's Not Included and Cons
Flexibility - The flexibility of being able stay in a city longer than a day or two is not provided unless you want to give up time at the next spot, and make your own arrangements to get there.
Economical - From my experiences I have found that the base cost of tours are typically 50%+ more expensive than traveling on your own. Then you have to factor in the additional sight seeing, insurance, excursions, and some meals that are not included as well.
(Pictured: Included food on optional excursion in Austria)
Airfare - Airfare is still yours to get from your home to the starting city, and return. In some cases and companies major airfare during the tour is also extra and is listed in the itinerary. Companies offer to book your airfare for you, but I have yet to see prices that are reasonable compared to what I can find on my own.
People - Depending on the company, you will be traveling with the same 5 to 50 people for the duration of the trip, which you can't get away from 100% of the time and larger groups will attract the louts more often than not. Luckily, most decent tour companies will not have you follow them around while they carry a flag pointing out sites like you see in many destinations.
These are just of the few major things to think of when looking into a tour. In addition, all tour companies are different, and attract a different kind of audience. In order to have the best experience on a guided tour it pays to be very knowledgeable on what is provided and the client base that they serve. Some companies focus on adventure, and are highly active. Others cater to older travelers and offer more luxury.
If you don't do your research, you might end up the youngest person by 30 years, or worn out by the end of the second day. Neither of which would make your vacation the best experience it possibly can be.
The next post will outline my itinerary for the tour I am taking in Egypt and Jordan this August to illustrate what is included on a guided tour in a region that independent travel is relatively scarce.
Useful Planning Links
- Kayak: Compares Airfare on Multiple Sites and Airlines
- Seat Guru: Picking the Best Spot on a Plane
- Seat 61: Transportation Costs from Around the World
- I Hate Taxis: Transportation Costs from the World's Airports
- Hostel World: Hostel Reviews and Prices
- Hotels Combined: Compaires Hotels on Multiple Sites
- Trip Advisor: Hotel, Hostel, Destination Reviews
- BootsnAll: Discount Travel Planning & Msg Boards
- Wikitravel: Costs, Planning Info
- Cruise Critic: Useful Information for Planning a Cruise
- Travelpod: Travelogue Hosting and Various Information
- World Electricity Guide: Voltage and Plug Types Per Country
- XE: Currency Conversions
- Embassies Abroad: Embassy Locations Around the World
- Center for Disease Control: Health Information
- Transportation Security Administration: Airfare Safety, Carry-on Rules
- USA State Department: Visa Information
Subscribe by Email
Recent Comments
Featured Sites
3 comments:
Tours are great if you have a limited amount of time. Your tour operator will make sure you see everything of significance before you go.
The other reason may be if you go to country that is not as open, say North Korea (yes people do go to North Korea on vacation). You may be required to take a tour to see the country.
Other than that, independent travel is more cost effective and allows for changing up your schedule whenever you feel like. You always hear, "Be back on the bus at 2:20 SHARP!" on a tour. None of that when you roll independent.
That's very true about the country not being as easy to navigate, or impossible, without a tour.
North Korea is one - I have friends that went there, Bhutan it is also required, then there are other areas that it is just easier logistically to take a tour [Middle East], or those that have large language barriers for specific people.
On my tours I really hated having those deadlines to get on the bus, but at the same time would have saw about 1/2 of the countries I did in the same amount of time if I did it on my own. I'll get into that in the next few posts :)
I forgot to mention that on a tour while in Paris a group of us were running late to the pickup location. I literally ran from Notre Dame along side the river Seine to, what was almost the Louvre, in order to catch the bus to hold for everyone else. I barely made it.
Post a Comment