The pros and cons of booking a tour
There are pros and cons to every travel style, so do you want to take the lead or let someone else be in charge? These are the questions you need to ask before you decide.
1. Where are you going?
If you’re travelling in a safe, developed country where you speak the language (or a lot of the local population can speak English), then you’ll find it easy to go it alone. As long as you feel confident you will be able to organise your travels and get around on your own, then eschew the tour. On the other hand, some countries are more difficult for independent travellers. There might be safety issues or a serious language barrier. In that case, having the services of a trained team to make all the arrangements and escort you every step of the way is worth it.
2. How much do you want to spend?
As a general rule, tours will be more expensive that independent travel. You’re paying a premium for the all-inclusive service that gets you from door to door and covers everything in between. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll get better value travelling on your own. You can hunt out the best deals and aren’t committed to paying for a lot of pricey activities up front. A good alternative can be to travel on your own but then join a small tour for a specific activity, such as trekking with gorillas in Uganda or hiking to Everest base camp.
3. How much time do you have?
Tour companies are experts as squeezing in as much as possible in a restricted time. If your schedule is tight you may be able to get more out of a destination or fit in more countries with the expert services of a tour. If you’re more flexible, travelling on your own gives you the freedom to do what you want, when you want. If you fall in love with a place you can choose to stay longer or if you’re less than impressed you can pack your bag and be off the next day.
4. Who are you travelling with?
If you’re travelling solo, the prospect of going somewhere on your own can be daunting. A tour gives you a ready made set of travel buddies. There are even specialised companies that offer tours for singles so you won’t feel like the odd one out. If you’re travelling in a group already, a tour is probably a waste. You’re better off using a travel agent to organise your own group discounts, which will give you more freedom and save you money.
What’s your take? Is it worth booking a tour or should you just travel solo? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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