Travelling independently vs going on an organised tour can be a difficult decision as there are benefits of both. But if you are looking to travel, especially if you are going by yourself, there are so many advantages to book an organised tour.
Do you need some convincing this type of experience is right for you? Let our article help you to see why booking a tour can be one of the best things to do when you travel .
1. Choice of Trips
There are local and international travel operators all around the world offering so many diverse trips that will appeal to everyone. Popular tours include:
• Small group
• Overland
• Active e.g. cycling, hiking and sports
• Hop on hop off
• Safari
• Marine & sailing
• Rail
• Wellness
Some trips can be for just a day, whilst others can last months. There are options for all ages too, you can find tour companies for 18 – 30 year olds, and also operators offering trips for solo travellers, families and seniors.
2. Explore New Places
You can visit every continent on a tour, whether you want to explore cities in Europe, see wildlife in Africa, travel overland in the USA, explore jungles in South America, go island hopping in Asia or go off the beaten track in Australia – there are thousands of trips available to book every month. You can even visit the Arctic or Antartica on expedition cruises.
3. Maximise Your Trip
Itineraries have been defined and improved over the years and companies now have what we would consider the ideal combination of time, activities, sights and choice on our itineraries. Most tours do not try to loop you right around the entire country to be able to get back to the same starting point. That just creates some huge days in the bus with nothing to see or do with wasted time and money. Tours allow you to maximize your time with an excellent number of multi day stays so you don’t feel rushed. Now does that not sound more like what you want? Jump aboard and let us be your guiding hand.
4. Experienced Guides
Tour companies employ highly experienced guides that live and breathe what they do. Any tour will only be as good as the guide and companies strive to employ only the best people so you can experience new locations with knowledge, experience and good advice. Your guide is your travelling companion who is there to make your trip special and also safe. They will be able to take you to the best locations and also places you might not know about visiting otherwise e.g. highly rated locally run cafes and restaurants.
5. Flexibility
Travel operators often make slight changes in itineraries in order to take in a special event or activity that the group wants to do. You can find companies are constantly evolving and are tailoring trips to clients needs and preferences. Some even offer the option to change dates and even refunds if you aren’t able to travel.
6. Included Activities
Most tours include lots of activities and sightseeing in the itineraries so you’ll be able to try new things and feel new emotions. You’ll never be pushed to do anything you don’t want to but guides will be right there with suggestions and support. You will return home with a fresh outlook on life.
Most companies have some big ticket items included on tour including two overnight boat cruises with lodging and meals (Grand Island Explorer). Both are fantastic highlights and totally different as well as are fully included in the tour price. We have many other included activities and entrances on tour.
7. Value For Money
There are some high priced options out there but why pay it? This is an economical but balanced way to see the country without wasting money on other non essential things. Save your bucks for what you really want to do on tour. Although sometimes the up-front cost of some tours might seem expensive than travelling independently, when you factor in things which are included like accommodation and transport, organised trips can work out a lot cheaper than booking everything independently. Some day tours are also totally free although tipping guides is recommended.
8. Stress Free Experience
Going on a tour means getting all the hassle taken out of the experience. You will be taken to new places, have accommodation pre-booked and guided everyday to the best experiences. Waking up and not having to worry about transport, restaurants, sightseeing can be a relief, especially if you are travelling in a country where English isn’t the native language.
9. Get a Personalised Experience
Don’t go with the crowd on those huge coaches where nobody knows you name. Or travel by yourself which can be a lonely experience. Feel counted. Feel welcomed. Feel informed. You’ll get pre-departure information and some companies offer discounts if you book more trips with them.
10. Make New Friends
People from all over the world book tours every year and this is a great way to meet new people and potentially make friends for life. You will form strong bonds when travelling so close to others and experiencing magical destinations and experience together.
Going on a group tour really can be a really amazing experience, so what are you waiting for? Book one for yourself and enjoy the time your life! These tour companies are recommended:
G Adventures
Founded in 1990, G Adventures is the leading adventure travel company offering the widest selection of affordable small group tours, safaris and expeditions to more than 100 countries on all continents. Whatever age, interest, ability or budget, G Adventures has a genuine life-changing trip for you.
Contiki
Contiki are one of the best known names in the travel industry and offer 350+ global trips for 18-35 year olds. Book solo, with friends or a partner – leave with memories that’ll stay with you forever. Choose between tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Latin America & North America.
TruTravels
TruTravels are a specialist tour operator offering epic tours in Asia, Europe & Latin America for 18 – whatever year olds! Unlike the traditional tour companies, all tours have been put together and are run by backpackers and travelers.
Topdeck Travel
Ready to discover the unknown? Meet new people? Change your view and challenge your expectations? Topdeck is for you. They are the travel-enthusiast fairy godmother you never had offering hassle-free tickets and trips to discover more destinations. Your exit from the daily grind into life changing experiences.