To Tour? Or Not to Tour?
To tour? Or not to tour? That is the question.
And while that sounds a bit more prosaic than the topic demands, it is a question that lots of travelers need to consider while making their trip plans.
Now, before you jump to conclusions about me, thinking that I’d obviously steer you toward an organized tour, let me just say that I’m realistic about the pros and cons of joining a tour group. I know that being a part of a tour isn’t for everyone, and that’s OK.
So let’s consider the benefits of both: planning your trip yourself and flying solo OR joining a tour.
Four reasons to plan your own trip
You love planning trips!
I certainly fall into this camp–it’s one of the reasons I started Walkabout Tours! I love to dig into a new location, learning some history, finding out about what makes that place special. I love poring over Google Maps to find the best ways from Point A to Point B. Planning your own trip is an act of discovery and anticipation–I find the planning almost as fun as the trip itself. And if this is you, I say go for it!
You like having control over your schedule and activities.
Maybe you like to sleep in sometimes. Or maybe you like to spend hours perusing second hand bookstores while you’re visiting a new city. Or maybe you just want the ability to stay longer in a museum than you thought you would. When you plan your own trip, your day and your schedule are just that–yours.
You want the freedom to choose your own hotels and restaurants.
Choosing a hotel is a personal matter, taking into account the ratings, reviews, and cost. And some people are particular about where they stay. Same with restaurants. Maybe you enjoy finding just the right place after reading all the reviews you can find. If having control over your hotel and restaurant choices is important to you, then you’re probably best planning on your own.
You want the ability to change your plans mid-trip if you want.
Let’s say you hear about a really cool hike through the mountains that’s not too far, so you decide to change your plans so you can take that hike. If you like the idea of flexibility, being able to make a mid-course correction, if you will, during your trip, then going on your own is definitely best for you.
Four reasons to join a tour
You don’t like or want to plan trips.
Planning great trips takes hours and hours of work, and I know lots of people who really don’t enjoy doing it. If you’d rather leave the trip planning to the experts, especially to places you’ve never been, then joining a tour might just be for you.
You like the idea of having a knowledgeable guide.
A good guide has done the research into an area and has learned the ins and outs so that they can lead you successfully. Often times, your guide will know of hidden gems that you might not otherwise find on your own. If you like the idea of having someone who knows the region, who has been there before, and who can share their expertise with you, definitely join a tour.
You want to know what the cost will be up front.
Tours should provide you an itinerary with the costs up front, including what is covered in the tour and what is your responsibility. And usually, the tour will be paid in full prior to the trip. Obviously, this helps with budgeting and might make you feel a little more comfortable about finances. In addition, because some of the costs are shared, a tour can often be a more budget-friendly option.
You want to meet new people and make new friends.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in life is that there are nice people everywhere–I’ve experienced this over and over again on tours I’ve taken. I’ve met some truly interesting people who have led fascinating lives–something I might not do if I was traveling on my own. And if you’re a solo traveler, tours are wonderful because you can spend time with people when you want (umm, dinner!), but also have time to venture out on your own.
So there you go–four reasons to plan your own trip and four reasons to take a tour. What’s your travel style? Tour? Or No Tour?
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If joining a tour is appealing to you, why not consider a Walkabout Tour? I’ll be rolling out our 2025 tours in a few months, and my newsletter subscribers will be the first in line to sign up. Make sure you’re on the list!
