This is one of the most frequently asked questions for first-time travellers, is it best to book on a Group Tour vs independent travel?. There are many different opinions out there around this eternal question, some people say that independent travel is the better and cheaper option. Some like the convenience of a group tour where everything gets done for you. As a first-time traveller, the idea of it might seem overwhelming. However, as you gain confidence in yourself and for the love of travel, things get easier and independent travel becomes more desirable. So that you can make the right choice let’s look at both Group tour vs Independent Travel.

Travelling independently is good fun, you have the flexibility to change your trip whenever you want to, you can do what you want when you want. But with that freedom comes a little bit more work both in the planning stages and while travelling.

Independent travel will suit you if you………….

• Are travelling to English speaking countries? (for us who only speak English), you can communicate with the locals and understand signage to get around.
• Enjoy researching a destination, finding the safest areas, places to go, booking your accommodation, booking day tours, trains, buses, and transfers.
• You must be willing to plan your whole itinerary.
• Want to travel at a slower pace.
• Feel confident getting yourself around, waiting for the train on the right platform, making your connections and carrying your bags through the busy streets.

Independent travel is a fantastic travel style, you have complete control over your trip however you don’t have control over the success of the trip. Unfortunately, when travelling sh*t happens, things go wrong, language barriers, the bus you were expecting doesn’t turn up, the list goes on. However, you choose to travel you need a lot of patience and a go with the flow attitude. The mishaps along the way usually make for the best travel stories. Have a read of our Expectations while travelling post. If you are ready to start planning your trip use our Travel Resources page to see all of our favourite websites we use to book our trips.

Some people don’t like the “idea” of a group tour, they feel like it is rushed, regimented and initially expensive. However, when you break it down, the lump sum that you pay for a group tour is paying for most of your trip. Let’s look at some of the other reasons why Group tours are easy, convenient, and what you get for the extra money.

• All your accommodation, transport, most sightseeing, and meals are taken care of by your team. They are there to do all the hard work for you.
• You get a trip manager. They become best friends, councilors, historians, city gurus, and a wealth of knowledge on almost everything that is seen throughout a tour.
• You get the comfort and security, of a coach and driver who knows the areas, who is there to pick you up and take you to the next destination.
• They carry your bags and store them securely,
• The comfort of such experts as the leader provides a sense of security, especially for first-time travelers.
• The tours are designed as a sneak peek of multiple destinations. To give you a taste of a place in a short amount of time. If you enjoy a particular destination, you have a general idea of it and you can go back on your own accord.
• Tour companies pick out the best bits for you to see and experience.
• You get local information about a destination. Priceless insider information on where to eat, get the best photos, souvenirs, and overall experience.
• As a part of the group you often get VIP or fast-tracked entry into attractions.
• Tours are great if you don’t speak the local language.
• Travel on your own and come home with new friends. Tours are the best way to make friends. I was once a tour guide for Contiki and the groups that I took around Europe are still friends to this day.
• The tour can not include everything, which means there will be the occasional, lunch or dinner that is not included. You will also be offered “optional extras” these are usually unique experiences in each city/country. These are often not included in the overall tour price, and if you choose to do them you will have to pay during your trip. Don’t turn into a Scrooge McDuck and miss out on these experiences, most of these have been handpicked by the company as a cultural experience.

Tours have come a long way and offer many a lot of options. Different companies offer tours in various parts of the world. They often cater to different clientele, for example. Contiki carter for the 18-35 age group. Trafalgar is suitable for all ages but the average age is 40+. Intrepid and G Adventures cater for all age groups ranging from budget (hostels) to luxury accommodation.

My Top 3 Tour Companies for specific countries

1. Contiki – I am a bit biased because I used to work for them, Contiki is the leader in the tour industry for 18-35-year-olds. The experience that they give to young people is life-changing and something that will stick with you forever. It is a right of passage that everyone must start their adult life on a whirlwind Contiki tour. I would 100% recommend a Contiki Tour.
2. Tour Radar – TourRadar offer tours worldwide, from day trips to 10-20 Day trips, they offer a wide selection of trip experiences, for example, the Adventurer, Cultural Trips, Discovery Trips and In-depth Explorers. There is honestly a trip to suit every type of traveller and budget, the website is fantastic you can put filters in your search to specify how big you want your group size, age range, the regions you want to see, the accommodation type you would prefer and so many more. It is a really great place to start your planning journey, you can book tours with some of the big tour operators via TourRadar’s site.
3. Intrepid- We travelled through China with Intrepid and had the best experience, China is a destination that I would strongly recommend a guided tour. The language barrier is extremely difficult and to have a guide who speaks the local lingo is priceless. It also adds an extra charm to the experience of having local knowledge and enthusiasm.
4. Viator- I have booked many tours through Viator, they offer a range of products, from tickets, day tours, sightseeing, and 4+ day small group tours. Every trip I have booked through Viator has been fantastic and would definitely recommend them.

PACKING GUIDES

Packing for a trip! Do not overpack! You are the one who has to carry that bag and of course, it has to fit within weight restrictions. Plan your clothes strategically, pack items that you can mix and match. Our packing guides will help you pack only the essentials needed for your trip.