If you travel fairly often you have probably thrown around the idea of travelling with a tour company before. It’s relatively popular and there are plenty of benefits to it as well.
However, many people choose to travel on their own terms, opting for a more personal experience rather than sharing it with a group of, usually, complete strangers.
For the remainder of this article, we will look at the pros and cons of travelling with a tour company and see if there is any value in doing it or if it is just a better idea to go for it on your own terms.
The Pros of Using a Tour Company
There are plenty of reasons people opt for letting a travel company guide their experience. Let’s start by going through a few of the most common reasons that people choose to go through with paying for one.
● Different Customs or Language
For those that travel to foreign countries, this is a very legitimate concern that they will not be able to enjoy the trip because they can’t communicate whatsoever. If you make use of a travelling company there is typically a guide who can operate as a translator if you need it.
The tour guide will know whichever local area you’re travelling to and can offer you tips to find good places to eat and explore during whatever free time you come across.
Also, you can ask your tour guide all the questions you need so you don’t have to struggle trying to explain something to someone who may or may not be able to help you.
● No Need to Drive
Sometimes, driving in a place you are unfamiliar with can be quite nerve wracking. Most foreign countries will have different road laws that can be unforgiving and renting a taxi everywhere you go can get expensive quickly.
Plus, there are some sightseeing spots in countries that are closed off to public vehicles. Most of the time, travel companies will be allowed into these spots and allow you to see a place you would not have been able to see otherwise.
● You Want to Meet New People
Some travellers will use tour companies to meet like-minded people and make some new travelling companions. People have to travel together in tour companies and some people are looking for exactly that, especially if they’re a bit nervous being in a small group or alone in a foreign land.
If you are travelling using a bus, there will be plenty of time to chat or play games with your fellow travellers during the longer drives. You can also have some wonderful bonding experiences during sightseeing excursions.
For the most part, people that use tour companies will have this same mindset so you should have no trouble meeting people who are willing to talk and become friends along the way.
● No Need to Plan Your Trip
If you don’t have the time to research transportation, accommodations, destinations and sightseeing opportunities, then a tour company can handle all of these headaches for you.
Whatever tour company you choose will make travel arrangements for you and you can visit your desired destinations without needing to worry about flights, hotel reservations or driving around.
All you have to do to plan is to research the tour company that best suits what you want out of your trip and many companies will allow for customizable tours as well.
● Safety and Comfort
There is safety in numbers and with a seasoned tour guide watching over the group, you do not have to worry too much about robbers or anything like that.
Furthermore, some people just don’t feel as comfortable on their trip when they’re travelling by themselves or with a small group. There’s nothing that can ruin a trip more than being constantly nervous that something bad could happen without any help around you.
The Cons of a Tour Company
● Not as Personalized
With tour companies, you usually have to remain with the group and won’t be able to venture off on your own too far. For those that value this kind of spontaneity while travelling, you may find a tour company to be a bit boring.
There is plenty of adventure to be had by going off script during your travels and planning your trip through a tour company will certainly diminish the potential for stumbling upon a new experience on your own accord. Say you have always wanted to visit the famous railroad town of Crewe, and this is not a destination on the tour package. If you were travelling by yourself, then you could simply look for the Crewe weather for the day of your trip and make arrangements accordingly. All without having to stick to a schedule.
● No Guarantee You Will Like Everyone
When going on a trip with a large group of people, it is likely not everyone will like each other. Sometimes, these trips can drift into cliques and that can lead to some awkward situations at times.
● Getting Around Can Take a While
While driving on your own can be stressful, it is almost always much quicker to get to your destinations and you can stay as long as you’d like.
If you value knocking out sightseeing opportunities quickly then you may want to plan your trip on your own. When travelling with a large group, you want to make sure everyone gets their chance to see what they want to see. This can sometimes take a while and make for a good bit of sitting around when you could be on the way to another spot.
Summary
Hopefully, you now have everything you need to make a decision as to whether you travel using a tour company or not. There are plenty of great experiences to be had but there will be things you have to sacrifice if you use one as well. Depending on your particular wants and needs, you may find more value in using the services of professional tour operators who know their way around and can get you the most bang for your buck while on vacation.
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