Why Take Guided Tours over Independent Travel

Craig and I are big advocates for independent travel. It is what we know, like, and trust.

However, there have been certain times when we have considered taking guided tours of a region, and sometimes even participated in group travel.

There are many benefits to travel with tour companies and they really do suit the purposes of a lot of travellers. In fact, now that we have a child, I am more inclined to consider guided tours for specific regions.

I think back to me riding around on a pick up truck on the wild and dangerous roads of Africa and I think,

“Do I really want my child to accompany me in difficult independent travel like this?”….Yes and No.

IN THE BACK OF A PICK-UP, CAMBODIA 2002

While I d love for her to have this cultural experience, this momma-bear-fearful-heart of mine probably could not stand the pressure.

We are going to split this post into two, first discussing the benefits of taking a guided tour, and then discussing the benefits of independent travel.

Benefits to Guided Tours with Tour Companies

Time

PHOTO: BETTA DESIGNS

Some people just do not have the time for independent travel.

Let’s face it catching local transport often takes a whole day or more to get from one destination to another. If you consider the  fact that most Americans get on average only 2 weeks paid holidays, independent travel may not work.

Even those in other countries who can get 4-6 weeks off, with this limited time to travel independently you really have to stick to one small region in order to make the most of your stay.

This is where guided tours with tour companies can prove to be a great choice for those who want to see as much as they can in a small space of time. Try to limit the number of countries you visit so you can experience more of the culture of your destination.

Comfort Levels

KEEPING IT COMFORTABLE

Independent travel is not easy.

A lot of travellers, especially when first beginning their around the world adventures, start with group travel on guided tours. This helps them to adjust to this new lifestyle, slowly stretching the comfort zones out until they feel confident enough to take it on themselves.

For some people the thought of trying to order food in a foreign country causes them to faint at their knees. Instead of never leaving the house, a guided tour would be a great way to travel within their comfort zone limits.

Meeting People

MAKING FRIENDS

Many of my friends kicked off their living in London/ European tour with a Contiki tour. They made a lot of new friends because of it, which meant that they arrived in London to live already knowing someone.

This can be very reassuring to those shy folks who might not be so great at getting out there and meeting people on their own.

After my beerfest tour, we met up several times upon return home to London with our new friends we met on our group tour. It was great to have so many new friends who all shared a common travel memory.

Information

TELL ME MORE PHOTO: TO UNCERTAINTY AND BEYOND

Even when I am travelling independently, there will be many times I will take a guided tour of an historical site or cultural experience. This is because I want to learn more about the place I am visiting. And I don’t want to be walking around trying to read it from a guide book while I am there.

I want someone to point out certain features, tell me stories about the area and relay the important information. Guided tours are a great way to sit back, absorb the area you are in and allow someone else to tell you all about it.

Less Hassle

ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE LED PHOTO: WEI ON THE WAY

Planning for independent travel takes a lot of time and research and then of course you need to be constantly adapting and changing these plans as you are going along.

You have to decide how to get there, how to get around, where to stay, what to eat, what to see, how to change money and who to talk to for help. The list of tasks never end, it can be tiresome, cumbersome and just plain irritating.

Taking a guided tour means removing all the hassle of the planning stage. Someone can take you by the hand while you concentrate on the only thing you want to concentrate on exploring, learning, eating, drinking, shopping and having fun.

Safety

WALKING SAFARI KRUGER NP AFRICA

Many people fear travel as they believe the world is unsafe. A guided tour may give a person like this the opportunity to travel as they feel much safer. There is always someone watching their back and people who they can turn to for comfort when feeling afraid.

As I mentioned above, now that I am mum this is a very important factor in making travel decisions for my family.

Some areas suit guided tours and can be the only way you can visit

PHOTO: STORM PETRIL 1

There are certain travel experiences and destinations that only lend themselves to group travel and guided tours. For example, going to Antarctica would be extremely difficult without being on a tour.

In Africa, night time safaris can only be done by guided tours, Robbin island can only be visited through a group tour and trekking to base camp, I’m sure would be best to be done on a group tour.

Why Take Guided Tours over Independent Travel:

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