Just wanted to share something from my experience. If it benefits someone, I would be happy. We are often confused while deciding between an all inclusive guided arranged tour and a self arranged tour. I have experienced both and given a choice and abundance of money & time, I would love to explore a place first by a package tour and then on my own.
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| Image courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
Guided tours are great as they offer a
professional orientation to a place. We benefit from their experience &
expertise. On the other hand, if someone wants to dive deeper and can plan
well, it’s better to explore the place on one’s own.
I wouldn’t write a big essay on pros & cons of both the styles of travelling to make you more confused. As they say, one size does not fit all, here is a short & precise checklist to find out what sort of tour style is ideal for whom.
Package/ Guided/ Group
tours
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Self arranged
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Ideal for whom
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1. Big sized families
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1. Honeymooners
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2. Once in a blue moon travellers
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2. Regular explorers
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3. Family with kids
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3. Couples, group of friends, back
packers
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4. Travellers with tight/ fixed budget
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4. Ready to spend a little more than
budget.
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5. You can mix-up well with strangers/
anybody.
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5. You love privacy
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6. You love discipline & punctuality
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6. You enjoy freedom
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7. You want to see the major attractions
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7. Special interest travellers
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8. You want to be in a comfort zone in an
alien land
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8. You don’t mind getting lost.
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9. Exploring turbulent places.
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9. Exploring a stable, peaceful country
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10. You hate googling, planning and
making all sorts of arrangements
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10. You love planning, making
arrangements and do not hate uncertainties
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11. On the go
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11. Relaxing
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12. Looking for tried and tested.
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12. Like to get off the beaten track
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13. You’re on a tight schedule
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13. You don’t mind changing schedule
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14.Enjoy the destination
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14. Enjoy the journey as well
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15. Expecting gifts, goodies, discounts,
complimentary offers, etc.
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15. Prefer to buy yourself whatever you
need.
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The bottom-line – Travel agencies earn by offering
economies of scale, their information edge and planning expertise. If you have
time & willingness to research beforehand and love/ not afraid of exploring
unknown lands, you save the travel agent commission by being your own guide.
Found this useful? Or, disagree? I would
love to have your comments.
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| Image courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net | Image courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net |