Should you join a group tour? Should you go it alone? The answer is:
It depends. Best advice: Traveler, know thyself.
Having experienced several group tours in the last year, here are some tips.
Pro and Con #1: The Planning is Done For You
Pro:
If you are tired of doing all the research and planning for a trip, and you find a group itinerary you like, sign up, that’s it – you’re ready to go!
Jump on a group tour and be glad that someone else has done everything for you: hotels, touring, transport are decided in advance. Your job is to enjoy the ride. Group tours are available for every budget and for just about anywhere in the world.
Con:
The tour is set: you have no say in the itinerary. You might not like a hotel or touring plans for the day, but it may be difficult to opt out and do your own thing. If you don’t find an itinerary with all the elements that you want, don’t sign up.
Pro and Con #2:
Your Group Tour Will Have New People On It
Pro:
You will meet people from all over; you can expand your networking skills if you want. You may find new travel companions for the future. Group camaraderie can be a gift.
If you are a people person, this can be great.
Con:
The people in the group may not be likable, or just not your cup of tea. They may be late for the bus, or a bunch of complainers. If you get annoyed by people, don’t sign up for a group tour with a bunch of strangers.
Pro and Con #3:
Admission is assured to all the places listed in the itinerary.
Pro:
Read your itinerary carefully. The plan is made and places on the plan will be visited, unless there are unavoidable situations. This is great because the admission prices are usually included in your tour and you will gain entrance to the places listed. When the bus stops, you are there. Group tours will give you lots of places to see and things to do.
Con:
You may not get enough time at all of the places that you visit. Again, the schedule is set and time allotments are most likely made in advance. Your individual tour director may have some leeway on the schedule, but probably not much and not for every place. If your idea of a day at the Louvre is 8 hours, and you see on the itinerary that the group is only scheduled for 2 hours, maybe this isn’t the tour for you.
Pro and Con #4: A Group Tour Will Have Little Room For Spontaneity
Pro:
If you are the type of person who likes to know where you will be each day of a trip, what you will see when, and even know in advance where you will eat meals, then a group tour may be right for you. You can leave the logistics to the tour director/operator and don’t have to worry about making hard decisions.
Con:
If you like to leave things to serendipity and not plan out most of your travel time, then a group tour is probably not for you. If you are flexible on where and when you will eat meals, what you want to see in a given place, and can handle the uncertainties of getting around in unfamiliar places, then you probably won’t enjoy a group tour.
If you know how you like to travel and what you want to experience, then choosing a group tour or deciding to do it on your own will be an easier decision.
I’ve had good trips both ways. Let me know what you think!
