Eurotravel Planner

Section: Travel Alone or with Tour Group

Next Section: Season & Timing

I admit. I have a bias.
I haven't taken guided tours longer than a couple of days, and tend to shy away from them. I dislike the thought that I'm not getting a full experience in Europe just because I'm not comfortable enough to go independent.

Not always true, certainly, but that's my bias. Just so you know.

• Who deserves to travel with me?
• Will a tour be too "corporate" feeling?
• Does Travel Pete give personalized advice? (hint: yes)

Thoughts on Decision Making
There are many paths people use to choose whether to "go it alone" or with a tour group. Maybe a trip was referred by a friend, or you read an article or saw brochure. Essentially, this is a decision based on your level of comfort in planning. It is also an issue of time management.

No right or wrong here, this is food for thought as you consider Europe as a destination. Should I...?

No time to plan or don't enjoy planning, consider a tour (I love planning, often a great part of any Eurotrip - anticipation!) Enjoy completely pre-scheduled trip itineraries & confirmed details Have cash to pay trip premium (approx. 20% or more than independent travel) Don't enjoy thought of managing your in-Europe transportation (rather just relax) Like scheduled stops at all locations Traveling alone and able to find reasonable single-person tour rates, and worried about going to Europe alone Comfortable staying with small group of fellow travelers for majority of trip (less locals interaction) If you have mobility issues, consider a pre-planned tour where you can determine availability. Unfortunately, Europe isn't always completely accessible.

Generally do your own thing Don't like overly-scheduled stops and pre-planned time Have time to plan a good trip Don't have money for tour premium, or wish to use same cash to stretch trip experiences Enjoy freedom to make changes en route Want to meet new people, locals, & tourists from around the world Can travel with someone who's been to Europe or international before, or are comfortable with your own planning

Young Travelers on Tours (18-40 yrs)
This is not a discussion about sending your kid to Europe on a class trip. I've done domestic trips of this variety, and discussed with people trips internationally. They are fun, adventurous, and almost always extremely regimented and safe. Investigate, and go for it!

Primarily, younger folks are in college or single professionals and have a special fear they voice in emails to me when looking for tours. Essentially, they have concerns it will be them and a busload of grandmas who knit for entertainment. This isn't what they are looking for, and a good tour group really should reflect you as a person and your place in life to ensure your enjoyment.

This is often legitimate, because tours are most frequently taken by people who are older and who have the financial resources to afford tours. Younger couples don't have these resources.

However, there are options for young people to take tours. Consider a tour with a group such as Contiki tours, who handles tours for people 18-35. I haven't been on one, but while traveling I've met several folks on Contiki tours (usually staying at the same hotel) and they definitely got a kick out of the tour. Many Australians take these tours, as do large numbers of single people. Contiki and the like aren't too crazy, but certainly have more of a focus on partying and late-nights.

Another bus company that is less "tour group" and more hop-on and hop-off where you want is BusAbout. I've never been, but heard about them as a great way to travel with other backpackers and independent travelers, and choose your own schedule.

So, if you Want a Tour...
For everyone (all ages), here's another great way to look at tours — Check out Rick Steves' Tours for his travel packages and philosophy. Rick's a 25-year travel magnate for Americans going to Europe, and has developed great itineraries, and what I believe is an effective, fun, and ethical tour concept. Not only do the tours seem to be some of the best around, they do not seem to play the tourist (you) into a lot of the traps that most tour companies do – traps people often aren't looking for!

For example, their tour guides don't make extra money from sending you to junk stores to buy souvenirs. They keep busses unloaded so you have room to stretch out. Singles can go and be paired with another same-sex person for room assignments to save on costs. The kickbacks received by the tour guides go into a common pool to buy activities for the tour group, and so on.

It's a great philosophy, and great itineraries, and I've heard good things about them. In full disclosure, I'll say that I haven't taken one of the trips, and I do not generally take packaged trips.

I'm not telling you to run off and book a Rick Steves' tour today. But take away the great tips on what to look for in a tour (and what to avoid), and whether you want a packaged tour. Once you've decided that you want a tour, and are armed with this information, you can talk with travel agents and read brochures with an eye towards ensuring a better travel experience and better set your expectations.

Go Independent
I enjoy traveling independent of tours (heck, even traveling alone), it can be more flexible and fun and you are "forced" to meet a lot of cool people other than just those few you are traveling with.

Better yet, if you find somewhere/someone that you love (and I guarantee you will) you can hang around a little longer! I've been surprised time and again by small towns I just couldn't bring myself to leave!

I started traveling independently before I was 20, and I've been doing it for the past 15 years or so and enjoy every trip. Having spent more than a year in total in Europe, I've occasionally done it the wrong way--such as no lodging reservation for the first night in Europe. Even so, with little preparation and only my native tongue (American, and a few words of English, a couple more in Aussie), I've had no problems getting around. (Well, okay, I've had personal problems, but that's simply an inability to read maps).

When traveling truly alone, I do a lot to simplify. For example, I always get a Eurail pass to get around, they are great. And don't worry about not speaking the lingo — I'll have some tips for you in the Language section.

Choose traveling companions wisely. Time and again I have seen college graduates traveling for the summer split up because they are not flexible enough to be so close for so long without problems arising. I've personally been on a "guy's trip" where two of the guys invited should, well, should not have been invited, and won't be invited again.

Remember, it's YOUR trip. Don't let people invite themselves if you don't want them. Worry less about hurting someone's feelings, more about ensuring you enjoy your European vacation.

Ask Travel Pete

Travel Pete started when I was answering hundreds of email questions for people interested in travel to Europe. I put together quite a bit of information, which is now available on the website through our Europe Trip Planner. If you would like a more customized response, you are more than welcome to email me. Just click the link above or email to itinerary-website@travelpete.com. Be sure to include as much detail as you can with your question.

Hopefully these thoughts stirred your thinking on independent travel or packaged tours. Let this bread rise for an hour and come back and see if you still agree with your initial thoughts.

Next Section: Season & Timing