Which Approach Suits You: Escorted Tours V Touring Independently

by erin on July 8, 2010

When you think of international travel, are you fearful of getting lost or are you one of the adventure seekers who prefers to get out there and experience the country like the locals do? This is an important decision to make when planning your travel but first you have to be sure each member of your family has a passport so if you have a child, be sure to check into getting a infant passport.

On the most basic level, a guided tour is just a vacation that is pre-planned. A tour guide generally accompanies you as you explore your destination, and an itinerary is usually either selected from a travel company or created by the vacationers. Sometimes, meals, hotel accommodations, and transportation are included in the base price of these itineraries. These itineraries just outline what you and your family will be participating in during your stay. This outline can include visits to famous landmarks, natural sites, or other locations.

If you chose to travel independently, it will be necessary for you to make all the arrangements for travel and accommodations yourself. It is a lot easier than it used to be to plan an international trip yourself because no matter what information you need, it is all as close as your computer. International travel also requires a passport and online passport agencies have made getting a quick passport application just a click away.

Guided tours have their pros and cons. Having such a strict regimen while traveling often leaves people feeling exhausted and wanting to take a vacation from their vacation. Schedules and set time slots take away the freedom of vacation, but it also grants freedom from having to plan more than you have to. With a tour guide you can trust, you know you will be visiting the best spots and experiencing a lot of what the country has to offer. However, sometimes these companies take tourists to the more “touristy” locations. And while this gives you a good look, and maybe even some special opportunities to explore deeper, it can feel like a superficial sort of adventure. However, on the other hand, some travel companies offer closer in-depth looks at a culture as opposed to visiting the obvious places.

Independent touring is certainly an adventure and if a few snags here and there won’t cause you to become unraveled, than maybe this is the way for you to go. Should you happen upon a site or community that encourages you to linger, you have the freedom to do just that. Stay in a city one day or the whole week if you like. It is important to remember, however, that lack of experience in a strange foreign land might cause you to miss some ‘must see’ sites, but perhaps, for you, that is a trade off you are willing to make in the name of freedom.

The decision to travel independently or utilizing a guided tour company is your decision but a passport is not optional when traveling internationally. No matter your age, from the oldest to the youngest, a passport is required so if you have a newborn, be sure to get a kids passport for your child and this can be done quickly and easily. Getting a quick United States passport is no problem with the online passport agencies available. Someone else can plan your trip but you have to apply for your own passport so get start right away. Travel dates have a way of sneaking up on you. Go it alone or go with a group, the memories are yours alone not matter the decision.

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