When traveling abroad, it can be a dilemma to choose a tour company rather than go on your own (solo).
Embarking on a journey abroad is an exhilarating adventure, from the initial planning to the final destination. With its unmatched freedom and flexibility, Solo travel allows you to craft your adventure to your liking, staying within your budget, as international travel can be costly. This sense of adventure and empowerment, unique to solo travel, can ignite a spark of excitement and inspiration in you, making you feel in control of your journey.
This year, I found myself at a crossroads, ready to embark on an adventure to Scotland. The allure of the breathtaking Highlands was too strong to resist. As I sat down to book my plane tickets, the question of whether to use a tour company or venture out on my own naturally arose, presenting me with a unique dilemma.
Choosing a tour guide provides a comforting sense of security and convenience. With a meticulously planned itinerary, pre-arranged transportation, and the option of inclusive accommodations, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without worrying about logistics. This reassurance of safety and convenience can significantly influence your decision-making process, making you feel safe and reassured.
After thorough research, I concluded that a full tour was beyond my budget ( I’m a budget traveler!). Instead, I booked a 3-day tour ( leaving five days to explore on my own) on Viator that will take me to the city of Inverness and the Highlands, a challenging part of this trip as it is 156 miles from Edinburgh. Viator offers various tours and activities to suit every budget, providing budget-conscious travelers like us with confidence and options. A combination of day trips with tour companies ( that’s what I choose to do) can be an excellent combination to get to places challenging to travel on your own while keeping flexibility for the rest of your journey.
Since I decided to go on a “solo” trip, I have more flexibility in planning and checking off my list of places I want to visit and the time I will spend at each location. This flexibility empowers me to design my adventure and saves money on plane tickets and lodging, putting me in control of my budget. This sense of empowerment and control can be a game-changer in travel planning.
Being flexible with your itinerary is another plus for a successful trip; for example, a non-stop flight from Raleigh, N.C. airport to Edinburg, Scotland, was impossible. I wouldn’t say I like layovers unless necessary. Instead, I chose a flight to London ( non-stop 🙌) that was $400 less than the flight to Edinburg! Bonus: I will spend an entire day in London, which was not included in the tour. With the flight tracking tool, Google Flights helped me get the flight at a better price. The choice of solo travel comes with much research on the area, transportation, etc.
If you are not into planning trips on your own, a travel agent can help you design an itinerary tailored to your needs and budget. An excellent tool for organized travel planning is the app Wanderlog. It has been a fantastic and easy-to-use vacation planning tool that you can share with travel partners.
Ultimately, choosing a tour company or solo travel hinges on personal preferences, budget constraints, and the desired level of autonomy. The journey promises adventure, discovery, and unforgettable experiences regardless of the path chosen.
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