solo or escorted tour

Society Travel & Tourism
1

1a. Do you prefer solo or escorted tour? Why? 1b. What if you have to visit multiple destinations?

  1. Will your answer remain the same as # 1a and #1b if you have a language barrier?

Thanks in advance for your participation :flower2:

2

1a. Not escorted, but not solo either. ;)
1b. Ditto
2. Yes

3

hehe....i like umer's answer!

1a)i think i need my hubby to be with me ....
1b)^its even more needed then
2) i've lived through tough times with that barrier ...so i guess its not that much problem

(answer no.1 a & b were not the same before i got married , i used to love adventures on my own ....but things need to change with time, at least for me )

4

Good topic.

I would have to say solo tours are much more flexible, especially when on a budget.

There are places best discovered at your own pace – like Sydney, Tokyo or London etc. That’s not true for places like Johannesburg or Rio de Janeiro.

Language barrier is an important factor. Phrase books and sign language often give you anecdotes to share. Passing a handwritten note in local language works every time. Escorted tours are the better choice, if locals do not know much English.

5

I would go solo on adventure trips and with someone (or the whole family) on prescribed trips.

For example, a hike in the Rockies is best done solo while there is no fun going to the six flags or Disney without family and friends. Going to big cities can be done either way; solo gives you flexibility to make your own schedule, with someone gives you company.

6

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Umer: *
1a. Not escorted, but not solo either. ;)
1b. Ditto
2. Yes
[/QUOTE]

ditto for me...if by solo you mean with friends/family and escorted as buying a package/guide

we did it solo BUT in some cities/places we've chosen day tours or 2 day tours depending on what is offered and what is needed...

2 days to go out into the desert of morocco sleep in a tent was fun..as was a walking city tour of rome...

other places we explore on our own and with a GOOD guide book and some basic abilty to ask

hello, excuse me, please and thank you...u can get far with the name of the place and gestures...

7

By touring solo i mean independent travelling..and by escorted tour i mean the package tour.

** Umer, Afia, World Citizen, ahmadjee and amelie: ** thanks a bunch for sharing your views :)

As for myself:

  • I prefer solo tour when its one destination..but i prefer budget escorted tour when its multiple destinations. The reason i love escorted tours are many: i don't have to worry about the driving or directions. The guides are usually avid travellers and they know off the beaten track destinations (usually on an outdoor/adventure tour)..so they love taking you there. Also, they give you a bit of history and interesting information about the destination..I love interacting with the participants of the tour..i learnt so much about their countries and cultures from them. Escorted tours are usually good for people who wanna see more places in less time without wasting the time..and i am usually on a tight schedule while travelling.

*My answers will remain the same even with the language barrier...coz like others i usually try to pick up few common words of the local language..or i try to find people who can help me if i am stuck.

8

I think I prefer solo. It actually depends on who ur taking with u and whether or not ur ona budget. I generally like to be alone but if ur in a different city it's maybe more fun to be with someone u get along with.
I was in England a while back and loved going out by myslef and see different places (especially London), I did that before and it's so much fun to discover new places.

Answer remains the same with multiple destinations.
I've been to places where I didnt know the language of, it makes it all the more fun.