Advantages of Each Touring Option
In case you’re not clear, lets draw distinctions between this concept and the famous alternatives. It should be obvious when it comes to group guided travel. There is of course a fixed date that you must fit into your schedule, a group of potentially new friends that you will not know in advance, and a huge difference in price. The additional support required can explain some of that cost. With the self-contained trip, you can essentially plan everything from roads to carrying your gear with you every step of the way. In addition, the following is a table that may help you determine what is important to you and how you can see what a self-guided tour brings to you in advantages and disadvantages:| Guided Tours | Self-Guided Tours | Self-Contained Tours | |
| Departure Dates Open | N |
Y |
Y |
| Full time guide | Y |
N |
N |
| Guide/Local Contact Support | Y |
Y |
N |
| Personalized Groups | N |
Y |
N |
| Professionally Planned Routes | Y |
Y |
N |
| Baggage Transfer | Y |
Y |
N |
| Meals Included | Y - varies |
Y-varies |
N |
| Transfers Included | Y-varies |
Y-varies |
N |
| Any group size allowed | N |
Y |
N |
| Guaranteed departure | N |
Y |
Y |
| Emergency Help | Y |
Y |
N |
| Professional Travel Services available for add-ons, etc. | Y |
Y |
N |
| Typical prices: $-$$$$
Inexpensive to Very Expensive |
$$$-$$$$ |
$-$$$$ |
$-$$$ |
