My Pros and Cons List on Traveling with a Group Tour Company

Thinking about booking a group tour for an upcoming vacation? There are plenty of benefits to this type of trip plus a few drawbacks. I think a big part of planning a great trip is being informed about what to expect. Today my plan is to share my view on the positives and negatives of going on a trip with a tour company.

The type of trip I’m talking about today isn’t just when you get a group of friends together and go on a trip together. I’m sharing my insights about trips booked with a tour company where you are joined by others who also book the same trip.

We recently returned from a group tour trip to Israel and Egypt and that got me thinking about all of the things I thought were great about this type of travel plus the things I don’t love which may prevent me from booking another group tour in the near future.

My Pros for Going on a Group Tour Trip

  • You spend a limited amount of time planning the trip. Once you choose the tour, you pretty much just need to show up.

  • All of the logistics are handled for you. You just need to know what time to be on the bus each morning.

  • Since the tour companies run many repeat trips to destination each year, they know how to optimally time visiting as many key sites as possible.

  • You get to meet new people.

  • You have a tour manager with you for the whole trip to answer questions and keep things running smoothly.

  • You may feel safer traveling in a group depending on the location.

  • You can go places that you may not feel comfortable going on your own.

  • You will be provided vetted guides to show you key places.

  • The guides and tour managers can explain cultural expecations.

My Cons for Going on a Group Tour Trip

  • You have limited control over your schedule. If you want to stop at a cute roadside shop, that probably won’t work logisitacllay with abig group.

  • You spend a lot of time waiting for the group to gather, waiting for the group to board the bus, waiting for the group to get off of the bus, waiting for the group to get to a meal, etc.

  • Many of the meals are planned for you. Some may view this as a pro, but we like to get out and explore restaurants.

  • Generally more expensive than if you planned it on your own.

  • Limited time at some sites where you would take more time if traveling without a group.

As with anything, there is always give and take. Knowing some of the pros and cons will hopefully help you decide if a group tour is right for you. Some trips may be more gears to a tour company so be sure to explore options when you are planning your next big vacation.

Lisa AndrewsComment