Planning a trip, especially an international one, can be daunting. Many factors come into play, from logistics and accommodations to cultural immersion and maximizing your experience. Some travelers prefer the freedom and flexibility of independent travel, meticulously planning every detail themselves. Others opt for the convenience and structure of guided tours. This raises the crucial question: Are Travel Tours Worth It?
For years, I meticulously planned all my trips with my husband between 2009 and 2014. These extensive journeys, ranging from four to eight weeks, covered a vast swathe of Europe, including Iceland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. We primarily relied on public transportation, although rental cars were used for eight out of the total twenty-six weeks.
Back then, travel guru Rick Steves suggested a budget of $150-$200 per person per day for a moderately priced European trip, excluding airfare. For a couple, this amounted to roughly $300-$400. This estimate proved remarkably accurate for our travels, encompassing local transportation, food, lodging, local tours, and admission fees. It’s likely higher now, but provides a good baseline.
One important consideration is the cost difference between solo and couple travel. From my experience, the per-person daily cost for a solo traveler is considerably higher than half the cost for a couple. This holds true whether you opt for the single supplement on a guided tour or travel independently. The primary driver of this difference is accommodation, as the cost of renting an apartment or hotel room is often the same for one person as it is for two. While Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) can sometimes offer more affordable options.
After my husband retired and decided to forego European travel due to his dislike of flying, I embarked on a solo adventure. I crafted a trip to Italy and Greece, incorporating a Rick Steves tour to Istanbul. I chose this tour because planning a trip to Istanbul felt overwhelming on my own.
My next trip, in 2016, was a six-week self-planned journey to England and Scotland. Since then, I’ve structured my travels around Rick Steves tours, typically lasting three to five weeks.
While some might associate tours with large, impersonal groups, Rick Steves tours generally involve smaller groups of around 26 participants, so even with the guide and driver, the bus is only about half full.
A particularly relevant experience was a trip built around the Rick Steves Village Italy tour in 2017. Before the tour, I independently planned six nights in Rome, two nights in Ravenna, and five nights in Venice. After the tour, I spent four nights in Milan. This self-planned time allowed me to pursue specific interests and activities.
Having primarily participated in Rick Steves tours, I find their most significant advantage to be the opportunity to experience things I would never have considered or been able to arrange independently. Each of the six Rick Steves tours I’ve been on has offered unique experiences that fit this description. For instance, on the Village Italy tour, we participated in cooking and enjoying a meal at an agriturismo, visited a Carrara marble quarry, witnessed a truffle dog in action, observed pottery being made and painted, and visited a cooperative olive oil press.
Other benefits of guided tours include the invaluable knowledge and experience of both the tour guides and local experts. I particularly appreciate when guides share personal anecdotes and insights. For instance, the guide on the Scandinavia tour took us to the apartment where she grew up in Stockholm, while the Ireland tour guide shared stories about growing up in Belfast during the Troubles.
I consider Rick Steves tours to be a good value for money, offering a blend of structured experiences and cultural immersion. That said, I also enjoy the freedom and flexibility of planning parts of my trips independently. Neither approach is inherently inexpensive. To manage costs, I avoid alcohol, fine dining, and shopping.
Ultimately, whether travel tours are “worth it” depends on your individual preferences, travel style, and budget. Tours offer convenience, expertise, and access to unique experiences, while independent travel provides freedom and flexibility. The best approach may involve a combination of both, allowing you to tailor your travels to your specific interests and needs. Consider what aspects of travel are most important to you, and then weigh the pros and cons of each option accordingly.
