I’ve always thought of myself as an independent person who likes to do her own thing, not follow anyone else’s rules and generally do what I want when I want. This carried over into my travels too. I thought that traveling as a part of a group wasn’t for me…until I did it. And I loved it! Not saying that I’ll always travel on a group tour, but I definitely have plans to include such tours in my future travels. In fact, I’ll be on the New Orleans Culinary Tour in May!
Why do I love traveling this way?
It’s so easy! Someone else makes all the arrangements. I didn’t have to book individual hotels, flights, car rentals or trains either by phone or on the internet. I sent one email and I was registered. Sure, I had to fill in some paperwork after the fact, but it was easy, easy, easy!
No language barrier. Traveling to a foreign country often means that you’re dealing with a language barrier upon arrival, if not before. Traveling with a group usually means that you’re met upon arrival at the airport and whisked off to your hotel. In most cases your driver will speak English.
Almost everything is included in the price. It’s easy, when you’re traveling, to overspend. Money spent on meals, on entrance fees and cab/bus fares adds up quickly. The cost of a group tour generally includes most expenses while you’re on tour. Sure, not everything will be covered, and you may have to buy the odd meal or extra excursion. But generally speaking it’s easy to budget for the few expenses you may incur. Make sure you include some money for shopping! I’m not a shopper but even I find myself tempted when on vacation.
Security. Have you ever traveled somewhere and felt uncertain about which areas were safe to explore and which weren’t? Especially if you were a woman traveling in a foreign country? On a tour, you’re going to have an escort, sometimes you’ll have a local guide as well as an escort from the tour company. These people are there to guide you and make sure you’re aware of cultural differences and expectations. They’ll also tell you where it’s safe to go on your own if you have free time to explore.
Companionship. Although I’ve listed this last, it might be the most important factor towards traveling as part of a group. While it’s important to feel comfortable in your own skin and to learn how to enjoy solitary endeavors, sometimes you just really want to share a special moment with someone. Can’t you just see yourself watching the sun set over the Ganges or mingling with tribesmen at the Mt Hagen Cultural Show in Papua New Guinea? Now think about how much more you’d enjoy it if you were sharing it with others who are also experiencing it for the first time! Amazing, right?
Interested in traveling with WanderTours? Call us at (206-317-1860) or contact us via email to find out about availability.
Embrace life,
Pat
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A Single Woman’s View on Traveling the World