09 Apr 2016

It’s all the rage to book a tour and gloat about the number of countries you’re going to. “Paris to Amsterdam to Berlin in three days!” you say to friends. “10 countries in 12 days!”

But hang on a sec, how much of each city are you actually going to see? Will you have a chance to explore the little alleyways and eat at all the traditional places and learn from the local artisans in their workspaces? Will you get the chance to sit alone for a few moments or a few hours to simply soak it up and be present?

Will you feel rushed? Will you spend more time on a bus going from A to B than you will in each place? Will unpacking and re-packing your suitcase every single night tire you out?

Will you confidently say you’ve ‘done’ France when all you would have ‘done’ is the Eiffel Tower in 4 hours?

If someone was planning to visit Australia and told you they were only coming for two days what would you say? If they told you they were only coming to see the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House would you not erupt in ‘WELL THAT’S NOT AUSTRALIA! Did you go to the Great Barrier Reef? Did you see the great Aussie desert plains? Did you drive the Great Ocean Road or go to any coastal towns and meet all the surfing hippy babes? Did you eat here or here or here?’ Let’s not forget the big banana, and the big prawn and guitar and sheep and everything else big that Australia seems to love.

Isn’t this the same concept in reverse? Think of how much culture these Aussie visitors would have soaked up in their two days. Answer: not much.

Tours are an excellent option for solo travellers, first time travellers and groups. You get to have your schedule planned for you, you get a sense of security when travelling unknown territories and you are immediately introduced to a rad group of people who become close friends in a matter of minutes.

BUT there are a lot of options out there, and I think it’s worth considering packages that don’t appear to have much included at first glance. I know it looks more glamorous to pick a jam packed one, but I guarantee you’ll want more free time than you’re allowed, so you can take control of your trip and explore for yourself.

Ditch the travel guides on your days off, go and find a place all on your own. It doesn’t matter if it’s the top place on Trip Advisor, coming across a gem all by yourself brings so much joy. Veer off the well trodden path and do something different, do something alone! And always, always pay that little bit extra (if finances permit) to change your flight at the end. Guarantee you’ll want to travel more, and stay even longer in places you fell in love with.