We're both in our mid-twenties and I'm a fairly accomplished traveler. I'm concerned that if we take a tour, we'll be doing the stereotypical tourist things w/out much time to venture out on our own. I think w/ a bit of research we can handle it ourselves but for those of you who've done Europe before, what do you think?
(We're planning on Italy, France and England)
2006-10-30 02:07:55 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Other - Europe
Organized tours take you only to the usual tourist spots and at times before you can even take your breath, you're rushing off to another place.
If time is not a constraint, I suggest go ahead and venture out on your own. Consider some pointers for your travel rendevous :-
a. What's your travel budget and the duration of travel?
b. What's the accomodation type you're going for? Is it low
budget like backpackers, hostel or hotel stay?
c. Gather some info on the countries of your travel -
interesting places of visit, transport modes, eateries,
shopping, etc...
d. With online travel booking available, decide if you need to do
any online booking maybe for flights or accomodation.
Check to see if your visit to those countries is during low-peak
or high-peak season.
d. Have a fallout plan e.g. in case plan A don't work, go for
plan B.
Good luck with your travel plans and Happy holidays!
2006-10-30 02:43:34 · answer #1 · answered by AspiringJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends how brave you are. If either of you know italian or french, you are good to go. Tours can be restricting and i know first hand that Europe if a beautiful place and only even more satisfying when you get the chance to poke around for yourself. However, from personal experience, the French are not too eager to speak English to you, so you might want to look into a tour when you hit France. With some research, you could easily conduct your own tour and avoid tourist traps.
2006-10-30 03:49:25 · answer #2 · answered by Ashley M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've traveled to all of the countries you mentioned and more. I never considered a tour group. I had the time and funds to enjoy Europe on my own and of course could come and go as I pleased based on availability of hotel rooms and transportation. Always check with U.S. State Department before traveling for bulletins and warnings for Americans travelling abroad. Bon voyage! By the way, a cheap way to get to Europe is to fly Air Iceland. They have a great website.
2006-10-30 04:29:51 · answer #3 · answered by David D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think this question can be answered without knowing what you like, what you can afford, and what you want for this trip.
I suggest you should at least look at the package tours, you might find one that very much meets your needs and might be much cheaper and easier than doing things 'a la carte'. If you don't find any that meet your needs, the go on your own. Italy, France, and England are pretty easy travel locations for Americans.
2006-10-30 02:29:41 · answer #4 · answered by Wundt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is something to be said for going with a tour operator, but you will have a much more memorable trip if you handle it yourselves.
There are plenty of forums out there where people are more than happy to help with advice and suggestions - obviously Yahoo Answers is one, I've listed another couple of good ones below.
Have a great time!
2006-10-30 02:12:53 · answer #5 · answered by AndyG45 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has it pros and cons. You will see more with a tour guide and you will receive a professional explanation of the scenery, art, food,etc, of the country, but you will have very little time for yourself.It is time sharing with a number of other people.It is quite a trip that the two of you are planning. Are you ready to be awakened 6A.M. in the morning to jump on the bus with your luggage ready when you just returned from a romantic midnight gondola ride from Venice.Grew up and travelled in Europe.
2006-10-30 02:59:01 · answer #6 · answered by aum 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i will suggest u to go with a tour operator,though this may clam some more money from your pocket but definitely it will add more joy in your tour, because nobody aware much about a new place and we cant know properly which place to visit and which not.
Also tour operator will remove all your concerns regarding staying ,food,travel etc.so as you are in mid twenties you can better enjoy togetherness,so give up all the confusion and go for a 100% enjoyment.Hope this will help u.
Best wishes .
2006-10-30 02:17:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My parents went to Europe for a few week last year. They took a couple of guided tours but mostly did their own exploring. Just research, like you mentioned. Have a flexible plan so that you don't end up backtracking. Have fun! Visit Stonehendge for me.
2006-10-30 02:13:18 · answer #8 · answered by Lynda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Save the tours until you in your 50's at least! I played the senior tour all over europe and drove a car, bought it in germany even went to russia, it is a blast!
2006-10-30 02:11:41 · answer #9 · answered by Michael 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My preference is a well-researched, independent trip. Non-commercial sites, such as ours, TheTravelzine http://www.thetravelzine.com/ provide unbiased information you can use as a guideline in planning your holiday.
The travel discussion group associated with our site is fully-moderated and ad-free: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thetravelzine/
Feel free to search the public archives of messages from TheTravelzine here: http://www.thetravelzine.com/TTarchive/index.html
Happy traveling!
2006-10-30 12:45:17 · answer #10 · answered by love2travel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋