which one is better? package tours vs. self-planned
TRANSCRIPT
WHICH ONE IS BETTER?
Package Tours vs. Self-Planned
Tour Companies
http://www.trafalgar.com/canhttp://globusjourneys.ca/http://www.insightvacations.com/cahttp://www.explorerockies.com/columbia-icefi
eld/
http://www.statravel.com/tours.htm
Sample Tour: European Interlude 2014
18 daysEurope and Britain$4,525 per personIncludes flight, hotel, and
breakfastGives a day by day plan
for activities, sights and everything else that is planned for you
http://www.trafalgar.com/can/european-interlude-2014
Advantages of Package Tours
http://touradvisers.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/advantages-of-choosing-a-package-holiday/
Disadvantages of Package Tours
http://travel-made-simple.com/disadvantages-of-taking-a-tour/
Advantages vs Disadvantages Chart activity
Advantages Disadvantages
Before Your Vacation Planning: Package vs Plan-It-Yourself Vacations
http://gospain.about.com/od/beforeyougo/bb/diy_v_package.htm
Example: Europe
If you have limited time but want to see the most possible things in a variety of different cities/countries, then a tour is probably your best way to go
However, tours are a better deal for 1 or 2 people, but once you get into bigger groupstravelling (4+ people), then it’s cheaper to plan it yourself
If you want to do it yourself….
Requires a lot of planning and researchComparing hotel pricesLooking at guidebooksEx. Rick Steeves, Day-by-Day books, Fodors, FrommersFind out what sights are in the same area to
see them all at onceHow will you get around in each city? Rental car, subway, public busses, taxi?
Solo Travel
If you were single and wanted to travel but no friends were available to go with you, what do you think would be the best option for you?
What are some of the perks of travelling alone?
What are some of the dangers of travelling alone?
What would you suggest for…
… a family with 3 children?… a school group with 20 ten-year olds?… a group of seniors?… a couple of university students with limited
money?… 2 businessmen with a work expense
account (essentially unlimited money)?
Why??
To Use a Travel Agent or Not to Use a Travel Agent – that is the question!
Forbes’ magazine’s opinion http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2012/01/20/why-you-need-a-travel-agent-part-1/
A travel agency’s opinion (obviously biased!) http://www.marlintravel.ca/travel-agencies/st-paul/st-paul-50-ave-42616/865-10-reasons-why-smart-consumers-use-a-travel-agent
Travel Agencies in the area
Tour company websitesExpediaAir Canada, West JetAMAFlight CenterMarlin TravelAdventure Travel CompanyCarlson WagonlitPanasia Holidays…etc
Other things to consider!
Railway system in Europe
Very cool website!http://www.raileurope.ca/europe-travel-guide/
Pick your first destination, then you can tell them how long you would like to travel and they will tell you all the places that are that distance away!
Railway Research
Plan a 5-stop tour using the railway system in Europe
Where would you go? Where would you stop?
How much would it cost you?
Rental Cars in Europe = big headache
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/carrental_costs.htm
Things to consider: Insurance (higher likelihood of getting in an
accident)Gas (more expensive)Parking (35-40$ per day in big cities)Higher rental fee (ex. Cheapest price for 2
days in Paris was 150$, not including insurance!)
Railway vs. Rental Car
What language will they speak in the place you are visiting?
Learn the language before you visitHave a phrase book while you’re therePictures to point to when asking for
directionsPay a guide to show you around and translate
for you ($$$!)