Organised Group Tours: yay or nay?

From Bakewell to Bali, St Ives to Santorini, we've all been there; pottering along, taking in the sights, maybe with friends or family, or perhaps just solo. You approach a corner and, all of a sudden, the peace of the moment is broken. Loud voices and colourful shirts appear, following a guide carrying an umbrella, all despite the sunny weather. Then ensues the onslaught of camera clicking, the exclamations of, “Gee, golly, it’s so authentic,” and the locals being forced off the pavement. The dreaded group tour has arrived!

Of course, this scene is an exaggeration, but one that I’m sure we’re all far too familiar with.

So, why do people decide to go on organised group tours?

For one, going to a foreign country far from home can be a daunting experience for even the most well-versed traveller. Going on a well-organised tour can provide the opportunity for those lacking in confidence to experience travelling, meeting like-minded people, and without any of the stress that may accompany solo-travelling. This baggage includes transport, accommodation, food, itinerary, and tickets, all of which are resolved by group travel.

Safety is also important to mention. ‘Safety in numbers’ certainly rings true when travelling, and being in a large group provides this. Likewise, being with a tour guide who knows the area well and ensures that you avoid dangerous areas can be very beneficial. Lastly, there is something to be said for time-efficiency. On a well-organised trip, you might be able to cover in two weeks what a solo backpacker might in four or five. This makes these types of tours perfect for those on a tight schedule, or those with children.

Nonetheless, it is also worth mentioning the cost of group tours. As the companies that run the tours have big overheads to cover, the price reflects them; so organising a holiday yourself, as long as you book smartly, will always be more cost-effective. You also have far more freedom in where you stay, where you eat, and the like. Discovering tiny tucked-away restaurants, or slightly dodgy hostels is what travelling is all about!

I have long thought that part of the beauty of travelling is the purposeless meandering-merely taking in everything you see, the back alleyways, the encounters with strangers, the impromptu changes of plan… everything that takes you from being a tourist to a traveller, as Anthony Bourdain attested to. Experiences that take you from being a passive consumer to being present, interacting with what you find, are denied by these organised group tours.