Planning your own holiday vs going on a group tour: Pros and Cons

Going on holiday is one of the best moments in anybody’s life. Holidays provide an opportunity to unwind and reinvigorate our energy reserves. However, the whole exercise depends on how well you plan for it.

Visa estimates that twice the number of Singapore households will be travelling to international holidays by 2025. This is alongside a hike in spending on holidays to US$44.9 billion. Interestingly, this places the city-state on position seven worldwide on spending on overseas trips.

The statistics imply that you are most likely to make an overseas trip at least once or even twice in your life. However, you have a choice to plan for your holiday, or going on a company tour. What are the pros and cons of each plan?

For the sake of organisation, we will look at independent travel and group tour separately.

Independent trip/Planning your own tour

Well, this option is always the cheapest. However, when looking at it in terms of time, it is a bit expensive. This is to say that you will spend much time looking for accommodation and eat-outs that best suit your needs.

Secondly, planning your trip is ideal if you love your space. Independent travel is tranquil and moves at the pace you desire. Essentially, you have control over your itinerary. In another sense, this is to say that this type of trip is flexible.

Also, independent travel allows you the time to take in every inch of the environment. You will probably have more time to socialise with the local community and even nature! Therefore, it comes down to how you want your holiday to be.

However, independent travel can have some scary experiences. Firstly, not all overseas holiday destinations have people who speak your language. In this case, you will have a difficult time navigating around.

Further, sometimes it may be hectic to experience every unique aspect of the travel destination. This is because of the lack of local knowledge. Consider a trip to Bali. The area is quite expansive. Even if you were to research on it, you would not gather enough relevant info to guide you through the trip.

If you opt for a guide, it will be quite expensive. Further, you might not understand each other due to a language barrier.

Group tour

This is the most popular holiday plan among most Singaporeans travelling overseas. Usually, travelling in an organised group carries many perks, including orderly trips.

In particular, taking the group tour option provides the best opportunity to visit a destination you have no idea about. Typically, tour companies do their research and choose the best bits for you. Further, the companies usually incorporate tour guides, usually locals, who understand the place excellently.

In addition, taking the group option makes for a fascinating trip. Particular, you will get to visit many destinations in a brief period. This is because companies organise their transport and accommodation in advance. Therefore, during the trip is just a matter of checking in and checking out.

However, group tours take up a lot in terms of cost. Usually, the companies want you to have the best experience while they get the most they can result in profits. Therefore, the tough balancing act usually culminates in high charges.

Also, group tours are just like the name, group tours! There is no personalised experience throughout the whole period. This is to say that most of the aspects of the trip will not cater to any individual taste. In contrast, the tour will cater to the majority taste.

*The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only and not intended to replace or substitute for any professional, financial, legal, or other professional advice. If you have specific concerns or a situation in which you require professional help, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified adviser.