Are Tour Companies Worth It?
The Pros and Cons of Going Abroad in a Tour Group
by Kiera Dunlevy
From scouring the internet for the cheapest international airfare to praying that you've purchased the correct outlet adapter, traveling abroad is far from simple. Travel companies like CIE Tours and EF Ultimate Break were created to lighten the load of planning so more people can comfortably cross off bucket-list destinations. While companies like these offer convenience, guidance, and peace of mind for many, before booking a trip, it's important to ask: Are they for everyone?
Benefits
I have traveled abroad twice with two tour group companies and can attest to the many benefits they offer. In 2019, my family and I explored Ireland’s historic cities and lush landscapes through a CIE tour. Through this tour, my family took advantage of immersive experiences we otherwise wouldn't have been aware of. We stopped by a family’s sheep farm as we drove from Dublin into the countryside. The family welcomed our whole tour group into their own, served homemade tea and scones, and showed off their herding dog’s impressive training.
Traveling in a solidified group also offers a sense of security and a guaranteed community as you navigate unfamiliar terrain. This summer, my cousin and I took an EF tour through Italy, France, and Spain. I felt safe wandering around Europe knowing I had experienced adults with me that I could contact for help at any time. This was especially comforting as we dealt with altitude sickness after arriving in Rome.
Finally, tour companies simply make the entire planning process substantially easier. EF provided me with an outline of my trip, including a daily itinerary, information about accommodations, flights, optional excursions, and important deadlines for steps to be completed on my end.
Downsides
Despite my positive experiences, there are some caveats to leaving your travel plans up to a company. By opting to go abroad through a travel group, you lack control over the places you visit, how long you stay, and where you stay. For example, while reflecting on our trip, my cousin and I determined that if we returned to Italy, we would spend more time in Florence over Rome.
Regarding accommodation, while we didn’t personally run into major problems. However, other travelers in our group went home with some hotel horror stories. This is likely a more common complaint among EF travelers as this company is targeted towards ages 18-30, so it is meant to be more budget-friendly.
It is generally more expensive to travel through a company than to map out your journey yourself. Companies like EF frequently offer generous discounts, however, I still wouldn't necessarily consider it “budget” traveling.
Is it for you?
Travel companies are a great option for younger or less experienced travelers still learning the ropes of navigating unfamiliar countries. I recommend one of these companies to anyone who prioritizes ease and convenience when traveling.
With that being said, these companies are not ideal for someone with significant travel experience under their belt or spontaneous travelers. The same goes for anyone uncomfortable with a lack of control over timelines and accommodations. Plus, if saving as much money as possible is key to your travel planning, this is not the cheapest option.
Both my CIE and EF trips acted as rewarding introductions to traveling abroad. These memorable trips exposed me to the not-so-glamorous aspects of travel and continue to inspire future trips. While I likely would not travel with a group like this if I were to return to the same countries or regions I already had, I would certainly consider it an option when traveling to different continents that I remain widely unfamiliar with.
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