FIT Travel: All About Independence

independent travel tourism definition

TripSavvy /  Wenjia Tang 

Originally, the acronym "FIT" stood for "foreign independent tour," but now it is most commonly used to describe a fully independent traveler or tourist. You might also see the term "FIT" used to mean "free independent traveler ," "frequent independent traveler," or "foreign independent traveler." All of these definitions share a keyword and concept: independent. These travelers almost always design their own itineraries and arrange their own travel plans—FITs do not travel with group tours or according to any schedule imposed by others.

FITs Shun Group Travel

Tourists who fit the definition of FITs usually travel solo ; in couples; or in small, intimate groups of friends or family. They range anywhere in age from millennials to retirees , but generally, they have above-average incomes that allow for independent travel, which can be more expensive than traveling with an organized group. But what all FITs share, by definition, is a desire to avoid mass tourism in favor of an individualized, independent approach. They tend to want to explore their chosen destinations on their own and at their own pace with an emphasis on enjoying the local food, architecture, history, and culture.

FITs Plan Their Own Trips

The huge rise in availability of all aspects of travel planning online, including even websites devoted to helping you learn how to plan travel , has made it easier for independent travelers to plan their own specialized itineraries and book their own transportation and accommodations. This diminishes their need for traditional travel agents, and this also makes packaged trips have less appeal. As a result, FITs are a quickly growing segment of the tourist market. First-hand travel information about destinations , transportation arrangements such as train and ​ plane tickets , and hotel reservations worldwide are available at the click of a mouse for independent travelers.

FITs Sometimes Use Travel Agents

Although the "I" in FITs means independent, it sometimes could be advantageous to consult with travel professionals who are experienced in providing services to those who want to plan their own trips, especially for more exotic destinations. Doing so does not necessarily mean that independent tourists have to relinquish their, well, independence. As a result of the rise in popularity of independent and solo travel, travel professionals are adjusting their services accordingly. There are now agencies that specialize in customized trips for individuals  and small groups who want to choose their destinations and plan their own itineraries.

The traveling is still independent, but the planning benefits from the professional expertise and inside knowledge of a travel agent . And of course, it takes much less time than searching for all the information you need on your own. 

An agent who specializes in FIT travel can help you plan custom sightseeing with a private tour guide, arrange a private cooking class or a wine-tasting tour , and even hook you up with knowledgeable local representatives. The agent will help you plan a personalized travel experience based on the input you provide. If you wish, an agent can often arrange to have someone meet you at your destination and take you to your hotel. Travel professionals are especially helpful in finding non-traditional or out-of-the-way accommodations that do not advertise on the internet, such as villas, farmhouses , inns, and family-run ​bed-and-breakfasts. 

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Travel Guides

Independent travel: everything you need to know and top travel tips, planning on going travelling here's some stuff to think about before you go..

independent travel tourism definition

Independent travel, for many people, is more than just a hobby or a holiday activity – it’s a fundamentally life-changing experience. Whether it’s taking a gap year , heading off on a mid-20s career break or even taking off round the world once you’ve retired, travelling independently gives you a chance to take some time out from “normal” life, see the world differently and enjoy some incredible experiences.

Travelling Essentials: 10 Bits of Essential Travel Kit You Should Never Be Without

Not only that, it can be an incredible learning experience, teaching you not just about different parts of the planet, but also a lot about yourself.And that’s not the only benefit of travelling either – see our article “ why do we travel? ” for a fuller examination.

If you’re thinking of heading off travelling (and for the distinction between “travelling” and “taking a holiday” see below) then this handy guide should tell you a few things that you need to know to start your thought process. Think of it as a beginner travel planner. Something to help you move from dreaming about travelling to actually doing it.

independent travel tourism definition

What is Independent Travel?

Taken literally, independent travel means any trip that you organise by yourself – booking your own accommodation, transport and itinerary as opposed to going somewhere as part of a holiday package.

What it usually means is the kind of trip that involves travelling on a shoe-string, staying in hostels and prioritising experiences over luxury. Essentially, being less of a tourist and more of a traveller.

Traveller vs. Tourist – The Key Differences

independent travel tourism definition

This might seem like a silly distinction, but the two words do signify a difference in approach.

The word tourist usually implies someone who’s visiting a specific destination only for a short holiday before leaving to return to their everyday existence afterwards. It also carries the unfortunate connotation of someone who’s just there to look at things rather than become emotionally involved in anyway.

People who define themselves as travellers tend to be on the road for longer, with less of a fixed agenda in terms of destinations or timings. The length of their trip means they often don’t have an everyday existence they’re returning to.

“Travelling is about the journey, being a tourist is just about seeing the sights.”

They’re more likely to stay in a place for longer, perhaps working there and even settling eventually. The definition for traveller places more emphasis on the journey rather than the pleasure gained from reaching the destination.

Or to simplify even further…

  • Travelling is about the journey (both physical and spiritual).
  • Touristing is about visiting particular destinations and attractions.

Where Are the Best Places in the World for Independent Travel?

independent travel tourism definition

They say the world is your oyster and in many ways it is. But realistically, your choice of destination is likely to be decided by a few factors. It’s worth weighing the following four questions up carefully so that you really get the most out of independent travel.

What do you want to do?

independent travel tourism definition

It might seem an obvious question, but it’s usually the best one to start with. What kind of experience are you looking for from travelling? Do you want to meet like-minded fellow-travellers? Do you want the possibility of staying and working abroad  for a while? In that case (for English speakers especially) somewhere like Australia , could be a great option.

If you’re all about surfing, climbing or other sports you’ll want to make sure you go somewhere where you can do some everyday –  New Zealand  or  Canada  perhaps. If you’re looking to get further off the beaten track, you may want to look into places like Columbia in South America, or Malawi in Africa.

Don’t force a “fit”, that isn’t going to work. That won’t be fun for anyone. If for example, affordable beer is a priority…look it up beforehand.

How much time do you have?

independent travel tourism definition

Obviously there’s little point planning a trip to Fiji if you’ve only got a week’s holiday. You’ll spend all your time getting there and have very little time to enjoy it.

Perhaps less obviously, it’s well worth working out the travel times between your intended destinations in advance and ensuring you’ve left plenty of time to actually enjoy them when you get there.

“We’d recommend a ratio of at least two down days for every day spent travelling…”

Google maps can be a useful tool for this but depending on where you are in the world a good guidebook, like those produced by Lonely Planet or Rough Guides, may give you a more realistic indication of journey times.

We’d recommend a ratio of at least two down days for every day spent travelling, or else it will feel like you’ve spent your entire time in busses trains or behind the wheel.

How much money do you have?

independent travel tourism definition

Once you’ve worked out the sort of experiences you want to have and planned out a realistic route for your time frame (even if it’s subject to change) it’s time to think money.

This is probably the single biggest constraint on any plans you may have and it’s worth working out a rough budget before you head off. Again, a decent guidebook will help you do this.

“It’s perfectly possible to get a hostel bed in Bangkok for less than £6 a night, but the equivalent in New York will cost more like £35.”

If you’re looking to make your money stretch a long way, heading to less-developed countries that have well-established backpacker routes is usually the way to go.

Thailand, Cambodia and Laos are popular, as are the more well-established destinations in India like Goa.

Travelling in North America or Australasia is comparatively more expensive. While it’s perfectly possible to get a hostel bed in Bangkok for less than £6 a night, the equivalent in New York will cost more like £35.

Perhaps counter-intuitively travelling in Africa tends to be pricier too because transport routes for independent travellers are less well established.

Is your preferred destination safe?

independent travel tourism definition

It may sound like the kind of question your mum would ask, but nothing will ruin your dream trip quicker than being robbed, beaten up or worse. Check the Foreign Office travel advice  any destination you’re thinking of visiting for up to date information on the security situation and common risks.

If it’s your first time travelling independently, it’s best to start off in a popular destination where you’ll be able to pick fellow travellers’ brains before heading off by yourself.

And of course travelling alone , while it can be great fun, comes with its own set of risks, particularly for women travelling solo.

You can never completely eliminate risk obviously but doing your research properly and of course equipping yourself with the right kind of travel insurance will help make your trip way more enjoyable.

Should You Travel?

Should you take a gap year? Should you go on that career break? Should you head off after retirement? The simple answer is “yes.”

Travelling opens your mind to new possibilities, it helps you to empathise with the world around you, it will give you memories to last a lifetime, and it can be really, really, really fun. Yes, it might wipe out your savings but nobody really wants to be the richest person in the graveyard. Life is for living, and travelling is the ultimate expression of that idea.

independent travel tourism definition

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Comparing Guided, Self-Guided, and Independent Travel

by Elizabeth Gorga - Last updated on March 1, 2023

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  • Before You Go

It’s nearly time for your next overseas trip and you’re daydreaming about the new places you’ll see, the new friends you’ll make, the new foods you’ll taste, and the stories you’ll be able to tell when you return home. Traveling can be full of adventure, curiosity, and laughter, but it can also be stressful when you’re in the planning stages.

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Finding your ideal type of travel is your ticket to seeing the world.

So, how do you decide between a guided tour vs. independent travel? From visas and flights to accommodation and sightseeing, the nitty gritty of traveling can be daunting. Luckily, there are many different options when it comes to traveling so you can create an experience that feels fun and exciting for you—whether you want to go solo or let someone else take care of the logistics for you.

With options to join guided travel tours, self-guided tours, or embark on independent travel, you can make your next overseas trip anything you desire it to be. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to planning your travels abroad. Ultimately, it depends on your personality and what kind of experience you’re after. If you’re stumped on how to get the most out of your next trip abroad, here you’ll find everything you need to know about a guided tour vs. independent travel .

What is a guided tour?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed when it comes to researching and planning your travels, guided tours can be a game-changer. So what is a guided tour? Guided travel tours are the most convenient way to travel—all you have to do is pay a fee to a tour company and they create the experience for you.

Most guided tours are all-inclusive, meaning everything is taken care of for you. They often provide a local guide who can teach you about local customs, an itinerary packed full of cultural experiences, and even pre-booked accommodation and food so all you have to do is show up. Guided tours usually target specific age groups too, so you have the opportunity to connect with other travelers and make friends easily.

3 pros of guided tours

1. it’s convenient..

There’s no arguing that guided travel tours are the most convenient way to travel. Your tour company will take care of all the logistics for you, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself without having to think about your next move. If you’re a first-time traveler , don’t speak the local language, or feel overwhelmed by the planning process, guided tours can relieve some of the pressure to create an easy, more enjoyable experience.

2. You’ll make friends easily.

three people jumping on snowy sidewalk

Lifelong friendships might just be a bonus to your guided tour package.

If you join an age-appropriate tour, the odds are, you’ll make friends fast . You won’t have to stress about putting yourself out there when you spend your days with the same group of people, exploring together, eating meals together, sharing the same accommodation. While it’s possible to make friends outside of a tour group, solo travelers often thrive on a guided tour because they never have to worry about feeling lonely.

3. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the culture.

When you’re exploring a new country with a local guide, you get a sneak peek into the culture that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Local guides will take you to all the right places, teach you fun facts about your destination you might not learn anywhere else, and fill you in on the basics when it comes to speaking the local language . Guided tours often cram a lot into a short period of time, too, which means you’ll get to visit some of the best places in your destination and see parts of the country you may not be able to see on your own.

3 cons of guided tours

1. it can be expensive..

Prices of guided travel tours vary, and most times they can be more expensive than traveling on your own. Ultimately, you don’t get to pick and choose your experience with a guided tour, meaning you pay for what the tour company organizes for you. If you don’t want to do everything that’s included in the tour or if you’d prefer to stay in budget accommodation , you may end up spending more on a tour than if you were to travel solo.

2. You’ll have less freedom.

While guided tours make travel feel easy, they take away the pleasure of going with the flow. You’ll need to stick to an itinerary that is often packed full with little time to relax and explore on your own. You won’t necessarily have the ability to wake up at your leisure, get lost in new cities, and stumble upon holes in the wall when you’re off on organized activities all day every day.

3. You may never leave your comfort zone.

When it comes to travel, there are endless opportunities to learn and expand your horizons . If one of your favorite parts of traveling is putting yourself out there, getting lost, making mistakes, and laughing with locals, guided tours may not be the most exciting experience for you. Guided tours are your comfort zone, and it’s likely you won’t have the same growth experience you would if you travel on your own.

What is a self-guided tour?

two people standing on rocky mountain

Can you picture yourself trekking this mountain?

If a fully-guided tour doesn’t appeal to you, but traveling completely solo sounds intimidating, a self-guided tour will give you something in between. But what does “self-guided tour” mean? Unlike a guided tour, you won’t have a tour guide; however, you will receive information about your destination and an itinerary to follow at your own pace.

The perfect self-guided tour example is trekking. Whether you head out to the rhododendron-filled Annapurna region of Nepal or the snow-capped Patagonias , or you walk El Camino across Spain, almost all popular trekking routes provide self-guided tours.

Once you apply for your trekking permits, you’ll receive official information about the trek and its trails, as well as information on where to start, stop, rest, sleep, and amenities along the way. With a self-guided tour, you may even have the option of adding on transportation options or organized accommodation to relieve even more of the stress of planning.

3 pros of self-guided tours

1. you set the pace..

While a guided tour doesn’t leave much room for flexibility, a self-guided tour allows you to set your own pace. You’ll often receive an itinerary or route options, but ultimately, you are in control of a self-guided tour. You can follow the route or go your own way. You can go as slowly or quickly as you desire, making pit stops along the way, skipping the parts that don’t appeal to you, and creating the experience you want.

2. It’s safer than independent travel.

Because self-guided tours do the research for you, they often leave less room for error than if you embarked on a solo journey. You’ll receive all the information you need to stay safe , and you don’t have to worry about doing all the research on your own. Self-guided tours are also often available in well-populated travel destinations, which means you’ll be surrounded by other travelers consistently throughout your journey.

3. You can pick your travel buddies.

Independent travel can often get lonely, while guided tours run the risk of getting stuck with a group of people that you might clash with. Self-guided tours offer the perfect alternative. With a self-guided tour, you can choose your people. Perhaps that looks like planning to travel with a group of friends or traveling solo and meeting others along the same self-guided route as you—either way, you can spend time with the people you like, and avoid the people who aren’t your vibe.

3 cons of self-guided tours

1. you still need to take part in the planning..

person pointing at map

You’ll still have a hand in planning when you go for self-guided travel.

While there are perks of receiving a lot of information in a self-guided tour, you still need to be proactive and take responsibility. After all, not everything is organized for you. You still have to do a little research on your own, stay organized, and manage your own time. If you don’t want to have to worry about any of the logistics, self-guided travel might not be your best option.

2. There’s no group to make immediate friends.

While self-guided travel is a great opportunity to choose your travel companions, no official tour group means you don’t quite have access to meeting people as easily. If you’re traveling on your own in a self-guided tour, there will definitely be people to meet along the way, but you’ll still have to put yourself out there and strike up conversations with strangers to make connections.

3. You won’t have a local guide at your fingertips.

Sure, it might be nice to not have to follow a guide, but it’s always important to take into consideration what might happen when the unexpected arises . No local guide means you don’t have an expert with you if you get lost, struggle with language differences, or find yourself in an emergency situation. It means you’ll have to navigate the unknown on your own.

What is independent travel?

The difference between a guided tour vs. independent travel is that with independent travel, you’re flying solo. You’re in charge of all of it—the flights, the accommodation, the planning of the nitty gritty , deciding what you do on a day-to-day basis while abroad.

You have to do all your own research and navigate on your own. You call the shots. For some, this is the only way to travel, but for others, independent travel can be wildly outside of their comfort zones.

3 pros of independent travel

1. you’ll save money..

Independent travel can often be your cheapest travel option . You won’t have to pay a fee to a company to organize travel for you; you can spend what you want on food, accommodation, and excursions; and you can opt for budget options or free activities if you’re working with a small budget.

2. It’s the most flexible travel option.

person holding backpack looking at smartphone

In the mood to choose your own adventure? Independent travel is the way to go.

With independent travel, you set the pace. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want. It means you can opt for the experiences that are on your bucket list and skip the ones that don’t appeal to you without having to worry about losing money on an all-inclusive tour option. If you’re the type of traveler who loves to go with the flow and wants the flexibility of changing your plans as you please, independent travel could be the best option for you.

3. It’s where the growth happens.

Independent travel is quite possibly the most challenging way to travel, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It means you have the opportunity to truly grow , expand, and learn new skills. You have to learn how to plan, to be flexible, to adapt. You have to learn how to navigate, communicate across cultures, and put yourself out there to make friends. Yes, it can be difficult at times, but there’s no doubt you’ll return home a whole new person.

3 cons of independent travel

1. it’s less safe..

Similar to self-guided travel tours, independent travel means you don’t have a guide or anyone to protect you if things go wrong. If you find yourself sick , lost, or in an emergency situation , you’re the only one who has your back. It’s always safest to travel with a guide; however, if you are set on independent travel, you can do your research to be prepared and stay safe, even if the unknown arises.

2. It can get lonely at times.

If you’re traveling solo, independent travel is usually the most difficult way to make friends. You don’t have a group to bond with or people following the same path. It takes more effort to meet friends. Ultimately, it’s up to you—you can allow yourself to stay lonely, or you can put yourself out there, stay at hostels, talk to a stranger over dinner, and find the perfect travel mates.

3. It can feel overwhelming.

As an independent traveler, you’re responsible for all of it. It’s on you to work out the logistics , book your flights , navigate and communicate through a new country, and budget yourself throughout your travels. You have to be completely self-reliant. For some, this is the fun part, but for others, independent travel can feel extremely overwhelming.

3 guided tours to consider

Are guided tours worth it? It depends on the experience you desire. If you want to take some of the pressure off yourself and embark on a travel adventure that is packed full of new experiences and new friends, it could very well be worth it. Here are some of the best guided tour examples to dip your toes in for the adventure of a lifetime :

pure exploration

1. Pure Exploration: 12 Weeks Adventure Guide Program | Queenstown, New Zealand

  • Why? Join Pure Exploration’s guided travel tours to New Zealand for 12 epic weeks of hiking, climbing, and sightseeing. With Pure Exploration, you’ll join a tour that takes you to Mt. Cook National Park, Mt. Aspiring National Park, the Fjordlands, and more. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in picturesque mountain landscapes, hike to snow-capped peaks, or kayak through crystal blue waters. When you aren’t getting your adrenaline pumping, you’ll also have the chance to relax in Queenstown and soak in some Kiwi culture.
  • Where? New Zealand
  • Read Pure Exploration reviews

IMA

2. IMA: Safaris Africa - Group and Student Travel Opportunities

  • Why? Travel to Africa for guided travel tours that will take you on adventure treks or educational tours to some of the continent’s most renowned destinations. IMA specializes in combining safari experience with education, taking travelers to Mount Kilimanjaro, Victoria Falls, Masai Mara Game Reserve, and Serengeti National Park where you’ll learn about the local culture and take off on ethical safaris to spot some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet.
  • Where? Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia
  • Read International Medical Aid reviews

Nepal Hiking Team

3. Nepal Hiking Team Pvt. Ltd: Everest Base Camp Trek

  • Why? Have you ever dreamed of trekking to Everest Base Camp? Nepal Hiking Team can help you check this off your bucket list, taking you from Kathmandu to Lukla, Nepal, and guiding you through a 16-day trek to base camp on the tallest mountain in the world. The tour includes not only the trek, but sightseeing through Kathmandu and a cultural immersion into Sherpa life. It’s the ultimate adventure travel tour for those who want to push themselves to new heights.
  • Where? Nepal
  • Read Nepal Hiking Team Pvt. Ltd reviews

Get matched with 5 adventure travel programs for FREE

Whether guided, self-guided, or independent, what matters most is that you go.

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No matter what type of travel feels right to you, you’re on your way to exploring the world.

The truth is, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to planning your travel. Whether you decide to jet off on a guided, self-guided, or independent travel adventure, you are sure to have the experience of a lifetime—connecting with new people, immersing yourself in new cultures and languages, and getting your adrenaline pumping in one way or another. The most important part? Say yes, pack your bags , and hit the tarmac!

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Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

  • Travel Tips

What Is A Free Independent Traveler

Published: December 16, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Babbette Brockman

  • Plan Your Trip

what-is-a-free-independent-traveler

Introduction

Traveling has always been a popular pastime for people around the globe. Whether it’s exploring new cultures, indulging in local cuisine, or experiencing breathtaking landscapes, the allure of travel is undeniable. In recent years, there has been a rise in a specific type of traveler known as the Free Independent Traveler (FIT). These individuals seek a more authentic and personalized travel experience, avoiding the constraints of traditional tour packages and organized group trips.

As the name suggests, Free Independent Travelers are explorers who prefer to plan their own itineraries, make their own travel arrangements, and embrace a self-guided approach to their journeys. They are driven by a desire for freedom, adventure, and the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in their chosen destinations.

Unlike package tourists who rely on travel agencies for every aspect of their trip, Free Independent Travelers have the flexibility to tailor their experiences to their specific interests and preferences. They can wander off the beaten path, discover hidden gems, interact with locals, and truly get a feel for the culture they are visiting. This level of independence allows them to create unique and memorable travel experiences.

In this article, we will delve deeper into what it means to be a Free Independent Traveler and explore the characteristics, benefits, and challenges associated with this style of travel. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking to break free from the constraints of organized tours or someone seeking a new way to explore the world, this guide will provide valuable insights and tips for becoming a Free Independent Traveler.

Definition of a Free Independent Traveler

A Free Independent Traveler, often referred to as an FIT, is an individual who embraces a self-guided and independent approach to travel. They prioritize freedom and flexibility, opting to plan their own itineraries, make their own travel arrangements, and venture off the beaten path. Unlike traditional package tourists, FITs are not bound by set schedules or organized group activities. Instead, they have the autonomy to explore destinations at their own pace, following their own interests and preferences.

One of the defining characteristics of a Free Independent Traveler is their desire for authentic and immersive experiences. They are motivated to go beyond the typical tourist attractions and seek out genuine connections with the local culture and community. FITs are open to spontaneity and are willing to deviate from planned routes to discover hidden gems, interact with locals, and truly absorb the essence of the destinations they visit.

Another aspect that sets FITs apart is their emphasis on personalization. Unlike pre-packaged tour itineraries, Free Independent Travelers have the freedom to tailor their trips based on their specific interests and preferences. Whether it’s exploring historical sites, indulging in culinary delights, engaging in adventure activities, or simply immersing themselves in the local lifestyle, FITs have the ability to craft a travel experience that aligns with their individual desires.

Free Independent Travelers also take a more hands-on approach to their travel arrangements. They prefer to book their own flights, accommodations, and transportation, utilizing online resources and platforms to find the best deals and options. This level of involvement not only offers more control over the travel process but also allows FITs to make informed decisions and prioritize their preferred amenities and experiences.

Overall, a Free Independent Traveler is someone who values independence, authenticity, personalization, and exploration when it comes to their travel experiences. They thrive on the freedom to create their own unique adventures and embrace a more immersive and enriching journey. With the rise of technology and the abundance of travel resources available, more and more individuals are embracing this style of travel and discovering the joys of being a Free Independent Traveler.

Characteristics of a Free Independent Traveler

Free Independent Travelers possess certain characteristics that set them apart from other types of travelers. These traits contribute to their ability to navigate the world independently and create unique travel experiences. Here are some key characteristics of free independent travelers:

  • Curiosity and Adventurous Spirit: Free independent travelers are driven by a deep curiosity about the world. They have an innate desire to explore new places, learn about different cultures, and embrace unfamiliar experiences. They possess a sense of adventure that motivates them to step out of their comfort zone and seek out unique opportunities.
  • Self-Reliance: Unlike package tourists who rely on travel agencies and tour guides, free independent travelers are self-sufficient. They take charge of their travel arrangements, from booking flights and accommodations to planning itineraries. They are comfortable navigating unfamiliar territories and solving problems that may arise during their journeys.
  • Flexibility: Free independent travelers understand that things don’t always go according to plan. They embrace the unpredictability of travel and are adaptable to changes and unexpected situations. They have the ability to adjust their itineraries, explore alternative routes, and seize new opportunities as they arise.
  • Open-Mindedness: Free independent travelers approach their journeys with an open mind and a willingness to embrace new experiences and perspectives. They understand that every culture is unique and have a genuine curiosity to learn from the people they encounter along the way. They seek authentic interactions and opportunities to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle.
  • Research and Planning Skills: Free independent travelers invest time and effort into researching their destinations. They gather information on local customs, attractions, transportation options, and safety considerations. They are skilled at planning their itineraries to ensure they make the most of their time and optimize their travel experience.
  • Resilience: Free independent travelers may encounter unexpected challenges or obstacles during their journeys, such as language barriers or cultural differences. However, they possess the resilience to overcome these challenges and find solutions. They approach setbacks as learning opportunities and view them as part of the adventure.
  • Solo Travel Skills: Free independent travelers are comfortable with solo travel, as they often embark on their journeys alone or in small groups. They enjoy the freedom and independence that solo travel offers, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their experiences and connect with locals and fellow travelers.

These characteristics collectively contribute to the independent and adventurous nature of free independent travelers. They embrace the freedom to explore, learn, and connect on their own terms, making each journey a unique and fulfilling adventure.

Benefits of Being a Free Independent Traveler

Choosing to be a Free Independent Traveler comes with numerous benefits that contribute to a more fulfilling and enriching travel experience. Here are some advantages of embracing the role of an FIT:

  • Flexibility and Freedom: One of the biggest benefits of being a Free Independent Traveler is the freedom to create your own itinerary. You have the flexibility to choose where to go, how long to stay, and what to do. This allows you to prioritize the places and activities that interest you the most, and adjust your plans as you go along.
  • Authentic Experiences: FITs have the opportunity to delve deeper into the local culture and immerse themselves in authentic experiences. By venturing off the beaten path and interacting with locals, you can gain insight into the lifestyle, traditions, and customs of the destination. This authenticity provides a more meaningful and memorable travel experience.
  • Personalization: Being a Free Independent Traveler gives you the freedom to personalize every aspect of your trip according to your preferences. You can choose accommodations that align with your style and budget, dine at local eateries to savor authentic cuisine, and engage in activities and attractions that cater to your specific interests. This level of personalization ensures that your travel experience is tailored to suit your desires.
  • Flexibility to Discover Hidden Gems: FITs often stumble upon hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that may not be included in conventional tour packages. Without the constraints of a set itinerary, you have the flexibility to explore lesser-known places, uncover hidden treasures, and create your own unique adventure.
  • Freedom to Connect: As a Free Independent Traveler, you have the opportunity to connect with locals and fellow travelers on a deeper level. By immersing yourself in the local culture and interacting with the people, you can gain a deeper understanding of the destination and forge meaningful connections that last beyond your journey.
  • Enhanced Sense of Empowerment: Planning and executing your own travel arrangements as an FIT can be empowering. It boosts your self-confidence and problem-solving skills, as you navigate unfamiliar territory and overcome challenges along the way. Taking control of your travel experience gives you a sense of accomplishment and independence.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Free Independent Travelers often have more control over their budgets. By being able to choose accommodations, transportation, and activities based on your preferences and budget, you can make more cost-effective decisions. Focusing on experiences that truly matter to you allows you to allocate your funds accordingly.

The benefits of being a Free Independent Traveler extend beyond the travel experience itself. It allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the world, broaden your horizons, and develop valuable life skills. By embracing the freedom and independence of an FIT, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities and unforgettable adventures.

Challenges Faced by Free Independent Travelers

While being a Free Independent Traveler offers unique benefits, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. It’s important to be aware of these challenges and to be prepared to overcome them. Here are some common obstacles that Free Independent Travelers may encounter:

  • Language Barriers: Traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language can be a significant challenge. Communication can become difficult, making it harder to navigate transportation, seek directions, or interact with locals. However, with some basic language skills, translation apps, or the assistance of local guides, it is possible to overcome this hurdle.
  • Navigation and Getting Lost: Without the guidance of a tour group or organized itinerary, it’s possible to get lost or face difficulty navigating unfamiliar cities or remote areas. It’s crucial to have a reliable map or navigation app and to familiarize yourself with the local transportation options. Additionally, a sense of adventure and adaptability can help turn getting lost into an opportunity for unexpected discoveries.
  • Cultural Differences and Misunderstandings: Each culture has its own customs, traditions, and social norms. As a Free Independent Traveler, you may encounter situations where you inadvertently offend or misunderstand the local culture. It’s important to research and respect the local customs, be observant of your surroundings, and be open to learning from the locals to avoid any cultural misunderstandings.
  • Safety and Security: Safety is a concern for all travelers, and Free Independent Travelers are no exception. It’s important to research and be aware of the safety situation in your chosen destination. Taking precautions such as avoiding risky areas, being vigilant with your belongings, and staying informed about local regulations can help mitigate potential risks.
  • Loneliness and Solo Travel: Solo travel can be an incredible experience, but it can also be lonely at times. Without the built-in companionship of a tour group, Free Independent Travelers may have to actively seek social interactions. Joining local activities, staying in social accommodations, or connecting with other travelers through online communities can help alleviate feelings of loneliness.
  • Decision Overload: With the freedom to plan every aspect of your trip, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the number of choices. From selecting accommodations to deciding on activities and attractions, the endless options can lead to decision fatigue. Prioritizing your interests, setting a budget, and researching well in advance can help streamline the decision-making process.
  • Logistical Challenges: The responsibility of arranging all travel logistics can be daunting, especially in unfamiliar destinations. Free Independent Travelers must coordinate flights, accommodations, transportation, visas, and other necessary documents on their own. Attention to detail, thorough research, and utilizing online resources and travel apps can help manage these logistical challenges.

While these challenges may seem daunting, they are all surmountable with careful planning, adaptability, and a positive mindset. Embracing the independence and freedom of being a Free Independent Traveler allows you to grow personally and overcome these obstacles, ultimately enhancing your travel experience.

Tips for Becoming a Free Independent Traveler

If you’re inspired to become a Free Independent Traveler and experience the freedom and adventure that comes with this style of travel, here are some practical tips to help you get started:

  • Research and Plan: Invest time in researching your chosen destination. Familiarize yourself with the culture, attractions, transportation options, and safety considerations. Create a rough itinerary that includes the must-see sights and activities that align with your interests.
  • Embrace Technology: Utilize travel apps, navigation tools, and translation apps to overcome language barriers and navigate unfamiliar territories. Having access to these resources on your smartphone can make your travel experience significantly smoother.
  • Learn Basic Local Phrases: Even if you don’t become fluent in the local language, learning a few basic phrases can go a long way in establishing connections with locals and showing respect for their culture. Simple greetings, please and thank you, and basic requests can make a positive impression.
  • Travel Light: Pack efficiently and lightly, as it will make moving around and navigating much easier. Stick to essentials and versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Consider investing in lightweight and multifunctional travel gear.
  • Stay Flexible: Embrace spontaneity and be open to new experiences. Allow yourself room to deviate from your planned itinerary if something interesting comes your way. Stay flexible with your accommodations and transportation options as well, as it can lead to unexpected adventures.
  • Connect with Locals: Engage with locals to gain insights into the culture, seek recommendations for hidden gems, and learn about off-the-beaten-path experiences. Join local activities, visit local markets, and interact with people to enrich your travel experience.
  • Use Local Transportation: Opt for local transportation options, such as buses, trains, or ferries, to experience the destination like a local. It not only provides a more authentic experience but also allows you to interact with locals and observe daily life.
  • Practice Responsible Tourism: Be mindful of your impact on the environment and local communities. Respect cultural differences, be conscious of your waste, support local businesses, and adhere to responsible tourism practices to ensure your travel experiences are sustainable and respectful.
  • Stay Safe: Prioritize your safety by researching the local laws, customs, and potential risks before your trip. Stay vigilant of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and take appropriate precautions to ensure a safe journey.
  • Document and Share: Keep a travel journal or create a blog to document your experiences and memories. Share your stories and photos with friends and family, or through social media, to inspire others and keep the spirit of your adventures alive.

Becoming a Free Independent Traveler is both a mindset and a practical approach to traveling. By following these tips and embracing the spirit of independence and exploration, you can embark on a fulfilling and transformative journey. Remember, it’s about the freedom to create your own unique travel experiences, immerse yourself in new cultures, and make lasting memories.

Becoming a Free Independent Traveler offers a unique way to explore the world, allowing you to create your own itinerary, prioritize your interests, and immerse yourself in authentic experiences. The freedom and flexibility of this style of travel provide countless opportunities for personal growth, cultural understanding, and unforgettable adventures.

By embracing the characteristics of curiosity, self-reliance, adaptability, and open-mindedness, Free Independent Travelers can navigate the challenges and reap the benefits of this approach. From discovering hidden gems and connecting with locals to personalizing every aspect of their trip, Free Independent Travelers have the autonomy to shape their own unique experiences and make memories that will last a lifetime.

While being a Free Independent Traveler requires careful planning, research, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. This style of travel empowers individuals to develop important life skills, embrace diversity, and gain a deeper understanding of the world.

So, whether you are a seasoned traveler looking for a new way to explore or someone new to the world of travel, consider embracing the role of a Free Independent Traveler. Allow yourself the freedom to wander, the opportunity to grow, and the joy of discovering the world on your own terms. Be bold, be curious, and embark on a journey of a lifetime as a Free Independent Traveler.

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Guided Tours vs Independent Travel

Planning a trip can be fun, but it can also be stressful. There’s a lot to consider – what to see, how much to spend, and the amount of time to stay in one place. So do you choose to do a guided tour and have a fairly relaxed trip knowing that everything has been pre-arranged, or do you elect to plan your own travel – which can be cheaper but take more time to arrange?

Guided tours certainly have their place in the world of backpacking – if you’re short on time, guided tours mean that you can cram in plenty of adventure and culture in just a few days. Tours are also a great way to meet other solo backpackers and spend your time with them.

Independent travel on the other hand can be significantly cheaper, so if you have plenty of time but not much money this might be the better choice for you. Most long-term backpackers are advocates of independent travel but it’s important to note that many backpacker veterans actually started their trips with guided tours, to develop a good foundation in the world of backpacking.

Tour group

What’s in this Guide

1. The Advantages of a Guided Tour 2. The Disadvantages of Guided Tours 3. The Advantages of Going Alone 4. The Disadvantages of Going Alone 5. What’s Best For Me? 6. How to Pick a Great Tour

1. The Advantages of a Guided Tour

Get the inside scoop.

In general, tour leaders are a knowledgeable, fun bunch who know your destination back to front and are able to help ease you in with plenty of fun facts, top tips, and amusing tales. Your tour leader will most likely have taken this tour before, so you’ll also have a lot of inside scoop on some of the best spots in town.

There is definitely safety in numbers and when it comes to traveling the world it doesn’t get much safer than arranging a guided tour with an experienced tour leader.

Instant friends

You should have a great group of like-minded backpackers to travel with. Particularly if you are backpacking alone, it can be fun to share your experiences with people who are interested in seeing and doing a lot of the same things as you.

Convenience

Having everything arranged for you means you don’t have to worry about bus schedules or which hostel to stay in.

Budgeting & payments

You typically know how much your trip will cost up-front and will pay this prior to leaving. Obviously, you will need to factor in any out-of-pocket costs like meals, souvenirs, or activities that are not included in the price of your tour.

In-country partnerships

Your tour company will have partnered with local specialists to provide the best possible adventures, which takes the headache out of choosing a rafting company at random. Many tour companies emphasize responsible tourism, choosing businesses to support the local economy.

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities

There are some places around the world that are logistically impossible to reach without the help of a guided tour. Whether you’re interested in trekking to a remote location or somewhere with travel restrictions, some things are difficult – if not virtually impossible – to be explored independently.

2. The Disadvantages of Guided Tours

There’s no denying it, even budget guided tours are going to cost more than independent travel. Some guided tours can be extremely expensive so be sure to shop around.

Group dynamics

If you don’t like the people in your group, there’s not much you can do about it. If a large group of friends signs up together that you haven’t met before, you could feel like an outsider.

Limited flexibility

Guided tours tend to try and “pack it in,” which means you might feel like you are constantly being rushed from one attraction to the next.

Set activities

The cost of your tour will cover set activities and meals. If you’re not keen to go horse-riding up a mountainside then no problem, you don’t have to do it, but sometimes these expenses can make their way into your tour costs.

You might not leave your comfort zone

One of the best ways to get to the heart of a place is to get lost, screw up a restaurant order, and have a laugh with the locals. On a guided tour, you are less likely to have to take the initiative and may miss out on a truly wonderful self-learning experience.

3. The Advantages of Going Alone

Flexibility.

Independent travel is considerably cheaper than going on a guided tour and will enable you to stretch your budget further and travel longer. Most activities provided on a guided tour can be arranged in-country for cheaper so you won’t necessarily miss out on much by organizing everything yourself.

To make your independent travel even more convenient, find a car hire service in your location like Rental24.co.uk . This will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

Independent travel is the ultimate freedom. You get up when you want, you go where you want, and you do what you want. If you find somewhere or someone, you like and fancy sticking around for a few weeks then you can; you don’t need to worry about sticking to a timeline.

Pick your travel buddies

It can be relatively easy to make friends while traveling solo and you can meet more people as you make your way through your trip. You’re not stuck with the same people for a set period of time.

Independent travel is a challenge but, like any challenge, it comes with its rewards. Backpackers who hit the road by themselves and dive headfirst into the whirlwind of organizing everything on their own will quickly acquire great time management, haggling, and language skills. Independent travel can be the ultimate confidence booster.

Cultural immersion

Independent travelers have a better chance to meet with locals. Whether it’s haggling with a taxi driver, shopping at the local night markets, or discussing Buddhism with orange-robed monks, your chances of getting a feel for the local culture are greatly improved.

4. The Disadvantages of Going Alone

It can be tiring.

Organizing absolutely everything by yourself can prove exhausting. There are only so many times in one day you are going to have the mental energy to haggle for Tuk Tuks or use your bad Vietnamese to try and order a vegetarian option.

You need to be self-reliant

If you get sick while traveling and you are on your own, it can really suck. People you meet in dorms are likely to be friendly to you but nobody is going to take time out of their day to look after someone they have just met.

It’s more dangerous

Independent travel has an added element of risk – if something does go wrong you are going to have to deal with the consequences yourself.

You may get lonely

You may also find yourself being a bit lonely; sometimes a couple of days can pass where you won’t really meet anybody and if you are a little shy it can sometimes be hard to wander up to new groups of people every day.

5. What’s Best For Me?

Choosing between a guided tour and traveling alone is a very personal choice, so it is a good idea to ask yourself these questions:

  • Are you limited in time?
  • Do you like spending time alone?
  • Is personal space important to you?
  • Can you share a room with a stranger?
  • How about sharing a dorm with seven strangers?
  • Do you have a set weekly budget?
  • Is there something you want to see which is only possible with a guided tour?
  • Are you worried about arranging transport by yourself?
  • Is this your first trip?
  • How safe are the destinations you are visiting?

A balanced approach

If you’re a first-time backpacker, consider signing up for a short guided tour followed by some independent travel afterward. Being on a guided tour will give you the confidence and know-how you need to properly explore an area by yourself once the tour has ended. You could also meet people on the guided tour who are in the same situation as you and are keen to find a travel buddy for further adventures once the tour is over.

There are a huge range of tour companies out there, so it’s important to find the right one for you. Tours focus on everything from partying to birdwatching. If you’re a social butterfly, interested in having someone else be in the driver’s seat, consider signing up for a tour from a company aimed specifically at first-time backpackers.

There is no “right” approach as both independent travel and guided tours have their merits. While most seasoned backpackers end up gravitating towards solo travel as it’s ultimately cheaper and more flexible, guided tours are an excellent introduction for first-time backpackers and enable even the most well-trodden adventurers to reach destinations such as the Darien Gap or Antarctica, which would otherwise be impossible to visit.

6. How to Pick a Great Tour

To assure you don’t waste your money or time and have an awesome time on your trip, keep in mind the following details when picking an escorted tour.

Look for sustainability

When picking from the seemingly countless number of tour operators, you should pay close attention to the reputation a company has for supporting sustainable travel. What does this mean? It means the company supports the local community, offers eco-friendly options and provides you with a more realistic view of the destination. Why? This will give you the opportunity to have a more authentic, local experience, which will cut out some of the negatives mentioned above. It also means that you will be a more responsible traveler, less likely to have a negative impact on the place you are only passing through, but where people call home.

Find something that meets your personality

You should also find a company that caters to people just like you! There are options for every personality and every taste. Look around to find something that makes you say “that’s me!” There is definitely that option out there if you just take the time to look!

Look for flexibility

The way to get the best of both worlds, to have a planned trip, but also have some freedom to explore on your own, is to pick a company that does not have a strict set schedule 24 hours a day. Many companies offer a sort of flex deal, which allows you free days, or at least long hours, to explore.

Don’t be limited by geography

Group travel gives you the opportunity to safely travel to parts of the world you may be overwhelmed to go to on your own. Take advantage of this and explore all corners of the world. Look for escorted tours in places where you may feel uncomfortable going by yourself or that may be a bit difficult to get to without the help of professionals.

We recommend you check the guided tour packages that Indus Travel provides. As a reputable travel company, they offer safe and well-organized Israel tours , as well as great tours to India, Morocco, Egypt, and many more destinations that many people feel are not safe to visit on their own.

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10 benefits of a guided tour vs. independent travel

Of all the ways to get out and see the world, the best way to travel is on a group tour because you can sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of your destination—while learning more than just a thing or two about the local culture along the way. No figuring out transportation, researching hotels, or booking flights required.

Here at EF Go Ahead Tours (the EF stands for Education First!), we know a thing or two about creating immersive, local-led tours. If you’re wondering what all the hype is around group tours, check out these benefits of guided travel, which you’ll find on all of our more than 175 trips .

1. You get the ease of an all-in-one tour package

Imagine a world where you don’t need to scour the internet for the perfect hotel, diligently monitor flight prices, or scroll through Google to figure out how to spend time in your destination. Good news: That’s one of the main benefits of traveling in groups. You can have the trip of a lifetime without having to research or book any of these travel essentials. Say hello to these advantages of guided tours, and goodbye to travel planning nightmares.

“You have the fear of going someplace and everything falling apart and I felt like from the get-go you guys gave me piece of mind,” said traveler Lydia. “I’m going out of the country and everything is taken care of. I don’t have to worry about the language. I don’t have to worry how I’m going to get from here to there. You get to go on vacation and be stress-free. Sometimes you can’t do that… but I truly, truly got to enjoy the vacation.”

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Guided Tours vs Independent Travel in 2024: Expert Tips

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WONDERING WHETHER TO TRAVEL INDEPENDENTLY OR IN A GROUP?

Many first-time travellers and people planning a “big trip” wonder (and worry) about the merits of guided tours vs independent travel.

But what’s the difference between them? And how do you decide which travel style is best for you? What information do you need to make the right choice?

I asked my friend Cynthia from I’m Thinking of Retiring to share the pros and cons of guided tours vs independent travel to help you plan your next vacation.

Let’s dive in and consider whether you’re a better fit for guided tours or independent travel!

Guided Tours vs Independent Travel in 2023

A guided tour company typically offers the convenience of an “all-in” price, with a local guide and all the trip planning done for you. In contrast, independent travel offers the freedom to choose your agenda around your budget .

women travelling together

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation says group tours account for approximately 80% of all package tours sold worldwide . But there’s more to unpack here to help you make the right choice for your specific interests. Let’s get started!

Popular Group Tour Destinations

Group tours are available to almost every destination around the world, but these are the most popular:

According to the European Travel Commission , the most visited cities in Europe are:

  • Paris, France – get a real taste of Paris on this 5-star rated Paris walking food tour (it’s amazing!)
  • London, UK – tour London’s top attractions in a classic Mini on this fun tour with 600+ stellar ratings!
  • Rome, Italy – see Rome in a day with this 5-star rated tour (including the Vatican and the Colosseum
  • Barcelona, Spain – the hottest skip-the-line tickets in town are for this Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia Guided Tour
  • Prague, Czech Republic – see the Best of Prague on this City Walking Tour, with a relaxing boat cruise and typical Czech lunch

rocky mountains Canada  with railtrack

North America

One of the most popular weeklong tours in Canada is the Rocky Mountaineer. This 5-day tour of the Rocky Mountains on one of Canada’s most iconic trains is one of the top tours on many bucket lists!

Popular group tours in the USA are often by bus and include destinations like the Grand Canyon and the Sedona region of Arizona , Nashville and Branson for country music, or New York City for theatre.

Other Destinations

Other best places for escorted tours include New Zealand, Machu Picchu, South Africa, Japan and China .

Ultimately, the best destination for your group tour will depend on your interests, budget, travel preferences and how much time you have available for your journey.

guided tour through the desert

Types of Guided Tours

Bus tours are one of the most popular forms of group travel; however, there are many other options available, depending on the destination and type of experience you’re looking for.

Why not try walking tours, cruise tours, adventure tours, cultural tours, food and wine tours , or wildlife tours ?

E-bike tours are great fun, and I would never pass up a wine tour !

River cruises are rapidly gaining popularity, as river cruise boats are smaller and more intimate than their ocean-going cousins.

li river guided tour

Many tour groups offer the flexibility of “together excursions” with your tour mates, with time for solo travellers (or couples) to explore destinations independently if preferred.

Guided Tours: Pros and Cons

Guided tours pros.

  • Convenient, hassle-free planning
  • Access to expert knowledge
  • Safety & security when travelling
  • Skip the line tickets
  • No language barriers
  • Visit places prohibited to independent travellers

Guided Tours Cons

  • Limited flexibility
  • May be costly

Group tours also offer access to exclusive experiences, shared costs for transportation, accommodations, and activities, and the opportunity to meet new people.

For many travellers, t he biggest benefit of group tours is that all the details, from transportation to accommodations, are handled for you. You simply need to sit back and focus on enjoying your trip.

Luxury at A Great Price

One huge benefit of a guided tour vs independent travel is that group tour specialists leverage bulk purchasing, so they can offer more luxurious accommodations and preferential treatment at events, venues, and day tours.

Large group tour companies generally offer “skip the line” treatment for entry to museums, galleries, or theatres – a huge time saver in popular attractions!

Les Ecrehouse reef Jersey

Access to Off-The-Beaten Track Locations

Some fragile environments restrict the number and type of visitors, so you can ONLY visit on a guided tour!

Two of the best guided tour examples of travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations are:

  • The Galapagos Islands : You can only visit if you have pre-booked with a government-approved tour and travel company and a certified naturalist guide
  • Tibet : You can’t even get into this travel destination unless you’re part of a guided tour group!

Meet People With Similar Interests

60% of travellers believe that joining a group tour is a great way to meet new people. Booking.com

Chances are that you’ll meet people with similar interests on a specialist guided tour, which could mean people to chat with over dinner or while you’re travelling!

Knowledgeable Guides

Travelling with a guide who knows a place well is perfect if you love to get deep into the history or culture of a place.

Museums in other countries don’t always have signage in English, and you could miss a lot when visiting independently if you haven’t done lots of pre-reading!

Let’s face it, some countries are more challenging to visit than others, and you may be nervous about travelling alone to those places.

Security issues that many travellers – especially solo women – worry about include safety in large cities at night, local scams, theft, and drinks being spiked.

Travelling with a group can make you feel safer than travelling alone in some countries.

Communication

Language barriers can be intimidating, making simple tasks like finding a bathroom or purchasing train tickets difficult.

While Google Translate is a helpful tool, some travellers are unfamiliar or uncomfortable using it. They like to have a guide who speaks their own language and can handle any unforeseen issues, including medical ones.

Great mosque in Xian with beautiful red chinese lanterns and wooden structures

Thinking of a trip to China? Discover the benefits of hiring a Private Tour Guide in China

Independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Independent travel pros.

  • Total control over the itinerary
  • Opportunity for spontaneous adventure
  • Flexibility in budgeting

Independent Travel Cons

  • Risk of getting lost
  • Risk of tourist traps
  • More time is needed to plan an itinerary
  • A language barrier may pose problems

Independent travel means researching, planning, and implementing all facets of the trip yourself . While this can be fun, it can be daunting too!

When you travel independently, you have the flexibility to tailor your trip to your interests and preferences. Independent travel also allows you to travel at your own pace and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations (where you don’t need a guide!)

My brother is an early retiree who finds planning and navigating travel akin to organising an expedition. If that’s your thing, and you enjoy spending a lot of time alone, then you might love to travel independently. 

Siwa Oasis at sunrise - one of the best times to visit the Lake Siwa.One of the must-see Egypt tourist attractions in Siwa Oasis

Wreck diving in Micronesia or backpacking solo around Egypt could be perfect for you!

Some love the “thrill of the hunt” and finding the best deal at the best price at the most sought-after destination!

When you travel independently, you can scan the last-minute flight deals , see what strikes your fancy…and leave. This can be a very rewarding way to see the world – and bag a bargain or two!

47% of travelers who book at the last minute don’t have a set destination in mind when they start planning their trip. TRIPadvisor

This would suggest that many people enjoy the freedom and spontaneity to travel independently.

For many, one of the biggest disadvantages of independent travel is loneliness, so it’s important to think about how you will create opportunities to connect with people if you’re still thinking about guided tours vs independent travel.

decising between guided tours vs independent travel !

FAQs: Guided Tours vs Independent Travel

Is it better to travel with a tour guide or alone.

This will depend on your needs and interests. Taking a guided group tour is a great introduction to international travel in the company of like-minded travellers.

What is the difference between independent travel and package tours?

The key difference is that package tours are all organised for you, with a specific itinerary, whereas independent travel means you have the freedom to plan everything yourself.

What is the difference between self-guided and guided tours?

Self-guided tours have a pre-planned itinerary which you follow at your own pace without a tour leader, while an experienced tour guide leads guided tours. An example of a great self-guided tour is the audio tour at Skipton Castle , where you can go at your own pace – with all the information you need!

Are guided tours worth it?

Absolutely! They are a great way to experience somewhere new, with all the hard work taken care of, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation time.

Which are the best self-guided tour companies?

Viator and Get Your Guide are reputable tour companies with a wide selection of guided and self-guided tours.

great food shared on a guided tour

Conclusion: Guided Tours vs Independent Travel

So now you know how to compare guided tours vs independent travel! If you choose group travel this time, it doesn’t mean you can’t do an independent trip next time or vice versa.

The key is knowing why you’re making the choice.

  • Good reasons for picking an escorted tour could be that you want to meet like-minded travellers and perhaps make new friends or are afraid to travel alone.
  • Pick an independent travel approach or look for small group tours for spontaneity and flexibility.
  • You can also book a DIY trip and add a few guided tours to your itinerary if you don’t want to be part of a group for your entire trip!

Whichever type of travel you choose, you can also build affordable luxuries into your trip without breaking the bank and still have a great time.

Travelling is the stuff of dreams and can be the basis for long and lasting memories. Are you ready to plan your next big adventure? You may find these travel tips helpful:

25 Best Things To Do On A Plane To Pass Time in 2023

How to Overcome Jet Lag – 19 Tried & Trusted Hacks

How to Pack Hand Luggage – 15 Money-Saving Packing Tips

LOVE IT? PIN GUIDED TOURS VS INDEPENDENT TRAVEL FOR LATER!

hOW DO YOU CHOOSE BETWEEN GUIDED TOURS VS INDEPENDENT TRAVEL?

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

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Guided Tour vs Independent Travel & How we do it?

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There are many ways to explore a new city. And depending on the destination, personal taste, funds, and travel time on hand – travelers explore the world a little differently. But everything comes down to 2 things essentially – guided tour vs independent travel.

Many seasoned travelers dislike packaged tours – freedom of time and travel is what they like. And then there are many, who even after years of travel and globetrotting experience – prefer the experts to take them around.

In this post, we will share how we travel and this is how we exactly travel with a busy work/life schedule. Plus we will also share our views on guided tours vs independent travel – a debate that never ends!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Guided Tour vs Independent Travel

Guided tour vs independent travel

We have done it all from pre-packaged vacation tours, short 3 hours to full-day 10 – 12 hours guided tours to independent travel. And through years of experience, we can honestly say we enjoyed all of it and depending on the ‘stage’ of traveling we are in, vacation time and the location – sometimes tours are better than independent travel.

Guided Tour: Multi-day, small group, packaged guided tour

When we ventured on our first trip to Europe we embarked on a packaged tour of 14 days, and we added another 5 days of travel without a tour.

We did this because

  • we had never been to Europe before, so it made sense to travel with a trusted guide/tour agency, 
  • we required visas, and with a tour itinerary (all paid for in advance) made traveling and securing a visa easy, 

In that year, we only took one Euro trip, and we chose the package, got our 3 weeks approved from work, prior to applying for a visa and traveling. So, if this sounds like you, a small group packaged travel is a good option.

independent travel tourism definition

Small group Packaged tours are great for

  • first-timers,
  • solo travelers,
  • those looking to get their feet wet into traveling but don’t want to do all research and individual bookings,
  • those needing visa approvals,
  • if you wish to socialize and travel – make new friends,
  • keeps budget under control as you will be paying for everything at one go including meals (especially breakfast and some dinner meals),
  • very few surprises – tour directors are professionals they know the route, history, obstacles, etc.

The only downside to this is pre-packaged tours depart on certain dates, so if you are working professionals like us you have to get time approved ahead of time. We didn’t find packaged tours to be ‘too’ restricted –  you will get free time and you are free to eat where you like or include a few additional spots for sightseeing, but for the most part, you cannot entirely change the itinerary, you have to be mindful of time, of others.

We are a pretty chilled, easy-going couple – so we didn’t have issues getting along with people!

Guided Tour: Short walking tours, day tours, sightseeing cruises, history, and food tours

At present, we travel to Europe often, and we only have limited days off – sometimes we also travel for a long weekend (plus a personal day here and there) to do one country exploration, and we find pre-packaged tours limiting, especially because we can’t choose our dates.

So what we do is we make travel plans, based on our time off from work, we utilize short tours – 3-hour walking tours, food tours, and full-day tours, which are our absolute favorite. We never rent a car in Europe, we use public transportation and guided walking tours, hop on and hop off sightseeing tours for the base city and take day tours (with includes sightseeing and return transportation) to nearby cities and countries.

Versailles small group tour

  • When we traveled to Paris, we booked a day tour to Versailles . Expect a long queue at the Palace of Versailles, regardless of when you visit, with a guide in tow we could learn about its history and get into the landmark complex, without waiting for hours. Our time overseas is precious!
  • Another time, we explored the Neuschwanstein Castle in a small group tour , where our guide took us to a cheese farm, and many UNESCO heritage sites along the way, whilst sharing stories from Bavaria.     
  • In order to explore Bruges , we took regional trains and then embarked on a walking and canal cruise tour. We also took a brewery tour, which was so much fun!

independent travel tourism definition

This is probably the best way to explore a new city, and it is working for us. And we believe if you are a busy traveler this will work for you too .

This works because

  • you choose your dates of travel and duration in each city,
  • you can choose what tours interests you – not everybody has to do the same landmarks if history is your thing, choose a heritage tour; if food is your calling – do a food tour, if you like cruises opt for 2- 3 hours sightseeing boat cruises – take your pick.
  • or include all of it, as we do for the love of variety,
  • or if you like to drool outside the window – which I do (and I don’t like driving, why focus on the road when you can soak in those views! )
  • see more in less time with day tours – They are perfect as we get to explore sister towns or farms to make the most of our trip. Salil usually gets his nap, and I am soaking in all the views or writing a postcard or a love letter to the city!  

The only downside to this is that you will still have to do your research and track all the bookings. I love to do travel research and plan an itinerary, but that’s just me.

If you find planning or researching to be boring, then a pre-packaged tour is your remedy.

Our research involves hotel selection, local transportation options, which guided tours are worth it (and how many can we fit?), and which ones to take?

Keeping track of bookings is a MAJOR struggle for many. Because we book our tours through GetYourGuide, the app stores all the vouchers. I also keep the notification settings, on my iPhone. If a hard copy is required to redeem the tour, which is mostly the case with hop on and hop off sightseeing tours, I print them and arrange by date (first to last) and exchange them for actual vouchers with the bus driver.   

Independent travel: A reality?

Independent travel is everyone’s dream. And independent travel means different to different people.

For us, independent travel means freedom

  • no time limit,
  • go wherever
  • do it all by yourself,
  • not being dependent on anyone.

But I think independent travel is a utopian concept – from renting a car to sitting on an aircraft, to booking a hotel or Airbnb – we are dependent on “someone” – to deliver that service. And not to forget with a full-time job and a busy schedule, we can’t just take off; our lives are not independent of our families or from the work we do.

Somehow our work, personal lives – do influence and sometimes dictate how long can we travel for (is it one week or one year )?

Of course, it is nice to be able to pick a destination, choose how much we can explore in the ‘travel time’ approved for us, re-arrange itinerary and choose a hotel/Airbnb – and all of this is possible because we rely on “someone” for that service.

And day to day sightseeing is no different, we are dependent on that tour guide, that app, those Google maps, that bus operator who dropped us at the right stop and so on and forth. We like this co-dependent travel – we book flights and hotels and appreciate local tours and guides and their expertise.

The Ultimate guide to Havana Cuba is here! The one stop for all things Havana - sightseeing, local experiences, restaurants and other travel tips #havana

How we travel?

At the moment, we are doing a mix of in co – dependent travel with handpicked short (hourly) guided tours.

We choose our travel dates and cluster cities and towns together and create our own itineraries. Day tours and short guided tours fill in the gaps and make travel easier (without renting a vehicle or doing additional planning for landmarks or sister cities).

We use our limited vacation days, weekends, civil holidays, day in lieu/overtime hours, personal time to extend the number of travel days. To learn how to craft an annual travel plan with a busy schedule – grab our annual planner!

We are very active travelers. Now by active we don’t do hiking, trekking and being outdoors and camping in the wild. We hike in the urban jungle, walking for miles in cobblestoned lanes, pretty neighborhoods, capturing photos, eating and grabbing delicious lattes, climbing 201 steps to see the sunset from a church tower – yea, that’s what we do.

When it comes to Europe travels, we fly from Canada and usually land by noon or 2:00 pm local time, and we drop off our bags at the hotel (always book them at a central location), freshen up and we are ready to explore.

We really don’t know what jetlag is – we have gone back to work, the very next day after arriving from an international trip. (And we can sleep like a baby on an aircraft!).

We combine walking and bus tours, use Google maps to plan our itinerary and discover spots, not on the listed tour route, we eat local as much as possible – and we are very low maintenance when it comes to food – no dietary restrictions and relish whatever is served with love! You will never see us fuss over food really or anything travel-related! 

After an active sightseeing day, we go to bed happy as ever – we explored a tiny piece of this wonderful world, and many more to go tomorrow.  

So yea the entire day, we are exploring or trying out new cuisines or cultural activity – we don’t waste our time – by not exploring – and that’s how we make the most of our visits!

We genuinely love traveling. We take in delayed flights with a smile, as an excuse to hang out at the airport, and plan our next trip!

A quick guide to the Elk Island National Park - home to the American bisons, located just an hour away from Edmonton, the capital city of the Canadian province of Alberta. Get lost in the wilderness, camp out, bird watch, star gaze and so much more including a sunset tour #canada #travelalberta #exploreedmonton

Our Travel Resources

Here are some of the travel resources we use in planning and booking our trips, 

Although there are many ways to check flight availability and make a trip estimate, we highly recommend booking flights (and hotels) from one source. It helps in tracking flight itineraries, getting multi-product discounts or to collect points. We LOVE using Expedia for that!

We book our flights online using Expedia.com . We have credit cards that allow us to stack points and redeem them for free travel and hotels. Even without a credit card, you can sign up for their rewards points. We check Google Flights, Skyscanner to track flight prices, but booking is always done via Expedia (and we are Canada based. Expedia has offers for the United States and globally as well).

Expedia has a large selection of flights, hotels, tours, and cruises to choose from. One of the things I like about them is that we can get multi-product discounts. So when we booked our 2 weeks to Europe to explore France, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, we flew to Paris first. So we booked a return flight to Paris and a portion of stay in Paris, to get deeper discounts.

As mentioned,  Expedia allows you to collect points, if you use one of their partnered credit cards – like Expedia RewardsCard, a Citi Expedia credit card or Expedia for TD by TD Credit Cards. With the points collected, we scored almost 50% off vacation packages and flight tickets.

If you already have credit products and do not wish to open another one, no worries you can collect rewards as a frequent traveler and redeem for travel rewards. Because the flight fare is one of the big-ticket items, and as Expedia offers “BestPrice Guarantee” we book through them.

We use HotelsCombined to compare prices across different hotels’ networks. Hotels Combined is a tool to compare various hotel websites, but for booking, you need to use a hotel’s website. Our bookings are done on Expedia or Booking.com. 

For short guided tours, we LOVE GetYourGuide – no trip is complete without them! Their Europe selection is quite wider than any other tour providers out there. Their cultural and history tours for many iconic European cities are just fabulous.

For multi-day tours, we choose TourRadar or G Adventures. I am currently looking into a Christmas special 10-day tour in Europe in 2020!

  • GetYourGuide
  • G Adventures

We hope you enjoyed reading this post, and are excited to book your next trip! 

Pin: Guided Tour vs Independent Travel

Guided tour vs Independent travel guide

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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CheckinAway

Package Holidays vs. Independent Travel: What You Need to Know

Thomas Cook was one of the early pioneers of a business model soon to be named in pop culture as “package holidays”. Ever since his first organised railway trip in 1841, Thomas Cook realised there is a sound business model.

From there onwards for two centuries people only booked their travel using travel agents they trusted and going on packaged tours.

However, in today’s ever connected and globalised world and with the .com bubble, it made the travel industry question whether this model is still viable. Explore with us below some of the pros and cons of each model and see which one fits best your needs.

Where to Book a Package Holiday?

What counts as a package holiday, are package holidays more expensive, how safe are package holidays, how to book independently, how safe is booking your own holiday, advantages and disadvantages of package holidays vs. independent travel.

Before we reach to any conclusions, we propose to look at both package holidays and independent travel and analyse them separately.

Package Holidays

As we mentioned earlier, Thomas Cook, was one of the early pioneers of this business model. This simple idea yet revolutionary of providing people an all inclusive (not to be confused with the type of board) experience which consisted of: travel to and from, accommodation and the tour of the attraction itself.

Sounds pretty simple but remember during those times everyone made their own travel arrangements, sometimes with dubious individuals. The concepts of a travel agency and consumer rights were still foreign.

The model then evolved throughout the 20th century with the appearance of a dedicated industry – the Travel Industry. The tour operator isn’t the only one selling tickets now.

The appearance of a dedicated sales office or how we know it as a travel agency that can be separate from the tour operator, meant tour operators could now focus on providing the experience and the travel agencies on selling the tours.

Whilst some travel agents had good contacts within the industry and were able to provide competitive rates or great holidays overall, it wasn’t till 1970 when the GDS system came online.

A Global Distribution System (GDS), is a computerized network that facilitates transactions between travel service providers and travel agents (both online travel agents like Expedia and human travel agents).

Nowadays, anyone can book a package holiday. The technological advancements which we covered above made it so that anyone can essentially book a trip anywhere on the planet without even leaving their couch.

Paphos beach

If you’re wondering where to book a package holiday, all you have to do is a little bit of research on some of the travel agencies serving your area. You can start off by researching online, exploring the high street or even joining social media groups and asking for recommendations.

For us, we typically go with TUI as they have great customer experience and they also tend to be the tour operators. This means they control the experience end to end and can offer you something most agencies can’t.

Moreover, package holidays are for everyone, whether you are single or travelling with your family or as a couple there are plenty of places to choose from. Definitely worth considering this for your next trip.

Places such as Turkey and Bulgaria are great for families whilst places like Mexico are great for couples or singles.

People playing beach volley

Well, to put it simply, like in the days of Thomas Cook, it should be a combination of travel and accommodation. The package should be inclusive.

Modern holidaymakers have been used to all-inclusive holidays. Though you can have a package holiday without an all inclusive board, though they tend to be very popular these days.

These started being popular ever since the 1950s where Club Med started offering guests unlimited drinks and food with the idea that the guests never need to leave the estate.

Nowadays, all inclusive means much more than just the board type. It can include water sports, activities, shows and many other things.

So when booking, be sure to check the offer as in today’s ever crowded holiday market a big buffet might not be the only thing on offer. This is what we normally do when we go to places like the Dominican Republic or Mexico .

Money - notes and coins

Whilst there are more people involved in booking your holiday such as the travel agent, tour operators, guides, transport etc. increased business efficiency combined with modern IT tools means that savings are passed on to the consumer making package holidays still a commercially viable option.

When we did our U.S. trip ( New York , Washington D.C. , Philadelphia and Boston), which was independently booked, we tallied up the costs and everything and compared to a similar package holiday.

The cost wasn’t that much different but we were able to plan our own trip in the order we wanted and according to the number of days we wanted to spend in each city.

Also, remember, on top of this you get in some countries a money guarantee scheme similar to the ATOL protection in the UK (mentioned below). Unlike self booked holidays this acts like a safeguard should anything happen on your trip or before.

So if you are wondering if it is it better to book a package holiday – then this consideration alone should make you consider if this might be the right option for you or not.

With the arrival of true international travel a way to protect your citizens was called for. Many governments around the world issued laws and regulations to protect travellers so whatever happens they can still return home.

In the U.K., Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) protection has been since 1973. This regulation is a financial protection scheme and it protects most air package holidays sold by travel businesses.

The scheme also applies to some flight bookings, usually those where you book flights (including UK domestic flights) but do not receive your tickets immediately. The scheme is designed to reassure consumers that their money is safe, and will provide assistance in the event of a travel business failure.

Another similar scheme is ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents), is a trade association for tour operators and travel agents in the United Kingdom. This associations aims to improve the quality of service provided by its members but also protect financially customer.

Unlike ATOL, which covers flight based holidays only, if a holidaymaker buys a land- or sea-based holiday such as coach, rail or cruise holiday from an ABTA member their money will be protected by the ABTA scheme of financial protection.

This effectively means that should your travel agent go bust whilst you are on holiday, under this scheme you can still enjoy your holiday and return on the same date home.

In other words, it’s very safe to book a package holiday.

Some governments around the world also operate similar style schemes. In the argument of package holidays vs independent travel this bit is often overlooked.

Punta Cana beach after hurricane Irma

We had an experience where we truly appreciated the advantages of a package holiday. During our trip to Punta Cana , we had hurricane Irma (category 5 hurricane) come on our side of the island. TUI were very instrumental in arranging the evacuation and a like for like hotel in the capital of Santo Domingo .

Other guests were sent to the nearby school and slept on the floor throughout. Not only were we evacuated from the dangerous area, but we were also offered a 5-star hotel and excellent service. On top of this, we also got money back for the days we spent outside the resort.

This could be also something to consider on your next trip. It totally changed our perception of the benefits of a package holiday. Needless to say, we have been using TUI ever since.

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Independent Travel

independent travel tourism definition

Here is a photo of us, planning our next trip from the comfort of our garden 🙂

First of all, you might wonder what does independent travel mean? It means self booking your trip or holiday without needing a travel agent.

Booking independently has really taken off with the wide adoption of the internet and the .com bubble. With the creation of GDS systems which feed aggregators like Agoda , Booking.com , Skyscanner and many others; ordinary consumers all of the sudden became their own travel agents.

This, in turn, allowed for democratization of the travel booking experience. No longer did you need to leave the house or call your travel agent, all you had to do is type in the 16 digits on your card and off you go!

Wizzair plane

Whilst some individuals tend to be a bit reserved when it comes to booking it themselves, the benefits should outweigh their fears. In our article about How to Plan a Holiday we discuss some of the points that any traveller should have front of mind when booking a trip independently.

Whilst there are some benefits to booking a package holiday, self booking also comes with some perks. What we noticed is that the advantage of independently booking consists in the granularity and the choice for options at your disposal.

Want a flight Thursday at 5pm from your closest airport? Plenty of choices. How about a quirky looking boutique hotel at your destination? You’ve go it. And the list goes on.

An example here is our trip to Vienna , which we decided to combine with a trip to Bratislava . Given the proximity of these capitals and how well connected they are, we were able to plan our own trip, arrange our own travel at the times we wanted and visit two countries in one long weekend. How cool is that?

This plethora of choices gives travellers the flexibility of booking and tailoring their holiday to their liking. It’s a bit like making a pizza. For those that don’t like off the shelf products they are better off making it at home as they wish.

As we live in the UK, we mainly travel by plane. In our article on Top Tips on How to Find Cheap Flights , we even uncover some of the things you should consider when independently booking your flights.

Whilst booking a package holiday can have some benefits such as ATOL/ABTA protection, discussed above, if used wisely, credit cards can also provide a similar style protection.

Depending on your local country laws, credit card providers can offer certain benefits and protections. Some of these can also be engrained in law.

I remember reading in the news when WOW Air went bankrupt and there was this one line that made me reconsider how I book my flights. It was to do with the order of reimbursements in this particular order:

  • Credit cards
  • Protected package tours (travel agents)
  • Insurance (if covered)

And that’s it. If you booked with a debit card, the administrator may refund you after those above have been processed and only if there is any money left. Ouch!

Next day, we got our credit cards and since then have used them for travel. That is because in the UK, credit cards fall under the Consumer Act of 1974 which covers you of any liability when using borrowed money and when buying services or products and the vendor can’t contractually fulfil their obligations.

However, if your country doesn’t have this in law, some credit card providers offer it anyway as part of their customer service. American Express is well known for going above and beyond in these situations.

When we book our trips abroad such, we always book them on a credit card to make sure we are somewhat covered in these eventualities.

Don’t forget to get a travel insurance to cover yourself and your family. This is especially important when organising your holiday independently.

For EU citizens, health insurance is somewhat covered in other member states as long as you have an European Health Insurance card.

A similar scheme applies in the UK for healthcare cover abroad. You can get a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) or a UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC). We both have the EHIC cards and thankfully haven’t had to use them.

Now when it comes to the conclusion, you will see it’s not a straight forward line. It mostly depends on your circumstances and specific situation.

It depends on your personal preferences, the type of holiday you are booking, the amount of time you have at hand and how confident you feel organising your own trip.

See below a summary of key things:

So the conclusion is that it really depends on your situation. You might self book when you want that extra fine granularity in your trip, otherwise a standard packaged holiday might do just fine.

As experienced travellers, we prefer to book our own trips and make our own holiday plans that work around our schedule and the time we have. If you are like us, you may find our article on how to plan a trip useful.

Remember, booking on your own also means investing more time and doesn’t always pay dividends if you are fairly novice.

Since our trip to Punta Cana , we appreciate even more the benefits of a package holiday. We tend to book package holidays for our summer all-inclusive holidays, so we can fully relax knowing everything is done for us.

Ready to book? Below are some recommendations to get your trip started:

  • Flights – we use flight aggregators such as Skyscanner and Google flights to find the best options. You can find more information about finding cheap flights here .
  • Accommodation – would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Agoda to get the best rates. We also use TripAdvisor to read reviews.
  • Transport – consider  Rentalcars.com for car renting or if you rely on public transport, you can use Omio for trains, coaches, ferries, airport transfers and even flights.
  • Activities – a great option is GetYourGuide , Klook or Viator for tours, excursions, experiences and tickets to many tourist attractions.
  • Travel money – we have Starling Bank accounts (UK residents only) with 0% fees on FX and a good Mastercard exchange rate. Revolut is another good option.
  • Internet abroad – with Airalo or Nomad you can access a wide range of eSIMs (digital SIM cards) available for different countries and regions.
  • Luggage storage – if you need to store your bags whilst exploring the destination, you can use Radical Storage to find your closest luggage storage and enjoy your journey until the very end.

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Wild About Travel

Independent Travel vs Organized Tours? The Pros and Cons

Algeria, 4x4 tour in the desert - Cover

When it comes to travel, there’s no “right or wrong”. Travel is personal: it depends on our education, environment, and personality. Not to speak about how much our travel decisions are driven by our budget and how much time we have. Our travel style tells a lot about us.

A lot of people ask me about independent travel vs organized tours, and look for advice on what they should do. The truth is that there’s not a definitive answer. There are pros and cons in both independent travel and organized tours.

4x4 Rearview Mirror

For as long as I can remember, I embraced independent travel. Unsurprisingly, I became a solo traveler and I’ve been traveling alone for more than 20 years. Friends and family have often wondered how I could leave for a solo trip in South Africa with no plans except the first two days in Johannesburg, or travel as a solo female and no plans in Pakistan .

I’m not the one choosing or rejecting a destination after wondering and pondering on the possible dangers. I believe that the way ‘ dangerous places’ are defined is mostly a matter of perception and with a very few exceptions, the only reason I don’t visit a country is that it’s not on the top of my wishlist at that moment.

Venezuela 4x4 Tour in Gran Sabana

I reckon that I’m too much of a free spirit, and organized tours make me feel like a wild animal in a cage. Still, there are pros and cons to both independent travel and group tours and the choice depends on what we are looking for from a trip as well as on the context.

The perks of independent travel…

It’s all in one word: freedom. When you travel on your own:

» you can do what you want

» you can decide your own pace

» anytime, you can change plans, staying longer in place you love, shortening your stay if you’ve had enough, and you can modify your itinerary upon your inspiration or valuable recommendations by other travelers. Freedom and spontaneity are invaluable to me, but we are not all the same and since traveling should be a pleasure, there would be no point in doing something that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Japan, Boat in Kurashiki

… and the downsides

Every rose has its thorns, and independent travel is no exception. Freedom comes at a price, and the main drawbacks are that:

» you must do all the background research and planning by yourself (which is time-consuming although it can be fun and part of the pleasure)

» there’s no one to blame or to get a compensation from if anything goes wrong

» you will have to take care of any glitch that might arise.

There are indeed benefits in an organized tour

The majority of people don’t consider an organized tour as an option but as the only possible way to travel. They might not have the time to carefully plan a trip or feel scared to be alone, they might need company or feel uncomfortable because of the foreign language. The reason doesn’t matter.

Algeria, 4x4 tour in the desert

As much as I like to travel solo, there are situations where an organized tour is the best option . This typically happens under specific circumstances or in a few selected countries. So, when does a group tour come in handy?

» some regions cannot be visited without a guide or a tour. Whether it’s a 4×4 drive in the Algerian desert , a boat ride in Canaima National Park to see the Angel Falls or a journey in Yemen, you’ll have to rely on a tour operator, a local one if you are having an independent journey.

» if you look for special experiences, like a scuba diving liveaboard or a safari in the wild, or a visit to the townships in South Africa or in Brazil, you’re unlikely to go on your own

» at times, an organized tour is cheaper, especially if you’re a solo traveler. This is particularly true when the renting of a 4×4 vehicle is involved since the price for a single person would be exorbitant.

»  group tours are a perfect choice if like active travel and if you’re keen to meet like-minded people sharing your same passions. Whether you fancy a cycling tour in Cuba, Vietnam or up and down the hills of Tuscany, or if your dream is to hike to Machu Picchu and have an adventure in Peru , an organized trip with a leading tour operator like GAdventures or Intrepid Travel is likely the best decision you can make.

Sometimes, a package tour is your best bet

There are destinations where a package tour is cheaper, sometimes significantly.

If you are a winter sports aficionado, you’ll find great deals for al inclusive ski and snowboarding holidays, spending far less than you would do organizing your holiday independently, especially if you live far away from the mountains. The same if you wish to spend a relaxing week on the Red Sea or the Maldives.

Tour operators can rely on charter flights and volumes, providing offers at very competitive prices, especially in low or middle season.

Finding the balance between independent travel vs organized tours

Never give up on a destination because an independent journey seems difficult. You don’t need an organized tour to go hiking in the Andes or in Nepal. You’ll find plenty of local tour operators to rely on.

In the Alps, I usually go hiking alone , and overseas I arranged to go trekking with a private guide. I did it in Nepal, Peru, and in Pakistan. It was – at last at the time – affordable, and the best solution for me, since I wanted to decide my itinerary and walk at my (very slow) pace.

Peru, Hiking in the Andes

In some countries, a mix between independent travel and short organized tours is the best solution to have a tailor-made experience. Instead of buying a tour with everything fixed, no matter how interested you are in all activities, you decide where to go and what to do last minute, and build your own journey.

Are you an independent traveler or do you prefer organized tours? What are the pros and cons?

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. While the price for you doesn’t change, in case you buy something I’ll get a small commission helping me to run the website. Thank you!

simon-falvo

Travel addict and passionate about photography, Simon Falvo started Wild About Travel back in 2009. Leveraging her strong PR background, she developed an extensive knowledge of Digital Communications and Content Creation. Besides travel writing Simon holds workshops and trainings, she collaborated with tourism boards for digital marketing campaigns and participated as a speaker at several events.

3 thoughts on “Independent Travel vs Organized Tours? The Pros and Cons”

I am glad I chose organised tours in Australia and SE Asia when travelling with my husband a few years ago. We had already driven in California and New Zealand under our own steam and while that was great, and yes we could stop somewhere longer if we chose to, the driver gets the short straw. Once settled in the Melbourne house sit, we decided to pre book tours for the rest of the trip, around our flights. One reason was to manage our travel budget, we knew that all our travel and accommodation costs would be covered. The other was to meet more travellers. All the tour leaders without exception were excellent. We got to meet people from all over the world and of all ages on the tours. The downside? I would have liked more time in some places and less in others, and we stayed in some pretty grotty hostels. On balance I loved being part of a small group, sharing experiences and in 5 seperate tours we only met one person that we could not get along with. The driver (my husband) was glad of the rest and being able to sit back and not have to concentrate on driving. Although I know he’d drive The Big Sur again in a heartbeat. In five months I think we got the balance just about right.

You’re making a good point, Coral, and I understand that in some cases a road trip can be a little stressful for the driver. I mostly travel solo, and hire a car very rarely. I go around by public transport, which is a fantastic way to see local life and to meet other independent travelers. There are plus and minus in both independent travel and organized tours. You made a mix of the two and it’s an interesting approach.

I always prefer independent. The downsides are few, but the pros are far too many. And you can be spontaneous.

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Have you ever heard the term Fully Independent Traveler (FIT)?

Have you ever heard the term Fully Independent Traveler (FIT)?

What is a fully independent traveler?

What are other acceptable uses of this term , what are the features of fully independent travellers, is the fit segment interesting for tour operators and travel agencies, how can tour operators and travel agencies target fits.

Most people see emerging technologies as the number one factor that keeps transforming the tourism industry . While this is true, another important piece of the industry’s transformation puzzle is the travelers themselves . The needs of travelers are constantly shifting, and brand-new traveler segments emerge on a regular basis. 

One of these segments is fully independent travelers .

Tour operators and travel agencies see many opportunities in this segment of travelers . Should you focus on it as well or continue – business as usual? There is only one way to answer that question. You need more information on this type of traveler. Let’s see what a fully independent traveler is, what makes them unique, and work our way towards whether this is an exciting option for you and how to target independent travelers.

Fully independent travelers (or FIT) is a term that stems from independent foreign tours. The independent foreign tour is no longer used, and you will often find these tourists addressed as FITs. The F in this acronym stands for ‘fully.’ 

But what is a fully independent traveler then? While the concept of a traveler encompasses all kinds of travelers, it’s most often used to describe people who enjoy mass tourism and holiday packages . They don’t mind using the products that somebody else created for them, including complete travel and stay arrangements.

FITs are entirely different from your standard travelers . They don’t find mass tourism and holiday package offers particularly attractive. In fact, they are not interested in them at all. They have a more individualistic approach to travel.  

The definition of FIT goes like this:

“FIT is a person who travels completely independently and free of a tour operator and travel agency assistance.”

In other words, a FIT manages and arranges the itinerary according to their needs and preferences. It includes everything ranging from transportation arrangements and hotel stay to excursions and sightseeing. 

Today, FIT is a common term in the tourism industry. However, there are still many people that use it interchangeably with other terms. Different terms should not confuse you as they all refer to the same thing – a fully independent traveler. The best way to avoid confusion is to get familiar with all other terms commonly used in the industry.  

Here is a complete list of other acceptations of this term:

  • Free Independent Traveler;
  • Free Independent Tourist;
  • Fully Independent Traveler;
  • Foreign Independent Traveler;
  • Foreign Independent Tourist;
  • Frequent Independent Traveler;
  • Flexible Independent Travel;
  • Frequent Individual Traveler.

Now that you know what FIT is and all the synonyms you can potentially encounter online and when networking, let’s see what makes FITs unique. Or, in other words, the behavior, needs, expectations, and wants of FITs.

We’ve already established that FITs work out their itineraries independently and arrange travel plans to reflect their unique needs. They also don’t travel on group tours. But is there anything more that these travelers share in common? Below you can find all the features of FITs. 

Traveling solo, in couples, or in small intimate groups

When we talk about FITs, we refer to a group of travelers who are not interested in being part of big groups surrounded by people they don’t know. Many of them prefer to go on a trip by themselves . However, some of them don’t exclusively travel solo.

FITs are also known to travel in couples . They can also plan trips as a small group . These groups are intimate, meaning they usually include friends and family members. 

It’s a diverse demographic group

Usually, travelers with specific travel behavior, needs, and wants, are found in the same demographic segment based on age. This is not the case with FITs. It’s quite a diverse demographic group. Most often, the youngest members are millennials, but they are soon to be joined by Generation Z (those born in the mid and late 90s). 30% of Gen Z prefer to travel alone , and 20% of the same generation plan to go on a solo backpacking trip.

On the other side, you can also find retirees as one of the most active FITs. They are more experienced in travel and know what they want to get out of a trip. It enables them to custom-tailor their experiences and travel entirely independently.

They have above-average income

Another vital factor to consider is the income of travelers. Group travel packages and transportation are popular because they come with attractive price tags and are often found on first-minute and last-minute discounts. 

Independent travel is more expensive than standard travel. That’s why you will find most FITs to have above-average incomes. It enables them to afford more costly forms of travel, including accommodation and transportation. Most of the FITs have an income in the $150,000 range .

Planning their own unique itineraries

The travel products tour operators and travel agencies offer are often pre-built. Many travelers find this quite convenient as they need not worry about anything except packing their bags. With FITs, the situation is quite the opposite. They want to have complete control over the travel experience .

That’s why FITs plan their own unique itineraries . With so much information readily available online, FIT tourists can research destinations independently and plan their itineraries as if they are travel specialists. 

Booking their own transportation and accommodation

The standard tourist does like to explore various accommodation and transportation opportunities. However, their options are limited by the travel agency’s offer. Also, when choosing a travel agent, they often have to book transportation and accommodation through an agency.

FITs book transportation and accommodation on their own. There are many transportation companies and hotels that offer direct booking. It makes it easier for FITs to find what they need. They can book a flight at a specific time and make their independent travel dreams come true.

Exploring destinations on their own

Finally, traditional travel packages often include excursions and sightseeing tours at the destination. Tourists can pursue their own adventures outside these pre-arranged tours but often have very little time to do so.

Independent tourists don’t like to adapt to a schedule somebody else created for them. Instead, they want to explore destinations at their own pace. They are interested in various things, including culture, food, history, and architecture. And since they are independent, they can cherry-pick what the destination has to offer and make their trip one of a kind.

The FIT segment is quite interesting for tour operators and travel agencies as there is excellent potential to generate new revenue streams from FITs. The FIT markets throughout the world keep growing. The pre-pandemic figures indicate that it was growing 7.5% on average per year in western Europe . As the restrictions are being lifted, it’s expected that the market will continue to grow at least at the same pace.

Asian destinations, especially Chinese and Thailand localities, are quite popular among FITs. Many backpackers, the sub-segment of FITs, visited Bangkok, and 63% of them were from Europe alone . Hong Kong’s revenue from FIT products keeps on increasing. Over four years, it went up by more than 100%, from HK$2 billion to HK$5.6 billion . 

Fully Independent Traveler stats

According to the Solo Traveler Reader Survey , 70% of solo travelers preferred to stay completely independent while traveling. 40% spend $1,000 on average per week, excluding airfare, while 30% spend $2,500 on average per week. 

Another way to assess the potential value of catering to the needs of FITs is to take a look at the solo travel search trends on major search engines. Over two years, from 2020 to 2022, the number of searches for solo travel on Google quadrupled .

Post-pandemic travel trends are pretty interesting. Google trends indicate that solo travel is trending with a massive increase of over 700% . Booking also reports some interesting numbers. According to their report , the number of solo travelers increased by 100% after the pandemic.  

It appears that Australia is the number one option among FITs. According to the latest research , this continent is the most popular destination for international solo tourists. 

If you find these numbers compelling, you probably want to tap into the FIT market. But is there a way to do it? Tour operators and travel agencies have plenty of options for attracting more FITs and increasing their revenue.

Tour operators have to shift their approach when it comes to creating travel packages. Instead of creating complete packages, they need to focus more on single niche experiences before selling them to consumers and travel agents. Here are some tips tour operators can follow when including culture, food, history, nature, and architecture-related products in their offer:

  • Focus on smaller products – instead of creating A-Z experiences, focus on creating single products to attract FITs;
  • Choose quality before quantity – when creating products, be mindful of the value the travel experience delivers instead of simply following the “the more, the better” rule;
  • Include optional local tour guides – make tour guides optional, as FITs often prefer to explore destinations alone without a guide . Keeping it as an option will enable you to attract also FITs that want to learn something from a local guide;
  • Include products for solo, couple, and small group travel – FITs love to travel either solo or in small groups; keep this in mind when creating products;
  • Diversify offer – don’t base your products on just one type of experience; diversify your offer by creating culture, architecture, nature, history, and food-oriented products.

When it comes to travel agencies, the most important thing they can do to target FITs is to drop their pre-planned travel itineraries. But before you can implement this strategy, you need to align with tour operators that offer agencies to hand-pick products. 

Since travel agencies are the storefront travelers often explore before booking a trip, you would also need to revisit your website . Most importantly, you must create and deliver a new interface enabling FITs to interact with the products in your listings.

For instance, you can create an itinerary builder and connect it with your product database. It will enable FITs to use it whenever they need to create a specialized itinerary that reflects their unique needs. 

Furthermore, you should make your offers more attractive by optimizing costs. Offering affordable booking opportunities to FITs while still being able to remain profitable can be challenging. That’s where platforms such as Hotelmize can help you out. It will help you take advantage of booking price volatility and enable you to offer products at competitive prices.

Finally, you should optimize your marketing strategies to consider the needs, wants, and preferences of FITs . For instance, you can revise your SEO strategy to target FIT-related keywords in your blog posts and product descriptions. 

PPC marketing is also an option because it allows you to target specific keywords and appear in relevant search results. You can extend your marketing efforts to social media platforms as well. Don’t forget that many FITs are tech-savvy and like to spend time on social media. 

Some platforms, such as Facebook, already have targeting filters in the “People Traveling to This Location” category to help you reach FITs, including:

  • Fresh arrivals from the airport;
  • Travelers who are interested in a specific characteristic of a city;
  • Newly engaged and newlywed couples;
  • Birthday celebrators;
  • Parents who are traveling with kids in a location.

FITs are travelers who value independence above everything else. They include people of all ages with above-average income who prefer to create their own itineraries, book transport, and accommodation on their own, and explore destinations solo or in small groups. 

Given that the FIT market looks healthy and keeps growing, tour operators and travel agencies are becoming more interested in it with every passing year. If you want to tap into this market, the strategies we’ve outlined will help you target FITs.

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Cristóbal Reali, VP of Global Sales at Mize, with over 20 years of experience, has led high-performance teams in major companies in the tourism industry, as well as in the public sector. He has successfully undertaken ventures, including a DMO and technology transformation consulting. In his role at Mize, he stands out not only for his analytical and strategic ability but also for effective leadership. He speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. He holds a degree in Economics from UBA, complementing his professional training at Harvard Business School Online.

Mize is the leading hotel booking optimization solution in the world. With over 170 partners using our fintech products, Mize creates new extra profit for the hotel booking industry using its fully automated proprietary technology and has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue across its suite of products for its partners. Mize was founded in 2016 with its headquarters in Tel Aviv and offices worldwide.

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Please note you do not have access to teaching notes, independent traveler decision-making.

Advances in Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research

ISBN : 978-0-76231-451-5 , eISBN : 978-1-84950-522-2

Publication date: 25 July 2008

Independent travelers are those vacationers who have booked only a minimum of their transportation and accommodation arrangements prior to departure on the vacation. Independent travel is an important and growing sector of worldwide tourism. Choice of vacation itinerary for the independent vacation represents a complex series of decisions regarding purchase of multiple leisure and tourism services. This chapter builds and tests a model of independent traveler decision-making for choice of vacation itinerary. The research undertaken employs a two-phase, inductive–deductive case study design. In the deductive phase, the researcher interviewed 20 travel parties vacationing in New Zealand for the first time. The researcher interviewed respondents at both the beginning and the end of their New Zealand vacations. The study compares pre-vacation research and plans, and actual vacation behaviors, on a case-by-case basis. The study examines case study narratives and quantitative measures of crucial variables. The study tests two competing models of independent traveler decision-making, using a pattern-matching procedure. This embedded research design results in high multi-source, multi-method validity for the supported model. The model of the Independent Vacation as Evolving Itinerary suggests that much of the vacation itinerary experienced in independent travel is indeed unplanned, and that a desire to experience the unplanned is a key hedonic motive for independent travel. Rather than following a fixed itinerary, the itinerary of an independent vacation evolves as the vacation proceeds. The independent traveler takes advantage of serendipitous opportunities to experience a number of locations, attractions and activities that they had neither actively researched nor planned.

Hyde, K.F. (2008), "Independent Traveler Decision-Making", Woodside, A.G. (Ed.) Advances in Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research ( Advances in Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, Vol. 2 ), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 43-151. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1871-3173(08)02003-X

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independent travel tourism definition

Self-Guided & Independent Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

1,120 self-guided & independent trips. compare tour itineraries from 248 tour companies. 1,259 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating., popular self-guided & independent tours.

Walk from Van Gogh's landscapes to the Luberon trip

Walk from Van Gogh's landscapes to the Luberon trip

  • An incredible variety of scenic walks, giving you a wide experience of Provence
  • Awe-inspiring vistas atop theAlpillesand the Luberon mountains
  • The perched medieval village of LesBaux de Provence
  • The vineyards and olive groves blanketing the plains
  • The lavender fields in front of Sénanque Abbey

Let's Go Europe

Let's Go Europe

  • Take a walk in Trafalgar Square and admire he fountains and the famous monuments, such as the four bronze lion statues and Nelson’s Column
  • Visit Eiffel Tower
  • Visit places with amazing architecture and take sightseeing to a completely new level in Barcelona.
  • Visit Ljubljana
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mexico (Cabo & Baja): See & Experience it ALL in 6 Days - 1st Class Custom Tours

Mexico (Cabo & Baja): See & Experience it ALL in 6 Days - 1st Class Custom Tours

  • Wine & Jazz Sunset Cruise with an Open Bar
  • Swimming Alongside Whale Sharks (from October to April only)
  • Interacting with Dolphins
  • Horseback Riding on the Beach
  • Rock Climbing

21 Day Grand Tour Discover Real New Zealand

21 Day Grand Tour Discover Real New Zealand

  • All inclusive tour package prepared by New Zealand based specialists so you sit back and relax
  • An exciting itinerary will be customised to suit you - let us help plan and perfect your dream vacation
  • We offer self-drive trips (rental car) we arrange all your accomodations, activities, attractions (you select) we book your car (fun, freedom, independence, flexibility) you set the pace each day or, select a private driver trip (fully guided) or, escorted coach tours (daily commentary).
  • Either way, you will have an awesome time on our wonderful 21 day Grand New Zealand Tour with Real New Zealand Tours.

Bornholm - A Danish Summer Paradise

Bornholm - A Danish Summer Paradise

Dordogne: castles, caves and villages of the Périgord Noir

Dordogne: castles, caves and villages of the Périgord Noir

  • A joyful mix of walks, relaxation & heritage
  • Discovery of gardens, castles, troglodyte villages and prehistoric caves
  • Longer walk options on days 3, 4, 5 & 7
  • A cultural break in the most beautiful villages
  • Visit of the Château de Commarque included

Taste of Egypt and Jordan

Taste of Egypt and Jordan

  • Giza Pyramids & King Tut Treasure
  • Visit Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples
  • Visit Jerash & Dead Sea Tour
  • The Ancient City of Petra

The Ultimate Bucket List

The Ultimate Bucket List

  • First stop on this Eurail package is none other than Amsterdam!
  • Take a walk in the Old Town in Krakow
  • Visit the poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
  • Visit Hidden gem of Europe included on this package, capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana!
  • Visit the magical split

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8 Days in Ecuador's Heartland: From Mountains to Hot Springs

  • Immerse in the Vibrant Culture at Otavalo Market: A Colorful Fusion of Crafts and Tradition
  • Experience Serenity at Cuicocha Lagoon: Nature's Tranquil Oasis in the Andean Highlands
  • Marvel at the Majestic Cotopaxi National Park: Nature's Splendor Unleashed
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise lake surrounded by high Andean peaks.
  • Visit iconic waterfalls like Pailón del Diablo and Manto de la Novia, surrounded by lush rainforest.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • 11-day trek following the classic Annapurna Circuit
  • Enjoy spectacular views from the Thorong La Pass
  • Great value with all meals on trek included

Cycle Portugal - Lisbon to Algarve

Cycle Portugal - Lisbon to Algarve

  • Cycle from charming Lisbon to the most south-westerly point of continental Europe
  • Explore the entire length of this wild and unspoilt corner of Europe
  • Enjoy the great outdoors with plenty of sun, chances to swim and fresh seafood

Western USA National Parks Explorer

Western USA National Parks Explorer

  • Journey through some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet
  • Discover vibrant San Francisco and the desert city of Las Vegas
  • Enjoy walking in Yosemite, Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon national parks

Victoria Falls Extension

Victoria Falls Extension

  • Extend your trip in Southern Africa
  • Get up close to Victoria Falls 'The Smoke that Thunders'
  • Choose from a variety of activities in The Adventure Capital of Africa

Classic Antarctica - Expedition

Classic Antarctica - Expedition

  • Join this classic expedition voyage - exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Superb wildlife viewing opportunities - on land and at sea
  • Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - enjoy the vast, ice-sculpted, Antarctic wilderness
  • Join expert naturalist guides - learn about the wildlife and history of the region
  • Astonishing wildlife - see whales, sea birds and abundance of penguins

Classic Antarctica - M/V Greg Mortimer

Classic Antarctica - M/V Greg Mortimer

  • A classic expedition voyage - exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Penguin rookeries - see Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins
  • Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - being in the vast, ice-sculpted Antarctic wilderness
  • Travel on a small, friendly expedition ship - capped at just over 100 passengers
  • Enjoy on-board lectures and presentations - from expert naturalists and guides

King Penguins of the Falklands and South Georgia - Expedition

King Penguins of the Falklands and South Georgia - Expedition

  • An epic Antarctic adventure - in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton
  • View large colonies of iconic king penguins - on South Georgia
  • Variety of penguins - stand amid magellanic, macaroni and rockhopper penguins in the Falkland Islands
  • Get close to the marine wildlife - see whales and cavorting seals from your Zodiac
  • Montevideo - explore the delights of this vibrant city

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Top Self-Guided & Independent Attractions & Experiences

Top Self-Guided & Independent Experiences

Diverse experiences on self-guided & independent tours.

  • Sampling culinary delicacies in Tuscany
  • Ascending the terraced hillsides to reach upper Ghandruk, offering a fine view of the Annapurna mountain range
  • Strolling through the cobblestone streets of Trinidad and enjoying the sight of colorful houses
  • Enjoying a self-guided walking tour at your own pace
  • Cycling through the picturesque countryside of Provence
  • Having a local guide that shows you around town
  • Volunteering at a rehabilitation and conservation center for wild animals
  • Discovering hidden waterfalls and natural pools in the lush rainforests of Costa Rica
  • Exploring ancient ruins and archaeological sites in Greece
  • Exploring the Amazon jungles with local guides 
  • Embarking on a self-guided photography tour
  • Hitching a lift on a cargo boat to Timbuktu 
  • Taking a scenic road trip along the iconic Route 66 in the United States
  • Trekking to remote mountain villages in the Himalayas
  • Taking a train journey through Europe with suggested stops planned out by a travel expert
  • Embarking on a self-guided wine-tasting tour in the vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina
  • Embarking on a wildlife safari in Africa's national parks
  • Learning some of the local language when staying with a family in Nepal
  • Exploring the colorful underwater world while snorkeling or diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef

Self-Guided & Independent Tours & Travel Guide

Self-Guided & Independent Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Self-guided and independent travel occurs when an individual navigates a destination alone rather than with a group or following an escorted tour. Like escorted tours, independent trips offer many options, from the travel style to destinations and activities. 

You don't need to be a highly experienced, fearless traveler to go on an independent tour. Traveling alone without a guide is an excellent experience for any traveler with any level of experience. 

Many tour operators put together pre-organized itineraries to allow independent travelers a guide to follow while traveling. This takes the pressure off being alone because you have an organized plan of where to be and how to spend your time.

You're not limited by the itinerary, though. If you prefer to create your own travel experience, tour operators can help you craft the perfect trip just like they could for groups and families. You may be alone during your travel adventures, but you can get expert help to craft the exact itinerary with the destinations you wish to visit. 

Independent travel may not be for everyone—it has plenty of pros and cons. So, let's examine the benefits and challenges of self-guided tours and how they compare to escorted tours or guided trips. 

Pros of Independent Tours

Whether seeking cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, or culinary delights, independent tours empower travelers to design their dream vacation on their own terms.

Freedom: Traveling independently allows travelers to decide where they want to go and what they want to do. You get to choose every detail:

Are you a  luxury traveler ? Book a five-star hotel and luxury transportation. 

Would you prefer to immerse in  nature ? Find the perfect camping spot. 

Make all the decisions to match your specific interests and comfort levels. But you don't have to decide everything alone. Independent and self-guided tours are perfect for travelers who desire independence but also need guidance. 

Your tour operators help you plan your trip and handle the logistics. On any given day, you can decide to follow the planned itinerary or do something else that interests you.

Price: With freedom comes the ability to find the best price for your budget. Travelers get the option to decide how expensive their trip is going to be. 

Want a big , luxurious vacation ? 

Are you a  budget traveler  wanting to make every penny count? 

Many people think it's cheaper to travel alone than with a group. However, remember, some things may be more expensive if you travel alone vs with a group. For example, joining a group splits costs in places where you need to rent a car and driver. 

Immersion: Independent travel is an excellent choice to immerse yourself in culture or nature. Self-guided tours allow you to decide where to go and how long to stay. Travelers can go off the beaten path, experience homestays, or see all the sights on their bucket list.

There's no pre-planned itinerary you must follow, nor must you cater to anyone else's desires or preferences. This type of travel allows you to melt into the destination and experience it firsthand in an intimate way that may be difficult with a big group.

Cons of Independent Travel

While independent tours offer flexibility and autonomy, they also have specific challenges. You're on your own most of the time, and organizing activities and managing unforeseen circumstances without professional assistance can be daunting, requiring careful planning and resourcefulness.

Planning: While freedom may be one traveler's pro, needing to plan everything may be another traveler's con. Even with the assistance of a tour operator, there's still the task of booking flights, arranging travel insurance, and securing accommodations. However, this also means that every aspect of your journey is tailored to your preferences, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality.

Decision-making is an integral part of the travel experience. From selecting your destination to choosing the must-see attractions, travelers must conduct thorough research to craft their ideal itinerary. While tour operators offer valuable guidance, the final decisions ultimately rest with the individual. There's no pre-packaged itinerary to follow — every choice is yours.

Planning extends beyond the pre-travel stage on an independent tour and continues throughout the journey. From navigating unfamiliar terrain to managing day-to-day logistics, travelers must adeptly handle various challenges, including language barriers and unfamiliar infrastructures. While some thrive on the thrill of overcoming obstacles, others may find it detracts from their enjoyment of the travel experience.

Need help planning?  Learn why you should consider an independent travel agent .

Loneliness: Traveling independently can be a great experience in many ways, but it can also be lonely. Joining a group or going with friends and family allows you to experience the destination with others, something you don't get with self-guided tours.

However, independent travel can still be a great way to meet new people. You need to put in more effort than if you were with a group. Try finding hostels with a lively, sociable bar, meeting other travelers through travel forums, or joining tours at different tourist attractions. Try participating in fun workshops or lessons or arranging a homestay to meet locals.

Safety: Group tours are intrinsically safe due to more people traveling together. There are specific destinations that travelers shouldn't try to tackle alone. Research your desired destination and consult an independent travel agent to understand if traveling independently will be a good option for you in your chosen destination.

Pre-Planned Independent Tours To Beat the Cons

Pre-planned independent tours offer a hassle-free solution for travelers seeking the convenience of organized travel without sacrificing the freedom of independent exploration. 

With these tours, all the details, from accommodations to activities and transportation, are meticulously arranged by experienced tour operators.

One of the greatest advantages of pre-planned self-guided tours is the time-saving aspect. Travelers can book a tour and leave the planning to the experts, freeing up valuable time to focus on enjoying the journey. 

Whether you prefer to be hands-on in the planning process or leave it entirely to the professionals, these tours offer the flexibility to suit your preferences.

Moreover, joining a pre-planned tour doesn't mean sacrificing spontaneity. Travelers still have the freedom to change their itinerary if they desire, whether adding an extra excursion or altering their schedule. 

Additionally, in case of any difficulties or questions along the way, travelers can rely on the support of knowledgeable guides and even receive assistance from local experts, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience from start to finish.

Finding the Best Self-Guided Tour Package for Your Travel Style

Travelers opting for a self-guided tour don't have to compromise—they can customize every detail exactly as they want without needing to cater to someone else's wishes. Tour itineraries appeal to experienced independent travelers and match their travel style and preferred activities. 

For example, if you love the outdoors, find a self-guided tour that offers unforgettable  natural experiences  such as Amazon forest tours or Columbia river cruises with waterfalls to discover and mountains and forests to explore.

If you're more of a  luxury traveler , it's best to research to ensure your destination has suitable accommodations and amenities. These could include five-star hotels, white-sand beaches, and impeccable restaurants. 

Eco-travelers can opt for self-guided tours in eco-friendly havens like Costa Rica's rainforests or Norway's fjords. Choose sustainable lodges for accommodation and engage in wildlife conservation or enjoy eco-conscious activities such as hiking and wildlife spotting.

History buffs can explore ancient civilizations with self-guided tours to Machu Picchu, Pompeii, or Egypt's pyramids. They can also wander medieval streets in cities like Prague or Florence, immersing themselves in rich cultural heritage and uncovering intriguing historical secrets with the help of a local or audio guide.

Deciding on your perfect travel style can be intimidating, but finding the right tour operator to help you create the best itinerary for your trip can make a world of difference. Make sure the company understands what is important to you so they can help design the itinerary that works with your style.

Popular Destinations for Independent Tours

Some destinations are particularly well-suited for independent exploration due to ease of logistics, safety, and abundance of attractions. Let's delve into some of the most popular destinations independent travelers favor for their unique blend of accessibility and adventure.

Spain: Spain is one of the top self-guided destinations in the world. Many of the independent tours in Spain revolve around the historic pilgrimage trail of Camino. This trail has been used for hundreds of years as pilgrims made their way to Santiago de Compostela while stopping at religious sites.

Switzerland: This country is a  hiker's dream . With its towering mountains and stunning valleys, Switzerland is the ideal place for adventurous hikers to explore the outdoors with self-guided tours of the landscape and the beautiful cities.

Argentina: For travelers looking for a self-guided road trip, Argentina is a great destination. Its diverse landscapes and historic cities make for a fantastic self-drive experience. You can see Patagonia and Buenas Aires at your own pace and on your own time.

New Zealand:  This country is excellent for the active and  adventurous solo traveler . It is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Another bonus for travelers is the connection to the Lord of the Rings and the many great tours that are offered related to the book and movie franchise.

Thailand:  Travelers with any style and experience can rest assured when visiting Thailand alone. There are many great backpacking trails and beautiful beaches to lounge on. Those looking for cultural immersion can reside in homestays or take yoga lessons.

Portugal : Known for its charming cities, picturesque coastlines, and rich history, Portugal is a top destination for independent travelers. Explore the cobbled streets of Lisbon, wander through the vineyards of the Douro Valley, or hike along the rugged cliffs of the Algarve coast—all at your own pace.

Italy : With its iconic landmarks, delectable cuisine, and diverse landscapes, Italy offers endless opportunities for independent exploration. Whether you're strolling through the ancient streets of Rome, cruising along the Amalfi Coast, or exploring the vineyards of Tuscany, Italy promises unforgettable experiences for solo adventurers.

Australia : Australia is a vast playground for independent travelers from the vibrant cities of Sydney and Melbourne to the breathtaking landscapes of the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef. Hit the open road on a self-drive adventure, trek through national parks, or relax on pristine beaches—Australia has something for everyone.

Costa Rica : Nature lovers and adventure seekers flock to Costa Rica for its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and adrenaline-pumping activities. Embark on a self-guided eco-tour through cloud forests, zip line over the canopy, or surf the Pacific waves—this Central American gem offers endless opportunities for independent exploration.

Greece : With its ancient ruins, idyllic islands, and crystal-clear waters, Greece is a dream destination for independent travelers. Explore the historical sites of Athens, island-hop through the Cyclades, or hike the rugged terrain of Crete—each experience promises a glimpse into Greece's rich culture and natural beauty.

Things To Do on Independent Tours

An independent tour opens up possibilities for travelers seeking unique and enriching experiences. With the freedom to explore at one's own pace, independent tours offer an array of activities to suit every interest and passion. 

Cultural Tours: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and traditions of your destination with cultural tours that offer insights into local customs, history, and art. Explore ancient ruins, visit museums and galleries, and participate in cultural events to better understand the destination's cultural tapestry.

Outdoor Adventures: From hiking and trekking to kayaking and wildlife safaris, outdoor adventures abound on independent tours. Discover breathtaking landscapes, encounter diverse wildlife, and challenge yourself with thrilling outdoor activities that offer unforgettable natural experiences.

Thrilling Experiences: For adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers, independent tours offer a range of exhilarating experiences. Whether skydiving over scenic landscapes, bungee jumping from towering heights, or exploring underground caves, these thrilling adventures will get your heart racing.

Culinary and Wine Tours: Indulge your taste buds on culinary and wine tours that showcase the gastronomic delights of your destination. Sample local delicacies, savor fine wines, and learn about the culinary traditions and techniques that make each region unique.

Walking and Cycling Tours: Explore charming villages, scenic countryside, and historic landmarks on walking and cycling tours designed for leisurely exploration. Follow scenic trails, meander through bustling markets, and soak up the sights and sounds of your surroundings on foot or by bike.

Photography Tours: Capture the beauty and essence of your destination with photography tours that offer expert guidance and stunning landscapes to photograph. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a novice, these tours provide the perfect opportunity to hone your skills and create lasting memories through photography.

Self-Guided & Independent Reviews & Ratings

Kathy & friends

You also pick fabulous routes for us, great walking, limited time on roads, wonderful towns, loved all the exhibits in the towns.

The highlights of our trip have been : Gordes, Les Balcons BB with the dinner prepared by Etiennnes, the BB Auberge des Seguins - unique & great spot. Discoverin...

Gordon & laurel

Thank you again for your good work making our trip so wonderful !

The roadbook notes were generally excellent! The Fort De Buoux was fascinating. Should not be missed but needs at least 1 hour for planning purposes. The recommende...

We really enjoyed our trip.

We really enjoyed our trip. The hikes took up a large portion of our day and we would have liked to have more time exploring the towns and villages. Maybe a good ide...

David & Frances

The actual walks were all terrific and we enjoyed them very much, and all the accommodations were excellent too

We loved the trip and only have good things to say about the experience. The only thing we might have changed would be to have put a rest day in the middle of the it...

Cheryl & Michael

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The hikes were fantastic, the route notes very accurate

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The hikes were fantastic, the route notes very accurate (we only were confused one time and missed a turn but it didn't take long to ...

See all Self-Guided & Independent reviews

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Mass tourism vs. Independent travel

Mass tourism vs independent travel

Throughout the years, I tried all kinds of tourism. When I was a kid, my parents were sending me in school camps, during the holidays. Then, when I grew up, I went on some guided tours around Europe and also started to travel independently. I also stayed in all forms of accommodation: camping (both back-country and organized), B&B, Hostels, Hotels (from one to five stars)… you name it.

At this moment, I personally prefer the independent travel most of the times as I think this form of tourism brings you the most benefits out of your trip, but if I take a look at the big picture, each form of travel suits better different kind of tourists. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of each one, from the tourist point of view (there are also aspects related to the local economic impact, by example, but that won’t be the subject of this article).

The mass tourism

This is the most developed form of tourism as most travel agents sustain it and it has a very well developed infrastructure. Most of the time it is sold as guided tours (by example to visit more cities or countries on a fixed time-frame and schedule) or travel packages for which you can usually buy some extra-options at the destination. 

Advantages of mass tourism:

  • It is very safe. As the schedule is known in advance and the same infrastructure is used all the time, there are very few things that could go wrong.
  • You don’t need to plan anything. Just pick a destination and pay the ticket, the travel agent will take care of everything else.
  • You can get a higher level of comfort for less money. Because the tour operators book a big amount of rooms and flights for the whole year, they are able to get very low prices. That is why when booking an all-inclusive package you will pay for flight + hotel + food and drinks less than half the price you would pay for the same thing if you booked it yourself.
  • You have, all the time, a guide to explain what you see. Sometimes, these guides are well trained and you can find a lot of interesting things, about the places you visit, from them.

Disadvantages of mass tourism:

  • It offers almost the same experience no matter where you go, just the background is different. Most hotels offer standard amenities, having just a few local influences that are not even authentic.
  • The optional trips you buy at the destination are meant to introduce you to the local culture and to help you visit the most important points of interest, but in reality you will get, at best, just a glimpse of these. If we talk about the culture, almost nothing you’ll see is authentic and when visiting the points of interest you will only get the chance to take a few pictures, as the allocated time won’t be enough to absorb what you see. For what you will have enough allocated time though, are the local shops with which the guys who organize the trips have personal deals.

Independent travel

It is a fast growing segment of tourism as booking tools and details about the destinations start to be more widely available. Some of these tourists prefer to plan and book everything in advance, while other prefer to plan their trips up-front only at a high level and leave the details for when they are at the destination.

Backpackers on the beach - Photo by NeilsPhotography

Photo by Neil’s Photography – Copyrights of the image are reserved to him

Advantages of the independent tourism

  • It’s flexible. As you don’t have a one size fits all schedule, you can visit exactly what you care about, stay into each place for how long you want and get into places where you would never go with a standard travel package.
  • Most of the time is cheaper. If you don’t care about staying in 5 stars hotels, this kind of travel is much cheaper than the mass tourism because you can book different types of accommodation that are usually not available at the travel agents and you can also skip the commissions by booking from different websites or directly at the establishment’s owners.
  • You can dive as much as you want into the local culture. By not staying in a resort hotel, or other places where the only locals you will meet are the people who work there, you get to understand better the traditions and the local way of life.

Disadvantages of the independent tourism

  • Sometimes it takes you out of your comfort zone, as this kind of travel has a strong component of incertitude (you don’t know always where you will stay, how you will move from one place to another, how is the local food, etc.). Some people say this is the point where the real life begins, but for most of the people it is just a discomfort sentiment.
  • It requires more planning and research because it is you who will have to look for flights (if necessary), accommodation, places you are going to visit, where you are going to eat and so on. In other words, you have to also do the travel agent’s job.
  • There are times when you have to take quick decisions. As sometimes you may go on unbeaten paths, the plans you made at home may differ from what you find at the destination. This may occasionally require a change of plans.

As you see, it is hard to say which way is better. It actually depends more on your personality, the time you have available and your mood when you decide to take a holiday.

The mass tourism may suite you better if you are the kind of person who prefers to spend the vacations just to relax without having to think about any of the organizational aspects. The independent way may work better if you like a bit of spice during your free time and you also want to feed your soul while being on vacation.

So, what about you? Which one do you prefer? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Throughout the years, I tried all kinds of tourism. When I was a kid, my parents were sending me in school camps, during the holidays. Then, when I grew up, I went on some guided tours around Europe and also started to travel independently. I also stayed in all forms of accommodation: camping (both back-country […]

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What is FIT And GIT in The Tourism

by Hammad Ur Rehman | Oct 8, 2021 | Travel Guide | 7 comments

What is FIT And GIT in The Tourism

In the tourism industry, some travel terms can be a little bit confusing for tourists. For instance, FIT and GIT in tourism are such travel terms that people are mostly confused about. It is important to understand what FIT and GIT in tourism mean to avoid any future problems during your travel.

FIT (free independent traveler) definition:

FIT in tourism is an acronym for Free Independent Travelers. They are people who travel independently without being a part of any tour group. This type of tourism offers travelers an opportunity to travel on their own. As a free independent traveler, you travel without a tour operator and choose your accommodation, transportation, and other parts of your trip. You might take an organized package tour, but it is just you – not a group.

Examples of FIT Tour – Some examples of free independent travel are trekking, backpacking, bicycling, camping tourism, motorcycle touring, yacht traveling, etc.

GIT (Group Inclusive Tour) definition:

In GIT, you join other tourists for a Group Inclusive Tour and don’t have to worry about your accommodation, transportation, and other parts of your trip. A group of a minimum of 10 people travels together. These people can be related or non-related and usually book on the same travel arrangements. The group size is not defined by the number of travelers but by the size of accommodation reserved.

An important condition is that some people are responsible for the whole group, so it is possible to determine who will be the guide and travel organizer.

Examples of GIT Tour – Some examples of GIT are family tours, group tours to a monastery or a sightseeing place, etc.

FIT and GIT in the Tourism – Detailed Guide

Fit and git in the tour packages.

When you book a tour package, you should know what FIT and GIT mean. FIT is not defined in the package, which means that you will be traveling on your own. You are responsible for arranging all your travel arrangements – you will have to make reservations yourself. If you choose FIT, it also means that there are no refunds for any missed flights or accommodation bookings.

GIT is called a group inclusive tour, which means that you will travel with other tourists. When it comes to GIT, many different companies offer completely different conditions. The tour can be booked by 20 people or 50 people – the company decides how big the group should be. There is usually one organizing person in charge of the group size. This person has to ensure that all members are properly booked.

FIT or GIT?

Actually, it depends on your travel style. If you are not the type of person who is happy to travel with other tourists, FIT is perfect. However, if you don’t mind traveling with other people and you want everything to be arranged for you, GIT is the best choice.

Difference Between a FIT and GIT Package Tour

FIT and GIT package tours are different from many points of view, but the main difference comes from the number of people on a group tour.

Here are some main differences:

FIT Package:

  • This is suitable for a small number of people like couples or friends.
  • You have to be a free independent traveler who has the experience of traveling alone in different countries.
  • This is more secure and reliable for international travelers because all attention will be paid by the operator.
  • You will be provided with better accommodation and food facilities since there are fewer people in the group. This means you won’t have to share your room, dinner table or bathroom with other guests.
  • You also get one carrier instead of sharing it among many members of the group.
  • It also costs more than the GIT package.

GIT Package:

  • This is suitable for a large number of people like family or students / young people who are looking for adventure at a lower cost.
  • You will have to share your room with other guests, dinner table, tour carrier etc. Plus, you also do not have much freedom as you are not a free independent traveler.
  • You can get more facilities at a cheap rate than FIT Package tours.
  • You will have to share your tour carrier with other people in the group.
  • The rate depends on the size of the group.
  • It is more suitable for families, and students who want to have fun with other members of the group.

Is There Any Other Type Of Tour Package In Tourism?

Yes, besides FIT and GIT, there is also IIT(Independent inclusive tour), which is also quite popular in tourism industry.

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The European market potential for free independent traveller tourism

Free independent travellers (FITs) are travellers who plan their own trips and prefer to travel alone or in small groups. They are the opposite of mass tourists, who travel in large groups and buy predefined travel packages. Eastern European markets are more engaged in mass tourism, while FIT tourism is becoming the norm in Western European and Scandinavian countries. For FITs, unique experiences are most important. If you can offer these, the FIT market is your primary target.

Contents of this page

  • Product description
  • What makes Europe an interesting market for FIT tourism?
  • Which European countries offer most opportunities for FIT tourism?
  • What trends offer opportunities in the European FIT tourism market?

1. Product description

The acronym FIT may refer to free independent traveller, fully independent traveller, foreign independent traveller or frequent independent traveller. In all of these definitions, independence is the keyword . In our study, when we use ‘FIT’, we refer to travellers who plan their own trips and prefer to travel alone or in small groups.

FIT tourism is better defined as a way of travelling. Instead of comprehensive travel packages for groups, FIT tourism travelling is more personal and individual. Travellers design their own trips, choose their own destinations and visits, based on the information already they have. FIT tourism is the opposite of mass tourism; FITs prefer to create their own trips instead of following crowds.

FITs travel alone, as a couple or accompanied by a small number of people. The goal of FITs is to follow their own path, explore the things they want to see and with that create their own unique travelling experience. By planning their own trip, they can travel at their own pace, not bound to a group.

When talking with a European tour operator, it is very important to understand what they mean when talking about FIT tourism. The concept of FIT tourism is loose; it can range from travellers booking without a tour operator, to personalised trips conducted by a tour operator based on the wishes of the traveller, to trips based on components which are predefined by a tour operator, or dynamic packaging . Some European tour operators even see fully predefined trips for individuals or small groups as FIT tourism, although for the purpose of this study, we do not.

Free independent travellers are mostly well experienced and very individualistic travellers, which is why they try to keep some degree of freedom by not booking everything on a trip in advance. They already have enough experience to allow them to decide on sight what to visit and how to travel. They seek less group experience than other tourists, but most still want to see the big highlights. The difference is that they do not want to visit these in an ordinary way with a big group, but rather in special and unique ways.

The internet gives travellers better access to research on travelling information. They also get travel inspiration from photos, videos, stories and online reviews. Because there is so much to find online, it is much easier for tourists to make decisions about what to visit then it was before the internet. The internet has become the most important place for fully independent travellers to get their travel information, which means you must be well represented online for FITs to find you.

Figure 1: FIT traveller characteristics

FIT traveller characteristics

Source: tripsavvy

  • Make sure you have pictures as well as travel stories and links to blogs on your website.
  • Ask customers to review your business online. FITs see online ratings and reviews as good indicators of quality.
  • Try to be present on multiple social media channels to interact with current and future customers.
  • Read our other tips on how to become a successful tourism company online .

Some free independent travellers choose to travel with the help of a travel agency. These agencies offer building blocks for tourists to complement once they are already on travel, but they also offer completely customised trips.

Backpacking is a classic form of FIT tourism. Backpackers normally book some sort of transport to arrive at an initial point of departure and from there they travel farther without a specific plan or time schedule, but only carrying a backpack as luggage. They decide where to go next, how to go and how long to stay on the fly during their trip. Flexibility is very important to backpackers and that is why they will not book much of their trips far into the future.

A small minority of independent travellers has very specific interests. The interests can vary widely, from caves, to special birds, specific communities, tribal governance systems, organisation of labour in small villages, and traditional values in communities. Although few in number, these travellers tend to spend a lot of money in your country. They are served best if you think along with them about the opportunities your country offers within their specific field of interest.

  • Focus on backpackers if there is still little tourism in your area. Backpackers are the explorers and pioneers among tourists.
  • When you guide fully independent travellers, avoid the other tourists and take more unknown routes.
  • Show the big highlights quickly to FITs, then focus on smaller and unique aspects of the destination.

2. What makes Europe an interesting market for FIT tourism?

Europeans tend to travel extensively as FITs, although to what extent varies by destination. Attracting European FIT travellers offers an interesting opportunity, because attracting FIT tourists usually offers better margins compared to selling via European tour operators. However, many European FIT tourists are very price conscious. Before corona, the FIT market was growing by between 5% and 10% per year in Western Europe, and with 0–5% per year in Eastern and Southern European countries.

European FIT tourists are very active compared to tourists from Asia and the United States. Many travellers like to enjoy your country cycling and hiking. Compared to American tourists, Europeans also travel slower. They will stay in a certain area for a longer period of time, while Americans make more use of domestic flights to see all the highlights in your country.

Compared to tourists from the United States, European travellers are very demanding. They need a lot of detailed information and are more price conscious. However, they are less interested in luxury, expensive food and accommodation, and more interested in remote locations and nature. Offering a holiday to a remote location in a tent can be very appealing to European independent travellers.   

Destinations which are safe and where infrastructure is better, tend to be popular among FITs. Nonetheless, in absolute numbers, Asia is the most popular among FITs from Europe, followed by South America and Africa. According to a study profiling 263 backpackers in Bangkok’s Khao San Road area , most of them (63%) were from Europe.

But for African countries, too, Europe offers a valuable source market for FIT tourism, as Europe is relatively close to Africa and therefore flight tickets are cheaper. Another consequence is that it is easier to sell shorter trips to European travellers.

Many FITs looking for online deals travel on low-cost airlines, whose budget prices make it more accessible for travellers to fly. The declining costs of long-haul flights facilitated by budget airlines has helped to boost a 29% increase in long-haul trips booked by Europeans in 2017 compared to 2016. In the same period, the biggest increases in the number of tickets booked were to the Dominican Republic (147%), New Delhi (106%) and Praia, Cabo Verde (76%). In 2018 compared to 2017, the number of cheap flights booked to some destinations were even higher: Marsa Alam, Egypt (156%), Sal, Cabo Verde (148%) and Rosario, Argentina (130%).

It is very uncertain how the FIT market will develop after corona. Some experts expect the European FIT market will increase, while others expect it to decrease. An important reason for an expected increase is that the financial crisis in many European countries forces tourists to search for the best deals and one way of doing this is by cutting the costs of European tour operators by planning their own trip. One of the tour operators we spoke to expected that within ten years the market for FIT tour operators in Western Europe will have completely vanished, because all customers will book directly via local entrepreneurs.

The main reason for the return of package deals is because it offers European tourists security. Under some circumstances, European tour operators are obliged to bring their customers home . In case of increased travel restrictions due to COVID-19 it also offers European tourists the right to cancel their trip and get the costs of their trip refunded, whereas there is no such protection for travellers who book their travel arrangements independently. Note that this may also affect you if you work with European tour operators.

  • Identify and invite a European tour operator to visit your area or attraction free of charge. Make sure you are dealing with a serious operator who will not just take advantage of simply taking a free holiday at your expense.
  • Provide tour operators with sufficient information, like clear brochures including detailed photos, to facilitate them sell your activities. European travellers demand lots of information. For example, if you organise a bike ride, just saying that it happens in the morning is not enough; you should also provide the distance travelled, the change in altitude, the duration, the number of breaks, etc.
  • Make sure the information on your website and in other materials is appealing to the European target group, like the information on Go Adventure and Adventure & Fun Albania .
  • Read our tips on how to deal with the European Package directive if you are offering services to European tour operators.
  • Do not publish accurate prices on your website if you sell to tourists directly and via European tour operators. European tour operators are not eager to buy from you if their customers see that your prices are lower than their prices.

3. Which European countries offer most opportunities for FIT tourism?

Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark offer most opportunities on the independent travel market.

Independent travel is most common among Western European and Scandinavian travellers, especially long-haul trips. On account of their large populations and willingness to travel independently, Germany, the United Kingdom and France are the main FIT markets in Europe. Although Sweden and Denmark are relatively small source markets, they offer high opportunities due to their willingness to travel independently and their high travel budget. Italy and Spain offer large tourism markets, but their willingness to travel independently is far less.

Germany is the largest European FIT market

According to tourism experts, Germany is the largest independent traveller market. It offers the most trips to developing countries and there is a high willingness to travel independently. Before corona, the market share for FIT tourism remained stable for many years. In 2018, 36% of German tourists booked their accommodations directly, compared to 34% in 2010. In 2019, this rate dropped to 35%.

Germany is by far the largest economy in the EU and the fourth-largest in the world with a gross domestic product (GDP) of €3.5 trillion, or €43 thousand per capita. According to Reiseanalyse, the percentage of German travellers booking package tours in 2019 was 45%, rising 3% since 2010. In the same period, online bookings increased significantly from 26% to 44%. The percentage of travellers booking their transportation independently was 15%. 56% of German travellers use an online travel agency to book a trip , which is more than the British (47%) and the French (44%).

Germans have an ever-growing concern about the sustainability of holidays, as 73% feel at least a little guilty about climate consequences when they travel by air. Furthermore, 61% of German tourists feel positive towards sustainable trips, but only 6% are acting on it. This means there is still a large gap between the attitude and actual behaviour of these tourists.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a huge drop in outgoing travel in 2020, it also made German travellers even more eager to travel the world, as 62% of the travellers have a heightened desire to see more of the world. 60% won’t take travel for granted in the future, which is comparable to the global average of 61%. The German vaccination rate is comparable to most other Western European countries, with 42% of the adult population being fully vaccinated by July 2021.

Hygiene safety measures are important for German travellers, but less important compared to other European countries. Only 51% of the German travellers, compared to 70% globally, will book an accommodation if it is clear about health and hygiene policies. 47% of travellers accept health checks on arrival, which is much lower than the global average of 67%.

Table 1: German travellers’ long-haul destinations in 2019 compared to 2017

Source: Reiseanalyse

When targeting German travellers, you need to offer sufficient information to attract German FITs. They tend to seek a lot of information before deciding to go visit a place. Like most Europeans, Germans are quite straightforward in their communication style, but they are also well known for their organisation and punctuality. In general, they don’t like changes and you need very good arguments if you intend to deviate your offering from the arrangement. As Germans tend to travel a lot, most German travellers are very experienced.

The United Kingdom offers the second-largest European market for free independent travellers

Looking at holidays spent abroad, 50% of British travellers booked their travel and accommodation themselves , using different travel companies. As many as 15% of British travellers choose to travel solo as FITs. Turkey (1.6 million trips), Thailand and India (each with 1 million trips) are the most visited developing country destinations by British tourists, according to UNWTO data.

When booking a trip, British travellers have a lower preference for all-inclusive holidays compared to German and French tourists. However, the demand for all-inclusive and package holidays saw a comeback in 2019 , mainly caused by travel to Egypt and Turkey.

Compared to other European source countries, British travellers are more demanding and assertive if their requirements are not met. In general, they will ask for a lot of information on possible activities.   

The COVID-19 pandemic has made British travellers even more eager to travel the world, as 47% of travellers have a heightened desire to see more of the world.

Hygiene safety measures are important for British travellers, compared to German and Dutch travellers. 68% of the British travellers, compared to 70% globally, will book an accommodation if it is clear about health and hygiene policies. 63% of travellers accept health checks on arrival, which is comparable to the global average of 67%. The United Kingdom currently has the highest vaccination rate in Europe, with 50% of the adult population being fully vaccinated by July 2021.

With a population of 66 million and a gross domestic product of €2.3 trillion, the United Kingdom is the fifth-largest economy in the world and the second in Europe. The UK’s GDP per capita is €38 thousand per year, meaning the British have least disposable income among the top FIT markets in Europe.

From our top-6 countries, according to experts, the French have the lowest preference for independent travel. However, France is a very important source market, especially for French-speaking destinations such as Morocco. Also, French travellers enjoy more, and longer holiday trips in comparison to German and British tourists. They also have a higher preference for holidays with their families and relaxation.

When booking online, online travel agents (OTAs) (44%), search engines (38%) and travel reviews sites are the most important sources when booking a trip. Their preference for OTAs is slightly lower than the preference of German and British travellers, however.  

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a huge drop in outgoing travel in 2020, it also made French travellers even more eager to travel the world. 45% of travellers have a heightened desire to see more of the world. 65% of travellers won’t take travel for granted in the future, which is about equal to the global average of 61%. 38% of the adult population was fully vaccinated by July 2021, which is less than most other Western European countries. Many French are sceptical about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Hygiene safety measures are relatively important for French travellers, compared to German and Dutch travellers. 64% of the French travellers, compared to 70% globally, will book an accommodation if it is clear about health and hygiene policies. 66% of travellers accept health spot checks on arrival, which is comparable to the global average of 67%.

After the UK, France has the third-biggest GDP of Europe and the seventh-largest of the world, with about €2.3 trillion in 2019. Their population count is just over 65 million. Just like other European source countries, France saw a serious decline in their GDP in 2020. The average  holiday budget has decreased from €2,201 in 2019 to €1,522 in 2020. This is comparable to the holiday budget of the Germans.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands has a huge potential for independent travel, as according to research by GFK, only 3% always book via a tour operator. They are also very disloyal, as only 10% always book their trip via the same supplier. Therefore, Dutch travellers are relatively easy to convince to become your customer, but hard to maintain as a client. An important driver for this behaviour is that Dutch independent travellers are very price conscious. They compare many offerings before they choose the best deal.  

The fear of violence, price, political stability and the chance of (COVID-19) infections are the most important drivers when choosing a destination. Over 75% of tourists mainly book their trips online. Dutch travellers don’t value luxurious accommodations but want to make the most out of their trips by being physically active. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has made Dutch travellers even more eager to travel the world, as 26% of travellers have a heightened desire to see more of the world. 45% won’t take travel for granted in the future, which is below the global average of 61%. 44% of the adult population was fully vaccinated by July 2021, which is a bit higher than most Western European countries, but lower than the United Kingdom.

Hygiene safety measures are important for Dutch travellers, but less important compared to other European countries. Only 52% of the Dutch travellers, compared to 70% globally, will book an accommodation if it is clear about health and hygiene policies. 50% of travellers accept health checks on arrival, which is much lower than the global average of 67%.

Sweden offers a wealthy but small market, with a population of 10.3 million and a GDP per capita of €41 thousand. Swedish travellers consider travelling sustainably to be very important. They prefer to book their travel before their flight and especially prefer adventure travel . 98% of the Swedish prefer to book their trips online. When on holiday, 61% prefers a digital detox, especially those between 35 and 55.

Although most Swedish travellers book online, word of mouth is the main source influencing destination choices. 72% of Swedish travellers argue that talking to others influences their destination choice, compared to a European average of 40%.  

Denmark has a high percentage of free independent travellers

Denmark offers a small market: less than 6 million people. However, Denmark’s GDP per capita is approximately €54 thousand, which means the Danish have budget for travel expenditures. The Danes spend on average €2,000 on a summer holiday , which they normally book in January or February. Many Danes prefer adventurous travel ; according to UNWTO’s 2017 statistics, more Danes visit developing country destinations proportionally than the European average: 15.8% versus 12.4%.

For the Danes, the most important reasons to return to the same destination for a holiday are the natural features and the cultural and historical attractions. Many Danes, especially the fully independent travellers, speak more than one foreign language, such as English and German.

  • Focus on Denmark or Sweden if you aim to maximise a limited marketing budget. These countries have relatively small populations, but incomes are high and their travellers are highly focused on FIT tourism.
  • Offer great quality and sustainable holidays when attracting Swedish travellers, as it is very likely that good experiences by Swedish travellers will lead to more tourists.
  • Study your target markets. Update your knowledge by analysing statistics, for example, about the German holiday market and the British holiday market .

4. What trends offer opportunities in the European FIT tourism market?

Local and unique experiences are growing in demand.

The free independent traveller is looking for a unique experience, more so than a regular tourist. This includes, for example, contact with local communities and experiencing daily life. FITs want to experience ordinary life in the places they visit, including doing and seeing things that locals do and see. Fully independent travellers want to meet and talk with locals to get a real feeling of how life is in their country.

Figure 2: Enjoying a cooking class and learning to prepare local food can be a unique experience

Enjoying a cooking class and learning to prepare local food

Source: Shutterstock

Note that most FITs also want to see the main touristic highlights and visit the same destinations as package tourists. Even for young travellers, famous sights and attractions are still the number-one priority when travelling, followed by adventure experiences, special local food and spontaneous experiences with locals. FITs aim to experience ordinary life and unique experiences on top of the main attractions. This is especially the case where life in the places they visit differs from their lives at home.

  • Develop activities with local agents, since it does not take much to create interesting activities. This can be as simple as a bike tour through surrounding villages, visiting local businesses or agriculture, and getting travellers into contact with locals. An example is Chambok Community , a village in Cambodia where visitors join in activities with locals, such as helping to collect food or going on a tractor ride. Read our study on community-based tourism to learn more on how to offer local experiences.
  • Offer workshops, which are easy to set up and accessible for tourists, for example, a cooking workshop where you learn to make local food specialities. Other examples include dyeing umbrellas in Thailand, dyeing textiles in Guatemala, or making music in Brazil on the rhythm of samba, milonga, chamame, and chacarera. More examples of these forms of creative tourism can be found in our study on the opportunities for cultural tourism .
  • Use local forms of transport, like riding an oxcart or a tuk-tuk .
  • Start something close to a tourist attraction or on a route between attractions. European FITs want to travel efficiently.

Keep in mind that most European tourists prefer comfort, demand clean beds and choose to stay in places that are in line with an idealised image of a country, not necessarily what the experience of locals actually is. Check the Asian Homestay Standard , which offer standards on hosting, accommodation, activities, management, location, hygiene and cleanliness, safety and security, marketing, and sustainability principles. However, keep in mind that this standard is not a regulation. Read it as a source of inspiration and talk to your clients to learn what they really want.

  • Adjust your homestay to European standards but keep the rest intact. Existing facilities can be uncomfortable for Europeans. For any visits longer than an hour, you need at least seats and a toilet. For overnight stays, you will need a clean bed and a shower. If you can’t assure a clean bed, avoid overnight stays.
  • Ask your European clients for precise instructions about the comfort needs of your guests.
  • Offer enough diversity and options in the food you serve. Although most FITs want to experience the local cuisine, Europeans likely won’t understand three rice meals a day, for example. Ideally, if you can, offer local cuisine with a lot of variety. For inspiration, read about the food offered by a Dutch tour operator on the Inca trail in Peru or read our study on food and wine tourism .
  • Understand your clients and listen to them. Many visitors will appreciate locals wearing traditional clothing or performing a ritual dance, for example. Others may be disappointed, finding it contrived and no reflective of actual daily life.

Increasing price consciousness

Many independent travellers are very price conscious, and some experts expect this number to grow. Due to increased use of the internet, and better search engine algorithms, the market is becoming increasingly transparent. This gives independent travellers the opportunity to compare your offerings with many competitors and choose the deal with the best value for money. Many travellers are willing to book with a local tour operator or destination management company directly, to cut the margins of a European tour operator.

Increasing demand for sustainability

Although the demand for sustainable travel is a general trend, FITs have an even higher demand for sustainable travel, because in general they are younger and more educated. 

According to Booking.com , the top-5 most important eco-friendly practices when considering an accommodation to stay in are solar energy (67%), sustainable water system (43%), low-flow showers and toilets (36%), organic restaurants and food options (31%) and recycling baskets in the room (29%). Eco lodges are very popular among travellers because it is an expression of having an eco-friendly and sustainable business. An example in Myanmar is A Little Eco Lodge .

Most tourists associate sustainability with environmental sustainability. However, interest in how the community is affected by their travel is increasing as well.

  • Start small and find something eco-friendly that your area is good at to show to tourists, like reducing plastic waste. Start for example by examining your receipts to find out which items contribute the most to plastic waste and then choose a top 3 to eliminate or reduce. Another way of doing this is to identify which plastic items are being used out of habit rather than necessity, and remove these completely. 
  • Keep comparing your prices to other similar businesses. Many free independent travellers will choose sustainable trips, but they will refrain from booking when the differences in price are too big.
  • Target older FITs if your accommodation offers high comfort. Older FITs are more experienced travellers who demand more comfort, have more budget and are less tied to seasons.
  • Explain to independent travellers how their trip benefits the local community. Examples of doing so are explaining about jobs that are provided and products that are being sold, offering the community the ability to sustain their families.
  • Make sure your website accepts a valid European online pay method ; it helps build trust and rapport with customers, when all they know about your business is your website. Read also the CBI study on how to implement online payments .

Experiences shared online

FITs often get inspiration online from blogs, vlogs and other sources. Complete travel reports and reviews in those sources give tourists a good view of how other people have experienced their journeys and destinations. They make it easier for the tourist to decide what to visit based on other people’s reviews.

Many tourists share their own experiences online, for example, on Airbnb , Backstreet Academy , Local Alike and Resirest .

  • Invite bloggers to write about your area. If possible, let them come and stay free of charge.
  • Read the CBI study on how to start a travel blog to learn about using it to attract tourists.
  • Improve the impression that tourists get from your website: display online reviews, memberships in organisations like a regional tourism board, and certifications such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification . 
  • Respond quickly to emails. Flexibility is important for tourists and they want quick responses on questions and bookings, preferably by the next day at the latest.
  • Offer alternatives if you can’t meet the requests of FITs, who are often very flexible.

Health and safety measures become more important

The COVID-19 pandemic can be expected to have a major impact on travellers’ attitudes towards hygiene. Safety and hygiene standards have become paramount and may even become non-negotiable, because travellers simply require these to be at an appropriate standard.

Travellers will be more reluctant to travel to tourism hot spots and may need more persuasion to perceive a destination or your business as safe. Precautions and explaining how the initial COVID-19 outbreak was handled will help to convince travellers that they will be safe at a specific destination, location or service business.

It is expected that hygiene will impact the way people travel to and within a destination. This applies to, for example, hygiene standards, whether face masks are compulsory, and seat spacing. Price may become less important than hygiene and travelling in groups with strangers is probably becoming less attractive.

Women are more cautious regarding health and safety standards than men. Countries in southern Europe and the United Kingdom find it more acceptable to have health spot checks on arrival compared to Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries.

A consequence of the higher emphasis on health and hygiene is a higher demand for small-scale accommodations. The expectations are that prices of small-scale accommodation will rise when visitors return. 

This study was carried out on behalf of CBI by Molgo and ETFI .

Please review our market information disclaimer .

  • Entering the European market for the FIT segment

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Aside from the traditional game drives and boat rides as key activities in Uganda, it is increasingly evident that the destination is drifting toward a more active, adventurous one. Tour/safari packages come with a blend of tracking, trekking, cycling, rafting, ziplining, tubing and cultural encounter activities, among others. These demand a fair level of physical fitness on the part of the traveller. It is therefore important for international sellers and travellers to inquire about the physical demands in the safari packages to ensure they have the ability to fully enjoy the offer! This said, much slower and less physically demanding safaris can be offered. Ntale Benedict, director of Ape Treks
 I love the creativity of preparing unique itineraries for independent travellers and being able not only to meet their individual needs but also offer some tailor-made, authentic experiences that match their interests. This gives smaller companies like ours an opportunity to design activities which support conservation and community development and ensure that their visitors gain a deeper insight into the places they visit and have a positive impact on them. Lesley Harris, managing director of Venture Uganda Travel

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  1. FIT Travel: All About Independence

    They range anywhere in age from millennials to retirees, but generally, they have above-average incomes that allow for independent travel, which can be more expensive than traveling with an organized group. But what all FITs share, by definition, is a desire to avoid mass tourism in favor of an individualized, independent approach.

  2. Independent Travel: Everything You Need To Know and ...

    Taken literally, independent travel means any trip that you organise by yourself - booking your own accommodation, transport and itinerary as opposed to going somewhere as part of a holiday package. What it usually means is the kind of trip that involves travelling on a shoe-string, staying in hostels and prioritising experiences over luxury.

  3. What's the Difference Between Guided, Self-Guided, and Independent Travel?

    Or, you can skip tourist hot spots and go for more off-the-beaten-path experiences. Ultimately, you can set your budget limits and stick to it. Pace is completely up to you: Independent travel allows for a pace of travel that matches your travel preferences. Lots of space for flexibility and change of plans: If you want flexibility to change ...

  4. Self-Guided vs. Guided vs. Independent Travel

    3 cons of independent travel 1. It's less safe. Similar to self-guided travel tours, independent travel means you don't have a guide or anyone to protect you if things go wrong. If you find yourself sick, lost, or in an emergency situation, you're the only one who has your back. It's always safest to travel with a guide; however, if you ...

  5. What Is a Free Independent Traveler

    Definition of a Free Independent Traveler. A Free Independent Traveler, often referred to as an FIT, is an individual who embraces a self-guided and independent approach to travel. They prioritize freedom and flexibility, opting to plan their own itineraries, make their own travel arrangements, and venture off the beaten path.

  6. Guided Tours vs Independent Travel

    Independent travel is a challenge but, like any challenge, it comes with its rewards. Backpackers who hit the road by themselves and dive headfirst into the whirlwind of organizing everything on their own will quickly acquire great time management, haggling, and language skills. Independent travel can be the ultimate confidence booster.

  7. 10 Benefits of Going Guided vs. Independent Travel

    One of the benefits of guided tours is that the Tour Directors are passionate travelers, too. They have a rolodex of restaurants recs, cultural knowledge, and free time suggestions to pass along to you. "I loved the Tour Director, he made everything so easy," said traveler Lydia. "I really appreciated that part of the tour.

  8. Guided Tours vs Independent Travel in 2024: Expert Tips

    Guided Tours vs Independent Travel in 2023. A guided tour company typically offers the convenience of an "all-in" price, with a local guide and all the trip planning done for you. In contrast, independent travel offers the freedom to choose your agenda around your budget. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation says group tours ...

  9. What are independent tours and why you need to do them

    Independent Travel. We found harmony: the richness, depth of immersion and unconventionality of independent travel plus a ready-made program on a unique itinerary with a guide. We tell you how and why you need such trips. My first ever package tour was "burning" Mexico. It was there that I found some crazy friends who, like me, were bored ...

  10. Guided Tour vs Independent Travel & How we do it?

    Independent travel is everyone's dream. And independent travel means different to different people. For us, independent travel means freedom. no time limit, go wherever; do it all by yourself, not being dependent on anyone. But I think independent travel is a utopian concept - from renting a car to sitting on an aircraft, to booking a hotel ...

  11. Package Holidays vs. Independent Travel: Which is Right for You?

    Package Holidays. As we mentioned earlier, Thomas Cook, was one of the early pioneers of this business model. This simple idea yet revolutionary of providing people an all inclusive (not to be confused with the type of board) experience which consisted of: travel to and from, accommodation and the tour of the attraction itself.

  12. Independent Travel vs Organized Tours? The Pros and Cons

    The perks of independent travel…. It's all in one word: freedom. When you travel on your own: » you can do what you want. » you can decide your own pace. » anytime, you can change plans, staying longer in place you love, shortening your stay if you've had enough, and you can modify your itinerary upon your inspiration or valuable ...

  13. Have you ever heard the term Fully Independent Traveler (FIT)?

    According to the Solo Traveler Reader Survey, 70% of solo travelers preferred to stay completely independent while traveling. 40% spend $1,000 on average per week, excluding airfare, while 30% spend $2,500 on average per week.. Another way to assess the potential value of catering to the needs of FITs is to take a look at the solo travel search trends on major search engines.

  14. (PDF) The Nature of Independent Travel

    Abstract and Figures. Independent travel is an important and growing sector of worldwide tourism. This study examines the extent of travel planning by independent travelers, the extent to which ...

  15. Independent Traveler Decision-Making

    Independent travel is an important and growing sector of worldwide tourism. Choice of vacation itinerary for the independent vacation represents a complex series of decisions regarding purchase of multiple leisure and tourism services. This chapter builds and tests a model of independent traveler decision-making for choice of vacation itinerary.

  16. Self-Guided & Independent Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

    Self-guided and independent travel occurs when an individual navigates a destination alone rather than with a group or following an escorted tour. Like escorted tours, independent trips offer many options, from the travel style to destinations and activities. You don't need to be a highly experienced, fearless traveler to go on an independent tour.

  17. Mass tourism vs. Independent travel

    Independent travel. It is a fast growing segment of tourism as booking tools and details about the destinations start to be more widely available. Some of these tourists prefer to plan and book everything in advance, while other prefer to plan their trips up-front only at a high level and leave the details for when they are at the destination.

  18. Independent tourist knowledge and skills

    Independent travel has become an important trend in modern tourism. ... proposed that the definition of independent tourists can be extended to vacation tourists who only purchase international air ticket or accommodations from travel agencies or through the internet. The term independent tourist should apply to those tourists who have ...

  19. What is FIT And GIT in The Tourism

    For instance, FIT and GIT in tourism are such travel terms that people are mostly confused about. It is important to understand what FIT and GIT in tourism mean to avoid any future problems during your travel. FIT (free independent traveler) definition: FIT in tourism is an acronym for Free Independent Travelers.

  20. The Nature of Independent Travel

    Abstract. Independent travel is an important and growing sector of worldwide tourism. This study examines the extent of travel planning by independent travelers, the extent to which travel plans are actioned, and the temporal sequence in which vacation elements are chosen. In-depth case studies were completed on 20 international travel parties ...

  21. The European market potential for free independent traveller tourism

    Free independent travellers (FITs) are travellers who plan their own trips and prefer to travel alone or in small groups. They are the opposite of mass tourists, who travel in large groups and buy predefined travel packages. Eastern European markets are more engaged in mass tourism, while FIT tourism is becoming the norm in Western European and Scandinavian countries.

  22. What is Independent Travel

    Definition of Independent Travel: Any trip organized by the individual without pre-booking or purchase of a package tour, or booked with a minimum of travel services, e.g. transportation or accommodation, before departure. ... Conclusions drawn contribute to a better understanding of independent travel by youths and may help tourism businesses ...

  23. Meaningful travel: Women, independent travel and the ...

    Pereira and Silva (2018), who developed a conceptual framework that relates women's travel preferences to tourism experiences, link independent women's travel experiences to the 'desire to learn ...