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Traveloka PH

30 Oct 2018 - 3 min read

Tour Package or DIY: Which Way of Travel is Best for You?

1. Budget

Tour Package - If you book a packaged tour, chances are everything is already prepaid and covered before the trip. You won’t have to think about having to allocate money for entrance fees or change for the metro. If you’re the type who's careless about spending, then it might be best to book a packaged tour. With this, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is pocket money and maybe some extra cash for shopping and pasalubong. DIY - While going DIY means you’ll have to plan and track your own expenses, this also means you have the freedom to go full on tipid mode by skipping the expensive attractions and prioritizing what really interests you.

2. Schedule

Tour Package- If you’re the type who can sleep thru five alarms and a thunderstorm, then joining a pre-organized tour might not be for you. Your tardiness could literally delay a whole bus of people and everyone will know. The good thing about it though is you never have to worry about filling up your day, you will literally be hopping from one place to another until dinner time (if that’s your thing). DIY - Laid-back travelers will enjoy going DIY on their trips because they won’t have to wake up too early or get stuck to a strict schedule. Since you’re in control of your day, you can even decide to stay indoors. However, if you’re not the planning type, you might end up doing nothing.

3. Getting Around

Tour Package- One of the biggest advantages of booking a packaged tour is that they do all the work for you. If you’re with a big tour group, you’ll most probably be in one van or bus the entire trip. You won’t have to go thru the trouble of figuring out the commute routes or reading foreign maps. DIY - Exploring a country on your own will mean having to figure out the local commute systems with the high chance of getting lost. If you consider yourself an expert navigator then this might sound exciting, if not, then good luck.

4. Meeting People

Tour Package- Most packaged tours will combine people into one big group, which means a bigger chance of making new friends. You’ll be spending most of your waking hours together so even if you’re not the friendly type, you’re bound to form some sort of connection with someone. DIY - Deciding to go DIY on your trip to a foreign country will mean having to ask locals and fellow travelers for advice. While this does not guarantee new friends, this is a great way to meet new people from all walks of life.

5. Safety

Tour Package- It’s undeniable that packaged tours are much safer, especially if you book with reputable organizations. There’s always safety in traveling along with a big group, and you won’t have to go through anything alone. DIY - Even if you have a travel companion with you, there’s always going to be a risk in exploring a foreign place without a guide. Obviously, like in any place, you will just have to be extra careful with your valuables and be more aware of your surroundings.

6. Communication

Tour Package- Guided tours will always have an English speaker to translate everything for you. DIY - Don’t forget to bring a phrase book or Google translate along with you when visiting a non-English speaking country! It would also help if you learn basic phrases and greetings pertaining to how much an item would cost, where to go for help and more.

7. Fun

Tour Package- If you decide to join a tour group, you might have to endure parts or stops you won’t enjoy and you won’t be able to do anything about it. DIY - The exciting part about going DIY is that you can be spontaneous and do things just the way YOU like it. You will have the freedom to get lost and stumble upon hidden gems like a homegrown restaurant or a cool boutique.

8. General Difference

Tour Package- Those who choose to book a packaged tour are those who prefer the comfort of knowing what to expect. Everything will be organized and arranged for you before the trip, so the only thing you’ll have to worry about is waking up on time and packing the right items. DIY - Plan everything out on your own from visa applications to budget breakdowns. Going DIY is best for those who don’t mind making wrong turns and getting lost. Everything from where you decide to eat and what you decide to see is entirely up to you.

What type of traveler are you?

In the end, it really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. The smart thing to do is to weigh your options. If you enjoy the freedom of going on your own then choose DIY. If traveling with family or a big group, then a more organized tour package might be better for you. Plan your trip now! Book your own tour packages and activities in a breeze with Traveloka. ]]>

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