Thread 2833526

I've decided to travel abroad more and I'm planning a few trips (all in Europe for now). I'm torn between two options and I want to hear your pros and cons. My feeling on guided tours is this:

Pros:
>Don't have to worry about shit like working hours for attractions/ferries etc.
>All insurance taken care of for you
>Guide gives you context on what you're looking at
>Might meet qt3.14 fellow travelers
Cons:
>Have to get up at ungodly hours to catch planes/trains etc.
>Have to cater to whoever the slowest boomer in the group is
>Generally frantic pace, can't stay anywhere too long
>Significantly more expensive
>You primarily visit tourist traps

I'm kind of a travel noob so it might be that I need the guidance even though I'd like a slower pace. What do you think?

>>2833526 (OP)

spend a week or two delving into your destination on YouTube, read recomendations on the rick Steves website, and read a travel book or two. then you will know everything you need to know to pick out an itinerary that suits you. I did group travel with a bunch of randoms for my first travel, for the reasons you listed. I wasn't sure I could do it. but it was shit. I went again with just my gf and it was 1000x better. just do research to pick what you wanna do. if you go in a group someone will always walk slow, you will miss shit constantly, women absolutely ruin trips, or it could be some faggy loser cuck guy that's being annoying. travel is definitely best with one person, but I guess could be fun with like 3 other people at maximum (if you know them really well and are on the same page). seriously, either go with a friend or alone. group trips are super gay, you will hate it

>>2833526 (OP)
if you're blowing through multiple cities/countries then guided tours are probably cheaper. you only get 2 or 3 days per city but that's enough time to get through all the major stuff. if you stick to one city then you're better off on your own.

i've been on two guided trips and they've always put me in good hotels in good areas that are away from all the enrichment

you can do both, like get a few hours of guided tour in the city you're in and then go explore on your own