Why Italy - travel to Italy on your own?

travel to Italy on your own?

I'm comparing traveling to Italy, making my own arrangements versus going on the package tours. Advantages? $$ savings ???

Public Comments

The advantage is you can visit places loner or shorter times as you wish rather than being under the control of a guide. You can make side trips to places of interest. You can avoid things you don't wish to see. When at major attractions you can usually purchase tickets at the hotel and save a couple of hours standing in line. Buy several books and study what seems like things you want to see. Allow a couple of extra days in case you want to stay at some places longer. What I don't like about package tours is sometimes they take you to places so they get a kick back on things you buy.
No! Do not take tours. You will never get to know Italy. There is nothing like getting to know the city with a map in your hand, asking questions... I went to Rome in 2006 and stayed in a Hostel- The Yellow. It was a group of 4 girls ages 25-28. There, we met an incredible amount of people- most traveling alone. Hostels usually have their own mini day tours and night time pub crawls. The good thing about the Hostels is that you meet young people (about 20-35) with the same interests as you. Hostels are also cheaper. It's about 20-40 dollars a night per bed. This depends on how many beds you want in your room. Hostels are like college dorms. You share a room to sleep in, they have rooms with 2-12 or more beds), you share the multiple showers, a kitchen... They also have a bar, free lockers and security is very good. Success!
Personally, I would vote for self-planning instead of package tour. I like to be able to custom plan my trip, and yet have the flexibility to change my mind as I go along. I don't want to have to wait around and herded on and off buses day in day out. I want to start early when I can't sleep, or sleep in if I feel tired. On days if I feel like taking it easy, I can. Or if I feel like a maniac trying to visit 5 museums in a day, I could ;) *-*-*-*-*-* Travelling by yourself - pros: - selection of places you want to visit - visit at your own pace and not dictated by others - cheaper (tour companies have to make profit somehow) - option to stay off the beaten track - flexibility to change your mind and change your plan - meet other travellers (especially if you're staying at hostels) Travelling by yourself - cons: - require planning work (could be tedious, esp if trip duration is long) - need to navigate your way around (nothing a good map can't help) - may be lonely (if you find it difficult to strike conversation with strangers) - budget planning may be tricky esp if there are changes to be made etc Travelling by package tour - pros: - all planning, transport, accommodation sorted - guides while on transport from one place to another, and at location - meet new people (although same faces for the entire tour duration) - scheduled itinerary (keep organised people happy) - relatively good idea on costs involved and money needed for the holiday Travelling by package tour - cons: - expensive in comparison to self planning - "seeing"/"visiting" a place may well mean passing it while you're on the bus looking out (that's not getting to know the place - that's fly by visit) - optional extra charges for interesting cultural-related events (those who pays go, if you choose not to you'll be left on your own) - scheduled itinerary (frustrating for more relaxed travellers)
make your own arrangements!! it will be more fun. more convenient and you will learn a lot about local culture and people. Go on line. I have been to italy on my own and it was great!
Peccato, non so l´inglese, comunque vieni pure in Italia, è il paese piú bello del mondo!!
Take me with U!!
I went to Italy on a tour a few years back and although i saw a lot and had an amazing time i could have used a vacation to relax after the tour. when i go again i plan to make my own arrangements you can get around Italy with the Euro rail, my sister did that this summer and she was able to see a lot too she also rented a villa in Priano for a week and loved it. go to expedia or orbitz for good deals they always have them! Whatever you decide Im sure you'll have a blast!
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