When it comes to planning a trip to India,
every traveler wants to make the most of their vacation and wishes for the
perfect tour. But believe it or not, this is not so easy as it may seem because
every individual has their style of doing things especially when it comes to
travel. There is never a right or wrong way of doing things when it comes to
traveling. Whether you are going with friends on a group tour or with your
family on a private tour, it is completely your choice. Nevertheless, there are
differences in private tours to India
and escorted group tours to India.
So many questions crop up while planning your
trip. What exactly is the difference between an escorted group tour and a
private tour? Would a private tour include a guide and driver? Are private
tours restricted just for honeymooners or can big families book a private tour?
Would a group tour be of better value while traveling with a large family?
Don’t let these questions hold you back as this blog will surely help you
choose the right tour for you. So let’s review the pros and cons of both group
and private tours to India.
Private Tours:
Pros:
1. Complete freedom and flexibility
The travelers opting for private tours have
full freedom to choose exactly what they want to do during the tour. They do
not have to depend on following a rigid schedule or itinerary like in an
escorted group tour. There is a lot of room for flexibility and changes on a
private tour. This is the main reason why people choose private tours over
group tours.
2. Travelers can explore each destination at
their own pace
Each traveler is different from another,
especially when it comes to the time they want to spend at different
destinations. While some may want to spend hours sightseeing other may want to
sample the local cuisine in between whereas others may want to spend their time
in retail therapy! This is another advantage private tours have over escorted
tours as private tours give them complete control over their time and they are
free to enjoy whatever they wish to do.
3. Private tours to India offer more
exclusivity
Those opting for group tours travel together
with their group members in a bus with little to no room for privacy, whereas
those travelers choosing private tours are provided with a private vehicle, no
matter if you are traveling solo or you are with your family and friends. Private
tours to India are also a great choice for those travelers with specific
preferences including older people, young children or the disabled.
Cons:
1. Private tours to India are more expensive
as compared to group tours
It may seem like private tours are a tad more
costly as compared to group tours. But it is a fact that in that extra price, the
traveler can enjoy exclusive services which are less likely in a group tour.
For instance, a guide and chauffeur is appointed exclusively for the guest in
private tours offering some of the most premium services. Essentially, by
paying little more cash the traveler can enjoy complete flexibility and
exclusivity.
Escorted Group Tours:
Pros:
1. Escorted tours are ideal for travelers on a
tight budget
The greatest advantage of escorted group tours have
over private tours to India is that
they are a little less pricey. This is mostly due to special discounts and
offers that are usually available for group travel. While this option maybe
great for those travelers who are looking to travel in a budget, like students
or backpackers, it may not be such a good idea for families or young couples
looking for a leisurely trip.
2. Meet new people while discovering new
places
Traveling in groups can help ease the pressure
of making new friends and acquaintances from all over the globe and create
wonderful memories together as a single unit. People of different cultures and
traditions mingle in a group tour and forge strong bonds of companionship which
again is not possible in a private tour.
Cons:
1. Travelers are required to follow a
rigid schedule
Escorted group tours often have a pre-decided
itinerary and everything about the tour is prearranged. While it could be taken
as an advantage it can also be a disadvantage in its own way. Travelers have
little to no control over what they want to see and when. Normally, group tours
often have fixed meeting places and allow little to no flexibility. Imagine you
want to see the sunrise at the Taj Mahal but you are waiting for a group member
who is running late! The itineraries of group tours are fixed, so it’s most
likely that changes will not be accommodated that easily during the tour.
2. Travelers have regular services with no
exclusivity
Unlike private tours to India, an escorted
group tour may or may not have a personal guide as the group will be usually
led on by a tour manager or a tour leader who will be in charge of everyone who
is a part of the group. All group members will also have to share
transportation and maybe even hotel rooms with other travelers.
So, if you are a sort of a person who has
specific ideas of what you want to do and where you want to go and is not so keen
on meeting strangers, group tours are out of the question for you! Private tours to India will offer you an ideal sojourn with complete freedom and
flexibility.
