I think that the best way for travelers to experience a country is on their own, rather than with a tour guide. In many respects, traveling with a guide is like having someone take your place. Instead of exploring on your own, you follow the leader, he/she gets things done, and you miss out on some of the experience. Travel on your own is a more adventurous, and memorable, way to see a country.

The statement above suggests that the best way to travel is with a tour guide, but I disagree. While there are definitely some benefits to travelling with a guide, I believe that travelling alone is the best way to see a country. There are arguments on both sides, but I believe that travelling alone allows you to experience more of the culture, see more of the region, and accomplish more goals than if you were with a guide.

The first reason to travel with a guide is convenience. The guide organizes the itinerary for you. You don’t have to worry about planning where to go and what to see. The guide is knowledgeable and has the contacts necessary to put you in touch with local guides, restaurants, and hotels. You also don’t have to worry about finding transportation or finding a place to stay. You can take a train, bus, or plane with your guide. Your guide will take care of scheduling your transportation, booking your hotel, and arranging your accommodations for the night.

This convenience comes with some costs, though. A guide will almost certainly charge for their services. The average cost of a guided tour is $400 per day, and that includes your transportation. This does not include food and drinks, which can quickly add up. You also need to be prepared to tip your guide, usually 15% to 20%. You might also have to pay extra for special accommodations, such as a room with a view or a private tour guide. In addition, you might not be able to deviate from the itinerary, as your guide has planned.

Some people think that taking the public transportation and staying in hostels is the best way to save money when travelling. Those people would be wrong. If you really want to save money, you should travel alone. Hiring a guide enables you to travel with the comfort and luxury of a private car, tour bus, or a hotel room. You are not forced to share transportation or accommodations with strangers. You can eat at restaurants without worrying that you are paying too much for your food. You may be able to sleep in nicer hotels. All of this adds up to a better vacation.

The second reason to travel with a guide is safety. Traveling alone can be dangerous in some parts of the world. For example, many cities in India are chaotic and filled with touts. If your budget is limited, it is cheaper to hire a guide, as your guide can negotiate with the touts for a better price. Some tour guides are trained to spot scams, such as people attempting to rip you off in hotels or restaurants. They can help you avoid trouble and unnecessary costs. You also have someone on hand who can speak the local language, if needed.

While some people travel alone, others prefer to have a guide. This is usually because they enjoy traveling in groups. They like to share the experience of being in a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. They like being able to share their impressions with each other at the end of the trip. Some like knowing someone can take care of any problems that arise. Others like the sense of security that comes with having a guide. They feel safer when a guide accompanies them. They may not feel safe travelling alone, especially if they are not familiar with the area or the local customs.

Traveling with a guide provides many advantages, but travelling alone allows you to experience more, see more, and accomplish more.