Map in Hand or Guide by Your Side? Finding Your Perfect Travel Style

Once the decision on the destination has finally been made, that’s when the real planning begins. Some destinations are absolutely made for independent travel – perfect if you like doing things in your own time, following your curiosity and not being tied to a schedule. In others, an organised or guided holiday will give you the chance to get off the beaten track, immerse yourself in the culture, history and geography of the country, and save yourself a lot of time and stress in the planning.

Over the past thirty years I’ve done both, and for very different reasons. I’d say naturally I’m more of an independent traveller, but in places like Cambodia, China, Mongolia and the Caucasus, joining a small guided group meant I saw places, learnt more and experienced things I simply wouldn’t have if I’d travelled on my own.

Here are some tips that may help when deciding what is the best way to travel.

Self-Drive Holidays

A self-drive trip is one of the most popular forms of independent travel.  Destinations like Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Canada, USA, South Africa, Namibia and Europe are perfect for self- driving .

With your own car, you can:

• Explore off the beaten track - Stop at that viewpoint, a tiny village or a café you spotted out of the corner of your eye.
• Set your own pace Early starts and long days, or lazy mornings and short drives - it’s completely up to you.
• Change your plans as you go Fall in love with a place and stay longer. Or not loving it, move on. You’re not locked into a fixed timetable.

Travelling Independently by Train, Ferry or Bus

But independent travel doesn’t have to mean driving. In many places,(eg  island hopping around Greece or Croatia, or travelling by train through Europe or Japan), is an easy, efficient and surprisingly relaxing way to get from one location to the next.

This style of travel usually:

• Requires a little more pre-planning.  You’ll want to check timetables, routes, and buy tickets in advance (especially in busy seasons).
• Let's you choose your own route.  As long as there is a train, bus or ferry you  can decide which towns and cities to include,
• Gives you a more “local” experience. Sharing a carriage or ferry with commuters and families gives a very different feel to being on a coach of fellow tourists.

Independent travel by public transport is ideal if you like the idea of slow, sustainable travel and  don’t want to drive abroad,

Guided Travel: Stories, Shortcuts and Stress-Free Exploring

On the other hand, sometimes an organised trip is the better option – and that doesn’t have to mean a huge coach, 40 people and following a flag for two weeks.

There are so many ways to travel, without losing the joy of discovery and  in most situation keep a sense of independent travel.

An organised holiday could be:

• A cycling or walking holiday,. Either with a  group or on your own, follow carefully planned routes with luggage transfers, per booked hotels and in some cases if you decide not to walk one day take the transfer to your next destination. Some great walking  and cycling destinations include New Zealand, Switzerland, Georgia and South America.

·        A small group itinerary.  Often with 8–16 people, going off the beaten path with a local guide to share the history and culture of the country.  Places like Central America, India, Sri Lanka, and Silk Routes are ideal for this type of travel.

• A cruise or expedition cruise. Unpack once and wake up somewhere new each day. Seeing a location from the water gives you a different perspective and can get you up close to wildlife, waterfalls and fjords eg Alaska, Chilean Fjords, Antartic or the Mekong Delta.
• A rail journey. Think iconic trains and scenic routes like the Ghan in Australia, the Reunification Express in Vietnam, the or Andean Express across the Peruvian Andes.

Booking an organised trip can completely transform how you experience a destination.
Good itineraries don’t just stick to the “top 10 sights” or a Chat GBT itinerary.  They take you into more authentic corners of the country and introduce you to communities, families, and artisans you’d struggle to find on your own. Having someone explain the history, culture and traditions brings a place to life.

How Do You Decide What’s Right for You?

When you’re planning your itinerary, try asking yourself a few key questions

1. How confident do I feel travelling independently here?
   Is the transport straightforward? Are the roads good? Do I feel comfortable with the language and signs?
2. What do I want most from this trip – freedom or ease?
   If you love spontaneous detours, independent might fit. If you want to switch off and let someone else handle the details, organised is your friend.
3. Is this destination more about landscapes or culture?

If you’re mainly chasing scenery and open roads, self-drive or DIY travel can be perfect. If you’re excited about deep history, traditions and local stories, a guided element can add huge value.

But you don’t have to choose just one way to travel on a holiday. In fact, mixing a bit of independent travel with an organised element often means you get the best of both worlds.

Starting with an organised trip can be a brilliant way to get your bearings, understand the country and its culture, and pick up some insider tips. Then, once you’ve settled in, you can head off to discover more on your own, or simply lie on a beach and relax for a few days. - Perfect.

However you choose to travel, independently, guided, or a bit of both, the goal is the same: to come home feeling like you’ve truly experienced your destination, not just ticked it off a list.

And if you’re still unsure which style suits you, or what would work best for your chosen destination, that’s exactly the kind of thing I can help you with.