Hiho

To Carol - <BR> <BR>I don't believe I mentioned anything about meeting real people or looking down on people who take tours - I was merely saying that I prefer to travel independently, and others may not - we are all different. I have met some people who would like to travel independently, but are a bit fearful. It is those people who I urge to try it (that is is not really so difficult). <BR> <BR>I would appreciate it if you do not speak for others.

AC

Hi SingleLady: <BR>To answer your question...NO! go on a tour! My first trip to europe was on a CIE tour to Ireland, Scotland and England. I loved it! Yes it was busy, and yes it was hectic, but i saw aawful lot in a short time. I never would have seen it all if I had to plan it, drive it, and enjoy it all at the same time. I have now been back to Europe many times on my own, but I never rule out going on a tour again. It gives you a taste and feel for the country you are in making you want to return. Have fun and enjoy!

Marie

Dear Single Lady, -- I've done literally dozens of tours, both in Europe and USA. I expect to do dozens more, God willing. I've read all of the above postings carefully, and there was only one comment that I regretfully agree with, and that is that the food seems to be mediocre. If you feel the need to have gourmet meals each night, tours are not for you. Most tours, however, leave a couple of nights for "eating on your own", giving you the opportunity for special meals, if you wish. <BR> <BR>The comfort, convenience, and companionship of tours and the ability to see so much without worrying which hotel and/or restaurant is what sold me. Enjoy, Single Lady - perhaps we'll meet up in the future. Marie

Book Chick

Hi SingleLady, <BR>"Tour" is not a dirty word. I was raised by parents who did both methods of vacationing--joined a tour group for some vacations & did planning on their own for others. There is not a right or wrong way to venture into another land or country to sample & enjoy what it has to offer. <BR> <BR>The only caveat about joining a tour group has already been offered by prior posters on this thread. Get info on the company offering the tour, find out how large/small the group will be, and all the other common-sense things you would probably do prior to wisely investing your time & money. <BR> <BR>There have also been on this board some very favorable comments about tours, although I think possibly not as often as info from folks who've gone on their own. This degree of input shouldn't really affect your plans. <BR> <BR>Seriously, I think you should just "do homework" on the company offering a tour of England, find one you like & go. You will regret sitting at home if you don't give travel a fighting chance. <BR>Best Wishes, <BR>BC

SingleLady

Thanks to each and every one of you who have responded to my question. You have given me so many good ideas and such good advice. I'll definitely do as most suggested, and research, research, reasearch! I'm looking forward to all the new things I'll be learning while searching....AND on my trip. Of course I'm going. I MUST. <BR>ps in response to another thread, I've listed a legitimate email address

John

Take the Tour!! We had so much fun on ours and I am extremely independent. (tour was a gift) My best advice is to book time before or after the tour to explore on your own. My experience? the tour was fast paced, saved time trying to plan the days, entered in museums first, hotels very nice, not central. If you do your homework though, you will jump in a cab, head to the areas you want to see. people were nice. it will be true that you may be only alloted 2 hours for a major museum like the Prado or Louve. You will have a good time. We are going to Italy and I am spending hours upon hours doing the planning. Thank goodness on the fourth day in rome the tour begins. There is no best way. We are only doing a tour because of my husband. he can't take the stress of driving in unknown areas and so forth. I love the unknown and what I may discover on my own. It is thrilling, but not all people are that way. You will have fun no matter what!!

Betsy

So most of us agree that you should go. I am among them. And....many have given the advice of researching your tour carefully, also great advice. You do get what you pay for. As a single traveler, I combine tour travel with independent travel on the same trip. I like them both for different reasons. When I'm on a tour, I spend time alone about every other day just to explore, re-group and do stuff without needing to agree with someone else. Don't allow yourself to become so dependent on your guide that you're afraid to make a move without him or her. And also don't become dependent on a tour member that seems to know what she's doing more than you. You'll end up missing out. Use the tour to get your feet wet as a solo traveler. You know you can always have company, take some afternoons or evenings alone. Discover some place your tour won't go. England is a good country to begin with since you won't have a language barrier. So branch out a little while your traveling and enjoy your tour!

simone

I generally spent half the trip by myself (city) and half on a short tour (country). This works out great for me because the tours groups are 11 or less and I don't have to drive. The first time I went to New Zealand I went with a general-interest tour that was mostly people who wanted to drive by everyplace and not actually stop. Naturally, I was miserable. I have found special interest short tours the best for me. Whichever way you decide to travel - just do it!

ellen

Although it doesn't appear to be an issue with SingleLady, there is one point that no one has made on the tour vs. independent issue. Tours are generally far more expensive than doing it on your own. My recent trips to Europe for 10-12 days have cost me on average around $1500, including airfare, rental car and 3-star hotels. Tours that cover the same territory I covered cost 3-4 times as much.

elaine

An article about things to consider about a guided tour (Info by Rick Steves, Aug 2001) <BR>http://goeurope.about.com/library <BR>/weekly/aa000217a.htm <BR>