Please help me!
 

I am currently planning on going to Europe for the first time, and I am torn between going on my own and taking a professionally run tour. If any of you have taken a tour through GLOBUS could you please tell me if it was worth it, or if I would be better off on my own with my husband. <BR> <BR>Thank you <BR>Kristine

Kristine, my suggestion is: both. You didn't say how long you were going for, or where, but here's some general advice. I like to take some tours of a new area to get my bearings, and see alot more than I could messing around on my own. This can be a couple of day tours, or a formal tour of a week or so. Once you have a good idea of the area and where you'd like to spend more time, pack up, go out on your own to visit it. <BR> <BR>I haven't taken Globus personally so I can't help you there. Tours unfortunately don't give you as much free time as they say they do, once you add in checking in and standing around (that's considered 'free time'). <BR> <BR>If you have only 10 days or so, I suggest picking two cities that you want to see and doing day trips of the area. I once 'saw' Europe in 10 days, and I don't recommend it. I was totally burned out at the end, and looking back it was all a blur.

Kristine: there is a post (I think it's # 7 below) on tours to Italy; perhaps that would give you some insight into what to expect/get from a tour. Personally, I like to explore on my own, but there is something to be said for a guide; have you thought of going on your own, then using a guide for the highspots?? Regards, Sally

Kristine, <BR> <BR>I would be happy to direct you to info about the fall "Fodorites' trip" to the south of France (2 days) and northern Italy (9 to 11 days, more on your own, if you wish). <BR> <BR>You can read more about "Why a Fodorites' trip? and who would want to go on one?" at <BR> <BR>http://www.geocities.com/rexbickers/...oritesTrip.htm <BR> <BR>or e-mail directly, if you prefer. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Dear Kristine, <BR> <BR>I too took my first trip to Europe with Globus last year - it was wonderful! I was a bit nervous about planning everything out for myself (even though I'm sure I could have done it) and it was great to sit back and relax while all that was taken care of for me. The Globus people were wonderful - we had the best tour director and driver I can imagine - only one of the local guides was not so wonderful. <BR> <BR>My suggestion would be to look closely at the itinerary. When you get to a day that says something like "an easy ride through quaint vistas of villages and mountains..." etc. then expect to spend a large portion of the day on the bus. I had no idea how far I was going to be traveling when I started out....But we did go from London to Rome and back! <BR> <BR>If I can help you further on the Globus thing, what to expect, etc. Please email me <BR> <BR>Kristin

Kristine, I guess this depends on your personality but my opinion would be if there are two of you-go on your own. I went by myself for the first time last year and it was so fun to plan and quite easy to get around. The idea of having to be on a bus at a certain time instead of wandering around enjoying Paris or Venice is crazy. It is quite easy to plan and really helps you to anticipate your trip. If you have questions feel free to e-mail me.

Hi Kristine, <BR> <BR>All my European trips have been on my own with the exception of one Globus trip. I was disappointed at the amount of time spent on the bus and little time seeing the sights. Also, the Globus hotels were not in towns but outside so after an early dinner there wasn’t much to do in the evening unless you took a cab into town to walk around. The included dinners were in the hotels and the food wasn’t very good. The food at the optional dinners also wasn’t note worthy. All in all I was disappointed with the tour. <BR> <BR>If you decide on a tour and have the money I would suggest a better tour company such as Colette or Tauk. Otherwise, I would go on my own. I know it’s a bit scary the first time but there’s so much advice on this forum that you can’t go wrong. I would recommend not going to too many places but concentrating on just one or two cities, depending on the amount of time you have. You can always take city sightseeing tours for additional information about sights to supplement your guide books. Once you take the initial plunge you’ll find that you’ll have more confidence each day throughout your trip and you’ll have a sense of accomplishment that you’ve traveled to a foreign country on your own. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip! <BR>Adrienne <BR> <BR>

I think if you have to ask the question, then you should take a tour.