bettyk

I have done it both ways. Our first trip to Europe was an AMEX tour to London, Paris and Amsterdam. Enjoyed every minute of it; we had a great group and tour guide. We learned enough about London to go back on our own a few years later. We also took another tour to Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland which we thoroughly enjoyed. 6 months later we ended up moving to Vienna where we stayed for 2 years. While in Vienna, we took another American Express tour to Norway and it was fabulous! We also did two driving trips with visiting relatives and covered 4 or 5 countries in a week! Tiring, yes, but we saw so much and hardly planned any of it ahead of time except our 2 days in Paris. Two years ago, we did a 2-week driving trip where I booked all the hotels on the internet and again had a wonderful time. But it can be stressful driving into unfamiliar cities trying to locate your hotel while navigating the local traffic. With a tour, all the driving, luggage hauling, etc., is done for you, but you are on someone else's schedule and you have to be flexible and accommodating. All of my trips to Europe have been rewarding experiences, whether on a tour or independently.

novicetraveler

Thank you to everyone for your replies. All very interesting and your love of independent travel is evident. Wes---the information in "How do you plan your European trip?" is excellent. I've printed it out and will certainly make use of it. <BR>I was not aware of companies like untours but will investigate that possibility. <BR>Thanks again.<BR><BR>

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Ann

I don't travel with tours because I simply like my freedom. I have to go to work at the same time everyday--on my vacations, I don't want to follow a schedule. If my husband and I feel like closing the pub one night and not get up until 2 p.m. the next day, that's what we're going to do. If we decide in the middle of the afternoon to fly from Dublin to Paris, that's what we're going to do. Couldn't dream of living under a schedule on vacation.