Self Guided Tours Versus Escorted Tours

By Janette Barnes


Millions of tourists flock the city of New York every year to discover the things that it has to offer. Getting to know the place might be easy by hopping into a tour bus or by following a trained tour guide, but nothing is as unique as visiting a place at your own pace. So if you are an adventurous soul, then self guided NYC tours is just the thing that you need.

For those who do not know, a self guided tour is simply a sight seeing excursion in which people travel by themselves, without the presence of a guide. This may consist of biking, walking, and trips to museums. It is the opposite of guided tours in which a professional guide leads the way along with the arranging of other travel details.

In order to get the most of what New York can give to tourists, the idea of hiring a tour guide should be put aside. A fact that one has to put in mind is that the service of a tour guide can cost you a hefty sum of money. Traveling without one can make you feel more independent and it will save you more money.

There can be moments when tour guides step in the line of professionalism by swindling tourists. This occurs when they force travelers to settle in money generating packages. In these cases, one might end up having an empty pocket.

Instead of saving your time when you travel, tour guides can also do the opposite. They can also hinder the fun of sight seeing by limiting the time on a certain site. That is why self guided tours become more efficient if you want to make the most out of everything during your travels by giving yourself the freedom to move at your desired pacing.

Nevertheless, self guided tours can also have its downsides. As a traveler, practicality and safety are important keys to consider. Since you are a stranger to the place, it might be hard to do the planning by yourself. In addition to that, touring a place where a communication barrier might exist without an expert is a bit risky.

The city of New York, however, has made a few adjustments for people who want to travel without the help of a guide by creating audio tours. These tours involve traveling with the help of a device that plays a recording that narrates information to the traveler. Virtual travels are also available for those who wants to see videos and pictures of places that they want to go to.

Assuming that you have set your mind on taking a self guided trip, you may remember a few things before doing so. Prepare a map and research about the place that you plan to visit. For you not to get lost, you have to be confident in asking directions from strangers.

People travel to explore and learn about the beauty that life has in store for them. The trick to a fulfilling journey, be it an escorted one or a trip similar to self guided NYC tours is to think in advance. A simple yet positive attitude can also take you to places.




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