Travel - when to opt for a tour package instead of going free & easy?

Wow, seems like its been quite awhile since I posted something. Indeed, doesn't seem feasible for me to maintain this blog, but I still need this space occasionally. 

The last post was mid-way about my Korea trip, and halfway through writing, it seems like quite a chore and a bore to document the trip in its entirety. Guess the content should be written in a more interesting way, perhaps? 

My next trip after Korea was the Big Apple - New York City, centre of the world. Had some inspiration while on the train when I was planning the trip, and the content had been stored in the phone ever since. Think it is worth putting it up here. 

So here goes: 

YAYY! I am heading to the Big Apple in approximately 1.5 months time, where I will be spending Xmas and NY there   

The plans were only finalized like, less than 2 months from the departure date, and some people scoffed when they heard that I'm going on a tour package in this bustling city of the world. No offense, but different travel offerings are apt during different circumstances. It's up to you, the consumer, to be savvy and discerning enough to know when to use which  

 So here are my thoughts on when you should take up a tour package instead of free & easy roaming on your own:  

1. When you plan your trip at the last minute  

Like me, heading to NYC during their busiest travel season of the year, at the very last minute, will definitely bust your wallet. Taking on the tour package ensures you have all attractions covered along with comfortable accommodation at not so sky-high prices. Trust me when I say, the room rates for decent or accessible hotels, located in central areas / areas convenient, are at least in the range of USD 200, especially when you are trying to do last minute bookings. Those who book eons in advance may have a higher chance of getting accommodation at a lower price, but I doubt much because I read an article on NYC's accommodation and its said that the city has no low peak season, only peak, and higher peak. Their room occupancy does not fall below 90% the whole year round!  

2. When you have a tight budget  

This will vary on a case by case basis, depending on which country you are heading to. For example, in my case, I wanted to visit sights and attractions outside of the city, and transportation for such travelling will cost me a bomb. Furthermore, its not logical for me to rent a car and fork out all the expenses for the car rental (which includes insurance, petrol, road surcharges etc) on my own. The ticket and entry prices are also not cheap. For the purpose of value for money, taking up a tour package is more reasonable, for the all-in prices would have factored in transport as well. Tips are not included, but from what I see so far, the tip quantum seems reasonable and affordable.  

3. When you have no time to research  

I have a bad habit of planning trips on a whim and rather last minute. Which puts me at a disadvantage because I have lesser time to plan and would have missed out on early bird deals that could have saved me some money. If the place that you are visiting has a VAST offering of attractions to visit and activities to do, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and hinting that much research on price comparisons are required, then a tour package will be the way to go. It is convenient, saves time, and you only need to read up on the already decided sights and sounds. This is far better than stressing yourself out to plan the best way to go about your visitation, and at the same time worrying about how to the trip's finance and time management. Which then defeats the purpose of going on a trip, isn't it, when all you do is stress yourself out and can't get to enjoy?  

4a. When the group number is small and average age of the group is small 

NYC is perfect for doing a road trip out of the city to enjoy the sights, but if the group number is not at least 4 and above, renting a car is not worth it. You incur the same charges as that of a bigger group, but have lesser headcount to split the bill. Plus, road trips are only fun when u have friends around to go wild and crazy with you! 

So when do you do free & easy? Contrary to what many people think, travel agencies do not just offer tour packages alone. They also provide booking services where they do the research for accomm, attractions, transport etc for you. And offer you their discounted industry price. Good deal, no? Once bookings are made, you are off on your own to explore with all the freedom you so desired in the country of travel. 

4b. When the group number is big and average age of the group is big
A big group does not necessary entail that its perfect for free & easy either, because if the logistics and planning may result in disagreements. Furthermore, if there are elders in the group, they may prefer a more stable and safer mode of travelling, than free & easy which has a high element of spontaneity and navigation on one's own. 

Sounds perfect, no? =)