Comparison of the pros and cons of self-guided tours and group tours, details

1. Different degrees of freedom. Self-guided tours allow sufficient time to arrange their own activities and travel content, and travelers can decide where they want to go on their own. Most of the travel methods of group tours remain the same, usually with a fixed place or a fixed location; tourists feel that their movements are restricted everywhere.

2. Cost control is different. Self-guided travelers can completely control their travel expenses, and every penny they spend is under their control. But it doesn’t necessarily save money. Tour groups generally pay a certain fee, and the consumption amount is generally fixed.

3. The security is different. Self-guided tours generally involve one person or a few people, and it is inconvenient to help each other in case of danger or illness. Group tours generally have more people, more stable itineraries, and better security.

4. Travel and living arrangements are different. For self-guided tours, you need to book your own tickets, hotels, and purchase tickets. During the tour, you need to solve your own food problems, which is a bit tiring. Unlike tour groups, tourists only need to follow the tour leader and do not have to worry about transportation, tickets, food and accommodation, which is relatively effortless.

Extended information

Notes on self-guided travel

Accommodation issues

Find a hotel for self-guided travel, don’t be fooled by taxis and solicitors . Travel preparations: Change of clothes, rain gear (the weather in many scenic spots is changeable and cooler in the morning and evening), commonly used medicines, ID cards and other documents.

Safety issues

1. When hiking, you must wear flat-heeled rubber shoes, cloth shoes, and travel shoes. High-heeled leather shoes are not allowed. Many scenic spots have beautiful scenery at every step, and the scenery can be picturesque, but you cannot walk and look at the scenery to avoid accidents. Photography in scenic spots is different from photography in parks. In parks, both the person being photographed and the person taking the photo can take a few steps back at will. Adjust the angle.

2. Many scenic spots are likely to be cliffs. You must look back to see if there is room for retreat to avoid falling. This situation can be avoided with a little attention. People with high blood pressure and heart disease should not carry necessary emergency medicines with them, but should not travel alone in the mountains, let alone put themselves in danger.

3. Before traveling by car, you must prepare the necessary tools when camping. A tent, a shovel, some food, drinks, and painkillers are all necessary. Remember the principle of traveling in groups of three for safety. If you encounter a dangerous situation, call for help or send an SOS alert in time. For self-guided tours, you can purchase short-term travel accident insurance on your own, either from an insurance company or online.

Tour guide issues

It is recommended that you book a tour guide. The self-guided tour will be more relaxed, enjoyable and interesting. But you must hire a tour guide with a tour guide certificate to prevent being cheated.

Communication issues

The scenic spots are all covered by the communication network. The signals of China Mobile and China Unicom are very smooth. In addition, each scenic spot has IC card telephones. If you have any questions, please call in time. Contact us. There is also a phone bill payment point for everyone’s convenience.

Cash problem

Many scenic spots have Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and Agricultural Bank of China branches up and down the mountains, so you don’t need to bring too much cash.

Notes for tour groups

When traveling in a group, you must follow the tour guide closely and abide by the gathering times specified by the tour guide at each scenic spot during the trip. Don't be left behind, especially if you are abroad.

Pay attention to safety when visiting scenic spots and follow the precautions emphasized by the tour guide to avoid accidents.

Baidu Encyclopedia - Self-guided Tour

Baidu Encyclopedia - Tour Group