Escorted and independent traveler tours run the gamut from larger group tours riding in large coach buses to small group tours in custom tour vehicles.

Ideal for singles, couples and small groups of friends, tours take care of most of the transportation and accommodation for you so that you can take a relaxing break from figuring everything out. While not as challenging and enriching as true independent travel, these tours can be a smart option for those who don’t want to have to make each decision and every plan.

Pros:

• Tours are great for beginning travelers, and for those who just want a taste of Europe so that they can come back later and explore on their own.
   
• You’ll meet lots of interesting people, other travelers like yourself that come from different countries and different walks of life.
   
• Smaller tours offer “on-the-ground” experiences with local guides that you most likely would never arrange on your own, like learning to weave in a small village, exploring a jungle cave or jumping in on a community wedding celebration.
   
• Fewer worries! You can disengage your brain from decision-making and not worry about where you are staying, where you are eating or where you are going tomorrow. It’s all arranged for you – just bring your camera and show up.
   
• Easy to book. Tours are easy to plan for and book – a less stressful way to travel than arranging everything yourself.
   
• Knowledgeable guides will explain local attractions, and you’ll get far more out of your trip to the cathedral or castle than if you show up on your own.

Cons:

• Lack of freedom. If you see a sign pointing to a hidden waterfall down a gravel road, you can’t just follow your curiosity and check it out. Your itinerary and schedule are pretty much set.
   
• You’re stuck with a group. You will be forced to socialize, whether you like it or not. Loners and introverts might get a little burned out.
   
• On big group tours, buses simply cannot go where a smaller vehicle can, so you’ll miss out on all those smaller destinations and off-the-beaten-path attractions.
   
• Tour groups must find restaurants and hotels that can fit everybody – traveling with a large group, you won’t be able to stay at that cute bed and breakfast or eat dinner in the tiny corner bistro.
   
• You’ll be hanging with your tour mates quite a bit, and won’t meet the locals like you do when you travel on your own.