Self-Guided vs Guided Tours

There are plenty of choices to make when you are planning your cycling trip or walking holiday. You will have to weigh up where you want to go, how long you want to spend in the saddle or laced into your boots, and how much you want to challenge yourself. One of the biggest decisions, however, is whether to join a guided group tour or set off on a self-guided adventure.

Taking a small group active holiday or a self-guided cycling or walking trip each have their advantages, and it will ultimately come down to the type of traveller you are. Your level of experience and the destination you are visiting will also play a part, as you may be completely comfortable ambling through Italy on your own but not up for tackling the Swiss Alps independently.

Here are some things to consider when you are weighing up the pros and cons of a self-guided hiking or biking holiday versus a guided small group tour.

Flexibility of Your Travel Dates

Guided cycling and walking tours have set departures. If you must travel within a certain time frame it may be difficult to find a guided tour that fits perfectly within your travel dates, or that has availability if planning well ahead is not an option. If you are flexible with the dates you can set off on your adventure, then you can work around the tour dates available – it is advisable to book early so you don’t miss out.

If you are restricted by when you can travel, then you’ll find many more options for a self-guided trip. Some give you the flexibility to start your journey on any given day, while others may offer departures every second day or perhaps weekly. Most self-guided itineraries come with a support vehicle that ferries your gear from place to place, and therefore daily departures are not always available. However, you’ll find much more flexibility in your departure dates when taking a self-guided holiday over a guided group tour.

Budget and Inclusions

Cost can play a big part in whether you choose a guided tour or a self-guided journey. In general, you’ll pay more for a guided tour as you will be paying for the services of a guide throughout the itinerary. Often guided tours also come with more included activities – this may be sightseeing along the way for which entrance fees have been prepaid, or perhaps meals included for group dining experiences.

While the upfront cost of a self-guided journey may be less, it is important to weigh up the extras that you will need to budget for along the way. You’ll likely need to allow for more out of pocket expenses like meals, entrance fees, and, if you choose, local guides to showcase the destinations that you visit.

If you are happy to stick to a bare bones itinerary then a self-guided journey can cost you less, however, if you want to include the same experiences as those on a guided tour, then it is often more economical to go with a guided tour upfront, as the costs for those experiences are then divided among the group. Also, some experiences are only available on guided tours.

Pace on the Trail

One of the biggest differences between a self-guided journey and a guided group tour is the pace on the trail. Travelling with a group, your speed is determined by that of your fellow travellers and your guide. Depending on your experience and fitness level, you may be concerned that you may struggle to keep up with the group, or alternatively, that others may hold you back. If this is a cause for distress or will likely frustrate you, then maybe a self-guided holiday is more your thing.

On a self-guided trip, you can take the trail at your own pace, powering along when you like and stopping when it suits you. You won’t have to wait while avid photographers snap photos and bird watchers gaze into the trees or keep to a pace that makes your holiday more exhausting than exhilarating. That being said, on some guided group tours you will find travellers spread out on the trail at various paces and sometimes there is more than one guide to provide more flexibility to the group.

Flexibility vs. Guidance

Along with pace, your daily itinerary on a self-guided holiday can offer more flexibility. If you feel like taking a detour, stopping to rest or picnic, or checking out particular sights – then you can. You’ll have the security of knowing where your accommodation is each night, and instructions on how to get from A to B, but your schedule is malleable.

On a guided hiking or cycling holiday your route is set and you will be led by the guide along the pre-planned itinerary. Given active guided holidays are operated as small groups, often there is a bit of wiggle room (the guide may suggest a detour or an interesting stop) but generally you’ll have a fixed daily program.

Depending on the type of traveller you are and whether you like to do your own planning or prefer to leave the details to someone else, this can either feel restrictive or can be a relief.

Local Knowledge and Experiences

Both self-guided and guided cycling and walking holidays offer local experiences. Guided departures are capped to small groups which help you get under the skin of a destination. There are advantages to both travel styles here.

The benefits of travelling with a guide is they share insider knowledge and commentary, so you learn more about the region, usually from a local perspective. While your self-guided tour dossier will offer tips on what to see and experience along the way, you can’t beat a guide for local insights. They know the local language and bridge the gap between travellers and locals to unlock social interactions and experiences that are harder to do on your own.

On the flip side, when you travel with a group, sometimes your social interactions are mostly limited to that very group. If you are travelling on a self-guided journey without a guide, you can master some of the local language to interact with locals on your own. With no group or guide to fall back on, you may tend to branch out more.

Picture an afternoon drink in a local bar – on a group trip you’ll tend to stick together sharing stories and bonding over an incredible day. Travelling without a group? You’re more likely to strike up a conversation with the locals, or they with you.

Social Dynamic

The social dynamic varies greatly on these two types of journeys. Small group guided active tours give you the chance to mingle and form bonds with fellow travellers who you know will share at least some of your interests. Everyone on the trip has chosen to actively engage with the great outdoors and explore new and fascinating destinations on foot or by bike.

Alternatively, your idea of a holiday may be getting some ‘me’ time or bonding with your loved ones who are accompanying you on the trip. A self-guided journey is perfect for this. It provides you an opportunity to travel and re-connect with those you want to, such as your close friends, partner or family members without having to include others.

Safety and Security

You may be a seasoned traveller with no qualms in setting off on a self-guided journey, or there may be a few of you doing so together. However, as the trails can sometimes lead you through isolated places, you may not feel overly confident following them without a guide or the safety net of a group. Particularly if you are a solo traveller, setting off on a self-guided journey can come with some safety concerns.

Not only does the saying ‘safety in numbers’ hold true for guided tours, there is also the added security travelling with a guide who knows the terrain and the climate. Often, they can sense a change in the weather long before you would and get you out of harm’s way. They are also on hand in case of emergencies and can help immediately if there are any problems that affect your ability to complete the route on any given day, physical, mechanical or otherwise.

While it is an unlikely occurrence that you will get lost on a self-guided itinerary as you will be equipped with all the instructions and maps, and sometimes even a GPS, having a guide means you won’t need to concentrate on where you are going and can just enjoy your environment.

The Choice is Yours

There are plenty of variations of guided and self-guided journeys, so while these general considerations may help you choose the right style for you, always read through the itinerary and trip notes thoroughly when deciding on your next adventure.

Whether you choose to take a cycling trip or walking holiday on your own or as part of a group, you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime. Active holidays are incredibly rewarding and showcase destinations in a whole new way – saddle up, strap in, get going.