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Latin America Tour or Independent Travel? Check Out The Benefits of Both!

By Gary Sargent

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Published: 01Feb2011
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It's a big question on the lips of any traveler planning a vacation to Latin America. Do I go with a tour operator, or travel independently? As for most issues surrounding travel, the answer depends on the person. Have a look at the benefits of both options below to decide if your Latin America vacation will be best done as a tour, or by your own efforts.

The Benefits of Independent Travel in Latin America

Flexibility during your vacation
This is the big one. With a tour you're on a fixed schedule moving along a fixed route. If you want to stick around in a particularly beautiful Latin American spot for longer or miss somewhere out, it's very unlikely that you will be able to make major changes to your tour without incurring costs.

Take the travel experience head-on
If the idea of arriving dazed off a bus and straight into a fierce haggling session with a horde of local taxi drivers gets you excited, independent travel is for you. Maybe you enjoy overcoming Spanish or indigenous language barriers and the challenges that the road throws at you, even if it means the going gets tough sometimes.

Seek discounts and save money where-ever possible
Independent travelers aren't generally looking for comfort, they're trying to stretch their budget as far as possible. If the idea of dormitories, packed public transport or self catering are worth the effort for an extra month on the road through Latin America, go independent.

The option for experienced Latin America travelers
Maybe your Spanish is good, or this isn't your first time in Latin America. You'll be familiar and comfortable with the country, and probably able to get around to the places you want. Remember though, that Latin America is a diverse place and, for example, your experiences in Mexico may not leave you well prepared for a Bolivian vacation!

The Benefits of Organized Tours in Latin America

See a lot in a short space of time
Many of us don't get a lot of vacation days in a year, which puts more pressure on time than finances. Independent travel, while potentially cheaper, bears the burden of requiring more time to plan and move between Latin American locations without being part of organized transportation. If you don't know how to get from one place to another there is a good chance that days will be lost through missed connections or underestimating journeys. By traveling with a tour operator you can sure they will know how to make the most of your time.

Security
On a tour, you'll be looked after by the company who (provided they are a reputable operator) should never put you in a dangerous situation. Additionally if something unexpected occurs such as a strike or natural disaster, a professional tour operator will be much better placed and have the experience and contacts to get through. Independent travelers have only one person to look out for them - themselves.

Comfort
You'll very rarely end up in budget accommodation with a tour - operators like to choose places that their clients will talk favorably about afterwards. Transportation should be private and comfortable, unless specifically requested otherwise! A good tour operator will be able to offer a range of tours, both shared and private as well as a wealth of hotels from your simple three star to the very best available.

Local experts with historical and cultural knowledge
Forget flicking through guidebooks or head-scratching conversations with locals where you don't understand a word. With a good tour operator you'll be accompanied by native speakers and guides who'll be on hand to translate or answer any questions with expert knowledge.

An unexpected surprise - tours can work out cheaper!
Many independent travelers like to visit popular tourist sites as part of their journey, or sign up for tours to cover larger regions as part of their trip like the volcano region in Guatemala or the wine-growing regions of Argentina. Tour operators, due to booking in bulk, can get wholesale prices on many tours that work out much more expensive when independently purchased in-country. See for yourself - get in touch with a tour operator today for an obligation-free quote!

Do you prefer to travel independently or as part of a tour in Latin America? When have you felt satisfied or disappointed with your decision to travel independently or with a tour?

Gary Sargent is the Managing Director of the Escaped To Latin America Group. Gary has lived in Latin America since 1998, and loves to help his clients have amazing custom vacations. Gary just published the report, "5 Simple Tricks That Could Save You $1000s On Your Next Latin American Vacation". Find out how to reduce your vacation costs right away by downloading the report.

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