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I love wandering on my own. Some of my favorite travel memories are of unplanned afternoons, tiny cafés, and wrong turns that turned out to be right. But I’ve also learned that a few well-chosen tours can make a trip so much better. I have taken countless tours on vacation. I even once walked onto a tour bus in Edinburgh and bumped into an old co-worker from America. You never know what you will encounter on a guided tour. Here’s how I mix the two.
Free Days vs. Tour Days
Some days are for doing things my own way: wandering, people-watching, and following my curiosity. Some days are for sleeping in, having a slow breakfast, and not setting an alarm. Those days matter just as much as the big sightseeing ones.
Then there are the days I book a structured tour, and here’s why I think they’re worth it:
- You see things you wouldn’t have found alone. Guides know the stories, the shortcuts, and the places that never make it onto your own list.
- They’re efficient. Tour schedules are built to cover a lot of ground without you spending hours on logistics, tickets, and transit.
- They take the planning off your plate. You show up and the day is organized.
Trying to see everything while on vacation can be (and is) impossible. Day tours can require a lot of walking, so adding a lot of driving would only zap your energy. (Nothing better than a cat nap on a tour bus in between stops.) Let the pros do the driving. And you will find the tour guides to be very personable and fun. It’s an added benefit to the tour. If you had a great time, be sure to tip your guides.
My Rule: Never Stack Tours Back-to-Back
My preference is to avoid booking tours on consecutive days. Many tours leave very early in the morning, and some don’t return until late in the evening. Doing that day after day wears you out, and you end up tired instead of enjoying where you are.
If I do book tours on back-to-back days, I follow one rule: an all-day tour first, then a half-day tour the next day (preferrable a mid-day afternoon tour). That keeps the second day lighter, so I’m not constantly on the go. I try and keep free days in between with lighter plans, like an Afternoon Tea or something on foot like an outdoor market and a nice lunch with an evening event like a show or play.
And a tip from my own travel habits: I don’t book a prepaid tour on my first day in a new place. After a long flight, a free first afternoon is worth more. (More on that in The Nine Travel Tips Nobody Asked For.)
Tours I Recommend, by Destination
Below are the places where I’d happily book a guided tour. Each has its own link, so you can browse options for the destination you’re headed to. I have used Viator Tours in many countries and always had a pleasant experience. I only recommend what I have experienced personally.
London
A favorite of mine was The Cotswolds. I enlarge really great vacation photos onto canvas for wall art in my home. Many came from tours in the UK and Europe.
Rome
The Vatican and St. Peter’s Square is a great day out. End it with a bowl of pasta and a glass of vino on a sidewalk patio.
Scotland
The Outlander Tour was a lot of fun. I really like the trip to St. Andrew’s – the oldest Golf Course.
Browse Scotland tours on Viator
Ireland
Ireland was magical. The grounds of Blarney Castle was so beautiful, we almost skipped that tour and were so glad we went.
Browse Ireland tours on Viator
Paris
The Eiffel Tower is an iconic bucket list item – and the Christmas Markets directly across the street were incredible.
Vienna
Vienna was everything I hoped for. I had to take in Classical Concert. The Salzburg tour was fun, being a huge fan of The Sound of Music.
Hawaii
The 35,000 year old lava I walked on – on the beach and the hike up Diamond Head – the view at the top is gorgeous. The full-day tour of the island was incredible. It was called the Full Circle Tour. Highly recommend!
How to Pick the Right Tour
- Check the departure and return times. Early departures and late returns affect how you’ll feel the next day.
- Decide: all-day or half-day? Match it to your energy and what’s on the schedule around it.
- Leave a free day on either side when you can. That’s when you’ll catch up on sleep and find the unplanned stuff.
- Read recent reviews and check the cancellation policy before you book.
The Takeaway
The best trips have both: slow, wandering days and a few well-chosen tours. Let the tours cover the big things you’d never organize yourself, and keep plenty of room for the moments you don’t plan.