4.6/5 Excellent
Excellent
218
Great
49
Average
7
Disappointing
2
Terrible
3
Self-Guided & Independent Tour & Trip Reviews
Self-Guided & Independent Tour & Trip Ratings
Tour Reviews
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T
Trusted Customer
Oct 2023
Written on
Western USA National Parks Explorer
Good tour but office functions not up to previous stand...
H
Hilary
Oct 2023
Written on
Western USA National Parks Explorer
Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon
L
Lynn
Jun 2023
Written on
Western USA National Parks Explorer
Highlights Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon. Disappointing hot...
C
Catherine
May 2023
Written on
Western USA National Parks Explorer
An interesting trip to an outstandingly beautiful area.
A
Andrew
May 2023
Written on
Western USA National Parks Explorer
Too many highlights to list! Suffice to say I took hundreds of pictu...
Self-Guided & Independent Reviews
A
Andrew & Ann Wintersgill
Sep 2022
Written on
Western USA National Parks Explorer
Hiking in Bryce Canyon (especially via the Peekaboo Trail) and in the ...
We enjoyed our first Explore holiday and
We enjoyed our first Explore holiday and Mike was one of the best guides we have had.
We enjoyed our first Explore holiday
We enjoyed our first Explore holiday and Mike was one of the best guides we have had.
Thank you
Thank you. I will DEFINITELY use you again
Enjoyed the trip.
I really enjoyed the trip.
Top Self-Guided & Independent Tours
5/5 Excellent
94 reviewsSelf-Guided / Independent Tour
5/5 Excellent
40 reviewsSelf-Guided / Independent Tour
5/5 Excellent
53 reviewsSelf-Guided / Independent Tour
5/5 Excellent
94 reviewsSelf-Guided / Independent Tour
5/5 Excellent
53 reviewsSelf-Guided / Independent Tour
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsPrivate Guided
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsSelf-Guided / Independent Tour
4.9/5 Excellent
40 reviewsSelf-Guided / Independent Tour
5/5 Excellent
27 reviewsSelf-Guided / Independent Tour
5/5 Excellent
54 reviewsSelf-Guided / Independent Tour
Self-Guided & Independent Reviews
I really enjoyed the trip.
I really enjoyed the trip.
A
SELF GUIDED CAMINO
A fantastic trip with easy to follow detailed notes. No map really required. The accommodation and transfers arranged by Headwater were first class. Blessed wi...
A
Sierra de Aitana - self guided walking
This was our first self-guided Exodus trip. We opted for it as we wanted flexibility for a moderate/ challenging trip as our first walk of the year. The variety of ...
A
Blissful escapism
Beautiful walking in the Sierra de Aitina. This is really a hidden gem of an area. It is incredibly scenic area and the walking is interesting and varied and the l...
A
Self Guided Walking in Sierra De Aitana
For us the self guided option was the best. It allowed us to take as much time as we wanted to explore the routes and to linger as long as we liked enjoying the sc...
Self-Guided & Independent Reviews
A
secrets of sicily: an amazing experience!
This was a wonderful break. You stay at a number of very beautiful places: Scapello, Marettimo and San Vito La Capo. The walking is enjoyable but not too challengi...
A
Self-Guided in Tuscany
Great food, great wine and beautiful rolling Tuscany scenery. A lovely place for a relaxing weeks walking. Most of the old historic towns are set on hills that gave...
S
Sara
Oct 2023
Written on
Annapurna Circuit
An wonderful trip, to an amazing country. Great trekking with a super group of people.
R
Rose
Oct 2023
Written on
Annapurna Circuit
This was the toughest walk I’ve done, hard to breathe at the high altitudes but the scenery was breathtaking and we were very well looked after by our guide Jangbu. ...
Editor’s Take
What to Look For in Self Guided & Indpendent Tour Reviews
Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary.
Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.
When looking at self-guided tour companies it’s important to remember that many of these tours are not as detailed as fully guided tours. Tour companies provide some bookings, but for many parts of your travels, you are responsible for making your bookings.
Positive reviews for self-guided and independent tours highlight the ability to enjoy attractions and their trip at their own pace. Self-guided tours allow you to move around the country at the pace you are most comfortable with without having to wait for larger groups, worrying about holding other travelers back, or be restricted by a strict itinerary.
Some negative reviews for independent tours revolve around poor local tour guides. While tour companies can create itineraries, on self-guided tours you are usually responsible for booking local tour operators. It is highly recommended to do your own research beforehand if you are booking local tours as these type of tours mostly rely on your own research.
When working with tour companies or travel agents, make sure you find the one that matches your travel style. If you prefer luxury or budget travel or want to incorporate more outdoor activities, communicating that will help create a tailored trip. Working with the agent or company to create the itinerary or bookings that match your comfort and travel style is extremely important to an enjoyable tour.
Many tour operators may provide self-guided booklets or advice about your destination, but some of that advice may need updating or additions. Doing your own research about a destination will help keep down any surprises or issues you may run into.
If you want a professional take on Self Guided travel, see the Stride Independent Travel Guide »
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