Cost of Guided Tour Vs. Driving

Gene R · Newbie

Cost of Guided Tour Vs. Driving

wojazz3 · Guru

Hi Gene:

Guided tours will always be more expensive and with much less freedom. My suggestion, if you like the idea of a guide or not driving, is to do some mini tours from individual locations. For instance, from Dingle you could do the Sciúird Archaeological Tour which would take you on a trip around the peninsula with incredibly intersting insight from a local. Or perhaps a Gap of Dunloe tour while in the Killarney/Kenmare area.

As far as self directed tours, your best bet is getting information here. A self directed tour would most likely take you to all the major tourist attractions and leave out the neat little side trips that a forum like this can direct you to. They also provide you with over priced lodging and rental car options.

Travel boards are filled with fools like me who travel themselves and then travel vicariously with you on your trip. We want to help you have a great time. A travel agent wants to make a profit. If you want something personalized, Michele (I believe you still do this Michele) can provide you with an itinerary that fits your exact needs for a very reasonable price.

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Gene,

Welcome to my forum. As Bill has mentioned it is quite possible to do part of the trip on your own and part with mini-tours in specific places. However, I think that you want a guided tour for perhaps 5 days and to be on your own for another 5 days.

There are pros and cons to each type of travel. I have written about it on my FAQs page. Why not take a look and see if it answers your questions. As far as cost goes tour companies do negotiate good rates with hotels, etc. since they are big time repeat customers. Depending on the tour it could be cost-efficient. But you really must do your homework and add up the costs to see what you are getting.

As for the self-directed tours purchased through a travel agent, they usually include airfare, car and accommodation vouchers. Some insist that you actually stay in certain places for your first and last nights and book you in to them. Ask questions in advance. Travel agents need to make a living. They get a percentage of what you pay for a package or a tour. Many people here on the forum find that putting the pieces together themselves is a money saver. Of course, it is impossible to know what will save you money until you have the hard facts and figures to compare.

Start exploring your possibilities now. And let us know if you have any other questions.

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bill,

Yes, I still do custom itineraries for those who need extra help or don't have the time to do it themselves.

Michele