The European Experience: Take a Tour or Explore On Your Own?
Posted: June, 30 2014
While vacationing in Europe there are many ways to experience and see a city. Some people opt to be part of organized tour groups that go from tourist destination to destination and plan out your day in a tidy itinerary where everything is mapped out including bathroom breaks, time for photos, and lunch. However, if you have the time and are up to the adventure, exploring Europe without the aid of a tour group can be an exciting adventure that leads you to hidden treasures throughout your host city.
Part of the reason our customers come back again and again to Small & Elegant Hotels is because we offer them beautiful boutique-style accommodations that aren't cookie cutter. The hotels we partner with give our customers a more authentic taste of what living in that country feels like. You get a taste of the country and city's architecture, art, culture, and get to experience a level of hospitality that's often unmatched. When you decide to go out alone and explore the city you're visiting instead of taking cookie-cutter tours, you get to further extend this authentic experience. You can sneak away to alleyways or stay a little longer and admire the view of the Eiffel Tower. You can chat with the owner of the bakery or enjoy a cup of espresso along the busy street beside a cafe. You can choose to view art at a gallery that's off the beaten path and pick and choose which attractions are most interesting to you.
While we highly suggest to our customers that they take the opportunity to explore on their own terms while vacationing in Europe, there are some situations where of course organized tours are much more suitable. If you're leary of your ability to navigate a foreign city, can't walk for long distances, don't have much time at the destination, or don't enjoy the work of planning your own itinerary, partaking in an organized tour is perfect for your needs and will be a very enjoyable and fulfilling experience. These tours are among the easiest ways to make sure you get to see all the must-see attractions. Tours often also provide information on the histories of many attractions, giving you a great insight.
The point of this post is to encourage those on the fence. If you have an interest in exploring on your own, but need a little encouragement, consider yourself encouraged by this post and explore! You'll return home with memories that will last a lifetime and never fade.
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