How can I convince my parents NOT to travel with a tour company?
Personally, I really hate the idea of being stuck in a crowded bus full of random people, who knows how obnoxious some of them might turn out to be? And what I can’t stand is the thought that I’d be held back by their itinerary, and that they’d choose the hotel, food, and locations all FOR you. Sorry if Im coming off as snobbish, it’s just that this is our family’s first vacation in over 5 years and I’d rather have more freedom. They’re just held back on prices, because the package deal looks seemingly cheap to them and they’re in utter denial of everything I have to say about the downsides of being stuck with a tour guide to a dream vacation spot like Hawaii.
Can you share your thoughts on this matter?
(plus, the tour company they’re thinking of got an average of 2 stars on EVERY review site I checked!)
Try Cheep Travel
Hi B.B.,
I agree with you 100 percent. You pretty much mention most of the reasons why not to go with a tour company. A tour company will always direct you to the typical tourist restaurants which are usually overpriced, offer lousy service, and not the best food. You will miss out on the restaurants where the locals go. Even though you will most likely cover the main attraction of the area, you will miss out on the other attractions not offered by the tour companies because they don’t make any money off those. You will travel with a group of random people, and in every group you will have some a..holes. You might wanna spend more time at a certain attraction, but you can’t. You will see things the way the tour company wants you to see it.
This is your first family vacation in 5 years, and honestly, with a tour company it is not really a family vacation, you will be part of the “Tour Family”, which is certainly not what you want.
If you go to Hawaii there’s no reason whatsoever to to with a tour company. You can go on tours in Hawaii for little money on your own. There are ALWAYS specials on local tours which are usually cheaper than offered from a tour company on the mainland. (I have been to Hawaii many times, WITHOUT a tour company).
Book the flight and hotel with a tour company (this is ok), and that’s it.
Have a great family vacation.