Destinations Travel Magazine: 5 Elements of the Perfect Tour

Above, Sensoji in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People wanting to visit Japan for the first time have a choice between going on their own or signing on with a tour.

The advantage of an organized tour is that your ground transportation needs are taken care of as are your hotel reservations. Plus, they would take you to places like temples and shrines that possibly you may not think of visiting.

The disadvantage is that people don't have enough free time to explore places on their own and are stuck with a set schedule. Also, some of the places the tour may be taking you to are not your "cup of tea." I remember a friend telling me that he and his parents took a Japan tour when he was around ten years old. The tourists got so sick of seeing so many temples and shrines that they staged a mutiny. You are at the mercy of the travel company over the costs involved, especially with hotels.

Going on your own solves a lot of these problems as you probably already have an idea on what you want to see and you can go online to make your own reservations and study up on other places that may have aroused your interest. Addtionally, there are all kinds of travel guide books, many of them specialize in certain things (depending upon where peoples' interests lie) such as The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and the Japan Anime Tourism Guide. Plus, you are able to control your costs and work within your own budget. If you prefer five-star hotels, you can book accordingly. If you prefer budget hotels, the same thing applies.

If a tour package is reasonably-priced and includes round-trip air transportation, so much the better. If the tour doesn't include your round-trip flights, bear in mind that the tour is likely going in the peak travel season and that's when the airlines jack up the air fare prices. If a tour costs $3,000 + fees + taxes, but doesn't include round-trip flights, figure to spend an additional amount, anywhere between $800 to $1,500 + more fees + more taxes, on top of the tour package costs.

But, if a tour is the route you want to go, Destinations Travel Magazine (see page 40) has five suggestions that you should consider before signing on with a tour company.

1. Make sure the tour company is a reputable one. There are tour scams out there where crooks will promise the world, take your money and stick you with a bad tour or just disappear with your money. Word of mouth from family members or friends can tell you who's good and who isn't. Research.

2. Make sure it features the correct destinations. Make sure the tour takes you to the right places, where you won't have to miss those must-see locations.

3. Make sure the tour fits your budget and your allotted time frame. 

4. It fits your travel style. Tour companies have targeted demographics. Some will cater to people who prefer five-star hotels, while others will cater to the more budget-minded.

5. It has the right group size. Some people don't mind large groups if they are gregarious. Others may be more introverted and would want more personalized service with a small group.

Personally, I prefer traveling on my own. I have been on tours and cruises where there's a set schedule and very little free time to things on your own. In traveling on my own, I have the freedom to do what I want and am better able to control costs.