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TOURS LOL Anonymous
Are sightseeing tour packages (Tour guides, Motorcoach, etc...) ever, ever worth it in any country? Why or why not?

Would love to read some experiences regarding this.

Random picture possibly related.
>> Anonymous
I have been to London 6 times. Last time I went I finally ponied up for a bus tour of the area and I have to say that it was definitely worth it. The bus went places I hadn't been to, such as the City of London, and it was helpful cause it explained why I should be interested in X nondescript building on Fleet Street, etc. also hit the Tower for the first time, and it was pretty cool.

I can't say that I would enjoy one of those all inclusive package tours though. the bus tour was only half a day at the most and while it was a good component, i would hardly want to do it for a week. London has some of the best museums in the world, and I don't think I would enjoy being shuffled through one, seeing the stuff i like for 30 seconds and a bunch of other crap for the rest. I like being able to go to Museums at my own pace, and in my own order.
>> Anonymous
They are worth it if you don't know anyone or anything about the country.

If you're more into getting right into the PRESENT culture of wherever you're going, try asking the citizens or try making a friend who can show you around.

You just have to keep in mind that they are two completely different experiences. You're not going to get how it feels to live there from a tour guide, you're probably not going to see many historic places from having a friend show you around, and you will most likely miss a lot of things unless you fully research the country beforehand if you decide to just go out on your own.
>> Anonymous
I dunno. I took a guided tour to Berlin, and it was just about as boring as possible. The german lady pointed out some horrible modern art in the city. Pointed out the spots in town like "Here, this famous German guy, that everyone loved, did all these awesome things... He was later killed by Nazis/Russians"

"Here, this zookeeper saved all these animals during the bombings, and everyone loved him. Then the Russians arrested him and killed all his animals for food."

All i really wanted to do is take pictures and get drunk and wonder around. Guided tours suck. Just go out with some street smarts and a rough list of places to go and stuff to do.
>> Anonymous
>>2738
How much did you pay for that, assuming it wasn't free?
>> Anonymous
>>2724
I didn't even know there were some that lasted a week over time, I assumed they were half-days per tour in specific areas whenever you want.
>> Anonymous
Age.

There has to be more of you /trv/ellers that have done these tours
>> Anonymous
>>2763

there are all inclusive package tours that are basically a cruise without the boat.
>> Anonymous
>>2846
Cost an arm and a leg like cruise trips too?
>> Anonymous
If you're going someplace big for only a few days, it might be worth it to see the major sites, if only brief glimpses of them.

Back in 2001 (which basically means everything's changed by now) I took a tour bus through Paris. It was nice having people who knew their way around, and hitting all the major things, arc de triamph and whatnot, and they provided hotel and breakfast for you, but you were very rushed. We got to stay in the Louvre for about 2 hours, and if you know anything about that place, you know it takes months to fully peruse what is in there. Also, lol at fighting to get close enough to be able to JUMP and see the Mona Lisa over the crowd.

If you're going someplace for a weekend/one week, it is probably worth it. If you're going long enough to have some time to relax, I'd say more than a week, then you could just pick up a city guidebook and travel at your own pace (taxis and shit will add up, if cost is of any concern).

If you're just going to find new and exciting places to get drunk, then do whatever the fuck you want.
>> Anonymous
>>2873
2 hours? In the Louvre?

Oh wow.