4.6/5 Excellent
Excellent
218
Great
49
Average
7
Disappointing
2
Terrible
3
Self-Guided & Independent Tour & Trip Reviews
Self-Guided & Independent Tour & Trip Ratings
Tour Reviews
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Timothy Bogs
Mar 2025
Written on
Hawaii with Oahu Maui and the Big Island
We loved our trip. The hotels were amazing. A volcano was spilling out steam on the big island. The pineapple plantation was incredible on Maui. Oahu has Pearl Harbo...
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Trusted Customer
Mar 2025
Written on
Hawaii with Oahu Maui and the Big Island
It was an incredible mix of history, ecology, culture, sand & surf! And great weather, too. The people on this trip were friendly and supportive of a solo travel...
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Richard Oakley Jr
Mar 2025
Written on
Hawaii with Oahu Maui and the Big Island
The itinerary had places that we would not know about...
Self-Guided & Independent Reviews
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Tracy Tidwell
Feb 2025
Written on
Hawaii with Oahu Maui and the Big Island
The representatives at the sites we saw/toured were very knowledgeable and willing to answer questions and share history and processes. When we didnt have a special ...
Top Self-Guided & Independent Tours
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Self-Guided & Independent Reviews
A
secrets of sicily: an amazing experience!
This was a wonderful break. You stay at a number of very beautiful places: Scapello, Marettimo and San Vito La Capo. The walking is enjoyable but not too challengi...
A
Self-Guided in Tuscany
Great food, great wine and beautiful rolling Tuscany scenery. A lovely place for a relaxing weeks walking. Most of the old historic towns are set on hills that gave...
S
Sara
Oct 2023
Written on
Annapurna Circuit
An wonderful trip, to an amazing country. Great trekking with a super group of people.
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Rose
Oct 2023
Written on
Annapurna Circuit
This was the toughest walk I’ve done, hard to breathe at the high altitudes but the scenery was breathtaking and we were very well looked after by our guide Jangbu. ...
Self-Guided & Independent Reviews
T
Trusted Customer
Oct 2023
Written on
Annapurna Circuit
Amazing experience and great group and leader / team
Wonderful trip
Over all this was a wonderful trip.
Over all this was a wonderful trip.
Over all this was a wonderful trip.
wonderful trip
Over all this was a wonderful trip.
Editor’s Take
What to Look For in Self Guided & Indpendent Tour Reviews
Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary.
Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.
When looking at self-guided tour companies it’s important to remember that many of these tours are not as detailed as fully guided tours. Tour companies provide some bookings, but for many parts of your travels, you are responsible for making your bookings.
Positive reviews for self-guided and independent tours highlight the ability to enjoy attractions and their trip at their own pace. Self-guided tours allow you to move around the country at the pace you are most comfortable with without having to wait for larger groups, worrying about holding other travelers back, or be restricted by a strict itinerary.
Some negative reviews for independent tours revolve around poor local tour guides. While tour companies can create itineraries, on self-guided tours you are usually responsible for booking local tour operators. It is highly recommended to do your own research beforehand if you are booking local tours as these type of tours mostly rely on your own research.
When working with tour companies or travel agents, make sure you find the one that matches your travel style. If you prefer luxury or budget travel or want to incorporate more outdoor activities, communicating that will help create a tailored trip. Working with the agent or company to create the itinerary or bookings that match your comfort and travel style is extremely important to an enjoyable tour.
Many tour operators may provide self-guided booklets or advice about your destination, but some of that advice may need updating or additions. Doing your own research about a destination will help keep down any surprises or issues you may run into.
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