Phuket: On Your Own or on a Tour? Analytics for Tourists

Travelers choose different ways to organize their vacation. Some prefer ready-made package tours, others prefer to book air tickets and accommodation on their own. Which is better depends on various factors, such as the departure point, the duration of the vacation and the number of travelers. In this article, we will consider all the pros and cons of each vacation option, starting with a detailed analysis of a “package” vacation and ending with independent travel.

Pros of Traveling with a Tour

• For a short period, a trip with a tour will cost less. However, there is NO rule that says “less days – cheaper trip”. The most advantageous offers are available for standard tours lasting 9, 12, 14 nights. If you plan to spend more than two weeks on a trip, then an independent trip will most often be a more advantageous option.

• You can buy a tour suddenly. No need to constantly monitor offers on tickets, book hotels or a villa. Just go to a travel agency, choose a tour for convenient dates and in a few days you will already be enjoying your vacation on the beach of the Andaman Sea. And if you are lucky enough to catch a last minute tour, you will not find a better way to relax.

• There is no need to painstakingly study the islands and hotel base if you fully trust a professional. An experienced travel agent will take into account your wishes, budget and group composition to offer the ideal option. To find a reliable specialist, you can always refer to reviews on the Internet.

• The package includes all transfers, so you don’t have to worry about organizing your own transportation. When you arrive at the airport, just go to the transfer that will take you to your hotel and back at the end of your holiday. A great option for those who doubt their language skills or don’t want to overpay taxi drivers.

• The tour operator takes care of any problems with the transfer, hotel and airline, for example, in the case of overbooking or late transport. If they fail, you can demand compensation upon your return. When booking independently, you interact with the airline and hotel directly.

• The package includes insurance, which is arranged between you and the insurance company. Medical insurance is mandatory for any tour and is valid for the entire vacation in accordance with the terms of the contract. If you use the services of external agencies during your trip, this does not cancel your insurance in any way. The tour operator does not have the right to cancel the insurance - it is not a party to the contract. You will find additional information about the different types of insurance and important points in the contract in our article entitled "Medical Insurance" .

Arguments against tour operators

• To get there, travel agencies mainly use charter flights. They sometimes come with specific difficulties: departure time changes, airport changes (before the pandemic), and sometimes a lack of comfort. Given the length of the flight, these problems may discourage some tourists.

• Different people have different ideas about vacations, so the agent's subjective opinion may not coincide with yours. Misunderstandings are possible, so it is worth asking the tour operator for a list of hotels and a little time to study it and decide.

• The intrusiveness of tour operator guides can ruin your mood, so it is recommended to take a list of hotels and a time-out from a travel agent to study reviews and choose a vacation spot. Do not give in to pressure, remember that you decide where to go on a trip and where to buy excursions. No one has the right to impose unnecessary services on you. Selling excursions and services is the main task of guides, for failure to do so they can be fired.

• Usually, travel agencies issue insurance with a franchise and a limited validity. This means that the insurance company works with small clinics without translators, and the range of available insurance services is small. Not all insurance cases can be helped in such places. If you are planning an active vacation, are pregnant or traveling with small children, it is better to purchase extended insurance to be sure of your safety.

Arguments for independent travel

• You can buy cheap tickets and book a hotel as part of promotions, regardless of the length of your vacation. Promotions and discounts from airlines and hotels are available not only to tour operators, but also to independent tourists. Thrifty tourists can also accumulate miles and bonuses from hotels and then pay with them.

• Regular flights provide time stability and do not require changing the airport of arrival. There is no need to spend about three hours moving from Krabi airport to Phuket by bus. There is also the possibility of choosing an airline depending on your preferences - the departure point, the services offered on board or the company's reputation.

• The trip can be organized in such a way as to visit several resorts or countries in a non-standard format. You are not tied to a plan and can act situationally: change everything from hotels to cities. Renting transport in Phuket is not difficult, the main thing is to take the initiative into your own hands.

• You can choose an insurance company and insurance options yourself, connecting the necessary services or excluding unnecessary ones. Some owners of debit cards already have medical insurance around the world with good coverage, and they do not need to overpay for expensive insurance.

Arguments against independent travel

• Before traveling to Phuket, you need to carefully plan every detail. Start by choosing plane tickets and accommodation, and make a vacation plan in advance.

• You will have to take on the solution of all possible problems related to accommodation and transportation. Therefore, it is worth studying the reviews of other travelers in advance and avoiding cooperation with illegal workers on the island. The time spent is fully compensated by peace and whole nerves.

• You will have to communicate a lot with everyone who is somehow related to your trip. Online translators do not always work correctly, so it is better not to choose this option for those who do not speak English at all and are traveling for the first time.

Here are the basic pros and cons of these two types of vacation. Some of them may be more important to you, while others may not be so much. It is important to remember that each person is unique and has their own preferences. There are different ways to get to Phuket, and we are always ready to organize exciting excursions in this beautiful place for you.