Walking Holidays: Self-guided or guided?

Walking holidays

Not a fan of beach holidays? Want to get active but still have the beautiful weather and scenery? There are so many walking holidays today that you need to get involved. You could go on some amazing holidays walking in Gozo, Croatia or even America. Walking holidays really are the best way to get a sense of a country. If you stay still lying on a beach, what more will you see? If you want to take everything in, have the feeling of discovery and breathe in the freshest of airs, a walking holiday is for you. But herein you have a choice: many travel agents will now offer holidays that are self-guided walking tours and tours that are guided. There are pros and cons to each, both depending on your personal tastes. Here is the breakdown to help you choose the holiday that will suit you.

Self Guided

Walking holidays Self-guided tours are all about independence and doing what you want and when. Read this and decide if you’d prefer a self-guided tour:

Freedom

Wake up when you want to, eat when you want to, walk when you want to. Self-guided tours offer freedom, you don’t have the constraints of a guided tour.

Your own pace

If you move faster than the pack and won’t be slowed down, then a self-guided is for you. Shake off those Slo-Mos and storm ahead. Conversely, if you’re a little more laid back and want to take in the surroundings more than the average Joe you should also opt for the self-guided, let those speed racers zip off, while you relax in some beautiful idyll.

Independence

If you don’t like socialising, or you’re happy with the company or the family you’ve got, why not keep it that way. Spend quality time with the family, your partner or friends. Save the socialising for when you’re home.

Choose your own restaurants

If you see a restaurant that doesn’t suit you, you’re not tied down to it, head to another restaurant that takes your fancy. Self-guided tours are made for choice.

Guided

Walking holidays Guided tours are all about relaxing and gentle structure, no organising, it’s all done for you. Read this, decide whether you’d prefer a guided tour:

Structure

The itinerary is written up for you. All you have to do is wake up and follow your guide to breakfast, lunch and dinner, and see all the sights that they have planned out for you.

Inside Knowledge

With a guided tour, you will get all the insider knowledge and see all the cultural hotspots, as the guide will know all that’s worth knowing about their tour.

You won’t get lost

Your guide will know exactly where they are going, you don’t have to rely on a map or satellite navigation.

You’ll make friends

Guided tours are social events where you could make several new friends to go for a drink with.

Restaurant decision is made

Your restaurant gets chosen for you, there’s no arguing about where to eat on a guided tour, walking around towns looking for the best restaurant, the choice is made, and it’ll be a good quality eatery too.

Silver Travel Advisor recommended partners for walking holidays

108 people found this helpful
17245

Share Article:

Silver Travel Advisor

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.