I've enjoyed reading many of the posts on this site, and have a question for any reader - What is your opinon of booking with a tour group such as IT when travelling with a group of 4? Besides the obvious benefits of convenience and meeting new people -- do you think there are other benefits that outway the need to be in a group for 5-15 days (depending on the trip)? The reason I ask -- I been fortunate enough to avoid the "typical packaged vacation" until a side trip I booked after a business trip to Tel Aviv in March. The "tour" was such a dissapointment as you can imagine: 40-50 folks cattle-call-style (mega coach). I felt as though I had a great big TOURIST sign tatooed to my forehead. This is not how I like to visit/experience a culture/country, but Israel was the first country I visited where I didn't have a locale contact/friend to show me
"their country". Now Egypt and Jordan will be 2nd/3rd.
[This message has been edited by GP (edited September 01, 2000).]
Re: 4 travelling to Egypt/Jordan
Dear GP,
I honestly feel that, in Egypt ,you would not be able to cover the typical sites of interest on your own. I felt that IT were very considerate of the things you mention & have small groups of up to 15 I think it is.
Will your group be all women or are there male members of the group? If your group is all female I think it would be very unenjoyable for you to travel without a tour
group.
In Egypt you will be teated as a tourist even if you live there!!
IT provide expert information on the history of different sites & also allow time for you to explore at your own pace. I found the tours very well organised, with well trained Tour Leaders & knowledgeable guides.
I hope this provides you with assistance. Enjoy your holiday ...wish I could join you!!! [img]http://www.imaginative-traveller.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]
[This message has been edited by Debbie Comini (edited September 03, 2000).]
Re: 4 travelling to Egypt/Jordan
Hi GP,
I know what you mean about the disappointment of traveling in a big group.
I agree with what Debbie has said, but one thing she missed which I found to be a real godsend.
IT seem to treat their travelers with respect. The itinerary is planned and of course all group members are encouraged to do everything but there is no pressure to do things you don't want to do.
Egypt & Jordan have the most impressive ancient sights I've ever seen, but there sure are a lot of them.
I found that by thinking ahead, and leaving out a few of them, I really enjoyed the ones I did see.
I simply told the group leader I wouldn't be joining her for an excursion and then I wandered off on my own to explore the bazaars and sit in the coffee shops.
For that reason, I don't think that your fear of 'having' to be with a group for the entire trip is too much to worry about.
enjoy your trip
Tom