Exploring the unexplored

But now, travel has been made easier with travel packages, that offer everything in one slot and all you have to do is to choose the best option.

Metrolife spoke to a few people and asked them what they liked doing best, travelling alone or going in for a travel package which is more organised.

Every plan has its glitches but nevertheless, the element of excitement still persists. Akiesh, a marketing professional says, “For me, it is a strict ‘no’ as far as travel package is concerned. It takes away all the adventure of a trip. There are a few advantages like comfort, no headache of planning but it puts a lot of restriction on the time you get to spend at a particular place.” He adds, “If you travel on your own, you have your freedom as to where you want to stay and there is the bonus of making your trip more adventurous.”

While a lone traveller may find peace with what the places may have to offer, not everyone does well in unplanned situations.

“Travelling on your own is fun but it comes with a host of problems. Having an experienced person by your side when visiting a new place is always beneficial, else it may lead to extra cost and more effort from your end,” says Abhinav Tiwari, a market analyst. “In case of an emergency or planning a trip on a short notice, travel packages are the only choice,” he adds.

But more than just the pros and cons attached to each type of travel, the preference depends on the people who make the decision. “Ordinarily, travel packages come with a huge premium attached to them. I would rather make my own arrangements, using the Internet where I can navigate any place without even going there,” says Rahul Joshi, a software engineer. And experienced travellers know how to make the most of the information available. “I opted for a package when I went to Tirupati for the first time because it was economical. But now, I will go on my own,” says Abhinav.

But a few say that while one can take a chance with domestic travel, the same is not the case when it comes to overseas travelling .“With a new language and environment, it is always better to have people around who know the place,” says Nidhi K, a chartered accountant. “I feel travel packages are good but only if you don’t have any other option. If there are options, I would never go for them,” says Rahul.