Heading to Las Vegas? There is so much to see and do in my town. But just like any foreign, exotic location, it can be daunting. Where to go? What to do? How do I get answers to all my questions? That’s why most travelers book a tour to get their bearings and visit the top local spots. In Las Vegas you are confronted with two main options. Should I book a group tour or a private tour?
I do both scheduled tours (the kind you find on websites like Viator and TripAdvisor) and private tours. Scheduled tours generally are cheaper if just a few people. If low cost is you main factor then that is the way to go. But if you are in a family group or larger, a private tour may not only be a better option, but cheaper for you too!
Complete Freedom and flexibility
Personalised private tours give you total freedom and flexibility. The tour itinerary and schedule is entirely focused and planned around you. Everything is catered around your tastes, including places to visit, things to do, types of activities you’ll enjoy and even the menu.
With a personal tour, there are no rigid pre-planned itineraries that you need to accommodate, although we do offer a suggested course to get you started if you don’t already have something in mind.
Explore at your own pace
Have you ever found yourself on a group tour, enjoying a particular spot, but then times up, and you have to move on before you’re ready to accommodate the group’s itinerary? One of the benefits of private tours is that you can go at your own pace.
If you’re not enjoying a particular location or activity, you can skip it and move on to something else. But, on the other hand, if you are thoroughly enjoying a particular place or experience, you don’t need to worry about time limits and getting back to the bus.
In short, if time and pace is important to you, then a private tour is a good option.
More exclusivity
While group tours rely on buses filled with other travellers, private tours allow you to choose who will accompany you on your trip. Whether travelling alone, with family or friends you can enjoy more privacy and comfort.
In addition, this makes private tours ideal for special occasions like honeymoons, wedding anniversaries, birthdays, or just travelling with friends and family on a special vacation.
Special care and assistance
Having your own personal guide and transportation provides you with that extra special care and attention. This is especially helpful if you are travelling with young children, elderly relatives, disabled travelers, those with medical conditions, special needs or mobility issues.
Your guide will be able to accommodate your dietary needs better and plan around you, while your driver will transport you door to door to make you as comfortable as possible.
Without other travellers to take care of, your guide will solely focus on you and your travel companions’ needs.
Your own personal tap of local knowledge
Having your own personal guide means there is no competing with other travellers to get the attention of your guide or to have your questions answered. Instead, you’ll have access to a tap of local culture and knowledge.
Find out everything you want to know, get recommendations on foods to try, things to do and places to visit. In addition, you can get to know a real Korean local who can introduce you to places off the beaten track.
Private tour cons
Cost (sometimes)
Private tours are usually considered much more expensive due to the luxury, convenience and personal attention they offer. While there is some truth in this, as personal tours can often be more expensive than group tours, this isn’t always the case.
When travelling within a group of family or friends, booking a private tour can be more economical than the per-seat cost of individually booking everyone on a group tour. Therefore, it is worth comparing the entire cost of a group tour and private tour over the per seat or individual cost of booking one person.
Not a good option for meeting new people
If you are travelling alone and looking to meet fellow travellers for companionship, a private tour option is probably not a good idea. A larger group tour would offer you more opportunities to meet others, from different countries or areas, while exploring Las Vegas.
The Vagabond Horizon 