In the age of DIY everything, planning your own vacation might seem like the ultimate freedom. But more often than not, independent travel can come with hidden costs, confusing logistics, and missed opportunities. That’s where guided travel comes in, and that’s just the start. Here are the benefits of guided travel over independent travel, especially when you choose AAA Member Choice Vacations® (MCV) to lead you.
Why choose guided travel at all?
Planning a trip sounds fun until you’re deep into the fifth hour of researching hotels in Dublin, trying to decide which castle tour is worth it, and figuring out how to get from point A to point B without wasting half a day. Guided travel with AAA MCV eliminates all of these overwhelming decisions and logistics.
Every tour is curated by expert designers who’ve already determined the best of the best so that you don’t have to stress over the many decisions involved in planning. Transportation, accommodations, meals, and activities are all sorted, plus you get the benefit of being accompanied by a seasoned Tour Manager who handles everything on the ground and brings the destination to life with insider knowledge and personal connections.
And here’s a perk you might not expect: Going guided often costs less than booking it all on your own. For example, a popular London and Paris itinerary from MCV comes in at about $5,998 for two people, compared to $7,916 when you try to piece it all together on your own.
What do you miss when you go fully independent?
If you opt for fully independent travel, you do gain some flexibility, but you often lose access. That perfect Parisian bistro you saw photos of could be fully booked when you arrive, along with the museum tour that required reservations. With guided travel, not only is everything settled in advance, but you’ll tap into cultural inclusions that you’d have a harder time finding on your own. Think cooking classes with local chefs, hosted meals in private homes, or even a jaunting car tour through the Irish countryside.
You’ll also skip the tedious parts of travel, like searching, booking, and comparing, as well as avoid mistakes in decision-making and reservation setting. Guided travel frees you up to just enjoy the journey. It’s vacation, after all.
Aren’t all guided tours large and impersonal?
Not all tours are created equal, and that’s especially true when it comes to group size. AAA MCV offers Explorations for more intimate travel. These smaller group journeys max out at 24 travelers and typically average even fewer. They’re ideal for culturally curious travelers who want to dive deeper into destinations, oftentimes where larger crowds can’t be accommodated.
On an Explorations journey, you’re not just seeing the sights; you’re living them. Envision yourself dining with Japan’s ama pearl divers, staying in glass igloos in Finnish Lapland, or exploring Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay in a traditional junk boat. These are the types of experiences big tours and independent itineraries can’t always deliver.
What do you actually get with a guided tour?
Here’s what’s included on a typical AAA MCV guided journey:
Transportation
When you buy air with AAA MCV, secure door-to-door chauffeur service to and from the airport, plus hotel transfers, and all internal transfers during your tour.
Accommodations
Exceptional value touring with premium accommodations—typically 4-star and above, ranging from 3- to 5-star depending on the destination.
Meals
Daily breakfasts and unique local dinners, plus bonuses like cooking classes and curated culinary stops.
Excursions
Access to museums, landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path experiences with local guides and experts.
Deeper immersion
Fewer one-night stays than traditional large group tours, giving you more time and lived experience in each place.
Who is guided travel best for?
If you’re into making the most of your time, avoiding planning headaches, and digging deeper into local culture with little effort on your part, you’ll benefit from a guided vacation no matter who you are. But AAA MCV and Explorations are especially well-suited for the following travelers:
- Those venturing to a destination for the first time
- People who want to experience more and worry less
- Travelers who enjoy community and connection, but still want moments of independence
- Anyone aiming to save money without sacrificing quality or quantity of activities, accommodations, and meals
Ready to go beyond the guidebook?
Whether you're dreaming of Italy's countryside, Australia’s Outback, or Japan’s coastal villages, a guided journey with AAA MCV lets you do more, see more, and stress less. It's the smarter way to travel, designed by experts, led by locals, and personalized for you.
Ditch the spreadsheets, guesswork, and mishaps. Guided travel with AAA MCV lets you focus on the hiccup-free fun. With immersive experiences, expert planning, and stress-free logistics, heading out on your next adventure is both easier and cheaper when you go guided. Visit AAA.com/MemberChoice to start your journey.