One of the
questions I'm asked often: 'Should I buy a package tour, or plan it myself?'
The honest answer: it depends. Both have their place, but which suits you
depends entirely on what you're looking for. If someone tells you 'this one is
always better,' they're probably looking at their own commission, not at you.
When a Package Tour Makes Sense
If you're going
somewhere far for the first time, worried about the language, or simply want to
rest without dealing with anything, a package tour offers comfort. Everything
is arranged, surprises are minimal. In return, you give up flexibility and
sometimes authenticity — you'll see the same places as everyone else, at the
same time.
The Advantage of a Tailored Route
A journey
shaped around your own interests. If you love history, the emphasis goes on
museums; nature, on trails; food, on local eateries. You travel at your own
pace and reach places the tourist crowds don't. But planning takes effort — and
this is where a consultant comes in.
A Middle Option: Semi-Planned
There's a path
between the two: a route with a planned skeleton but space left inside it.
Flights, accommodation, and a few key activities are arranged in advance; the
rest is left to you. It offers both security and freedom — this is the model I
recommend to most of my clients.
What We Do
At MARTES, we
don't sell package tours. We listen to your interests, budget, and travel
style, then map out a route just for you. You can then carry it out yourself,
or we can help with that too. The goal is for you to take the journey you
actually want — not something we packaged in advance.
If you have a
destination in mind but aren't sure what kind of journey you want, let's sit
down and talk it through — free of charge. Together we'll find the model that
suits you best.