Narrow your search
Narrow your search
  • Free word search

  • Tag search *Up to 2 items can be selected

    Domestic
    abroad
    feeling
Find a Tour
JUN 25 2025

When it comes to overseas travel, which is better: a tour or self-arrangements? We explain how to choose and what to be careful of depending on the situation!

When planning an overseas trip, have you ever wondered whether to use a package tour from a travel agency or to book your own flight and hotel? Whether you want convenience or freedom, which is best for you, actually depends on your "travel style."
In this article, we will clearly explain the differences between tours and self-arranged travel, and introduce the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as the types of people they are suitable for. Why not find the perfect travel style for you to make your trip more enjoyable and more personal?

What is the difference between a tour and self-organized travel?

Image: iStock/izusek

iStock/izusek

First, let's understand the definitions and basic differences between the two. We will summarize them in three points.

What is a tour?

A tour is a package product sold by a travel agency, with the destination and contents decided by the travel agency. It is also called a package tour. Basically, it includes "airplane tickets and other means of transportation" and "accommodation," and sometimes it also includes "sightseeing," "transportation," and "meals."

Tours with a fixed itinerary are generally accompanied by a tour guide. On the other hand, dynamic package tours are becoming more common, allowing travelers to freely combine airfare, hotels, and other items to create their own original plans.

Another characteristic of tours accompanied by a tour conductor is that because participants are recruited for an itinerary decided in advance by the travel agency, they will often be accompanied by other participants and will travel as a group or in a small group.

What is a self-arranged trip?

A self-arranged trip is one in which you make all your own arrangements for transportation such as airfare, accommodation, sightseeing, meals, etc. You can choose each of these according to your own convenience and preferences, and you can also make changes to your itinerary on the spot, such as making detours or changing your destination.

Advantages and disadvantages of tours and self-arranged travel

There are pros and cons to both tours and individual arrangements. We have summarized the pros and cons.

Pros of the tour

Image: iStock/krblokhin

iStock/krblokhin

• Travel hassle-free and easy

Travel agencies will make all the arrangements for you, from booking your flight, hotel, and sightseeing spots, so you don't have to go through the trouble of researching and booking on your own. Even busy people or beginners can easily plan their trips.

• Leave the tedious procedures to the professionals

In some cases, travel agencies will handle complicated procedures such as visa applications and preparing the documents required for entry. This reduces the worry of making mistakes or forgetting to submit documents, so you can feel at ease even if it is your first time traveling abroad.

• Peace of mind knowing that support will be available even in the event of a problem

Travel agencies will handle flight delays, cancellations, and local troubles. You don't have to rebook or negotiate on your own, so you can act calmly even in the event of an emergency.

• Depending on the time of year, it may be cheaper than making arrangements yourself.

A package deal for airfare and hotel can be cheaper than booking each separately, so it's also recommended for people on a budget.

Tour Notes

• If you are on a group tour, your movements will be restricted.

In the case of tours that are conducted with multiple participants, the activities are mainly group activities and the schedule is decided by the minute. In addition, the destination and meals are often decided in advance. Since the tourist spots tend to be based on standard courses, if you want to experience hidden spots or local atmosphere, be sure to check the itinerary in detail before applying.

• Tour may be canceled depending on the number of participants.

Some tours have a minimum number of participants, and if the number of applications does not reach a certain number, the tour may be canceled. Please be aware that there may be cases where you will be notified just before the tour departs.

Advantages of self-organized travel

Image: iStock/Urbanscape

iStock/Urbanscape

• You can choose your destination, accommodation, meals, etc.

The appeal of self-arrangement is that you can choose your own departure point, destination, and stopover points. You can create the itinerary you envision, such as arriving on an early morning flight or taking a round trip route around multiple cities. Another big advantage is that you can choose your hotels and meals freely, so you can carefully compare price ranges, locations, designs, reviews, etc.

• You can control your own budget allocation

You can adjust the cost of flights, hotel grades, sightseeing, and meals according to your priorities. You can save money on travel and splurge on accommodation, or be particular about food... you can freely choose to increase your satisfaction with your trip.

• You can enjoy yourself outside of the schedule by taking detours.

With private travel arrangements, you can cherish the "feeling" of your destination without being tied down to a schedule. Staying an extra night at your favorite place, or taking a detour to a place that catches your eye, allows for flexible travel.

Things to note when travelling independently

• It takes time and effort to gather information and make reservations.

It takes time and effort to prepare in advance, as you need to research, compare, and book flights, accommodations, sightseeing spots, local transportation, etc. one by one. In some places, local websites are often only available in English, so you may have a hard time making arrangements.

• When a problem occurs, you have to solve it yourself

If a problem occurs, such as a canceled flight, trouble with a hotel reservation, or getting lost, you will need to solve it yourself. There are many situations where your on-the-spot judgment and language skills will be put to the test.

• Depending on your choice, it may be more expensive.

Because you have to book your flight, hotel, and local transportation separately, depending on the timing and route, it may end up costing more than a tour. In order to travel cheaply, you need to compare and think about things.

At a glance! The differences between tours and self-arranged travel

itemtourPersonal arrangements
The hassle of arranging◎: Easy arrangement of airfare, accommodation, and sightseeing△: You need to make all your own reservations and arrangements
Schedule flexibility△: Often follows a set schedule and itinerary◎: You can freely decide the destination, time, and route.
cost◯: Sometimes it's a good deal to get a set price for airfare and hotel◯: It can be adjusted depending on the selection, but it can be expensive if you are particular about it.
Response in case of trouble◎: Supported by tour conductors and travel agencies△: Handle it yourself
destination◯: You can efficiently visit popular spots◎: Enjoy not only the classics, but also hidden gems and lesser known places

Which one should I use in this situation? How to choose depending on the situation

Image: iStock/last19

iStock/last19

Let's take a closer look at which one is better suited for each actual situation.

Tour-friendly case

Case 1: If this is your first time getting a passport and you are very anxious about traveling abroad

The travel agency will help you with everything from passport applications to filling out departure cards. There are also many cases where there is a Japanese support desk available during your stay, so you can rest assured.

Case 2: Traveling with children or as a senior and want to reduce the burden of travel

Plans that include airport to hotel transfers and stroller and wheelchair rentals can reduce the stress of traveling. There are also tours where all transportation during the trip is by bus.

Case 3: If you're on a short vacation and want to efficiently visit major tourist sites

There are also plans where a tour guide will accompany you on an itinerary that includes a thorough visit to popular spots. You can also be entrusted with arranging tickets and leading the entrance line.

Case 4: You have a set budget and want to reduce the worry of extra costs

If your plan includes airfare, accommodation, and sightseeing in the package price, your local expenses will be limited to souvenirs and meals during your free time.

Cases for personal travel arrangements

Case 1: If you have already been abroad several times and are familiar with the country

If you understand the process of immigration and transfers, and have enough language skills to communicate on your own, you should be able to travel without any problems by making your own arrangements. You can also use comparison sites to plan your route so that you can easily earn miles and points on your airfare.

Case 2: If you have a specific event, art exhibition, or other date-specific purpose

If you want to go to a specific event, such as a concert, sporting event, or short-term exhibition, it is best to make your own arrangements. You can also secure lodging near the venue and take measures to avoid queuing.

Case 3: If you want to go on a hobby trip with a specific theme, such as architecture or nature

If you have a clear goal in mind, such as visiting famous architecture or admiring magnificent nature, we recommend making your own arrangements. You can freely adjust detours and photography time.

Case 4: Repeat visit to a place you have been to before

Even if you have been to a place before, you may want to go to a place you haven't been to before or have a more local experience. Since tours often go to standard spots and the destinations may overlap, it is recommended that you arrange your own trip to find a new experience.

Self-diagnosis with a simple checklist

If you're having trouble deciding whether to take a tour or make your own arrangements, check the following checklist to see which one suits you best. If you answer "yes" to three or more questions, a tour is a good choice. If you answer "no" to three or more questions, try making your own arrangements.

questionyesno
I don't have time to prepare for the trip
I am not confident in making reservations or negotiating locally in English.
I don't mind being on a set schedule
When you have a problem, leave it to the experts
Above all, I think the most important thing is "ease, peace of mind, and efficiency."

→Three or more “yes” answers → Suitable for tours!
→ Three or more “No” answers → Suitable for personal arrangement!

Whether you choose a tour or arrange your own trip, the choice is your gateway to a fun trip.

Image: iStock/b-bee

iStock/b-bee

Do you want "convenience and peace of mind" or "freedom and depth"? This is the biggest difference between tours and self-arrangements. If you want to try self-arrangements but are not confident in your travel experience, it may be a good idea to start with a tour. Or, even if you are used to traveling abroad, if you don't have time to prepare, choosing a tour is another option. You want to choose a method that suits you and the conditions at the time. It's a good idea to organize your travel purpose, budget, and preferences, and also consider the wishes of your travel partner. However, you should not think too hard about it, but rather get excited and worry about it. Because this choice is the first step of your journey. Either way, a fun journey awaits.

JALPAK overseas tours

The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.

This article is a sponsored article by
''.

No Notification
日本語
English
简体中文
繁體中文
Translated by AI