Travels play a huge role in the life of modern man. This is the pursuit of new experiences, knowledge, fresh emotions and just a great vacation. Travel companies offer a variety of destinations, trips to any corner of the globe. Extreme, comfortable - choose to your liking.
But you can not contact the tour operator. There is such a wonderful direction as amateur tourism. He was quite popular with Russians before. Many traveled to the sea, as they say, "savages." They bought tickets or got into a car, on arrival they rented rooms or houses from local residents, organized an entertainment and sightseeing program for themselves.
Anyway, we are somehow used to traveling around our country without guides and guides. As in countries that were formerly Soviet republics. It is cheaper, easier.
Now amateur tourism has spilled out of the homeland. Many ride on their own in Europe, America. Such travels have a lot of advantages. You do not need to depend on the group. You can choose excursions to your liking and see more, since you do not need to wait until everything is gathered. Do not have to get up early in the morning.
Independent tourism is cheaper. You do not need to pay for the provision of services to a travel company, a guide. The main expenses are road, accommodation, meals, excursions. You can find airline tickets with discounts. Good, small hotels, where accommodation will cost an order of magnitude cheaper than in famous hotels. Eat not in the hotel restaurant, but in city cafes.
In addition, experienced travelers who prefer amateur tourism to organized tourism argue that traveling does not require perfect knowledge of the language of the country you are going to. It is enough to learn some of the most important phrases in English. How to settle in a hotel, how to ask for directions. For everything else, sign language is usually enough .
In addition, communicating with the inhabitants of the country directly, and not through a guide, you can penetrate deeper into their cultural characteristics, traditions, understand their life. Large groups usually do not have time for this, everything is painted with visits to standard attractions.
Of course, there are downsides. You will have to spend much more time organizing the trip. You yourself will receive a visa, plan a route, book hotels, worry about food, book excursions.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances, you also have to rely only on yourself. And not all countries allow independent tourists. To obtain a visa to some states, you must present a tourist voucher provided by the tour operator.
On the network now you can find many sites promoting amateur tourism. Wedding tourism is also gaining momentum in the Russian services market. After all, it’s so great to arrange an unusual, memorable ceremony in some exotic place. Beautiful ceremonies of different cultures, the fabulous atmosphere of medieval castles in Europe or the sand of tropical islands.
Of course, it cannot be argued that amateur tourism is suitable for absolutely everyone. It is easier for natures who prefer a calm, measured rest without unnecessary worries to purchase a ready-made tour. But if you are easy to climb, love adventures and are used to controlling your trips yourself, this is for you. Happy travels to all!