Tours - Escorted or Independent?

Tour operators offer different types of tours to suit every person's travel tastes.
An escorted tour usually includes a tour guide that travels with you from destination to destination and/or specialists in each destination. It also includes the transportation (usually motorcoach, rail or boat/cruiseline), lodging and some, most or all meals. This is a great way to see a country or region of which you have little or no prior knowledge. The tour guides can certainly make a trip the most memorable you've ever had. Many of the tours take you to off-the-beaten-path locations to see a view that you never would have seen if you were traveling on your own. Many times the tours go to small towns and meet the locals for dinner in their homes for a taste of the real life in the region.
Independent tours usually include transportation and lodging, but all touring and meals are on your own. This allows you to plan your own route and travel at your own pace. The lodging arrangements can be made in a large well-known city, or in small bed and breakfasts in the country. You may chose to stay in one hotel and make day trips to different nearby areas, or travel across multiple countries experiencing each night in a different place.
Independent travel requires some research on the part of the traveler while escorted tours don't require as much, if any. In any case, you can achieve your dream vacation with a little thought. I also recommend using a travel agent to assist with the plans and booking (of course :) )