I agree but organized tours can also insulate you from meeting people. I have met so many nice people through Warmshowers, at B&Bs, hotels and hostels and just asking for directions. Some of my fondness memories of tours was the people I met in asking directions. There was a police escort in Cremona, a funny argument between an old Italian couple on the way to Lecco and the realization that you can still experience a language barrier problem even when traveling inside the U.S on my tour of the Pacific coast.

On an organized tour you get to know the members of the group fairly well but you most likely won't meet other people because there is no need.


One huge advantage of a supported tour is that a good company is going to get it right. I love planning my own trips and I love doing my own navigating but you can make mistakes. My first tour wasn't the best it could be. Had I chosen an organized tour, I am sure things would have gone smoother.