I'd say that organized tours, by and large, are a better value than the DIY ones. Really. Good tour companies can get you great deals on food and lodging, plus all the added support of a sag wagon, mechanical help, great riding friends, ect. If you want to go ride your bike in France for 2 weeks and you have a real career that makes you good money-- don't mess around. Do the research and pick a top shelf tour company and enjoy! You will have the time of your life, believe me.

I'm not saying that the DIY tour is garbarge-- it's not. There's nothing wrong with rolling your brother's old 12 speed road bike out of the garage, strapping on whatever camping gear happen to have lying around and heading off for Uncle Mort's place Upstate. That's totally fun as well! Enjoy!

The thing to think about is....do you have extra time, or extra money? If all you can manage is two weeks away from the office all summer-- pay someone else to organize a great time for you, because it's worth it. If you just finished collage and you have a whole summer to ride, but you're short on funds, heck, ride coast to coast eating peanut butter and camping.

In the end-- it's all about the ride. Nothing else matters really.