Self-Guided & Independent Tour & Trip Reviews

1,274 reviewsAverage rating 4.6452 trips

Self-Guided & Independent Tour & Trip Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
218
Great
49
Average
7
Disappointing
2
Terrible
3

Tour Reviews

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Joan M.

Feb 2023

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The trip to Southern Thailand was beyond perfect for me.

The trip to Southern Thailand was beyond perfect for me. I liked all the active excursions and I appreciated that I had enough time with each activity. I never felt ...

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Kurt C.

Feb 2023

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I was in good hands the entire time, as my tour guide was also just as thorough with details.

I am typically controlling when it comes to planning trips, but due to the positive reviews I had read, I gave this company a chance. Since the moment I booked my tr...

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Shiela P.

Feb 2023

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Everything about the CharlieTheTraveler trip to Southern Thailand was beyond my imagination.

Everything about the CharlieTheTraveler trip to Southern Thailand was beyond my imagination. I appreciated that quality lunches that reflected the local cuisine were...

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Gregory H.

Feb 2023

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Thankfully the trip to Southern Thailand organized by CharlieTheTraveler was nothing like this.

I don’t like trips where I am stuck inside or find myself sitting in a hotel room waiting for the next excursion. Thankfully the trip to Southern Thailand organized ...

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Aileen N.

Feb 2023

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I was also amazed at how much the company-provided tour guide knew about the area.

It is evident CharlieTheTraveler is well-versed in the Southern Thailand area, as my trip was well devised. The activities that were planned perfectly highlighted th...

Self-Guided & Independent Reviews

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Ally A.

Feb 2023

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I wasn’t stressed and was able to enjoy every moment of the trip!

Usually going on trips means a lot of stress leading up to the trip and during. However, because CharlieTheTraveler planned so much for me for this Southern Thailand...

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Larry H.

Feb 2023

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I have never had as much excitement as I had with CharlieTheTraveler’s Southern Thailand tour.

I have never had as much excitement as I had with CharlieTheTraveler’s Southern Thailand tour. I made the right choice booking with them as the company provided exce...

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Sean P.

Feb 2023

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This was a trip of a lifetime.

This was a trip of a lifetime. I could not believe how much CharlieTheTraveler included in this 10-day trip to Southern Thailand, all for a low price. The itinerary ...

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Eric B.

Feb 2023

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Southern Thailand offers so much more than I ever thought and CharlieTheTraveler introduced me to it all.

Southern Thailand offers so much more than I ever thought and CharlieTheTraveler introduced me to it all. The planning and organization that went into this trip was ...

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Cheryl T.

Feb 2023

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CharlieTheTraveler chooses quality over quantity and this is one of the reasons why I recommend the company to my friends and family.

CharlieTheTraveler put my mind at ease because of its organization and experience. Our tour guide had everything planned out quite well. He was very efficient with m...

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Top Self-Guided & Independent Tours

Self-Guided & Independent Reviews

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Ruth N.

Feb 2023

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Southern Thailand is a beautiful country, but I am glad I didn’t just rely on pictures to find out.

Southern Thailand is a beautiful country, but I am glad I didn’t just rely on pictures to find out. This company highlighted the country’s landscapes and beautiful v...

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Steve P.

Feb 2023

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CharlieTheTraveler did everything right in this trip to Southern Thailand.

CharlieTheTraveler did everything right in this trip to Southern Thailand. No detail was left unaccounted for. I always felt safe, as our group was small and intimat...

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Patagonia

Mar 2023

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Awesome trip

QWERTY travel did an awesome job of planning our trip. After speaking with Constance she offered a couple of optional itineraries. We worked together to tweek them...

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Emma

Dec 2022

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I had a fantastic experience

Everything was well-organized and went as planned. Our sales representative was really helpful and responsive. I had a fantastic experience. Say Hueque recommends vi...

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Joseph

Dec 2022

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Excellent

The ability to see all of the falls, as well as the boat tr...

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Self-Guided & Independent Reviews

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Christopher

Dec 2022

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I strongly suggest it!!!!

Brenda and Mairim went above and above with last-minute revision...

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Matthew

Nov 2022

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Excellent journey.

Excellent journey. Sue Hueque handled everything well, from picking us up...

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William

Nov 2022

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Everything went really well.

Everything went really well. It's very reassuring to see your name on a sign at every location. All of the hotels were ideal for our needs. The pick-ups were on sche...

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Melissa

Jan 1970

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Top-of-the-line

Top-of-the-line guide and driver. I thoroughly appre...

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Ryan

Jan 1970

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It comes highly recommended.

The glacier is incredible and memorable. The pick-up was on schedule, and after a short trip, we arrived at the national park (we had to pay the entrance fee on the ...

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41 - 60 of 1275 Reviews shown

Editor’s Take

What to Look For in Self Guided & Indpendent Tour Reviews

Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary. 

Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.

When looking at self-guided tour companies it’s important to remember that many of these tours are not as detailed as fully guided tours. Tour companies provide some bookings, but for many parts of your travels, you are responsible for making your bookings.

Positive reviews for self-guided and independent tours highlight the ability to enjoy attractions and their trip at their own pace. Self-guided tours allow you to move around the country at the pace you are most comfortable with without having to wait for larger groups, worrying about holding other travelers back, or be restricted by a strict itinerary.

Some negative reviews for independent tours revolve around poor local tour guides. While tour companies can create itineraries, on self-guided tours you are usually responsible for booking local tour operators. It is highly recommended to do your own research beforehand if you are booking local tours as these type of tours mostly rely on your own research.

When working with tour companies or travel agents, make sure you find the one that matches your travel style. If you prefer luxury or budget travel or want to incorporate more outdoor activities, communicating that will help create a tailored trip. Working with the agent or company to create the itinerary or bookings that match your comfort and travel style is extremely important to an enjoyable tour.

Many tour operators may provide self-guided booklets or advice about your destination, but some of that advice may need updating or additions. Doing your own research about a destination will help keep down any surprises or issues you may run into.

If you want a professional take on Self Guided travel, see the Stride Independent Travel Guide »