By: Cassandra Ingraham

Travelers are always looking for a way to save on Travel. They surf the net religiously, and sign up for all the newsletters and alerts that promise travel savings Some of these communications are worthy some are a markup from another companies travel inventory. A few of these e-mail communications are actually from consolidators (not many) and wholesalers of travel.

Not to doubt anyones marketing message there is an entire segment of travel that many cost conscience travelers have not considered. Tours vs. Independent Booking.

I know, you hate the idea of being shuffled around Europe in a group. You want to go when you want to go, stay as long as you like and do what you want, when YOU want. Me too! However, there is much to be said for a tour.

>>The United States Tour Operators Association recently surveyed its members to find out how much money travelers save when buying a vacation package or tour over making the same arrangements on their own. Dollars savings during high season ranged from a low of $350 on a 10-night; to $3,430 or nearly $230 a day on a 15-day Europe tour visiting several countries. The survey also found that travelers can reap savings up to an additional 40% by traveling during the low season.

Examples of actual dollar savings buying an air-inclusive escorted tour to Europe range from a low of $350 on a 10-night Elbe River Tour (priced at #3,500) to a savings of $3,430 on a 15-day Heart of Europe tour visiting Holland, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France. If booked individually at rack rates, the Heart of Europe tour would cost $6,470.

Travelers would save another $500 by booking the Elbe River tour during low season, and an additional 16% on the Heart of Europe during low season.>> Survey by USTOA

The actual cost of a Europe tour independently booked comes out to be much more than 40%.

The bottom line is that many tour companies provide a whole vacation experience for the price of a hotel room. The bottom line to the bottom line is: Travel during low season and find a tour company that you like!

A tour will allow you the freedom to do as you please as long as the tour bus, plane or train is not leaving town. And most of the tours allow for choices while on the tour. You dont have to be a part of the group every moment of each day. There are excursions and times to sleep late or even better, stay out late.

Contact your local Travel Agent or Google the keywords Vacation Tours OR you can view our online e-Vacation Travel Catalog and view thousands of Tours at  http://www.mailpound.com/myagent/alhome.asp?agent=206943