Modes of Travel: Comparison of Benefits

Traveling offers opportunities to experience the world, broaden one's education of other
cultures, and enjoy life in ways not previously thought possible.
There are multiple ways to accomplish all that: touring on one's own (TS), touring witih an
organized group/guide (TG), ocean cruising (CO) and river cruising (CR).
Below is a benefit analysis of these optional modes of travel.
Prioritize the benefits to help you evaluate which modes best meet you travel desires.
And use this to broaden your views of travel. Modes of travel: Comparison of Benefits** Modes ranked 1-4 for each benefit       Touring     Cruising Comments Benefit Self Guided Ocean River (TS,TG,CO,CR)   Ease of travel 4 3 2 1 CR < crowded, > leisure than CO Cruising: no re-packing/min. airports TS greatest effort Service 4 1 3 1 TG & CR: more personal/intimate Dining * * 2 1 Entertainment * * 1 2 CR - enrichment over enter. Activities * 2 1 3 CR improving Land Excursions NA 1 3 1 TG & CR include most excursions TS - not organized Amenities Included*** 4 2 3 1 CO has many promos that incl. these Education/Culture * 1 3 1 Incl. guides, lectures/seminars Unique Experiences * 1 3 1 Safety: Security,Health 4 3 2 1 TS on your own with the elements Overall Value Depends on one's priorities of the benefits, quality of supplier, cost, etc. * Ranking/quality depends on how much one spends and/or effort expended ** Comparison assumes roughly equal quality of products; luxury travel options will change rankings. *** Items such as excursions, meals, beverages, upgrades, tips Potential Negatives TS Much planning required, no assistance with problems, travel & language issues. But one can customize a trip to match priorities. TG Some inefficient use of time in a group, travel issues. But can meet general desires with minimal hassles, unique experiences. CO Relatively crowded, quality may not be uniform across all categories. But entertainment/activity focused, easy and with some luxury. CR > leisure but with down time, generally less to do on ship, more costly. But more service/education/excursion focused, relaxing, amenities offset cost.