Front of the Line Experiences

Not only do tour operators take you to all the sites and plan everything for you, they also work first-hand with the historical sites/attractions. By working with the attraction, the tour operating company is able to schedule your group in to view the attraction first before all other tourists. For example, when we were in Rome and visiting the Vatican, we were the FIRST group in- and when I say first, I mean quite literally the FIRST group in for the day. We got a head start before all the other tour groups- and- all other tourists that were out on their own and not part of a group, had to wait in line while all the tour companies took their tour groups in at their scheduled times. There really are some great benefits of taking a guided tour as they really do get you into places first, or at scheduled times without having to wait in long lines.

Direct to the Attraction

Another benefit of taking a guided tour is that they take you directly to the attraction. You don’t have to worry about finding transportation, language barriers, getting lost, etc. This saves you time, money, and lots of headaches!

The Benefits of a Guided Tour

Vacations to far-off places immerse you in the culture as you enjoy everything from the food and customs to the entertainment and landmarks. Exploring the destination on your own is always an option, but travelers often choose guided tours as a way to get their bearings. Organized tours offer several advantages, whether you are traveling alone or with a group.

Organization
A guided tour company handles all the organization and prep work for visiting landmarks in the area. You save time and energy that you would normally put into planning out your own tours of your destination. The tour guide puts together a schedule for visiting locations based on their proximity to make efficient use of the tour time. The tours take into account the visiting hours of the stops on the itinerary so you don't have to spend hours researching the information for each place you want to visit. Transportation is handled for you. You simply sign up for the preferred tour and show up at the designated time.

Comfort and Safety
The first time in a new location leaves many travelers feeling nervous or unsure of where to go and how to act. This is particularly true for vacations abroad if you aren't fluent in the local language. A guided tour gives you a sense of comfort since the tour guide understands the culture. In some destinations, safety is an issue. The tour guide helps you avoid potentially dangerous areas of the city and brings a sense of safety to the trip.

Insider Knowledge
Tour companies operate frequent tours in the area and often hire locals to guide the tours. This provides an inside knowledge of the destination that you might not have. Insider knowledge of the area means you'll hit all the highlights. The tour may also allow you to uncover some hidden gems within the city that you wouldn't otherwise know about. Guides often share stories and bits of history about landmarks to give more depth to your experience. The company uses its knowledge of the city to schedule activities and visits during times when they aren't as busy.

Socialization
Joining a group of fellow travelers adds a social aspect to a guided tour, especially if you aren't traveling with people you already know. Experiencing a new city with others allows you to share your reactions and connect with fellow group members. In some cases, the relationships built last even after the tour ends.

Dealing with Problems
Visitors to developing nations often have to deal with difficult issues of bureaucracy, such as obtaining permits for activities like climbing, fishing or camping, and language barriers can make this even more problematic. The advantage of employing a tour guide is that he can speak the language, has a better understanding of how local systems operate and is less likely to be cheated. The tour guide also can help to ensure that you are not conned by shopkeepers and taxi drivers, and acts as a deterrent to people who might otherwise hassle you, such as beggars and street vendors.

Source: https://traveltips.usatoday.com/advantages-guided-tours-37535.html