Travel: Group or Solo?

Traveling is a popular pursuit for many Koreans. Following years of international travel being almost an impossibility for the average citizen, people have been making up for lost time by flocking to destinations all over the world. This craze has been slowed down of late by the Covid-19 pandemic but the numbers are expected to rebound once life begins getting back to normal.

For many, and particularly older people, package tours are an ideal way of seeing the world. Koreans traditionally take very short holidays and a jam packed tour itinerary is the perfect opportunity to see and do as much as possible in such a limited amount of time. Plus it's easy: tours usually include flights, hotels and meals so travelers don't have to worry about making those sorts of arrangements themselves.

But others seem to prefer independent travel. While getting around may be more difficult than on a tour, it can make for a much more rewarding trip. Rather than being spoon fed a selection of museums, temples and shopping centers, one may have a unique travel experience. In addition, independent travel offers freedom of choice for those of us who are happy to go at our own pace.

Vocabulary:

✓ make up for lost time: to enjoy activities that one wasn’t able to previously

✓ flock: when many people go to a destination or event

✓ rebound: return to normal levels

✓ jam packed: full

✓ itinerary: a schedule of activities, typically for a trip

✓ spoon feed: to be treated as a parent feeds a baby

✓ go at one's own pace: to go at a speed that one feels comfortable with

Discussion Questions:

1. Which do you prefer, taking a package tour or traveling independently? Why?
2. What do you think are some of the advantages and disadvantages of going on a package tour? How about for independent travel? Make lists and compare them.
3. Could it depend on where you're traveling? Would you feel comfortable traveling independently in some foreign countries but not in others? Talk about some different parts of the world and if you would prefer a package tour or traveling alone.
4. Is there any way to compromise by combining going on a tour with traveling independently?