Planning a trip can be exciting.
It can also be a lot of work — especially if you’re going overseas.
This is why a lot of people enlist the aid of travel professionals.
Now, there are two main ways to get that help: curated travel or traditional travel planning.
Curated travel vs. traditional travel planning isn’t just about who books your flight and hotel.
It’s about how flexible your trip can be, how much it suits your tastes, and how unique the experience is to you.
Let’s break down the differences between these two approaches.
What is Curated Travel?
Curated travel, sometimes called bespoke travel, is all about creating a trip that fits you perfectly.
Instead of picking a standard package, you work with a travel curator who designs an itinerary specifically for you.
If you love art, a travel curator might plan an exclusive tour of an art gallery and arrange for you to meet the artist after.
If you’re a food lover, they might book you into a cooking class with a local chef.
With curated travel, each part of your trip is planned around your interests.
The goal is to make it a truly personal experience.
What is Traditional Travel Planning?
Traditional travel planning is what most people think of when they imagine using a travel agency.
A travel agent will help book flights, hotels, and activities based on popular options and tourist spots.
They might suggest a general city tour or an all-inclusive resort package.
This approach is often easier and less personalized.
However, it’s straightforward and convenient — which is perfect if you want a simple, relaxing trip.
For example, if you’d like an easy beach getaway, a travel agent can recommend several all-inclusive packages for you to choose from.
These packages often cover meals, lodging, and transportation, so you don’t have to worry about logistics too much.
Benefits of Curated Travel
If we’re going to compare curated travel vs traditional travel planning, it’s good to look at the benefits of both.
High Level of Personalization
One of the biggest benefits of curated travel is personalization.
Your trip is planned around the things you love to do.
If you’re heading to Taiwan and love local food, your travel curator might list all the best night markets and local eateries with authentic cruising for you.
If you’re heading to Greece and love history, your travel curator might design an itinerary that includes several private tours of ancient sites with a local expert.
Curated travel makes sure every part of your trip reflects your interests.
Exclusive Experiences You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
Curated travel often includes access to unique experiences that most people don’t get.
Travel curators have connections with local guides, restaurants, and venues.
This allows them to arrange special activities or events for their clients.
Some examples include:
- An exclusive tour and wine-tasting at a private vineyard
- Experiencing an authentic Mongolian eagle hunt
- Art classes with a local famous artist
- A private wildlife tour with a renowned guide
- A Hawaiian jewelry-making class, where you’ll learn the genuine Ti-leaf Kupe’e technique
Truly, these are one-of-a-kind experiences that can turn a trip from great to unforgettable.
Flexibility to Change Plans
When it comes to curated travel vs traditional travel planning, flexibility will always be a huge benefit of curated travel.
When you travel with a tour group, you often have a fixed schedule.
Even if you like a place, you can’t stay longer than the allotted time.
If you insist, you’ll either delay the entire group or you’ll get left behind.
With curated travel, this isn’t a problem.
If you decide to deviate from the itinerary, all you need to do is tell your travel curator.
They can adjust your schedule as needed.
This flexibility is perfect for people who like to explore at their own pace.
Let’s say you fall in love with a small village in Spain.
Your travel curator can move activities around so you can spend the whole day there.
Stress-Free Planning with Expert Help
Curated travel takes the stress out of planning because your travel curator handles all the details.
They book everything for you — from flights to activities to restaurant reservations.
Plus, they’re available during your trip if you need help or have questions.
If you’re in a new city and need directions, your travel curator is just a call or message away.
Benefits of Traditional Travel Planning
When weighing curated travel vs traditional travel planning, the latter has some strengths as well.
Guidance and Advice
Traditional travel agents offer valuable guidance and advice.
This is especially handy to have if you’re planning a multi-stop trip.
Let’s say you’re touring Europe.
A travel agent can help you arrange flights, trains, and hotels across different countries.
This way, you’ll always have a place to sleep and a way to get around.
Having an expert organize the logistics makes the process smoother — especially if you’re a first-time traveler.
Package Deals That Save Money
Traditional travel planning often includes package deals that can save you money.
Travel agents sometimes have access to special prices on hotels, flights, and tours.
If you’re on a budget, this is a great way to travel.
If you want a beach vacation, a travel agent might offer an all-inclusive deal that covers everything from meals to activities.
The price for the deal is often a lot lower than booking the inclusions separately.
Personal Interaction and Support
Working with a traditional travel agent gives you the chance to sit down with someone, talk about options, and get advice.
Some travelers enjoy this personal touch and feel more confident when working directly with an agent.
If anything goes wrong, like a delayed flight or a hotel issue, a traditional agent is available to provide support and help fix the problem.
Curated Travel vs. Traditional Travel Planning: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a quick comparison of curated travel vs. traditional travel planning:
- Personalization: Curated travel is highly personalized, while traditional planning offers less customization.
- Planning Style: Curated travel has a concierge-like approach, while traditional planning is more about agent-assisted booking.
- Flexibility: Curated travel is more flexible, letting you make changes easily. Traditional planning often has set schedules.
- Special Access: Curated travel includes unique experiences, while traditional planning might rely on standard packages.
- Time: Curated travel saves you time by handling every detail, while traditional planning can take more time if you want to customize.
Which Option is Right for You?
Choosing between curated travel and traditional travel planning depends on your travel style.
If you want a unique trip with flexibility and special experiences, curated travel is the best fit.
It’s great for people who want to explore places at their own pace and enjoy a personal touch.
But if you’re looking for a straightforward trip with set plans, traditional travel planning may be better.
It’s great for travelers who want a simple, budget-friendly vacation.
Ultimately, each method has its own strengths.
Knowing these differences can help you make the right choice for your next trip.
Ready to Try Curated Travel with Book Here, Give Here?
Have you properly weighed curated travel vs traditional travel planning?
Are you now curious about what curated travel could do for you?
At Book Here, Give Here, our Travel Gurus create personalized journeys that go beyond ordinary vacations.
We’re here to make your trip seamless, unique, and deeply connected to the places you visit!
