Tours can also be classed as travelling overland, its been given its own section as it is still different from travelling independently on national transport networks. With tours, you will end up travelling with a group of people and a guide (typically also the driver).

Why Tours Can Be A Good Option

Tours can be very useful especially in certain circumstances. If you can travelling alone, you may find joining a tour will help you share your experiences with others - tours are places you can make friends easily. Also with some tours, they will travel to places you would struggle to get to normally - such as national parks. Its a good option to consider if you want to get off the normal routes to see something different.

Want Someone Else To Sort Things Out?

If you want less hassle when travelling around, tours are ideal for you. Travelling plans are taken care of and you also have the guide to sort out things for you. You will be expected to chip in on certain tours, perhaps help with the cooking at night especially if on a camping type tour - part of the fun though so don't be too lazy!

Downsides Of Tours

Obviously tours will cost more than usual overland transport, so you will have to take this into consideration when deciding whether it is worth it. Also remember that tours can be quite restrictive - there might be a set itinerary so you won't have the option to stay in a place longer than the set time. Also be wary about booking on long tours, being with the same peopleand being restricted to the tour itinerary for such a long time might start to drive you crazy!

Coming soon to independentjourney.com - reviews on overland tours.

Independent Journey Recommends.....Websites

Absolute Africa - http://www.absoluteafrica.com/
"Overland company focusing on africa."

Dragoman - http://www.dragoman.com/
"Overland company covering Africa, Asia, North and South America."

Trek America - http://www.trekamerica.com/
"Small group tours across North America."

Oz Experience - http://www.ozexperience.com/
"A flexible hop on/off backpacker bus network in Australia."