So far, the 2 trips I've done have been Domestic trips, and I've totally thought they were worth the money. (Southwest Splendors and Alaska). Yes, I could have done them myself for less, but I loved the ease of having everything arranged for me, having someone else worry about the transportation and the luggage, leading the hikes, worrying about alternative arrangements if something falls through, etc, etc. I felt the same way about the Princess land tour that I took before my Alaska cruise 4 years ago. Just because I *can* do it cheaper does not necessarily mean I *want* to do it cheaper. Sometimes you get what you pay for. After years of arranged-by-myself vacations, shlepping myself & my luggage all over creation, not being able to watch the scenery as I drove, staying in inexpensive hotels, I *LIKE* doing it the
ABD way.
There are still some places I'd do on my own. I'd have a very hard time justifying Backstage Magic, because I *grew up* in LA, and can't see paying that kind of money to go home. But it *does* include a lot of activities that you just can't arrange yourself, so I may break down some day & do it.
I spent 2 weeks on Maui arranged by myself, but Maui is very self-contained; you can drive from one end of the island to the other & back in a day. There's an association of excursion vendors, so it is *very* easy to arrange activities there for yourself. I still *might* consider a Hawaiian ABD, but might not. It would really depend on what kind of activities were included.
I'm doing the Med with ABD this year, and absolutely would not consider doing it any other way. I want to have someone who knows the language, knows the customs, knows the lay of the land, knows where the bathrooms are, for goodness' sake!
Ack, sorry, I'm rambling. I think what I'm saying is that it *is* worth it for Overseas, but I also see it as worth it for domestic areas I'm not familiar with, also. As a way to really *enjoy* my vacation and relax. I *can* do the vacation myself, for cheaper, but it's not as relaxing. And I want to relax on my vacation.
Sayhello