Escorted Tours, Small Group Tours, Tailormade Holidays & Packaged Holidays – What’s the Difference?
- Joanne Colman-Bown
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Planning a holiday is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also feel a bit overwhelming with all the options out there. Do you go for an escorted tour? A small group trip? Tailormade? Or maybe a package holiday? 🤔 Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! At Koreana Travel, we offer all of these styles, and each one has its own perks depending on the kind of traveller you are.
Let’s break it down nice and simply:
Escorted Tours
Think of this as the “stress-free” option. Everything is arranged for you—flights, hotels, transport, sightseeing, meals (sometimes), and of course, a knowledgeable tour guide who’ll be with you from start to finish. It’s the kind of trip where you can just show up, relax, and know that someone else has handled all the logistics.
👉 Best for: Travellers who like structure, enjoy learning from a guide, and don’t want to worry about planning anything. Escorted tours can be for just 2 people or for a group of up to 50.
Small Group Tours
These are similar to escorted tours, but with a twist: the groups are much smaller, usually 10–16 people. That means a more personal experience, less waiting around, and more chances to really connect with your guide and fellow travellers. You’ll still have a set itinerary, but it feels more intimate and flexible.
👉 Best for: People who want the ease of a tour but with more personal attention and a friendly, “travel together” vibe. Normally the groups are maximum 16 on these tours, but the can operate with just 2 people.
Tailormade Holidays
This one’s all about you. A tailormade holiday is created around your interests, pace, and budget. Want to spend three days in Seoul eating your way through night markets, then hop over to Jeju Island for a hike up Hallasan? Done. Prefer luxury hotels, or maybe boutique stays off the beaten track? No problem. You set the priorities—we make it happen.
👉 Best for: Independent travellers who know what they like and want the freedom of a personalised itinerary without having to plan all the fiddly details themselves. This is just for you. It can be 1 person, your whole family or a group of friends.
Packaged Holidays
This is the classic all-in-one deal. Flights + hotel + transfers, all bundled together, often at a really good price. Packages are straightforward and convenient, perfect for when you just want to escape without too much thinking. They usually don’t include guided sightseeing, but you’ve got the flexibility to explore on your own.
👉 Best for: Travellers who want value, convenience, and a simple, fuss-free holiday. We don't buy in to many packaged holidays in Korea as we would rather build you your perfect holiday and they can work out more expensive. But if you see something you like, we can try and duplicate it for you, or arrange it with that operator on your behalf.
So… which one is right for you?
If you want everything done for you: Escorted Tour
If you like groups but not crowds: Small Group Tour
If you want it your way: Tailormade Holiday
If you just want an easy getaway: Packaged Holiday
There is one area of travel not covered here, but a question we often get asked is, ‘Do you do accessible holidays?
The answer is yes. Travel should be for everyone—and that’s where accessible holidays come in. These trips are designed with comfort and ease in mind, whether that means step-free access, wheelchair-friendly transport, or choosing attractions that are welcoming to all. From fully accessible minivans in Seoul to carefully planned itineraries that avoid tricky terrain, we make sure you can enjoy South Korea’s highlights without barriers.
No matter your style, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your adventure in South Korea (and beyond!). From colourful festivals to hands-on cooking classes, theme parks, and family-friendly tours, South Korea is bursting with experiences for all ages. We’ll put together an itinerary that keeps everyone smiling, with the right mix of fun, adventure, and relaxation.
📱 Call us on 03303 412131 or 01284 277260
💬 Or WhatsApp us directly on +44 7432 898359 to chat about your trip
✨ Want to turn your ideas into a real trip? Check out our South Korea itineraries for some inspiration.
6-nights South Korea Highlights Group Tour
As an add on to our Seoul based holidays why not try our 4-night Barrier Free Seoul option. This is fully escorted but also tailored to your needs. This itinerary is just for ideas of what can be done, and price is dependent on nights, and the holiday already booked. Our Ground team in Seoul will build you the perfect escorted accessible tour for your needs. You are in the driving seat!
