Private Tours vs Public Tours, which is best?

Guided tours are a big part of many cities’ tourism industry and are a great way to help people enjoy the outdoors. This is especially true of the city of Austin, Texas. The Spring, Summer, and Fall times are alive with so many outdoor activities. While there are plenty of things to do in downtown Austin, some of the things people enjoy doing, such as tubing can require a drive.

There are several transportation companies in Austin that have created unique tour packages that center around tubing trips on the San Marcos River. The river itself is about 30 minutes outside of Austin. They have both private and public tours that offer transportation to and from the park. Each of the tours has the benefits that make it a good option.

What exactly is meant by Private Tours and Public Tours

Private Tours

A private tour package is designed around your group’s needs. Everything is planned out for you, which included a chauffeur-driven vehicle. Each vehicle is a luxury model designed to comfortably fit the number of people in your group. Since it is private only the members of your party will be inside the vehicle.

Everyone will be picked up directly from their home at the start of the tour and be will be dropped back off at the end. In the case of a tubing trip, everything is included and you will be driven and dropped off directly at the boat launch. Your party will be set up on the river.

One of the primary benefits of a private tour is that there is plenty of flexibility built into the itinerary. Since your group is the only one to worry about, you can make alterations on the fly. Of course, there is a cost for that benefit. You will pay extra per person for a private tour.

Public Tours

Transportation companies also offer a public tour option. The primary difference with a public tour package is that the vehicles are filled by the seat. People go to the website and book several seats for their group. When the vehicle is filled, the tour can depart at the scheduled time.

One thing to remember, the vehicles are not different from the ones used in the private tours, they are all still luxury vehicles with a chauffeur driver. The primary difference is that you don’t get picked up from your home. There are designated loading locations like in downtown Austin which is where the vehicle will pick everyone up that has been booked on the tour for that day and time.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the public and private tours are similar but still different in how they operate. If you are looking for an intimate tour with just your friends and family and don’t mind spending a little bit more per person, then the private tour would be the best option. If you are looking to save yourself and your group some money, then go with the public option.