The joys of fly drive and touring holidays

Article updated every 6 months. Last update: 1st October 2007
Author: Bob Atkinson (Travel Expert) Ask me a question.

Fly drive and touring holidays

Taking a holiday 'on the move' is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to take a break from everyday life. Whether you choose the independence of a fly drive, or the comfort and security of an escorted touring holiday, you will visit places you never imagined and have travel experiences that those lounging on the beach can only dream of.

The concept is basic, arrive in a destination and then spend a number of days exploring an area, a country or even a group of countries in one holiday.  The choice is whether to 'go solo' and have the freedom to go where you want when you want, or whether you want the comfort of a professional company guiding you on a pre-planned itinerary, travelling with like minded explorers.  You can even tailor your experience to your lifestyle and budget so whether you require a 'backpacking' style holiday in the Andes or a luxury coach tour of Spanish highlights, a fly drive with modest motels on the US West Coast or a group trip to China, there are options for all.

Whichever you choose, the world is your oyster and it's out there waiting for you...


Kayte Williams
Kayte Williams
(Holidays Channel Manager)

Milestones - Milestones offer the finest collection of award-winning first and premium escorted tours worldwide.

See more of our recommended companies

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So what are the joys of a fly drive or touring holiday?

  • Let me introduce you! This type of holiday gives you a great insight into an area and helps you find places you want to spend more time in later - a bit like an introduction!  So, if you love a place you discover, you can plan a longer trip to revisit at a later date.  And if you find you didn't like somewhere, you haven't wasted time and money for your full holiday.

  • Variety! Every day brings you something new and different - whether it's visiting a city one day, beautiful scenery and coastlines the next, historic monuments, galleries, lakes, mountains, shopping - you get the idea.  It's all about variety and this type of holiday really allows you to discover the things you genuinely enjoy - so all your holidays in the future are easier to plan and get right.

  • Freedom! A fly drive gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, to go where you want and when you want to.  So, if you discover a little gem of a resort, a city you love or some countryside you cannot get enough of, you have the transport at your disposal to do as you please, moving on when you are ready.

  • Comfort! Taking an escorted tour gives you the variety of being on the move, but with all the arrangements being taken care of by experienced tour managers.  They give valuable insights into the areas you are visiting as they are generally qualified guides with extensive knowledge of their chosen areas.  You sit back, watch the world go by from the windows of your coach, minibus, train or river cruiser, in the knowledge that assistance is on hand whenever you want.

  • Make New Friends! Touring introduces you to new friends.  Travelling in a group gives you the chance to meet and enjoy the company of like minded travellers, all interested in the places you are visiting and discovering together.  You can choose to socialise with the group or go your own way, however it is a great way for singles or couples to meet new people.  On a fly drive you will encounter all manner of people on your travels, making the experience even richer.

  • The Cultural Experience!  Wherever you go, you will be exposed to a wide range of cultural experiences particular to the area you are in.  Meet the locals, visit religious centres, check out the art galleries, museums and monuments or walk through markets and enjoy local entertainment - all bringing you sights, sounds and smells that make your visit memorable.

Who do we recommend?

Read our guides to fly drives, escorted tours, coach holidays, rail holidays and river cruises to see who we recommend for each type of holiday, or see our full list of suppliers below.

Go to Shoestring

Shoestring

Shoestring give you the freedom to make your own flight arrangements so that you can decide if you want to arrive earlier, stay longer, or make stopovers in-between different holidays.

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Go to Leger Tours

Leger Tours

Leger offer a range of European tours and short breaks to all major destinations as well as Disneyland in Paris, Group Holidays and specialist breaks such as walking trips to the Battlefields of Northern Europe.  Prices are very competitive.

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Go to Cosmos Tourama

Cosmos Tourama

Cosmos have over 45 years of experience and a market leade in the UK for toruing holidays.  They have a huge range of destinations and tour types and are competitively priced and excellent value for money.

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Go to Travel shop Turkey

Travel Shop Turkey

Choose from one of our guide tours including Bus Tours, Honeymoon Tours, Religious Tours, VIP Tours, ANZAC Tours, Christmas Tours, F1Tours and Blue Cruises and many other tours all around Turkey.

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Go to Virgin Holidays

Virgin Holidays

Virgin offer flydrives as either independent or pre-planned holidays, giving you flexibility with your plans, at great value for money.

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Go to Travelsphere

Travelsphere

Travelsphere offer a vast range of fully escorted holidays in over 80 countries around the world and is the UK's leading operator of escorted tours to China, Australia, the USA and Nepal.

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