While we technically could offer such full-service packages, we usually decline—not because we can’t, but because we aim to give our clients a more flexible, personalized, and higher-quality travel experience at a fair price. In this article, we’ll explain why customized travel has become a better alternative to traditional package tourism.
Package Tours: A Dated Model
The package tour was a product of its time—a time when travelers had limited options to book hotels, tickets, or tours on their own. Tourists turned to local travel agencies, which coordinated with tour operators who assembled trips by bundling services from various providers, from hotels to guides.
This system worked, but it prioritized low cost over quality. With the rise of digital tools and seamless cross-border payments, travelers can now book directly with providers—cutting out layers of middlemen. The result? Greater flexibility, higher quality, and often, lower prices.
The Downsides of Package Tourism
- Limited Flexibility
Packages come with fixed itineraries and service bundles that leave little room for customization.
- Rigid Schedules
You can't stay longer in a place you love or shorten your time somewhere that doesn’t meet expectations. Everything follows a pre-set plan.
- Higher Costs
Package tours can end up more expensive than a similar trip arranged independently. Each party in the chain—agency, tour operator, local partner—adds its own markup. Add in sanctions or restrictions on international payments, and the cost can climb even higher.
The Only Real Advantage: Convenience
Package tours do save time—you don’t have to figure out routes, hotels, or logistics. But this convenience is easily matched by today’s digital tools and professional advice.
What We Offer Instead
Some of our clients genuinely enjoy planning trips themselves. For everyone else, we’ve created an easy-to-use tool that helps design a custom travel program tailored specifically to your interests and needs.
From there, you can book hotels, transfers, and train tickets directly on our website—choosing what fits your style and budget.
At Moscow Private Tours, we’re happy to:
- Build a rich, well-paced itinerary,
- Advise on routes and logistics,
- Recommend hotels and transfers that suit you best.
We’re not subcontractors in a tour operator chain. We offer exclusive, in-house tours with our own experienced guides—delivering high-level service and a personal touch, with no compromises.