In recent years, it has become increasingly common for travelers to organize their own trips, and outdoor forums often feature user-initiated short group tours. But what are the advantages of this "seemingly appealing" travel style that draw in so many adventurers, and what safety hazards exist? A reporter spoke with industry experts on the issue.
The Advantage of "Traveler Groups" Is Freedom
Chen Zhihui, an expert known as the "Zhuge Liang of the tourism industry" in Shantou, told reporters that the benefits of joining a traveler group include the following: First, a "traveler group" is not a tour group, so there’s no forced shopping—you can explore at your own pace and return whenever you like. Joining a regular tour group may save you the hassle of arranging food, accommodation, and transport, but once you’ve saved on those, you’ll face plenty of restrictions. There are usually mandatory paid activities and shopping stops on packaged tours. And if you don’t "contribute" enough, the tour guide might not be very pleasant either. Second, tour groups offer little freedom. Due to fixed schedules and itineraries, you often only get a cursory glance at each destination. Therefore, compared to traditional package tours, travel enthusiasts believe that designing your own route, choosing your own destinations, and setting your own schedule offer greater freedom and a more relaxed way to connect with nature and unwind.
The Disadvantage of "Traveler Groups" Is Lack of Personal Safety Assurance
So what are the downsides of joining a "traveler group"? Chen Zhihui explained that first, these groups operate without registration yet generate profit. Some members of the public argue that such "traveler groups," which have evolved from a pay-your-own-way (AA) system to collecting group fees, are essentially profit-making. While they generally don’t openly advertise their for-profit nature online or in other forms, they charge a "organizing fee" under the guise of AA. However, there are often hidden commissions involved. Although the individual fees may not seem high, once the group reaches a certain size, the profits can be substantial. Staff from the Industry Management Division of the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Tourism believe that "operating without registration while making a profit is, in essence, an illegal organization." Particularly when such activities are organized repeatedly—effectively becoming an "online travel agency"—without the necessary licenses, it constitutes "unlicensed operation."
Second, "traveler groups" come with numerous safety risks. Groups formed spontaneously online tend to be loosely organized, with members who don’t know each other. Some organizers lack a sense of responsibility or even the ability to lead outdoor activities, often forming teams on a whim driven by enthusiasm. The self-guided travel model remains unprotected and unregulated, and there are no national laws clearly defining the responsibilities and obligations of all parties involved. Travelers need to be wary of both natural and legal risks. With the rise of self-guided travel year after year, incidents of domestic tourists suffering personal injury or property loss have been increasing, and news of travelers stranded in outdoor spots requiring rescue is not uncommon.
Third, "traveler groups" market themselves as non-profit, attracting customers with low prices, which poses a serious challenge to traditional travel agencies. Setting up a legitimate travel agency requires a deposit of 200,000 RMB (for domestic tours)—and even more for outbound travel—plus costs for office space, renovation, equipment, business registration, taxes, and staff salaries, all of which are significant. In contrast, organizing a "traveler group" might only require a computer and at most a fax machine. The operational costs are far lower than those of a formal travel agency.
Fourth, in recent years, some "traveler groups" have shown signs of losing their original spirit. Many people, seeing the profit potential, have jumped into the business. When they fail to form a group, they often "sell the passengers off" (transfer them to other tours). If anyone raises objections, they’re quickly excluded from the group for allegedly being unable to endure hardship. Some "traveler groups" claim to offer "outdoor experiences" and "no complaints accepted" as a way to evade operational responsibility.
Self-Guided Travel Needs Regulatory Oversight
What’s behind the boom in self-guided "traveler" travel? A reporter observed several contributing factors: First, with economic growth, rising incomes, and more leisure time, more people now have the means to travel according to their own preferences. Traditional mass tourism led by travel agencies can no longer meet people’s growing demand for personalized experiences. As a result, this emerging travel style—DIY travel in the style of "travelers"—is gradually being accepted and recognized by more tourists. Second, the current era of open information and internet development is another driver of the rise in self-guided travel. In the past, travelers who didn’t join a tour found it hard to achieve their travel goals, but today, transportation and hotel information are easily accessible, and travelers no longer need to rely on travel agencies. Third, rapid socio-economic development has also provided basic support for travelers. For example, improved transportation, standardized development of scenic areas, and social stability have reduced travel costs and safety concerns, all of which have fueled the rapid growth of self-guided travel.
Although self-driving tours and "traveler groups" offer the freedom and flexibility that appeal to many travel enthusiasts, compared to traveling with a travel agency, the potential risks of self-guided travel remain higher. In recent years, the media has frequently reported safety incidents involving traveler groups, with participants often left without any means of compensation—something that cannot be ignored by the relevant authorities. Representatives from travel agencies in Shantou noted that while this alternative form of travel has many aspects worth learning from in terms of its existence and development, many local agencies have already begun offering personalized products to meet evolving traveler needs. However, out of consideration for market order and traveler safety, tourism management authorities recommend that fee-based traveler clubs adopt the standardized model of formal travel agencies. At the same time, relevant departments—including tourism bureaus, industrial and commercial administrations, and internet regulators—should provide guidance and oversight.
