Raise the red flag on package tours

It is a common scene at the capital's attractions: tour guides waving small flags, followed by a gaggle of tourists donning color-coded baseball caps. The tourists cluster around the guide, listen to monotone introductions and posing with the peace sign gesture for photographs with the sites as a backdrop.

Some call that "travel" and love its convenience and comparatively low price. Indeed, all the transport and accommodation is arranged.

Tour operators have special methods to get cheap airplane tickets and hotel rooms. Sometimes you needn't even to take out your purse or wallet to pay for attraction tickets or meals.