Considering booking your dream tour but having trouble deciding between Busabout and Topdeck? We’ve got you covered! Read on to contrast and compare both operators, and get a better idea of which one is best suited to you.
Both Topdeck and Busabout offer world-class travel and tours, albeit with a few large differences between them.
Topdeck is more of a traditional style tour, while Busabout is targeted more at the independent traveller.
This means that Busabout does not have many of the inclusions that Topdeck does, so it is best to look at both operators carefully when deciding between a tour from each of them.
Pricing
Busabout is considerably cheaper than Topdeck on a price per day basis, as there are far fewer inclusions in the price. It really depends on the tour, but often with Busabout, you will have access to their bus network, the guide and accommodation at Busabout-approved hostels and accommodations.
Topdeck, while more expensive, can make it easier to budget as the price is often far more inclusive than Busabout. On Topdeck, generally speaking, you can expect to have your accommodation for the entire tour, all breakfasts, most dinners and some lunches included in the price of the tour. As well as this, you will also have your tour guide, driver, coach, and the same group throughout the trip.
Group size, age requirements and travel styles
Topdeck is for 18 to 30-something travellers, while Busbaout market themselves for backpackers over the age of 18.
As Busabout is more for independent travel, and due to the nature of their hop-on hop-off bus network and travel style, the group size can often vary throughout your trip from 30-45.
With Topdeck, you will generally have the same sized group for the entire trip – ranging from approx 30-50 people. The primary difference between the travel styles of Busabout and Topdeck is that Topdeck has the “classic” style of tour, with the same group, throughout the entire trip, doing many of the activities together and sharing their experiences together.
This means there is a tight-knit group mentality with the people you are travelling with, as you will share many of the same experiences with them.
With Busabout, it is really about using their transport network to meet other independent travellers, and while there are some activities that can be arranged with others who are travelling the same route as you, the focus is far more on independent travel and doing your own thing.
Physical requirements
With both operators, there are no strenuous activities that must be completed, although some optional excursions, if you decide to do them, may involve swimming, bike riding or small hikes.
As Topdeck is targeted at youth travellers, and Busabout at backpackers, you will be required to carry your own luggage to and from your accommodation, sometimes up stairs, etc.
Accommodation
Depending on the type of tour you choose, you may be staying in a tent, a hostel, a hotel, or a resort. This information will be outlined in the individual tour itineraries.
As Topdeck is aimed at sharing travel experiences with others, there is no problem if you are a solo traveller or in an odd-numbered group – you will be paired with a traveller of the same gender to share accommodation with.
With Busabout, in general, accommodation is not included in the price in Europe – although they make it easy to book accommodation with them, having their preferred hostels and hotels they use.
In Africa, and for some of their specialty trips (Island Hopping, Festival etc), accommodation is included. It is best to check your individual itinerary to know if accommodation is included or not.
Accommodation will often be in a shared room with someone of the same gender, similar to Topdeck. The benefit of the freedom with Busabout is that you can book whichever accommodation you like – although it is often easiest to book their preferred accommodation.
The transportation will often leave from this accommodation, and you will get to spend time with others travelling the same route as you.
Transportation
For both Topdeck and Busabout, transportation depends on the tour you are doing.
In Europe, most of the time you will be travelling on a large coach/bus which can accommodate your whole group throughout the continent.
There are some exceptions to this, such as when you sometimes may use public transport if it is more appropropriate, a ferry, or even a yacht, if you are island-hopping. All transport will be clean, reliable and safe for both Topdeck and Busabout.
Destinations
Busabout operates throughout Europe, including Eastern Europe down to Turkey and the Greek Islands, as well as Asia (Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Burma), and Africa in Morocco and Egypt.
Topdeck operates in Europe where they have the biggest number of tours, as well as North America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa and North Africa.
Looking for more info? Find reviews for Busabout here and reviews for Topdeck here.
