Tour Package Vs Self-Guided (Money POV)

After tallied up all the expenses associated with the South America (SA) trip, I compared this cost to those of my previous trips. The result is shocking!

The SA is 2 weeks + 3 days long trip (and the only tour package trip I ever took), but by far, it is the most expensive trip.
-The SA trip cost 15% more than the one month (4 weeks) Asia trip and also 15% more than the recent one month ACYJ trip.
-The SA trip cost 25% more than the 3 weeks Western Europe trip.
-Also, on all previous trips, I bought souvenirs but on this trip, I did mostly window shopping.
-Furthermore, I ate good (VERY GOOD!) on all previous trips but not as much on the SA trip.

With minimal spending on food and souvenirs (even though these are more expensive in US and Europe) during the SA trip, plus the shorter vacation duration, I am surprised the SA trip costed so much.

Another argument for "from now on, I should always do self-guided trip."

Who Says Money Can't Buy Happiness?

I can't help but to smile whenever I look at the two things I bought today (a bamboo dish rack and a laundry basket).