"If You're Going, Do It Right" vs "Practical Travelers"... A Look at Overseas Travel Package Offerings

by Kim Heungsoon

Published 22 Apr.2023 07:30(KST)

Gyowontour 'Yeohaeiji' Western US Tour Product Comparison
Special Experiences Divide Customers Between 'Gasimbi' and 'Gaseongbi'

As demand for overseas travel, suppressed by COVID-19, revives, the market is divided between 'Gasimbi' customers who seek travel products with high satisfaction regardless of price, and 'Gaseongbi' users who look for quality experiences at relatively affordable prices. The motto of Gasimbi customers is "If you're going, go properly," while Gaseongbi users pursue "practical travel at a low cost."

On the 22nd, through the Western U.S. products introduced by Kyowon Tour's travel brand 'Travel Easy,' we compared how the detailed compositions of premium travel products representing Gasimbi and general package travel products emphasizing Gaseongbi differ.

A traveler is looking at the departure information display board at Terminal 1 departure hall of Incheon International Airport. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Business Class on National Airlines... Comfortable from the Start of the Trip

The beginning and end of a trip take place at the airport. The importance of airplane seats increases with long-distance travel. Travel Easy's representative premium product, 'Perfect Western U.S. Tour 10 Days,' offers a special experience from the moment the journey begins. Travelers can depart comfortably seated in business class on a national airline. In contrast, the general package product, 'Western U.S. 3 Major Cities Tour 10 or 11 Days,' uses economy class on a national airline.

The destinations of the two products also differ. The premium product departs from Incheon and lands at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), while the general product arrives at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

To minimize travel distances within the U.S., the premium product sets different local arrival and departure points: San Francisco for arrival (IN) and Los Angeles for departure (OUT). After arriving in San Francisco, the itinerary follows a clockwise route down to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, then returns directly home without going back to San Francisco. This reduces bus travel time.

On the other hand, the general package product starts the trip in Los Angeles, visits San Francisco and Las Vegas, and then returns to Los Angeles. Although travel time is relatively longer, passengers have ample opportunity to enjoy the Western U.S. scenery through the bus windows.

The Core of Travel: Hotels... Luxury Accommodations

The premium product includes accommodations at top-tier hotels throughout the itinerary. Notably, in Las Vegas, guests stay at the premium 5-star Bellagio Hotel, where the BTS fountain show was held last year. The Bellagio fountain show is considered one of the world's top three fountain shows alongside those in Barcelona, Spain, and Dubai. Travelers can enjoy this spectacular view from their rooms.

The hotels in the general package are not in poor condition either. Accommodations include globally recognized hotel chains such as Courtyard by Marriott and Best Western, and in Las Vegas, guests stay at the well-known Golden Nugget Hotel.

"If You're Going, Do It Right" vs "Practical Travelers"... A Look at Overseas Travel Package Offerings

Highlights in Activities and Dining

Both premium and general package tours include itineraries to the three major Western U.S. cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Travelers can see the Grand Canyon, Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and visit Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Night tours are also a must in Western U.S. travel. Both premium and general package products offer night views from Twin Peaks, a famous spot in San Francisco. In Los Angeles, visitors go to Griffith Observatory, featured in the movie 'La La Land.' The Las Vegas night tour is one of the representative options available through the premium product.

Both premium and general package tours include meals featuring local specialties. Travelers can enjoy Pink's, a famous hot dog stand in Los Angeles; In-N-Out Burger, one of the top three American burgers; Navajo tacos; unlimited BBQ; and cowboy BBQ. Since the trip is not short, menus such as bulgogi set meals and Asian buffets are also provided for those who crave Korean food during the itinerary.

Short-Distance Destinations: "Accommodation Determines Price and Satisfaction"

In short-distance destinations, accommodations are the key factor distinguishing travel quality. In Southeast Asia, for example, medium and small aircraft are mainly used, with fewer business class seats, and short flight times mean differentiation must be made through lodging.

Using the representative resort Boracay as an example, the premium product for a 3-night, 4-day itinerary includes stays at the top-tier Shangri-La Resort and Crimson Resort. These resorts are located in Station 1, an area known for luxury resorts and hotels, featuring private beaches and infinity pools. The general package accommodations are at resorts in Station 2, the busiest area, or Station 3, the earliest developed area.