The employment of a private tour guide is considered a luxury by a good number of tourists. But if you go into it with the right mindset, it can be an investment that is well worth the money. If you have a competent guide, you will learn and see things you would never find in a book or online. These things will be brought to your attention.
But once you’ve decided to hire one, how do you find the one that will best fit you? Here are some tips.
Utilise the Guides Provided at Tourist Attractions
Private tours are available at several of the nation’s most famous sights and institutions. These are led by guides who are very knowledgeable about the particular attraction that you are visiting. Hiring a guide is the best option if you want to gain a personalised and comprehensive understanding of a certain location. Most of these sites mandate that their tour guides complete extensive training over many months before they are authorised to lead tours.
Rely on Your Own Network or Ask the Concierge at Your Hotel
Do you have friends who have travelled extensively and whose taste you respect? If this is the case, you should inquire about their suggestions. One more option you have is to inquire about recommendations from your social media network. If any of your friends have had a positive experience travelling with a guide, there is a good chance that you will, too.
You may also inquire with the hotel concierge about local tour guides in the area. Even if you aren’t staying at a hotel, you may still contact the concierge staff of a property in the area and ask for recommendations for restaurants and bars in the area. The majority are more than willing to help, and they typically know people who are knowledgeable in various fields.
However, be cautious and do your research before relying on any guide, even if the hotel concierge has recommended it to you. Many tour guides have deals with hotel concierges or front desk staff who are paid to direct tourists to more expensive tourist traps. Reputable hotels often have policies prohibiting such deals, but there is no way to track individual partnerships. Therefore, a suggestion from a hotel or resort is not a suitable replacement for conducting the necessary research and asking the appropriate questions.
Be Aware of the Criteria You Should Have for a Local Guide
Are you interested in a more comprehensive tour of your location that takes you to famous sites, or do you have a more specialised interest, such as art history, photography, public art, or food? There are many different types of guides, and you should search carefully to select the one that specialises in the area that most fit your requirements. Every segment is a key to success, especially when you’re doing professional photo shooting when adventuring.
Some tour guides who specialise in art, for instance, have degrees in art history, while others who specialise in food may have previously worked in the culinary industry. That indicates the potential for the tour you take with them to contain a great deal more content.
When you reach out to a possible tour guide, make sure you are clear about exactly what you want out of the tour. Be sure to convey the dates you want to go on your tour, as well as the amount of time you want to spend there and the number of individuals you want to bring with you. Even if the guide is unable to provide the services you want, they may know someone who can.