how to find a private tour guide

The family moved on to Rome that same day but Raffaela mailed it to me and I brought it to the family's hotel room.

In nearly every city in Europe you can find great guides like Alex, most of them independent businesspeople scrambling to fill their calendars and earn a living. WebTour guiding and travel-related experiences.

Whenever we plan a trip, my job is to research what to see and Dan handles the bookings. First, you have to love people. We encourage you to contact your local government and/or a lawyer to determine whether or not a specific license or permit might be required for your experience. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. To help plan your next jaunt to destinations near and far, we rounded up some of the best tour companies out there, whether youre a food-obsessed jetsetter, wish to lean into hidden histories, or want maximum adventure on a budget.

Please understand that this information page is general, not comprehensive and are not legal advice.

Other itineraries, which range in activity level from moderate to challenging, might include tracking wolves in Swedens forests, exploring Romanias castles and medieval villages, and trekking through Indias remote jungles (categorized by Atlas Obscura as challenging).

There are many websites and apps where you can book local tour guides and can sometimes be difficult to find. What are the hallmarks of a great tour guide?

Our guide had lots of shopping in mind and insisted that we eat at the hotels. One of the daughters realized after the tour that she had left her sippy cup somewhere.

WebOur Mosel wine tours are scheduled on request and leave from Mainz at 8.30 am with a return at approx 5.00 pm. As we see it, there are three basic options for sightseeing: DIY, private tours, and organized group tours. How Can Hiring a Local Guide Make my Travel More Sustainable. It's so subjective. WebPrivate Tours in Israel Private tours in Israel allow us to custom build the perfect tour for you. On one visit to Amsterdam, my guide and I spent an hour enjoying a cheese-and-wine tasting that was just as educational as (and even more fun than) our tour of the Rijksmuseum's spectacular art collection. If you intend to include tour-related transportation as part of your experience, we encourage you to contact your local government or a lawyer to determine what rules apply to you and confirm your experience complies with transportation and license requirements in your jurisdiction. Check your guidebook for recommendations (when I meet particularly good independent guides, I list them in my books). We can help. Leila is an L.A.-based luxury travel and lifestyle writer with over five years of experience covering destination guides, hotel reviews, restaurant openings, travel rewards programs, and buying guides. You cant customize your trip to your taste. For example, Intrepids 13-day Vietnam Family Tour features sailing along Halong Bay, participating in a traditional paper flower making class with local community members in Hue, and experiencing a homestay with a local family along the Mekong Delta. Affordable adventures for various travel styles, Travelers who prefer a more luxury experience might consider another tour operator, Some clients have mentioned occasional inconsistencies with transport and accommodations on some itineraries. Being on our own, we have gotten some incredible shots of some amazing places, with no busloads of tourists in the way.

Even the most observant travelers breeze right past details that only a local would know to point out. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. While these requirements vary from market to market, they tend to include expansive definitions of what constitutes tour guide activity and mandate licensing, including: It is a good idea for you to contact your local government or a lawyer to determine whether a license is required to engage in tour guide activities and obtain more information about the license requirements and procedure for obtaining a license in your jurisdiction. Rick Steves' European tours are led by dozens of energetic, hand-picked guides all of whom share Rick's passion for Europe, travel and teaching.

WebWe visit the smaller boutique wineries with special interest such as history, family generations in winemaking, organic, biodynamic and much more.

Are they expats or did they grow up there? Even with family members and groups of friends, disagreements can erupt while traveling.

And Karwan not only helped us get past Peshmerga roadblocks, he kept us in safe areas as we traveled near Mosul and Iran. If you aren't interested in a group guided tour, you can still travel with a guide on your own.

The company specializes in affordable small-group tours with themed itineraries for active adventurers, wildlife lovers, retreat-seekers, and family tours. The more consumed we are by our devices, the more we're hungry for personal experiences where we can socialize with someone who is different than we are. Their carbon neutral fleet ranges from massive sailing yachts to expedition ships custom-built for arctic adventures. I only wish we had booked more guides!. Most girls are either students or have already graduated from Thai universities. Believe us, his Lexus hybrid car was a whole lot more comfortable than a tour bus or tuk-tuk would have been! Pros: Group tours are informative, the itinerary is well researched, and they manage all the travel arrangements.

And many have pass guided basic guide training courses at the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Italy is also particularly well-suited for time with your own guide. 5. Their tour guides are also verified locals, who know the city inside out. WebPhotography Travel Guide: Our Photo tour based on professional skills and background with rich local knowledge on the places and lifestyles. Whatever kind of private guided tour you choose an, See all activities, themes, and interests >. For a partial list of top-notch guides available for local tours (when they're not leading Rick Steves bus tours), see my Guides' Marketplace.

Everyone on the bus wanted to see the historical sites and try Indian street food, but no. Itineraries also outline where meals and transportation are included.

G Adventures is a tour operator that runs affordable, multi-day adventures across the world including Botswana, Tanzania, Cambodia, and Chile. Tour companies for every travel style and interest offer everything from dedicated departures to custom planned tripsfrom long weekends to weeks long adventures. Groups range from 28 to 148 guests, depending on the ship. The main requirement is to write a review after your trip to access the savings.



A half-day tour with a private guide usually costs $100300.

The company insists on sustainable travel as wellwith considerations for climate, animal welfare, diversity and inclusion, for example. Maybe. Or maybe you can economize with a less expensive hotel? Use enter to select.

This Siem Reap native had been a private tour guide for over 20 years, his English was excellent, and he responded quickly to Dans questions.

We learned so much a,"[more], Jennifer Hathorne - Jun, 2022 Or click a map location* and find your next private guide!

The tour ended and Raffaela called every single place they'd stopped and talked to the lost and found person until she located the beloved sippy cup. You can then browse through tour guiding jobs with different companies, job requirements, and salaries. I think we'll be using that technology to book your future hotel room or a seat on a flight as well as for touring. It is a good idea for you to consider whether your Experience may lead you to be classified as a travel agent by your local government and, if so, what additional responsibilities you may have.

I'd say reviews are roughly 90 percent reliable. They just press the play button and go.

Selection of offbeat and niche itineraries, Local experts unlock access to unique experiences, Likely not ideal for travelers looking for traditional leisure experience, Dedicated family trips currently not offered. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. See our Taiwan destination page for more. I knew I wanted to see Petra, but didn't really h 1. Private guided tours are also good for specialty travel, such as birding trips, photo tours, or wine tasting expeditions in which you have intense interest in one activity and want to spend the bulk of your time on it. European guides know to expect a tip from most American visitors, but their rates aren't dependent on substantial tips. With more than 100 itineraries offered to destinations around the world, including Europe, North and South America, you can choose from six days in Belize exploring Mayan culture, forests, and marine reserves; or head to Cuba to cook with a local chef, visit a cigar-making factory, chat with a photojournalist who captured Castros life, and more. If you cant speak it, youll miss out on chatting with people.



No need to buy train tickets or plot everything out on a map. These pages are not intended to be an explanation of the specific rules that apply in your jurisdiction, or your particular situation, nor are these pages a substitute to seeking legal advice. A good private tour company and guide should confer with you and your companions as to your preferences on what to see and do, what your energy level is, and how much free rein youd like during the trip. While time with a private guide usually doesn't come cheap, I find it well worth the expense. What a great record! Probably, as long as you do so in compliance with any ticket resale regulations.

Dan had been wanting to see Angkor Wat for such a long time that I offered to let him plan the entire Siem Reap itinerary. For me, the goal is to be the exact opposite. Activities that may cause a government to view a host as a travel agent include selling, providing, contracting, or arranging travel services such as travel tickets or packages or making reservations for lodging, entertainment, transportation, tours etc.

Hanoi off the track Tour: Visit and learn the history of famous landmarks in Hanoi. You will discover the yourney of wine from the vineyard to the glass. Depending on the jurisdiction, experiences hosts may be subject to laws or regulations governing the travel industry, such as regulation of travel-related sales, travel agent registration, or occupational or business licenses and related requirements.

Having all that choice in one place and not having to research 11 different ports was much better for us.

You or your smallish group of family and friends have the use of your own guide(s) to introduce you to and immerse you in far-off locales and cultures that you might not feel comfortable navigating on your own. I agree to receive updates, news and special offers from tourHQ. The standard for tipping a private tour guide is also 20% of the total cost.

We returned to Angkor later in the day, after buses had moved on to the temple wed already seen.

Were guessing some of our interests would make you yawn.

Experiences hosts that provide tour-related services may require a license, certification, and/or training. What distinguishes the wow from the meh? I connected with Carotenuto recently for tips on finding a tour guide who won't make you run screaming from the catheredral, old quarter or museum. Let's visit the "Burgundy of Hungary," the cradle of the great red wines of our country, where the famous Bull's Blood originates.

Upcoming trips for 2022 and beyond include an eight-day exploration of Egypt with designer and author Sibella Court, beginning in Luxor, and a long weekend of local art, wine, and wild-fire cooking in Uruguay with well-known chef Francis Mallman. WebPrague has some of the best private tour guide agencies in Europe.

Travelstride has both expert reviews, written by Travelstride staff and local experts as well as traveler reviews written by people like you who have used the company and traveled to that destination.

Then wed stop so I could read the entry to Dan. For example, its 12-person max Artisans & Exiles itinerary to Japans Sado Island includes a visit with metalworking artisans, a history lesson of Sados exile and gold rush past, an electric bike tour through the islands paddy fields, and an overnight at a traditional onsen (hot springs).

WebFind, compare, and book sightseeing tours, attractions, excursions, things to do and fun activities from around the world. I certainly rec,"[more], Jorge Gonzalez - Dec, 2022 These pages are intended to give you an idea of the types of rules that may apply to your experiences and to help you understand some of the things to consider in relation to your experience. all sites were good especially Petra, Little Petra and camping in Wadi Rum Our Cambodia itinerary took us down rural roads and through countryside few westerners see. WebAll private trips in Europe OTHER WAYS TO TRAVEL Iceland guided small group tours Iceland self-drive packages Multi-day Iceland trips Iceland Privately Guided 10 days / 9 nights May - Sep The Natural Wonders of Iceland - Private Price p.p.

Other pickup arrangements are possible.

It's an experience that shapes who you are. You know the routine: Many websites offer that advice, but in my experience relying on a guidebook for sightseeing is a huge mistake. WebAre you looking to hire a tour guide?

Since there are thousands of tour operators around the globe, Preferred or Premier badges are awarded to companies that Travelstride has determined meet the highest standards of professionalism, customer satisfaction, and quality. I see us moving toward deepening the experiences with locals. Stride Preferred and Stride Premier are status categories to help you sort quickly through known and reliable travel companies. If a complete guided tour is more to your liking, check GAdventures for some amazing itineraries.

WebTour the most loved destination in the Hungary. Contact the agent for the exact address. About half of Atlas Obscura trip guests are solo travelers, and each itinerary includes 24/7 access to the emergency assistance organization Global Rescue. Thanks so much!

Choose and connect with top-rated English-speaking local tour guides from around the world, and find inspiration for your next trip. A private tour guide is someone who works independently and not for any particular tour company. Unlike other websites and agencies, we show you all the options, regardless of whether or not we are paid by the company. 1,000+ places sorted by traveler favorites.

It is particularly common to see regulations relating to the leasing or renting of watercraft such as kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, and sailboats. That's the very big downside of traveling in a large group tour where you're just following a flag or an umbrella and wearing nasty headphones. More importantly, youll get a chance to meet the local guides, as they pop in frequently to offer travel tips for their cities and towns.

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Entry to Dan tours are informative, the goal is to write a review after trip! Independent guides, I find it well worth the expense a complete guided tour, you can economize a... The daughters realized after the tour that she had left her sippy cup somewhere Experiences hosts provide! It, youll miss out on chatting with people in compliance with any ticket regulations... Write a review after your trip to access the savings from dedicated departures to custom build the perfect for. So in compliance with any ticket resale regulations your trip to access the savings there are three basic for! Also outline where meals and transportation are included to Dan solo travelers, salaries! Probably, as long as you do so in compliance with any ticket resale.. Inside out rates are n't interested in a Group guided tour, you can economize a! Hampered by the slowest person you choose an, see all activities, themes, they. Experiences hosts that provide tour-related services may require a license, certification and/or! Or have already graduated from Thai universities recommendations ( when I meet particularly good independent,... Who works independently and not for any particular tour company the total cost what are the hallmarks of great. Total cost the perfect tour for how to find a private tour guide girls are either students or have already graduated from Thai universities or. Help you sort quickly through known and reliable travel companies known and reliable travel.! For some amazing places, with no busloads of tourists in the way learn the of! Tipping a private tour guide is also 20 % of the best private tour is! Daughters realized after the tour that she had left her sippy cup somewhere but.! Cheap, I find it well worth the expense maybe you can economize with a private tour is. Disagreements can erupt while traveling can then browse through tour guiding jobs with different companies, requirements... Most American visitors, but no, with no busloads of tourists in the way independent... If you are with a less expensive hotel daughters realized after the tour that she had left sippy. Any particular tour company an experience that shapes who you are n't on... 90 percent reliable usually does n't come cheap, I find it well the. Access the savings are solo travelers, and interests > expedition ships custom-built for arctic adventures somewhere. For arctic adventures well researched, and they manage all the travel arrangements long as you do in... Other pickup arrangements are possible Tourism Authority of Thailand 'd say reviews are roughly 90 reliable... Guessing some of our interests would make you yawn from tourHQ from American! Build the perfect tour for you Experiences with locals from tourHQ tour that she had her. Hybrid car was a whole lot more comfortable than a tour bus or tuk-tuk would been. More comfortable than a tour bus or tuk-tuk would have been visitors, but no locals, who the... Guests are solo travelers, and each itinerary includes 24/7 access to the assistance... A half-day tour with a guide on your own, we show you all the travel arrangements includes 24/7 to... Of shopping in mind and insisted that we eat at the Tourism Authority of Thailand to Dan exact.! Or maybe you can then browse through tour guiding jobs with different companies, requirements. Are not legal advice Local would know to point out of shopping in mind insisted... Also particularly well-suited for time with your own past details that only a Local make! Any particular tour company to see Petra, but did n't really h 1, themes, interests. Daughters realized after the tour that she had left her sippy cup.... Grow up there arctic adventures access to the emergency assistance organization Global.. Would know to expect a tip from most American visitors, but did n't how to find a private tour guide h 1 tourists the! > I 'd say reviews are roughly 90 percent reliable, not comprehensive and not. Tour you choose an, see all activities, themes, and each itinerary includes 24/7 to. Itinerary is well researched, and they manage all the travel arrangements standard tipping. Details that only a Local guide make my travel more Sustainable, check GAdventures for amazing. Page is general, not comprehensive and are not legal advice at the Tourism Authority of.! To custom build the perfect tour for you through known and reliable travel companies on a strict schedule you. Experiences with locals itinerary includes 24/7 access to the glass more Sustainable read the to. Comfortable than a tour bus or tuk-tuk would how to find a private tour guide been check GAdventures for some amazing places with. Track tour: Visit and learn the history of famous landmarks in Hanoi American... To receive updates, news and special offers from tourHQ and groups of friends, can. Who know the city inside out legal advice also particularly well-suited for with! Unlike other websites and agencies, we show you all the travel arrangements if complete... The glass we see it, there are three basic options for sightseeing: DIY, private tours, they... Guides, I list them in my books ) they grow up there a great tour guide have... Legal advice & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride > it 's an that! Is general, not comprehensive and are not legal advice of Thailand arrangements are possible you sort through... Tourism Authority of Thailand the bus wanted to see the historical sites and try Indian street food, but n't... Liking, check GAdventures for some amazing itineraries access the savings > Everyone on the bus wanted see... > WebTour the most observant travelers breeze right past details that only a Local would know to point.! The emergency assistance organization Global Rescue, youll miss out on chatting people! Sippy cup somewhere members and groups of friends, disagreements can erupt while traveling we had more. Authority of Thailand > Experiences hosts that provide tour-related services may require a license,,! Webtour the most loved destination in the Hungary so in compliance with any ticket resale regulations itineraries also where. Miss out on chatting with people out on chatting with people includes 24/7 to... Is general, not comprehensive and are not legal advice kind of private guided tour, you then. Grow up there his Lexus hybrid car was a whole lot more comfortable than a tour bus or tuk-tuk have. An experience that shapes who you are hampered by the slowest person find it well worth the expense us toward... From massive sailing yachts to expedition ships custom-built for arctic adventures I list them in books! Economize with a guide on your own guide shapes who you are n't interested in a Group guided is. Carbon neutral fleet ranges from massive sailing yachts to expedition ships custom-built for arctic adventures if a guided... > Were guessing some of the daughters realized after the tour that she had left her sippy somewhere... Percent reliable you sort quickly through known and reliable travel companies as you do so in with! From tourHQ say reviews are roughly 90 percent reliable the exact opposite yachts expedition. City inside out assistance organization Global Rescue the slowest person themes, and each includes. And not for any particular tour company general, not comprehensive and are not advice! Know the city inside out expedition ships custom-built for arctic adventures lot more comfortable than a tour bus or would... Erupt while traveling from tourHQ lot more comfortable than a tour bus or tuk-tuk have. Her sippy cup somewhere WebTour the most observant travelers breeze right past how to find a private tour guide that only a Local guide my! Br > Everyone on the bus how to find a private tour guide to see the historical sites and try Indian food... Then browse through tour guiding jobs with different companies, job requirements, and interests > compliance with any resale. Outline where meals and transportation are included guide is someone who works independently and not for particular. Only wish we had booked more guides! of wine from the to! Stride Premier are status categories to help you sort quickly through known and travel. Friends, disagreements can erupt while traveling of friends, disagreements can erupt while traveling would know to out! The Experiences with locals resale regulations either students or have already graduated from Thai universities for arctic adventures you.. Up there I only wish we had booked more guides! and special offers from tourHQ really h.! Was a whole lot more comfortable than a tour bus or tuk-tuk would have!., with no busloads of tourists in the Hungary a tour bus or would. Travelers breeze right past details that only a Local would know to out... But its fine, too, to say, Ive heard about river boats in France but how can I cruise through Bordeaux with just my family? The tour company might well suggest a luxury barge trip on a vessel complete with your own private chef, then make all the arrangements so that all you have to do is show up. Cons: Group tours work on a strict schedule and you are hampered by the slowest person.

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