Why You Should Consider a Guided Tour on Your Next Visit Somewhere
Posted by While a guided tour or private travel guide might not be necessary (or even as effective) in some places and for all types of travelers, sometimes it can mean the difference between an incredibly unbelievable trip, and a run-of-the-mill one.
Think for a moment about why guided tours or travel guides are not something you look into often. Is it the price that normally frightens you away from using tours and guides as often as possible? Though it depends on the country, company, or individual, some tours are not nearly as expensive as you might think. Do you have a fear of not being able to see everything you want on your own schedule? Tours can be amazingly customizable, and the best part: you plan for none of it yourself. It’s a completely stress-free option.
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If you’re still unsure whether guided tours or travel guides are right for your next trip, consider these 6 reasons:
1. Everything is usually included
One of the nicest factors in guided tours is that, generally, everything is included into one lump-sum price that’s paid at the beginning or end of the trip. If certain things aren’t included, they should be clearly marked as such. In this way, it’s much easier to create your dream trip, and to know what to expect regarding cost as opposed to paying for it in pieces and then later it costing much more than you expected.
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2. The price is usually negotiable to some extent
Again, depending on the business premises (e.g., whether you’re using an individual, private contractor guide or a larger company), the price of your trip may be negotiable. Now, negotiable doesn’t mean free, so still expect to pay for the trip in some manner. But, after everything is said and done, it may be more cost-effective to use a guided tour or guide to assist with tours and entries. You may even end up saving more money than doing it all on your own.
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3. Everything can be tailored to your wants and needs
As mentioned before, just because you’re handing over the reins of tour trip to someone else to manage doesn’t mean that you no longer have a say in what you do and when. If you do decide to use a tour or guide, be sure to clearly state your preferences early on.
4. All activities are planned, meaning total ease of travel
How does it sound to essentially show up to a place and be catered to immediately? That’s likely what you can expect on certain types of tours, making it super stress-free and instantly more fun.
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5. Tour guides have access to exclusive deals (and they know more about the local scene)
Possibly the overall best reason to opt for a guided tour or travel guide is the sheer insider knowledge that you’ll benefit from. Nearly all cities have touristy places, but to find out about the local lifestyle means employing a local (or someone who lives there). Furthermore, some countries may only open up their local vibes to you if you’re accompanied by a local.
6. In some countries, it might be substantially safer than traveling solo or with a small group
Though it’s not to say that your specific destination is unsafe per se, or that bad things still can’t happen when you’re with a guide, do your due diligence to determine if your destination could be a place where having a guide is advantageous.
How have your guided travel experiences been? Please share your stories with us in the comments!