While group tours may be an excellent option for many travelers, some prefer the personalized approach offered by private tour guides. This article will discuss some of the key benefits of choosing to work with a private guide on your next trip abroad!
A great guide can bring a dusty museum to life, or use a pile of ancient stones as a vehicle for time travel. The best ones tailor their knowledge to your interests and provide the perfect balance of information and fun.
Personal Attention
Unlike a tour where you participate with a large group, private tours are run exclusively for the person or people who made the booking. This means that your guide will be able to give you their full attention, offering advice and information that will help you enjoy your visit even more.
They can also tailor the itinerary to your interests, making it easier for you to see the most popular attractions but also hidden gems that you might not have been able to find on your own. If there are any attractions that you would rather skip, simply let your guide know and they can modify the tour to fit your needs.
Many guides will offer additional services that make your trip even more enjoyable, such as personal shopping or transportation services for extra days of sightseeing or other activities. These are usually offered at an additional cost. Some guides may even be able to provide their services in multiple languages.
Personalized Itinerary
A private tour guide will be able to offer you a personalized itinerary. They will organize your trip and provide you with essential information about the destinations, routes, cities, and if necessary travel documentation.
These personal touches are what set this type of experience apart from those offered on group tours. This is also why many people prefer private tour guides.
For example, a local guide may take you to a restaurant that is a “local secret.” These places are not advertised, but they’re hidden gems that can be found only by local guides who know them well. They’ll tell you about the history of these spots and how they’ve been enjoyed over time. They’ll also tell you their own experiences and give you a deeper understanding of the sights that you visit. This makes your trip that much more meaningful and memorable.
Avoid Crowds
Many travelers choose to hire private tour guides as an alternative to group tours. This allows them to skip sites that aren’t of interest or spend more time at those they do want to see. Private guides are also adept at helping travelers to avoid large crowds. They will know how to find quieter spots and idyllic villages that are often overlooked by tourists. They’ll also help to ensure that travelers can enter places like Karnak Temple or the Valley of the Kings without having to wait in long lines.
Moreover, they’ll be able to provide advice on the best restaurants and other venues for entertainment or shopping, which can save travelers valuable time. This is especially true if a guide is working for an online site that connects travelers with independent tour guides who have experience and special qualifications or licenses. Victoria and John both tell us that they often stay in contact with their guests, long after the day is over and this is a wonderful testament to the personal touch that a good guide provides.
Local Knowledge
One of the best things about hiring a private tour guide is tapping into their local knowledge. They often specialize in the cities or regions they serve and are well-versed on historical facts, the education system, prices, cultural life and politics of their region.
They know when tourist hordes are likely to be at an attraction and can help you visit at an ideal time of day to avoid them. They may also know of hidden gems that aren’t on the beaten path and can make you feel like an insider by showing you special places.
Many people who become tour guides go on to work for a company that offers private tours or are self-employed as freelance tour guides. Others join a website that connects travelers with tour guides and lists their experience, special qualifications or licenses and reviews from previous customers. These sites also conduct background checks and offer standardized policies for booking and payment processing.