Here's the one splurge that can transform any trip. Photo / Golden Lens on Unsplash
If you’re looking for one travel splurge that makes every trip run smoother, Erika Ebsworth-Goold suggests hiring a private tour guide.
While travel has the power to teach, amaze and widen your worldview, it can often cost dearly.
Cutting back on take-home trinkets, avoiding tourist traps and opting for budget-friendly accommodations can stretch your dollar on the road, but there’s one thing you should never skimp on.
For a brand-new-to-you place, a great private guide is an absolute must.
From Budapest to Istanbul and most recently in Tokyo, I try to invest in a personal guide for the first day or two of an itinerary. I’ve not once regretted it, as each took my trip from good to great. Here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring one for your next adventure.
I am often crunched for time while on holiday. A short visit is better than none at all, but it’s tough having a limited number of days in a destination far from home. A guide can maximise precious hours by purchasing museum tickets in advance or arranging transportation. They will even be able to score you dining reservations or seats at the theatre, jumping through the hoops so all you have to do is enjoy yourself, not make arrangements. Skipping that tediousness is worth its weight in vacation gold. And if something goes amiss: a cancelled flight, inclement weather or other difficulty, they can quickly pivot for the situation, another big time-saver.
Are you a culture vulture, history buff, or foodie? Perhaps you’re more into a destination’s natural beauty and recreational offerings? No matter: an attentive on-the-ground guide will tailor an itinerary to suit your interest. Expect a Zoom session or email interview once you book, so you can share your goals. In return, your guide will provide a customised plan for you to review and approve.
That was the case in Tokyo. We gave our guide Tomoko preference notes, then gave ourselves over. She sent along a brilliant agenda the week before, including lunch reservations and shopping suggestions. She even made recommendations for the rest of our visit in Japan, truly setting the table for a fantastic holiday beyond our first day.
We all want to skip that dreaded FOMO (fear of missing out) on holiday.
A guide can help. Whether it’s getting deeper context on a destination’s history, or simply having your every question (yes, even the silly ones) answered, insider insights are a valuable boost to any holiday.
“Seeing a place without a private tour guide is like coming at it on an airplane at 50,000 feet,” says Lisa Chen, CEO of ToursByLocals, an online marketplace that matches travellers with vetted guides around the world.
“You may think you’ve seen it, but you haven’t experienced it until you’ve gone with a local who can tell you why it matters.”
Great guides will point out landmarks you’d never notice on your own, and unlock experiences other tourists don’t get from a book or AI.
In our case, Tomoko took us inside Tokyo’s iconic Mitsukoshi department store to check out its gorgeous kimono design centre and bustling basement food hall. We had no idea such gems were hidden inside.
Last but certainly not least, you’ll get a download on local manners and customs. For instance, we had no idea eating while walking is a no-no in Japan. Thank goodness Tomoko corrected us, or we might have snacked on the go, a sign of disrespect to be avoided.
If supporting a local economy and the people who live within it is important to you, hiring a resident to show you the ropes is a sure-fire way to ensure that happens. The chunk of money you’ll be spending will directly benefit your guide and the place he or she lives. That’s something to feel good about, especially in an era where responsible travellers are increasingly concerned about over-tourism and its detrimental effects on a destination.
Start your hunt for guiding candidates online. Several companies, including the aforementioned ToursByLocals, offer matching services. Do your homework, read reviews and make sure a person’s professional expertise is aligned with your holiday aims.
Don’t discount word of mouth. We lucked into finding Tomoko (so popular she only takes referrals) after I mentioned to a colleague we were headed to Japan. She’d guided him several years before, and he heartily recommended her.
You’ll want to book several weeks, if not months, in advance, especially if your travels are during a busy time such as summer break or festivals.
While hiring a destination expert solely focused on you might feel like a splurge, it’s truly worth considering, despite the cost.
You’ll feel more comfortable, make deeper connections and take home better memories. And that’s far better than any cheesy souvenir or knick-knack.