8 times you shouldn't bother with a tour guide
Sometimes when travelling it’s best to forge your own path. These are the times it’s best to go it alone.
1. When you have plenty of time
Some of the best holidays are the ones where you spend days just happily wandering, discovering new restaurants or shops, stopping for a coffee (or cocktail) whenever you fancy. If you have no schedule, just let yourself relax and sink into the atmosphere of a city with no pressure.
2. When you already have lots of activities planned
If you know exactly what you want to see and do, then you can skip the tour and plan your own day. Just make sure you’re organised, plan the best route around town and create your own itinerary that ticks them all off.
3. When you have a friend in town
A local is the best kind of tour guide! Get your friend to take you on a personal tour, visiting all the places that they love to go. It will give you a look at how people really live in a city, rather than just hitting all the spots listed in a guide book.
4. When you speak the language
If you’re in an English speaking country (or you have a second language under your belt) you should find it fairly easy to navigate your way around. You’ll be able to read the signs, order from a menu and thank helpful locals, without the need for someone to translate.
5. When you’ve been before
A tour will probably end up covering a lot of the things you’ve already seen, which can be frustrating (and a little boring). If you’re familiar with a city, you’re better off returning to your favourite places or even asking you concierge for some hidden gems that only the locals know.
6. When you’re on a really tight budget
Tours cost money and often you still have to pay for entrance fees on top of the price, so if you’re counting your pennies then you can give it a miss. The internet is an incredible resource and you will be able to get all the information you need about a destination and then work out how you can fit it in within your budget.
7. When you’re in a really small place
Sometimes, there’s just not that much to do in a destination. If there’s just a beach to flop on or a small town square to walk through, you really don’t need anyone to lead you around. Just ask for directions (or follow Google Maps) and potter around happily on your own.
8. When you want to feel independent
Hire a car, hop on a bike or just pound the pavement with the wind in your hair and a sense of adventure in your heart. Exploring a new place on your own will give you confidence and let you create some unique memories that you can’t replicate when tagging along with a tour.
Do you get a tour guide, or go without?