When we started travelling we wanted to be as independent as possible. We were content to wander freely through cities and ports with just a map we either copied from a guide book or picked up at the tourist information centre. It worked at first because we didn’t know any better.
Eventually we realized we wanted more substance; historical and cultural information accompanied by an in depth analysis of that new knowledge. That’s when we started looking for guides.
There are a number of avenues to pursue in your search for a good guide.
- Personal guides recommended in your favourite guidebook or online from a reliable source. These are the more expensive option but do allow you to design an individual itinerary that meets your particular needs. They can be booked with either a half day or a full day option.
- Guides provided as part of a paid, organized excursion. This applies to bus and walking tours. Most of these guides are freelance and may contract with a number of tour companies. The really good ones are in demand and booked regularly. Although they are paid by the excursion company it does not hurt to tip, especially if they were really good.
- Guides that are employed by the site you are visiting, such as those that provide tours of churches, castles or other iconic sites. Most of these types of tours are free (as you may or may not have already paid an entrance fee) but don’t let the lack of cost imply there is a lack of value. One of our most memorable was a guide who demonstrated the perfect acoustics in a church by singing opera. The only concern is that the allotted times and numbers allowed are limited. Sometimes you just have to be in the right time, right place. Alternately you may be offered an audio guide for your tour and these are better than nothing at all.
- Other options include the guides that will take you on a walking tour for free but gratefully accept tips. These are not bad, often just the starting point for a budding guide. There are also the options provided with Hop On/Hop Off buses. Most of them are recorded but occasionally you will get a live person. The best part of the Hop On/Hop Off options is they will take you to the further areas of a city you may not have been able to access on foot.
Ask your guide what their background is. So many we have used are archaeologists, historians or architects who do this as a side hustle, or are retired. Some are just very enthusiastic locals who grew up in the area and have developed a deep affection for their home town.
Sometimes walking tours can be long, hot and tiring. A good guide will pace themselves according to the makeup of the group. The will find shaded areas, or spots were folks can sit during the longer stories. Don’t be afraid to ask for a break, or a comfort stop. The guide will know the local businesses that allow a number of guest to use their facilities. One guide had an arrangement at a community recreational centre.
Despite its many benefits there are a number of downfalls. Not all guides are created equal, or are worth the additional cost. Despite so many that are full of enthusiasm and knowledge there are a few that are along only for the tips. They may be hard to hear, not animated enough to hold your attention or do not provide the information (or too much of the information) you are after.
If you are going to be in a city or port that does not offer a lot in the way of guided tours be sure to do your own research in advance so you can provide your own independent tour, and enjoy the freedom once in a while.