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• Adventure Travel

Comparing Guided, Self-Guided, and Independent Travel

Liz is a collector of grand adventures. She first discovered her passion for meaningful travel wh...

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It’s nearly time for your next overseas trip and you’re daydreaming about the new places you’ll see, the new friends you’ll make, the new foods you’ll taste, and the stories you’ll be able to tell when you return home. Traveling can be full of adventure, curiosity, and laughter, but it can also be stressful when you’re in the planning stages.

Finding your ideal type of travel is your ticket to seeing the world.

So, how do you decide between a guided tour vs. independent travel? From visas and flights to accommodation and sightseeing, the nitty gritty of traveling can be daunting. Luckily, there are many different options when it comes to traveling so you can create an experience that feels fun and exciting for you—whether you want to go solo or let someone else take care of the logistics for you.

With options to join guided travel tours, self-guided tours, or embark on independent travel, you can make your next overseas trip anything you desire it to be. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to planning your travels abroad. Ultimately, it depends on your personality and what kind of experience you’re after. If you’re stumped on how to get the most out of your next trip abroad, here you’ll find everything you need to know about a guided tour vs. independent travel .

What is a guided tour?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed when it comes to researching and planning your travels, guided tours can be a game-changer. So what is a guided tour? Guided travel tours are the most convenient way to travel—all you have to do is pay a fee to a tour company and they create the experience for you.

Most guided tours are all-inclusive, meaning everything is taken care of for you. They often provide a local guide who can teach you about local customs, an itinerary packed full of cultural experiences, and even pre-booked accommodation and food so all you have to do is show up. Guided tours usually target specific age groups too, so you have the opportunity to connect with other travelers and make friends easily.

3 pros of guided tours

1. it’s convenient..

There’s no arguing that guided travel tours are the most convenient way to travel. Your tour company will take care of all the logistics for you, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself without having to think about your next move. If you’re a first-time traveler , don’t speak the local language, or feel overwhelmed by the planning process, guided tours can relieve some of the pressure to create an easy, more enjoyable experience.

2. You’ll make friends easily.

Lifelong friendships might just be a bonus to your guided tour package.

If you join an age-appropriate tour, the odds are, you’ll make friends fast . You won’t have to stress about putting yourself out there when you spend your days with the same group of people, exploring together, eating meals together, sharing the same accommodation. While it’s possible to make friends outside of a tour group, solo travelers often thrive on a guided tour because they never have to worry about feeling lonely.

3. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the culture.

When you’re exploring a new country with a local guide, you get a sneak peek into the culture that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Local guides will take you to all the right places, teach you fun facts about your destination you might not learn anywhere else, and fill you in on the basics when it comes to speaking the local language . Guided tours often cram a lot into a short period of time, too, which means you’ll get to visit some of the best places in your destination and see parts of the country you may not be able to see on your own.

3 cons of guided tours

1. it can be expensive..

Prices of guided travel tours vary, and most times they can be more expensive than traveling on your own. Ultimately, you don’t get to pick and choose your experience with a guided tour, meaning you pay for what the tour company organizes for you. If you don’t want to do everything that’s included in the tour or if you’d prefer to stay in budget accommodation , you may end up spending more on a tour than if you were to travel solo.

2. You’ll have less freedom.

While guided tours make travel feel easy, they take away the pleasure of going with the flow. You’ll need to stick to an itinerary that is often packed full with little time to relax and explore on your own. You won’t necessarily have the ability to wake up at your leisure, get lost in new cities, and stumble upon holes in the wall when you’re off on organized activities all day every day.

3. You may never leave your comfort zone.

When it comes to travel, there are endless opportunities to learn and expand your horizons . If one of your favorite parts of traveling is putting yourself out there, getting lost, making mistakes, and laughing with locals, guided tours may not be the most exciting experience for you. Guided tours are your comfort zone, and it’s likely you won’t have the same growth experience you would if you travel on your own.

What is a self-guided tour?

Can you picture yourself trekking this mountain?

If a fully-guided tour doesn’t appeal to you, but traveling completely solo sounds intimidating, a self-guided tour will give you something in between. But what does “self-guided tour” mean? Unlike a guided tour, you won’t have a tour guide; however, you will receive information about your destination and an itinerary to follow at your own pace.

The perfect self-guided tour example is trekking. Whether you head out to the rhododendron-filled Annapurna region of Nepal or the snow-capped Patagonias , or you walk El Camino across Spain, almost all popular trekking routes provide self-guided tours.

Once you apply for your trekking permits, you’ll receive official information about the trek and its trails, as well as information on where to start, stop, rest, sleep, and amenities along the way. With a self-guided tour, you may even have the option of adding on transportation options or organized accommodation to relieve even more of the stress of planning.

3 pros of self-guided tours

1. you set the pace..

While a guided tour doesn’t leave much room for flexibility, a self-guided tour allows you to set your own pace. You’ll often receive an itinerary or route options, but ultimately, you are in control of a self-guided tour. You can follow the route or go your own way. You can go as slowly or quickly as you desire, making pit stops along the way, skipping the parts that don’t appeal to you, and creating the experience you want.

2. It’s safer than independent travel.

Because self-guided tours do the research for you, they often leave less room for error than if you embarked on a solo journey. You’ll receive all the information you need to stay safe , and you don’t have to worry about doing all the research on your own. Self-guided tours are also often available in well-populated travel destinations, which means you’ll be surrounded by other travelers consistently throughout your journey.

3. You can pick your travel buddies.

Independent travel can often get lonely, while guided tours run the risk of getting stuck with a group of people that you might clash with. Self-guided tours offer the perfect alternative. With a self-guided tour, you can choose your people. Perhaps that looks like planning to travel with a group of friends or traveling solo and meeting others along the same self-guided route as you—either way, you can spend time with the people you like, and avoid the people who aren’t your vibe.

3 cons of self-guided tours

1. you still need to take part in the planning..

You’ll still have a hand in planning when you go for self-guided travel.

While there are perks of receiving a lot of information in a self-guided tour, you still need to be proactive and take responsibility. After all, not everything is organized for you. You still have to do a little research on your own, stay organized, and manage your own time. If you don’t want to have to worry about any of the logistics, self-guided travel might not be your best option.

2. There’s no group to make immediate friends.

While self-guided travel is a great opportunity to choose your travel companions, no official tour group means you don’t quite have access to meeting people as easily. If you’re traveling on your own in a self-guided tour, there will definitely be people to meet along the way, but you’ll still have to put yourself out there and strike up conversations with strangers to make connections.

3. You won’t have a local guide at your fingertips.

Sure, it might be nice to not have to follow a guide, but it’s always important to take into consideration what might happen when the unexpected arises . No local guide means you don’t have an expert with you if you get lost, struggle with language differences, or find yourself in an emergency situation. It means you’ll have to navigate the unknown on your own.

What is independent travel?

The difference between a guided tour vs. independent travel is that with independent travel, you’re flying solo. You’re in charge of all of it—the flights, the accommodation, the planning of the nitty gritty , deciding what you do on a day-to-day basis while abroad.

You have to do all your own research and navigate on your own. You call the shots. For some, this is the only way to travel, but for others, independent travel can be wildly outside of their comfort zones.

3 pros of independent travel

1. you’ll save money..

Independent travel can often be your cheapest travel option . You won’t have to pay a fee to a company to organize travel for you; you can spend what you want on food, accommodation, and excursions; and you can opt for budget options or free activities if you’re working with a small budget.

2. It’s the most flexible travel option.

In the mood to choose your own adventure? Independent travel is the way to go.

With independent travel, you set the pace. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want. It means you can opt for the experiences that are on your bucket list and skip the ones that don’t appeal to you without having to worry about losing money on an all-inclusive tour option. If you’re the type of traveler who loves to go with the flow and wants the flexibility of changing your plans as you please, independent travel could be the best option for you.

3. It’s where the growth happens.

Independent travel is quite possibly the most challenging way to travel, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It means you have the opportunity to truly grow , expand, and learn new skills. You have to learn how to plan, to be flexible, to adapt. You have to learn how to navigate, communicate across cultures, and put yourself out there to make friends. Yes, it can be difficult at times, but there’s no doubt you’ll return home a whole new person.

3 cons of independent travel

1. it’s less safe..

Similar to self-guided travel tours, independent travel means you don’t have a guide or anyone to protect you if things go wrong. If you find yourself sick , lost, or in an emergency situation , you’re the only one who has your back. It’s always safest to travel with a guide; however, if you are set on independent travel, you can do your research to be prepared and stay safe, even if the unknown arises.

2. It can get lonely at times.

If you’re traveling solo, independent travel is usually the most difficult way to make friends. You don’t have a group to bond with or people following the same path. It takes more effort to meet friends. Ultimately, it’s up to you—you can allow yourself to stay lonely, or you can put yourself out there, stay at hostels, talk to a stranger over dinner, and find the perfect travel mates.

3. It can feel overwhelming.

As an independent traveler, you’re responsible for all of it. It’s on you to work out the logistics , book your flights , navigate and communicate through a new country, and budget yourself throughout your travels. You have to be completely self-reliant. For some, this is the fun part, but for others, independent travel can feel extremely overwhelming.

3 guided tours to consider

Are guided tours worth it? It depends on the experience you desire. If you want to take some of the pressure off yourself and embark on a travel adventure that is packed full of new experiences and new friends, it could very well be worth it. Here are some of the best guided tour examples to dip your toes in for the adventure of a lifetime :

1. Pure Exploration: 12 Weeks Adventure Guide Program | Queenstown, New Zealand

• Why? Join Pure Exploration’s guided travel tours to New Zealand for 12 epic weeks of hiking, climbing, and sightseeing. With Pure Exploration, you’ll join a tour that takes you to Mt. Cook National Park, Mt. Aspiring National Park, the Fjordlands, and more. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in picturesque mountain landscapes, hike to snow-capped peaks, or kayak through crystal blue waters. When you aren’t getting your adrenaline pumping, you’ll also have the chance to relax in Queenstown and soak in some Kiwi culture.
• Where? New Zealand
• Read Pure Exploration reviews

2. IMA: Safaris Africa - Group and Student Travel Opportunities

• Why? Travel to Africa for guided travel tours that will take you on adventure treks or educational tours to some of the continent’s most renowned destinations. IMA specializes in combining safari experience with education, taking travelers to Mount Kilimanjaro, Victoria Falls, Masai Mara Game Reserve, and Serengeti National Park where you’ll learn about the local culture and take off on ethical safaris to spot some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet.
• Where? Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia
• Read International Medical Aid reviews

3. Nepal Hiking Team Pvt. Ltd: Everest Base Camp Trek

• Why? Have you ever dreamed of trekking to Everest Base Camp? Nepal Hiking Team can help you check this off your bucket list, taking you from Kathmandu to Lukla, Nepal, and guiding you through a 16-day trek to base camp on the tallest mountain in the world. The tour includes not only the trek, but sightseeing through Kathmandu and a cultural immersion into Sherpa life. It’s the ultimate adventure travel tour for those who want to push themselves to new heights.
• Where? Nepal
• Read Nepal Hiking Team Pvt. Ltd reviews

Get matched with 5 adventure travel programs for FREE

Whether guided, self-guided, or independent, what matters most is that you go.

No matter what type of travel feels right to you, you’re on your way to exploring the world.

The truth is, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to planning your travel. Whether you decide to jet off on a guided, self-guided, or independent travel adventure, you are sure to have the experience of a lifetime—connecting with new people, immersing yourself in new cultures and languages, and getting your adrenaline pumping in one way or another. The most important part? Say yes, pack your bags , and hit the tarmac!

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How to create a low budget self-guided tour

By Breanna Lawlor

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Have you ever wondered about the role of the narrator in movies? It’s often the one with the low, soothing voice. Aside from being captivating, a narrator is much like the voice behind a self-guided tour.

Similar to narration, a self-guided audio tour takes travelers through unchartered territory, sharing essential bits of information to help guide the audience through a story.

A long time ago — well, maybe not that long but before COVID-19 impacted travel so profoundly, self-guided tours weren’t exactly trending. They may have included awkward or bulky headsets or seldom received updates.

Previously, the consensus around audio tours is that they were underwhelming. Put simply, they did little to entice travelers seeking a memorable experience. Plus, how can you replace the charm, energy and excitement of a real-life guide? 

Times have changed and self-guided tours are enjoying their turn in the spotlight. And as a tour operator, you can benefit immensely from offering various touring options to your guests.

We’ll walk through some of the reasons why you should consider creating a self-guided tour of your own and how to make it happen.

What is a self-guided tour

As a tour operator, you know that people value having flexibility in their travel plans. Self-guided tours are audio-descriptive, location-specific tours that highlight elements of a specific location.

Guests can access and purchase self-guided walking tours through websites or scan a QR code with their phone with details of a specific route or tour type.

Self-guided tours are a little different from solo travel without a plan where travellers are “winging it”. They are usually attached to a timeframe, location or specific idea. Some examples include:

• Self-guided bicycle tours
• Architecture and local city art
• Brewery tours and local watering holes

A major perk for travelers is being able to explore at their own pace , while still remaining independent but not alone in their discovery. 

Imagine how guests with mobility limitations or those travelling with young children explore a new area. Depending on the pace and activities involved, they might not feel like they’ll be able to keep up or feel welcome as part of a more extensive tour. 

Aside from attracting your go-to tour clientele, self-guided tours can open up an entirely new market rife with travelers from around the world. Developing a self-guided audio tour can be free and plenty of fun, especially if you already have a few goals in mind.

Why invest in a self-guided walking tour 

Arguably, a benefit of self-guided tours is how they’re no longer dependent on a minimum amount of guests. Providing many of the same benefits as a live tour guide, audio tours offer the perks of guided travel without concerns regarding proximity to fellow travelers, timing and tour pacing.

Flexibility has become more of a focal point for travellers, and offering self-guided audio tours is one way of levelling the playing field. You’re not limited to a specific meeting point and timeframe, opening up the potential for selling more volume. 

And, you’re not at the mercy of last-minute cancellations or variations in guest count. What could it mean to have the freedom of connecting with your guests without being restricted to doing so in person? The possibilities are limitless.

You can gauge what to include by seeing what comes to mind as you tour the area on foot. Your tours should aim to be wholesome and unhurried, making them entertaining and informative for guests. 

For ideas, check out some of the existing tours on: 

• GPS my City
• Free Tours by Foot

But how can self-guided tours rival in-person guides? Audio tours can deliver an engaging experience to guests with an entertaining and relaxed environment, even laying the groundwork for inspiring future guests to consider an in-person visit in the future. 

So, we’re going to walk through some of the steps to help you get started on creating a self-guided tour in your area of expertise.

How to create a self-guided tour 

1. research, research, research .

Providing eager travellers with a tool designed to maximize their experience adds value to their trip. But before you can deliver something that captivates their attention, you need to know who your contenders are. 

And to put you in the best position to create something attractive and unique to your audience, you’ll want to explore what other tour operators have already created. Naturally, when deciding on a type of self-guided walking tour, focus on drawing upon your own experience and area of expertise.

Starting with a cohort of possibilities from fellow experience providers might spur your own brilliant idea.

2. Choose your tour type

Do you have a specific niche you find yourself talking about? Are you passionate about the history in a region or segment of cuisine in your part of the world?

Choose a self-guided tour type that you find fascinating and it will naturally come across in your recording. 

You can offer self-guided tours specific to walking, cycling or cultural exploration, which will help narrow your target audience. They choose a time that works for their schedule and you benefit from sharing what you know as a knowledgeable local tour guide.

Here are some self-guided tour types to consider:

• Architecture

3. Get clear on your ideal audience

Who do you already connect with? If you offer tours targeted to a specific segment of the market, it’s natural to build on your existing connections and expertise.

Self-guided tours are ideal for travellers who appreciate building in flexibility in their plans. Audio guides tend to focus on storytelling and off-the-beaten-path topics guests can’t necessarily gleam from a guide book.

In choosing who to focus on, consider families with young children or older travellers who value a slower pace. Alternatively, can you target traveling friends who connect for a brief time in a certain location and then plan to continue on their separate travel journeys?

Your approach may be in creating a self-guided walking tour that works for everyone, but it’s often easier to niche down and design a tour type that attracts a specific segment of travelers.

And as people continue to grow familiar with using audio through podcasts, meditation apps and product guides it’s a natural progression for people seeking a guided approach to a new city.

4. Draft a script with your main focal points

You know the saying, less is more? Focus on a handful of key points through your self-guided tour.

Remember, too that there’s a balance to any script — offer up too little information and your guests may feel lost. Provide too much information at a rapid-fire pace and you’ll overwhelm listeners who may then tune you out. 

Think about off-the-beaten path locations and ways of looking at a city with a new perspective. Similar to creating a real tour guide script , you may find it to be harder to ad- lib but allow your personality to shine in your recoding. 

As a side note, many comedians use this approach in what’s called a set list. Designed to trigger memory of an event or spur conversation about a topic, these can be phrases or a few words that remind you of what you want to include in your script.

And, voila! Once your script is complete, find a quiet space, take a deep breath and get ready to press record.

5. Determine your recording method and location

With smartphone advancements and improved technology, a DIY approach to creating audio tours is now much more accessible to tour operators.

When evaluating your recording options, focus on what creates the least amount of resistance in getting the ball rolling.

And, keep in mind that you’ll need some time to practice reading your script aloud and adjust as need. 

In the past, older audio tours relied on hired talent and expensive production to produce a finished, sellable tour.

Thankfully, technology has made it much easier for tour operators to create and promote their own self-guided tours — and generate an income from them. The hardest part is just getting started.

6. Record in a quiet space

Capturing your audio doesn’t require hiring professionals or sourcing a podcast studio.

Ultimately a relatively quiet space will do the trick. Truly, you’d be amazed what a closet full of clothes can do for improving audio quality. All you need is a mobile phone or recording device that can capture your sound bites and save as an .mp3 file and you’re off to the races.

Can people download your audio tour from the App Store, or is it something you’ll provide over email? Choosing your end format will help narrow down your recording options as well. Plus, you can do things on the cheap to get started and improve your audio tour over time.

7. Launch your self-guided tour and adjust as needed

Invite some preliminary guests to provide feedback on your self-guided tours. Look to other sites that can support the creation of your audio tour like WeGoTrip and Surprise Me .

Alleviating some of the pressure of hosting on your own website could grant you the freedom to create a self-guided tour that’s captivating and enjoyable — and enable you to share it sooner.

Understandably, hearing first-hand from listeners who partake in the self-guided tour will help you determine whether your audio tour hits the mark. Be sure to grant yourself the grace to experiment and improve your self-guided tours as needed.

8. Decide on your price point 

You can choose to provide your self-guided walking tours free of charge, and try to lead customers back to your in-person offerings or you can set a price point for your services.

Before you advertise your self-guided tour, explore what free opportunities already exist and whether the market reach is more beneficial for your end goal.

You’ll find fellow tour operators charging a range from depending on what’s involved and tour duration. Ultimately, decide on a price point that makes developing a self-guided tour feel worthwhile to you.

9. Create a customized tour map

To add value to your audio tour, you may want to provide guests with a customized tour map.

You only need an idea, location, and self-guided tour theme in mind to get started. Ie. Romantic Romania by Foot or Awe-inspiring Views of Venice by Bike.

In your self-guided custom map, be sure to include:

• Length 
• Main topics
• Points of interest
• Relevant stories
• Virtual add-ons 

The self-guided tour experience can be detailed or more overarching, depending on prompts you choose to include. 

Taking things one step further, you can delve into virtual tours, so your self-guided tours support your virtual (paid experiences) and vice versa. Variety, they say, is the spice of life so why not embark on a mission to offer a medley of tours your audience can explore. From here, you can let your experience do the talking.

Look outside the box for travellers who might benefit from your tour type, including older adults, families and different traveller demographics. 

10. Add flair! 

Remember that by creating self-guided tours, you’re not looking to replace the work you do as a guide. Essentially, these audio tours act as a supporting actor or a spotlight for the in-person experiences you offer.

Fortunately, a lot can transfer over in a well-thought-out self-guided audio tour. You can still share your personal voice, favourite sights, local recommendations and expertise that all adds plenty of value. On top of your insight, you can provide guests with a digital map of where to start their experience.

Self-guided tour tech you need to know 

Sure, there’s plenty of technology available to help you record and promote your self-guided tours, but you don’t have to invest a ton into creating an audio tour of your own.

Regardless of the technology you in invest in, your ultimate goal should be to create an engaging and memorable experience. And while audio tours are more arms-reach, they can be just as full of fun facts and interesting insights.

To succeed with self-guided tours, guests need to be able to access your audio with a few clicks or the scan of a QR code — similar to how many restaurant menus are displayed today. It’s relatively easy to create your own QR code and make it easy for guests to access tours digitally or on a printed brochure.

Hosting platforms are widely available, with some free versions providing the most reach, like Apple Podcasts or uploading audio to Youtube and embedding directly on your website. 

There are a few sites that host the audio file for you, alleviating some of the workload. These include:

• Customized Maps in Google
• Clio Muse Tours (available in Europe only) 

And if you’d prefer to hire someone to create an audio tour for your tour business, check out:

• Pocket Sights

Your guests should have no trouble accessing, downloading and playing your self-guided walking tour — ideally with the option to download and listen offline to save on data. 

Just like you would with an in-person tour, focus on creating a fantastic user experience first.

Final thoughts

Create opportunities for you guests to connect with your tour brand and keep your storytelling skills sharp. Creating a self-guided walking tour increase ways for future customers to get to know your brand, helping to cast a wider net, and reach new audience segments.

It can even be the basis for a themed evening at home, including cuisine from an area, menus, and activities aligned with the local culture. However you decide to showcase your self-guided tour, you may start to see tour guiding through a new lens.

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What is a Self-Guided Tour?

Self-guided tours offer a distinctive approach that diverges from the traditional concept of guided tours. These experiences grant you the freedom to explore without being tied to a group or a constant guide presence. This structure empowers you with unparalleled flexibility throughout your journey.

These adventure types cater particularly well to those who:

• Seek a balance between leisure time and curated activities.
• Are comfortable with less constant guidance.
• Appreciate the self-reliant exploration of various locations.

It's important to note that due to the self-sufficient nature of these tours, the option of sharing accommodations with a fellow traveler is unavailable. Instead, for solo travelers, a single supplement is applied to cover the cost.

To identify whether an adventure follows the self-guided format, you can refer to the labels associated with each tour. These labels can be found beneath the tour title and information about the start and end cities. If the label " Self-Guided " is present, this signifies that the adventure follows the format described above. 

For further clarity and specifics, don't hesitate to utilize the " Ask A Question " button on the adventure page to inquire directly with the adventure operator.

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What is a self-guided tour all you need to know.

Travel is evolving so much in our world, and self-supported travel is a great way to balance the value with the experience. So what is a self-guided tour and what do you need to know? Here are 9 wonderful benefits you’ll enjoy when you make your next trip one of self-supported travel.

This article may contain affiliate links, please read our  Affiliate Disclosure  for more details.

Table of Contents

What is a self-guided tour, 1. save a huge amount of time, 2. save money, 3. more freedom to roam, 4. get there your way, 5. more versatility and spontaneity built in, 6. more chances for local interaction, 7. accommodations done your way, 8. achieve more and boost self confidence, 9. it’s easier to social distance, how to choose your self-guided tour.

Self guided travel is on the rise. But that begs the question, what is a self-guided tour? A Self-Guided Tour is a vacation package where you're in charge while a travel company helps take care of the less fun and more time consuming parts - so you can explore at your own pace.

It’s the best of both worlds where a self-guided adventure gives you more of what you want – versatility and freedom of traveling on your own with all the perks of an organized tour.

Why choose a Self-Guided Tour?

The difference between a self-guided tour and independent tours is that with independent tours, you do it all on your own. All the planning, bookings, research, and phone calls are your work to do. But with a self-guided tour, you have all that taken care of while having a more independent and unique experience. It saves you time and hassle as you reap the many benefits of this form of independent travel.

Planning a trip takes research and time. This process can be even more stressful if you don’t have the kind of time it takes to weed out unwanted accommodations, find affordable transport, and book the activities you’re interested in. With self-supported travel, you let professionals take out that guesswork so you can explore fearlessly.

Guides can be hugely beneficial to your travel experience, however it is a service that can bump up the cost of your trip, making it simply too expensive. Using self-guided travel options can dramatically lower your costs without significantly sacrificing the quality of your trip.

With a self-guided tour, you get the chance to feel more independent yet have assistance along the way. It’s the middle ground between fully-guided and completely independent travel, one that gives you a lot of leeway to see and experience the things that interest you but still has a clear path to follow.

Self-guided tours allow you the choice to choose your route too. Perhaps you’d rather take the slower way there by boat to enjoy a more relaxed mode of transport. Or you’d rather hike the most intense trail and make it an epic adventure since getting there is half the fun. You get to customize it your way while still being protected by travel companies that can be there for you should something go awry.

Another bonus to do self-supported travel is that you can choose the day you want to start. With guided tours, you have to run on their time and follow along in a larger group. Hence, you’re more free to stop along the way when something interests you. Instead of rushing to catch up to the tour guide, you can sit for a spell at that café that caught your eye and enjoy a bite of the local cuisine. Take more photos and do as you wish since you’re not on a tight itinerary. It’s truly the best way to see a new place because you’re not bound to a strict schedule and can explore more.

While it’s certainly true that a guided tour will help you bond with the group you’re tethered together with, you won’t be lonely. With self-supported travel, you have greater freedom to mingle with the locals. That’s one of the best ways to get to know a place anyway, giving you a more authentic experience rather than a touristy one.

With tour groups, you’re often relegated to certain accommodations. But what if you’d rather camp out, stay in a unique place, or go fully 5-star? By doing a self-guided tour, you can book the accommodations you want well in advance so you won’t have to worry after a busy day of exploring the area.

Self-guided travel lets you feel good about yourself in that you get to do things on your terms and do them mostly on your own. That helps you feel accomplished and gives you more experience in choosing the road less traveled for your adventures.

Perhaps one of the best reasons to choose self-supported travel now is that you can stay in your own social bubble with those you travel with. You can bring the family, gather a group of friends, or even travel solo without getting too close to people you don’t know. This method of trip planning can work just as well for those with kids that just left the nest, female solo travelers, or even active urban couples who want to shake things up out in the wild.

So, what is a self-guided tour? It’s one that you have full control over with flexibility and is more friendly for the budget without being left completely on your own or bound to a strict schedule. Essentially, it gives you the best of everything in the world when you head out there to explore the world.

If you’re ready to get out there and see something new, try this method of travel and you’ll discover the world as well as more about yourself.

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Getting Started With Self-Guided Tours

Given social distancing guidelines and the need to reduce group sizes in addition to international, national, and local travel restrictions currently in place globally, many tour operators have been looking for alternative ways to leverage their skills and resources. Many people have switched to targeting local visitors (opens in a new tab) , offering online virtual tours and experiences (opens in a new tab) , as well as pivoting to renting out their equipment such as bikes, segways, kayaks, etc. Another area that’s becoming more and more popular with both operators and tourists is the use of self-guided tour apps.

These downloadable mobile applications allow tourists, and locals alike, to explore key information about a city (or location) without the need for a guide to be present. Evidently there are two key factors coming into play here. The most obvious one being the COVID-19 pandemic, and the second being the improved technology we have available at our fingertips. In addition to the increased mobile internet speeds and coverage (via 4G & 5G), many cities, such as New York and Barcelona (opens in a new tab) , offer free WiFi city-wide allowing even international guests the opportunity to stay connected at all times. Combine this with mobile-accessible global navigation satellite systems (GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, etc.) and people have never been more connected whilst traveling. I’ll be looking at how you can utilize this connectivity to create immersive experiences that your guests will love.

Understanding The Technology

QR codes were invented in 1994 and reached a then-peak in popularity in 2011 with the rise of the smartphone before tailing off in subsequent years. However, 2020 has seen a resurgence in their use (opens in a new tab) . Many restaurants, for example, have replaced their physical menus with PDF or online versions and direct diners to scan a QR code located either in their surroundings (eg. placemat) or shared with them by staff. This re-emergence suggests that people are familiar with the tech and, more importantly, are able to use it independently.

As a tour operator building a self-guided experience, QR codes can be placed in discrete locations, enabling your guests to scan them for information. This could be additional information on their immediate surroundings, ideas of what to do next, or if you’re including them as part of a treasure hunt, a clue about their next stop. If you’re offering rental equipment, it could be as simple as your guest scanning a QR code before they leave to access maps or local tips. As well as linking to text or to unlisted pages within your own site, you can also link directly to YouTube and other multimedia, allowing you to record your own tour videos or curate other sources. Websites such as QR Code Generator and QR CodeMonkey are free to use and offer unlimited scans as standard, but there are also paid options which include useful features such as analytics and dynamic codes. Ensure that any codes you locate in public places are legally placed and won’t be removed by local authorities. It’s also important to continually check that they haven’t been tampered with, or partially or fully covered.

Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality, commonly referred to as ‘AR’ really took off on mobile devices with the launch of Pokemon Go in 2016, an app phenomenon which to date has totalled over 1 billion downloads worldwide . In contrast to Virtual Reality (VR), AR superimposes information (sounds/images/text) over the real world around us using a combination of the device’s camera and GPS. Archaeo Now in Vienna has designed a treasure hunt tour based entirely around augmented reality. The platform allows them to display elements of the city as they once were, whilst combining additional information to create an immersive experience. AR also allows the tour operator to add links on screen which can lead to other external sources (similar to QR codes). This removes the need to physically stick codes around town and leads to a cleaner platform that will be more popular with guests, even without factoring in the novelty factor. This impressive use of AR on a tour of Velocity (Waterloo, Canada) demonstrates how it’s possible to create a virtual guide to show guests around.

Audio Tours

If AR seems too costly and you’re looking for a quicker option to take to market then audio tours may be the way to go. Audio tours used to require someone to hand out a bulky remote control complete with headphones on a cord, with visual cues dotted around to indicate when the user should press the button for the next piece of information. Smartphones enable a better user experience without a guide or official needing to be present. Using GPS (or alternative) technology, auditory commentary can be set to automatically play based on the visitor’s location. Combine your audio voiceover with an inbuilt map and on-screen prompts to give an accessible, inclusive experience.

How This Ties in With Your Existing Business

Self-Guided tours are not intended to replace conventional tours but rather offer an alternative or complement them. Because they can be done on their own or potentially with a friend or two all listening on their own individual devices it’s a great opportunity for people to get out in the city while still respecting social distancing measures.

When it comes to monetizing this offering, there are a few possible options. Just like a virtual tour, you could record your own self-guided walking tour and then sell it to customers through your website. In the same way that you share local secrets and insights on your conventional tours, use the same expertise in your audio tours. Take inspiration from the technology and innovations in tour offerings being developed and make your own version. Just like with a conventional tour, there is no one way and there is no right way, there’s just your way! Talk about the stories behind famous monuments or secret locations the same way that you normally would. That’s the appeal behind a self-guided tour, it’s like going on a walk with a knowledgeable friend, potentially with some interactivity. At a lower cost than a regular tour, it is a great way to promote travel in general (especially with locals looking for a fun activity), your brand, and even potentially entice return customers for your in-person tours.

Commissioning a developer to custom build an AR or even audio tour app can be time-consuming and overly expensive. Thankfully, there are many platforms that do the hard work for you, allowing you to focus on building your own self-guided tour. Here’s a handful of them with various options and features:

My Tours (opens in a new tab)

Pocket Sights (opens in a new tab)

Stqry (opens in a new tab)

Voice Map (opens in a new tab)

Action Data Systems (opens in a new tab)

If you do have equipment such as bikes or segways and are pivoting to the rental market then integrating the use of digital guides using either AR or audio technology into the experience can add plenty of value. Just ensure you warn people not to use the app while cycling! And no matter how you go about this new offering be sure to put it front and center on your website, and if you’re looking to update your site, get in touch with us (opens in a new tab) today.

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What are the differences between a guided, self-guided or virtual tour?

Find out which one suits you best

We love to travel and explore, that’s an indisputable fact. In recent years, and in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, have raised many ways to travel and get away from the everyday to continue to enjoy. 

There is a wide range to choose from, depending on tastes, the traveller’s personality and the type of trip, which can be confusing. For this reason, we have prepared this publication, where we are going to explain the main differences between them, so that you can choose the one that best suits you.

What is considered a guided tour?

Let’s start with the most traditional and popular. The guided tour consists of a guide leading a group of people on a tour. There is a wide variety depending on budget, theme and age. You will be accompanied from the starting point to the end by an expert guide. During the tour, he or she will provide you with the necessary information about the place you are visiting, and explain the history, legends or anecdotes.

Although they were traditionally aimed at older travellers, new tours have emerged designed for a younger profile of traveller or even free tours where there is no fixed fee, but everyone gives the guide the tip they consider at the end of the visit.

And, a self-guided tour?

If you are looking for more flexibility during the tour, to go at your own pace, when and with whomever you want, a self-guided tour will be your best choice.

All you need is a mobile device with a battery and the desire to have fun. In addition to exploring the city at your own pace, you will be offered challenges and mini-games during the tour, exploring the city like never before.

The platform itself will guide you through the geolocation to where you have to go to continue discovering the city.

The content is provided by expert guides, who, as in guided tours, will provide you with interesting information about the place. In addition, the price is usually cheaper.

What are the main characteristics of these two typologies?

What are virtual or home-based routes?

These visits are carried out through live videos, Instagram directs, YouTube directs or platforms such as PlayVisit where geolocation is deactivated and you can make the visit you would do outdoors, from home.

They are organised by expert guides, instructors or even personal shoppers, who offer individual or group sessions.

Many consider it the Netflix of sightseeing tours, and there are even platforms that give you access to different virtual tours for a monthly subscription.

It all depends on the type of trip you want to make, if you are a more comfortable and organised traveller we recommend a classic self-guided tour, and if you are a more innovative traveller who likes to go at your own pace, our suggestion would be self-guided tours. And while mobility restrictions are still in force, you can do the tours from home or virtually so you don’t miss anything. Discover more about virtual tours here: Virtual Experiences

👉Now that you know the differences between the different types of tours, discover the self-guided and home tours in the PlayVisit Marketplace.

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14 Advantages of App-Led and Self-Guided Tours

Visiting a new city and want to see the sights solo? Curious about self-guided tours? This post as has all you need to know!

Over the past decade, app-based and self-guided tours have become a more and more popular way to explore the world around us. They became especially popular during the COVID pandemic as they offered a safe way to see a city without having to worry about coming into contact with too many other people. 

Below you can find several advantages to doing self-guided tours based on my experience as a full-time traveler. While I love a good guided tour, sometimes I feel like I am missing out on something and that I don’t have enough time to venture out on my own. I’ve found app-based tours to be a great alternative to a more traditional guided tour for the many reasons below.

Make every adventure unforgettable!

Let’s Roam offers more than 400 different activities in hundreds of locations around the world. We have everything from fun-filled scavenger hunts , boozy bar crawls , spooky ghost tours , classy art walks , and even date nights with a difference . So whatever you’re looking for we’re confident we have an adventure that’s perfect for you and your group! If you find a few that you love, you can even get a monthly membership which gives you access to all of our app-based activities at a lower price. Now that’s exciting!

1. It’s a great way to learn more about your destination.

First and foremost, app-led and self-guided walking tours can be a phenomenal way to learn more about a new destination. Rather than blindly following a tour guide, app-based tours give you the chance to immerse yourself in a destination since you’re the one that is navigating through the city. This is great for people who want to learn as much as possible about a destination but don’t want to be led around a city by a guide. 

2. You can do it on your own schedule.

Sometimes there’s nothing worse than reading about a fantastic tour and then realizing that there’s no availability when you’re visiting a city. The great thing about doing a virtual tour is that you can do it whenever suits you best whether that means going out first thing in the morning for your very own sunrise tour or in the mid-afternoon as some post-lunch exercise. It also means that you can do it at your own pace, meaning you can stop to check out the interesting-looking museum that you passed, try a few balls of that delicious-looking gelato that is beckoning to you, or stop for a much-needed coffee after a long day of pounding the pavement.

3. It’s a great family activity. 

We all know that traveling with kids can get pretty tricky and that planning a family vacay is hard work. While self-led tours are a great addition to any getaway, they are particularly useful if have kids in tow and you’re struggling to find ways to keep them entertained. There are many interesting kid-oriented app-based tours to choose from which give information in digestible chunks so that visitors young and old can learn more about a place. 

App-based tours can often be a better solution than standard guided tours for families since they allow you to move at your own speed and stop for as many bathroom and snack breaks as necessary. Since you’ll likely be doing the tour with only your small group, it also means that you won’t have to worry about bothering other travelers which we all know can get very stressful very quickly!

4. You can tailor them to your own interests.

When you’re on a walking tour, you’re kind of at the mercy of the tour guide and need to stop at all the dedicated stops along the way. However, on a self-guided tour, you can skip places that you’re not interested in. This gives you the chance to spend more time at the places that are calling to you and less time at the places that you aren’t particularly interested in. This tailor-made tour helps you make the most of your limited vacation time and honestly, what is not to like about that? 

5. There are tons of options to choose from.

Companies such as Let’s Roam have created a slew of app-led scavenger hunts and walking tours covering not only the highlights of a destination but also some of the lesser-known aspects of it. These “niche” tours are perfect for people who have a particular interest in a city and since there’s no minimum of people needed for the tour to run, you’re guaranteed to be able to go on the tour. 

For example, you can spend the morning exploring the Murals of Manhattan and then the evening on a Greenwich Ghost Hunt. In between, you can take a long walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or the Hudson River, explore the Financial District, or even catch a Broadway matinee. Also, if you happen to be thinking about going to college in a new city, you can check the place out with a campus tour first. Or if you’re looking for somewhere new to explore in your city, you could take a tour in your local Chinatown-international district or similar.

6. You can save time.

Researching for and planning a big trip can be very time consuming and can easily begin to feel like a major hassle. App-based and self-guided tours can help you save a ton of time by allowing you to see many of the highlights of a destination. From there, you can decide where you want to return to. The time that you save hurriedly Googling the best things to do in a place can instead be used to enjoy your vacation.

7. You can save money.

Unless you’re an enormous travel budget, there’s a likelihood that you’re trying to save some money at some point during your trip. App-led tours are the perfect way to do just that! Self-guided tours are often considerably cheaper than having a guide present, especially if you’re traveling alone or with a small group. They can also give you the privacy of a private tour without the hefty price tag that usually comes with it, making it perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends who want to spend quality time together with no distractions. This is a great way to save money while traveling on a budget .

8. You know what you’re getting.

Hiring a tour guide can sometimes feel like a bit of a crapshoot. Often you booked up towards your company and you have no idea who the guide will be until the tour actually starts. The quality of the guide can make or break a tour and for people who love to plan everything to the very last detail, this can be a little stressful. With an app-based tour, you can usually read reviews of what past guests have experienced and decide for yourself whether or not you want to go on the tour.

9. You can interact more with locals.

Many travelers hate feeling like they are being herded from one place to another and some guided tours can make you feel like you’re a sheep in a big crowd. Worse, they can make you feel disconnected from the local community. A self-guided tour gives you the time that you need to connect with people rather than feeling like you’re being rushed from one place to another.

10. You don’t have to interact with anyone.

While app-based tours can give you more of an opportunity to interact with locals, they also let you be completely alone if you want to be! Traveling can be exhausting and sometimes, you simply want to walk around on your own and not talk to anyone else (trust me, I know how that is!). With a self-guided tour, you only need to worry about pleasing yourself. That means no small talk with other tour guests, no need to answer a guide when they ask questions, nothing. This can give you the time that you need to replenish your energy without losing valuable travel time.

11. It can help you feel a sense of accomplishment. 

Finding your way around a new destination can feel empowering, especially if you don’t speak the local language. However, this feeling of accomplishment can sometimes be lost when you’re simply following a tour guide around. Meanwhile, venturing out completely on your own can feel a bit overwhelming and you may waste a lot of time trying to figure out the layout of a city and what exactly you want to do there. 

However, an app-led, self-guided tour gives you the best of both worlds. You get the ease and security of having a “guide” while still feeling like you’re doing it on your own. Best of all, once you get your bearings a bit thanks to the self-guided tour, you’ll then feel even more confident venturing off the beaten track. 

12. You can make new friends.

Imagine this… you’re sitting in a hostel in Nashville chatting with some of your fellow backpackers. Someone mentions that they have a fun, app-based scavenger hunt of Music Row on their phone that will take you to all the best places in the city and asks if anyone wants to come. A few hours and some great travel memories later, you’re sitting around a pub or cafe, drinking beer with your new friends! Better yet, you could be on an exciting Nashville Pub Crawl checking out some of the city’s best honky tonks!

App-based tours, scavenger hunts, and pub crawls can be the perfect icebreaker and are a great way to connect with other travelers, even the ones that you haven’t had the chance to meet yet! And since they are very economical, it won’t break the bank either!

13. It allows you to forge your own path.

When you’re on a guided tour, you normally have to stick to a predetermined route and are unable to veer off of that (unless you’re on an expensive guided tour that is!). However, a self-guided tour allows you to forge your own path, regardless of whether that means skipping a few spots on the tour route or even deviating a bit so you can get a closer look at that adorable little alleyway or fascinating church that you just walked past. 

Having this kind of flexibility can help you feel like you have gotten the most out of your time in a destination. It also means that you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of time backtracking after a guided tour is over or, even worse, having to figure out where something was again. As you leave on your next flight, train, or bus, you can feel confident that you didn’t miss a thing!

14. You can go on the tour early in the morning.

While getting up super early in the morning during your vacation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, dawn is one of the best times to take photographs. It’s also a time when most cities are still pretty sleepy and you have the chance to see some of their most popular attractions with no one around. App-based and self-guided tours let you pick your own starting time, allowing you to incorporate your photo session with a tour and effectively kill two birds with one stone.

I know, I know. Waking up early isn’t always fun but believe me, this can be really, really helpful in many European cities that tend to be thronged with tourists most of the year. Rather than fighting the crowds to try and get a good photo of Notre Dame or Florence’s famous Duomo, you can grab a cup of espresso (you may need it by early afternoon!) and relax as you watch the tour groups go by.

Ready to roam?

We hope that this list has given you enough reasons to consider doing an app-led tour on your next trip! 

If you still need help choosing a destination, make sure to check out our Explorer Blog . Here, you’ll find articles written by our in-house travel experts detailing the best places to visit, stay, and play all around the world. Make sure to also download the Let’s Roam app which features user-generated content from across the country to help you find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Self-guided tours are a great way to explore the city at your own pace and at a much lower cost than hiring a tour guide.

One of the biggest advantages of app-based tours is that you can do them on your own schedule which allows you to fit it in when it works best for you.

With more than 400 tours to choose from all around the world, Let’s Roam is one of the leading providers of app-based, self-guided tours .

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Self-Guided Tours: What are they? Why book one?

Alice Peace

• Experiences

Travel is an exciting experience, but the research and planning that goes into organizing a trip can be daunting for many. Browsing for eco-friendly accommodations, delicious local places to eat, and activities that align with your values can quickly become exhausting. Organized tours are a great option to alleviate some of the stress associated with booking your vacation. But with so many different choices of organized travel – from  private tours , to small-group tours , to self-guided tours – how do you decide what is right for you?

What is a Self-Guided Tour?

To start off, let’s clarify what we mean by a self-guided tour. Self-guided tours are trips in which an expert handles all of the pre-departure organization and booking. Once travelers arrive, they enjoy their trip independently, without a third-party guide physically present. Whilst travelers are responsible for making their way to their accommodation each night they have complete autonomy regarding their pace throughout each day.

Self-guided tours are well-suited for walking, cycling, and driving holidays where the daily route is thoughtfully planned out for you, and your luggage is transported between pre-booked accommodations. This tour type is an ideal choice for travelers who would like assistance with organizing and booking their trip, but don’t need an escort on the actual journey. That said, self-guided trips include a GPS and 24/7 on-call support to ensure guests’ safety.

What is Included in a Self-Guided Tour?

The level of support provided before and during the trip is very similar to what travelers would experience on a privately guided tour, minus the guide themself. Self-guided tours typically include the following:

• Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the trip
• A day-to-day route indicating the miles or kilometers to be traveled each day
• Luggage transfers between points A and B each day (for walking and cycling tours) – this means that travelers only need to carry a small day pack with them as they walk or bike
• Pre-arranged and booked activities along the way
• Eco-friendly accommodations are booked for each night
• Some or most meals
• A GPS and a roadbook/map
• 24/7 on-call support
• 24/7 roadside assistance (for driving tours)

Why Book a Self-Guided Tour?

Saving time on research, flexibility, and affordability without compromising on experiences are some of the reasons people opt for a self-guided tour. Many travelers also report a higher degree of self-satisfaction at the end of their trip; they truly feel a sense of accomplishment after navigating their own way across a new destination.

So what makes self-guided tours so much fun? Here are our top six reasons travelers love self-guided tours.

• Timesaving and Stress-Free
• Flexible Departure Dates
• Customizable Itinerary
• Affordability
• Independence and Freedom
• Covid-friendly

Keep reading to discover why so many travelers prefer this type of travel.

1. Self-guided tours save you the time and stress of researching and planning a vacation

Most of us lead busy lives. Deciding on a destination can be exciting, but the research and planning needed to organize a vacation are time-consuming. It’s hard to truly capture how long the average person spends planning a trip. Different reports estimate travelers spend anywhere from  10 hours  to  30 hours  or more planning a single holiday. Time spent researching and coordinating can either be fun, and an enjoyable part of the adventure overall, or stressful, and considered a necessary evil to have the trip of your dreams. Having a suggested itinerary with a pre-arranged route, pre-booked eco-friendly accommodations and activities, and comfort touches like airport transfers can remove a lot of this stress.

By booking a self-guided tour, you can minimize your time spent researching and planning whilst maximizing your time on vacation. Expert trip planners and our in-country partners are ready to take all of this stress off your hands and hand over an organized, well-planned itinerary. They’ll ensure that you’re making the most of every day, booking eco-friendly accommodations, and suggesting activities to participate in that support local people and businesses.

2. Self-guided tours have flexible departure dates

Another benefit of self-guided tours is that you are not tied down to specific departure dates. Unlike small-group tours with fixed departure dates, self-guided tours leave you completely free to accommodate your start date with your group’s schedule.

Pro tip: When considering your departure date, be sure to check for two things:

• Availability: Many self-guided tours that are nature-focused – like walking and cycling tours – are only available to book during particular seasons, such as from Spring through Fall. This is for safety and to help maximize the enjoyment of the trip overall in terms of weather and other conditions. 
• Seasonality: Traveling  outside  of the high season, when a peak number of travelers might be crowding a trail, is more sustainable. As long as conditions are comfortable enough, traveling during the shoulder season or low season helps with tourism dispersal. Tourism dispersal is about spreading out where tourists go, and how tourist money is spent throughout the year.

Once at your destination, self-guided tours give you complete autonomy to explore at a pace that suits you. You can pick your sightseeing stops along the way, decide to linger a little longer over a delicious local lunch, or set off an hour earlier to catch that gorgeous sunrise as you hike or cycle from point A to B. You can stop wherever you like, whenever you like, and how often you like. The freedom is yours!

3. Self-guided tours can be customized and tweaked until they’re just right

When you discover a self-guided walking, cycling, or driving trip, you will typically be presented with a suggested itinerary as a starting point. You can think of this as a base itinerary – a recommendation that will be fantastic as-is, but customizable if needed.

Some of the main ways people adjust self-guided itineraries:

• Tweaking the length by either adding or removing a day or two on either end. Adding a day requires less distance to be covered each day, which can result in more downtime for exploring or resting.
• Opting for more luxurious accommodations for a more upscale experience.
• Scheduling experiences or activities along the way – such as an artisan visit or a wine tasting. These can be incorporated into days of light walking, cycling, or driving; or be planned for days of rest at certain stopping points mid-way in your trip.

For your leisure time, you’ll also be provided with suggestions and important information to ensure you’re not missing out on anything. But exactly what you choose to do in your downtime is completely up to you!

4. Self-guided tours are more affordable

Self-guided tours are almost always the most economical option compared to privately guided tours or small-group tours. This type of tour is usually much cheaper as you are not paying to be accompanied by a guide for the duration of your trip, as you would be on a private or small-group tour. The affordability of self-guided trips makes them ideal for travelers aiming to stick to a smaller budget. 

5. Self-guided tours offer independence and freedom

With a self-guided tour, you retain the feeling of independence along with the safety of knowing everything is organized and arranged for you. This provides a great amount of freedom – much higher than what you’d experience on a private or small-group tour. Namely, this independence means you can go at your own pace each day. With walking and cycling tours, you can spend a leisurely day on the trail or move briskly to have more downtime at your destination for the evening. With driving tours, you can more easily take detours to particular points of interest along the way – such as a specific cultural heritage sight or a particularly good vantage point to watch a sunset.

Unlike travel where you plan and book everything yourself, you will never be left entirely without support. Even though you’ll be walking, cycling, or driving unattended, there will be a local support team tracking your route via GPS, ensuring a unique and safe experience. Your GPS will also include the locations of your pre-booked accommodations, as well as pre-saved suggested sites, attractions, and important places you may wish to consider visiting along the way.

Self-guided tours include 24/7 backup telephone support in English to assist you if and when required. You won’t even have to worry about your luggage, as active self-guided walking and cycling tours include organized luggage transfer throughout! This allows you to savor every moment of your trip, secure in the knowledge that all the details have been handled and that help, if needed, is just a phone call away.

6. Self-guided tours are a Covid-friendly way to travel

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic caused travel plans to grind to a halt across the world. Although many of us are ready to throw ourselves back into new experiences, cultures, and delicacies, we understand that travelers may still have concerns about Covid-friendly travel.

Self-guided tours are ideal as they offer an exclusive experience for you and your choice of travel companions. You won’t have to worry about vacationing with strangers or sharing public transport once at the destination. Inherently, self-guided walking, cycling, and driving tours outside and away from large urban areas make it easy to stay socially distanced from people outside of your group should you choose. You can simply focus on exploring areas of natural beauty, passing through small towns and villages, and breathing in fresh country air!

How Much Do Self-Guided Tours Cost?

Self-guided tours are one of the most economical options for travelers, although, like all tours, the price depends on the destination, activities, trip length, and group size. Self-guided tours cater well to walking tours and cycling holidays, so here are a couple of examples:

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From 725 € pp

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Camino: Cycling the Portuguese Coastal Way

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How do these prices compare to private tours and small-group tours?

• Private tours  are the most expensive option as you will be accompanied by a guide for the duration of your trip. However, this can offer unique insights and cultural experiences, the chance to really get off the beaten track, and an increased sense of comfort for travelers heading to an unfamiliar destination.
• The prices of small-group tours fall somewhere in-between self-guided and private tours. You won’t have much flexibility with the itinerary – though you will have pockets of free time for individual exploration – and you may be traveling with more people. Small-group tours are great for leveraging the expertise of a local guide without the higher cost that comes with private tours.
• Self-guided tours are different from both private tours and small-group tours. As you are not accompanied by a local expert for the majority of your vacation, this drastically reduces the cost of the trip, although some of our self-guided tours do include a guided component to maximize your cultural experience. This tour type is ideal for those that want increased autonomy, but you will need to be responsible for getting to and from your accommodations each night and ensure you’re on time for any pre-booked activities along your route. Additionally, self-guided tours are especially suited to nature-focused activities such as walking and cycling tours. These are more budget-friendly activities and, as a bonus, will keep the carbon footprint of your travel low as well.

Our Favorite Self-Guided Tours

Now that we’ve covered what self-guided tours are, what they include, and what the benefits are, we’ll give you some examples of our favorite self-guided trips.

Are you an active traveler looking for a self-guided adventure? Explore the  Portuguese Coastal Way from Porto to Santiago  on this cycling tour that takes you along the rugged coastline and through the quaint villages of northern Portugal. Prefer hiking to biking? Enjoy a similar self-guided walking holiday along the coastal route of  Portugal’s Costa Verde , a diverse region famous for its refreshing ‘green wine’.

Here are a couple more self-guided tours we recommend. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure, cultural immersion, or epic road trip, we can help you find your perfect itinerary.

1. Portugal:  Heart and Soul of Douro Valley

Immerse yourself in Portuguese cuisine with this one-week self-guided walking tour and wine-tasting holiday in the scenic Douro Valley. You’ll follow unpaved roads and footpaths through picturesque countryside as you walk between traditional villages, pausing for picnic lunches and visits to local wine estates where you can sample award-winning wines and local cuisine. Museums and the chance to take part in activities, such as grape harvest celebrations, will give you an appreciation and understanding of the culture of this region. At the end of each day’s walk, you’ll receive a warm welcome at one of the carefully selected country houses and hotels, where you can relax, put your feet up, and enjoy a delicious meal. 

We had a great hike in Douro valley, all the accommodations were perfect, and the people we met were so nice. In every place we stopped we had great hotel rooms and a pool to rest after a day hiking (mostly up). Especially Quinta do Portal was really excellent and had the best chef and meals we have ever had in Portugal. Thank you! Joanna R. 

2. Romania: Discovering Transylvania's Heritage by Bike

Leisurely cycle through the hills of Transylvania, a mysterious and spectacular land with a rich heritage. This trip will take you into the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania’s hills. Transylvania is famous thanks to Bram Stoker’s legend of Dracula, and is well-known for its forests which provide shelter for many species of wild plants and animals.

Walking Tour: Heart & Soul of Douro Valley

From 1,120 € pp

Discovering Transylvania’s Heritage by Bike

From 850 € pp

I’m Alice, UK travel blogger and advocate for sustainable travel. I want to show you just how easy it is to make responsible choices and do our bit for the planet whilst we’re on the go. I head to off-the-beaten-track locations and get there as sustainably as possible. I love responsible wildlife and community tourism, supporting local businesses and eating delicious vegetarian food. See more at Discoveny .

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How to Create the Perfect Self-Guided Tour

Visiting a new city can present many options for exploration. You can go on guided walking tours, join a tour, hire a private guide but all the options can sometimes be either impersonal or expensive. If you want something tailored to your wants and needs then the best thing to do is do it yourself. Okay, there are exceptions to this but overall you’ll be able to get what you want the most if you create it for yourself. This is how to create the perfect self-guided tour.

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How to Create a Self-Guided Tour

Creating a self-guided tour that’s best for you can be overwhelming but with these steps and tips, you’ll have a custom self-guided itinerary in no time.

Make a List

So you’re heading to a new city and you may have a few things you want to do. Write them all down! Start creating a list of all the places you’d like to go to.

How to Find Locations For Your Self-Guided Itinerary

Need some inspiration for cool things to do and see?

Check out Travel Blogs

Travel Bloggers create destination guides all the time! If you follow travel bloggers head to their blog (or start off with checking out my travel blog ) and use the search bar and type in your destination. If you’ve followed them on social media and know they went to that destination you might find a helpful blog. Many travel bloggers write about a destination based on first-hand knowledge so they’ll include their own opinions and reviews.

Another way to find those blogs is to Google search “Things to Do” along with the name of your destination or the name of the destination with “guide”. You’ll find tons of things this way and maybe even some hidden gems. You may have to also use the word “blogger” in your search as the first few links will likely be larger online publications and tourism boards.

Check out Travel Publications (Online or Print Magazines)

As I just mentioned you find larger online publications with a simple Google search but not all publications are equal. For example, if you’re looking for more luxury travel you may want to opt to read Conde Nast Traveler or Travel + Leisure . National Geographic gives knowledge and awareness about locations and tells stories through photos. Their focus is more educational and environmental. Matador Network is an independent publication with a mission to empower a diverse generation of modern adventurers. AFAR ’s philosophy is to “travel deeper” and have enthralling experiences. If you’re into hidden gems check out Atlas Obscura. And Culture Trip is for the “culturally curious.”

Use Social Media For Inspiration

Social media is a powerful tool so use it to your advantage. Follow profiles that inspire you and search for posts about the location you’re going to. For example, use hashtags on Instagram to scope out locations. You can search for posts and also look at profiles that feature those locations (ie. tourism boards). Use hashtags on Twitter to find insider tips. And search for inspiration and blog posts on Pinterest. For example, if you’re heading to Spain you can “Spain travel” or get more specific “Malaga Spain Travel” or “Malaga Outdoors” if you’re looking for outdoor activities.

Follow a Tour’s Itinerary

You can always take inspiration from organized tours, they usually list their stops. If you are following the guided tour’s exact itinerary, then you can start a couple of hours before or after their scheduled time so you don’t get there at the same time. If you want to stay away from the crowds it’s smart to avoid when group tours will be at those locations. Another option is to do the itinerary backward.

You can also Google search “Send guided tour” and the name of the city you’re visiting and there may be blog posts from travel bloggers or tourism boards. These are usually already mapped out and easy to follow. They might also have information about the locations, such as historic facts or tips that you might not have known otherwise.

Map Out Your Locations

The next thing you’ll want to do is map out all those locations. I use Google Maps and save any and all locations I find interesting. So as you’re browsing through social media, reading a magazine, watching a series, or see something online just mark it on Google Maps. The app is useful to have and you can categorize your saved locations.

As you’re having these locations you might even see something else on the map that catches your eye. Green spots on Google Maps are usually parks or forest areas. This could be city parks or even national parks. Blue will be bodies of water (ie. lake, river, ocean, etc). You can even see hiking trails. Zoom in and out to get a better view.

Decide on a Route

Self-Guided Walking Tour

When visiting smaller cities it’s sometimes doable to explore on foot. This is not only free but also the most eco-conscious way to tour the city. As mentioned above when deciding on your route you’ll want to make stops that are closest together before moving on to spots that are further away. Avoid backtracking by routing strategically. If you have a few days to explore the city group things that are closer together and explore those on the same day. So you take on one neighborhood or district at a time before moving on to the next.

Self-Guided Tour by Public Transportation

In some cities, you might need to take public transportation. You’ll want to see if there are other locations in that area that you can walk to so you’re keeping the number of trains, buses, or subways to a minimum. This is similar to how you would do things if you were just walking. Look at locations around stops and stations. You might be able to visit a couple of locations then take a bus or subway from another stop that is on a different line that will get you to your next locations without having to switch lines in between.

If you are going to be taking public transportation several times in one day see if there is a day pass. This might be a cheaper option and will also have the hassle of buying multiple fares.

Self-Guided Bicycle Tour

For cities that have locations that are a little more spread out but public transportation is not reliable opt for renting a bicycle. You’ll want to price compare the rental prices either online or in the main part of town. If you’re staying at a hotel or hostel ask if they know where to rent a bike. Rentals may be for full-day, half-day, or by the hour. Go about creating your route similar to how you would on a self-guided walking tour.

In many cities, you are able to take your bicycle with you on public transportation. So if you’re looking to do a combination of both that day just make sure you can. Avoid riding at peak times when possible as there will be limited space for you and your bicycle.

TIP: In some cities, there are “city bikes” that are available in 30 to 15-minute increments. This is perfect if you want to explore by foot and/or public transportation but don’t want to commit to having a bike all day. Note that you may need an app to operate them.

Self-Drive Tour

For large cities that don’t have reliable public transportation, you might want to rent a car. Taking a taxi or Uber is an option but can add up quickly. As long as you have a valid driver’s license and your over 25 years of age it’s pretty easy. Some countries do require you to have an international driver’s license. If you’re in the U.S. and have a valid driver’s license issued in the U.S. then you can easily get an international driver’s license at AAA.

There are many perks to renting a car. You can stop and go as many times as you like. You’ll still want to route out your day to avoid backtracking. Having a car also gives you more options for day trips outside the city and visiting more remote areas.

If you do a lot of exploring by car then check out Roadtrippers Plus. It allows you to find off-the-beaten-path gems that are along the way of your route.

TIP: If you’re visiting somewhere like Southeast Asia another option is to rent a motorbike. But only drive one if you have experience.

When to Opt for an Organized Tour

Avoiding guided excursions and opting for exploring on your own comes with many other perks but sometimes joining an organized tour just makes more sense. For example, if you’re going to a more remote location and renting a car would be much more expensive. Or if you’re traveling on your own and prefer to do some activities with other people or if you’re looking to meet other travelers. There are pros and cons to every situation and there are things to do and see that make more sense to do with a group or a guide. However, you choose to tour the city should make sense to you.

I hope this helps you when creating your own self-guided tour!

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What are self-guided experiences?

With FreeGuides, we offer guided and self-guided experiences for tour guides to create and for tourists to choose from. But what are self-guided experiences? A simple definition is that all the information regarding travelling from one point to the other is provided for tourists to be able to explore themselves without a tour guide present. To put this into perspective, it is like Google Maps but tailored for tours.

Who is this for?

If you are an experienced traveller who is looking for a challenge or something new, a self-guided tour is the one for you! You don’t need to plan a trip or organise things to do as you can choose from many exciting and adventurous self-guided tours created by locals from all around the world!

If you have a family and travelling with kids, self-guided tours can help give you the experiences you want. With this kind of tour, there are plenty of options and things to do without having to stick to a strict schedule of a tour group. Your kids can also relax and have fun without the pressure.

If you are travelling with a group of friends, self-guided tours can give you and your friends the freedom you need while still having that tour information in your hand. There is no more stressing out on planning a trip. Just let the local guides on FreeGuides give you the options you need to have fun and relax!

What are the benefits?

1. Go at your own pace

When you go on a guided tour, there is always a set time that the tour starts and ends. But not for self-guided tours! You can choose when to go and when to finish. You can choose to spend more time at a certain point during the tour or to go off on a tangent (somewhere off course) if you find a place you want to explore that is not part of the tour but within the vicinity. There is no pressure about keeping up with the tour group and allows flexibility within the self-guided experience.

2. Save time on planning & research

You might be that person who loves to travel but dislikes the tedious planning and research that comes before the experience. Well, there is no need to worry as self-guided tours have got that covered. With self-guided, local tour guides do all the planning and research needed for a journey, while you, the tourist, can just enjoy the pre-created tour. You can do whatever you want with the tour while still having that planned out itinerary.

3. A more genuine experience

With self-guided tours, you can have more of a personal experience and make special memories. You do not need to see things through a window of a tour bus or follow wherever the tour group goes. Since you are travelling independently, you have the opportunity to chat with locals if you lost your way or want to find information about something without sticking to a tour guide.

4. Be independent with support on standby

Coupled with the information given through the FreeGuides app for the self-guided tour chosen, tourists can seek support when undertaking the experience. FreeGuides support is available online.

5. Choose your own travel buddies

Doing a self-guided tour means that you can choose to travel on your own or to take travel buddies! Unlike tour groups where you have no choice over the people you are going to travel with, you can choose who to partake the adventurous self-guided tour with. Whether it be with your family, friends or co-workers, self-guided tour is the way to go!

6. A sense of accomplishment

Ever wanted to go through a planned trip by yourself and feel good in the end once you complete it? Self-guide experiences are the one for you! With no tour guide present and just the itinerary on your FreeGuides app, you can go on your bold tour and return victorious and show off to your friends and family.

7. For tour guides: scalability

If you are a tour guide who has difficulty in guiding people in person, creating self-guided tours is the one for you! Through this, tourists can still take your tours and you, yourself, can get some income at the end. So, while you do your day job or hang out with friends, tourists can take your created itinerary! This is an excellent opportunity to gain passive income.

After knowing all the benefits and what self-guided experiences are, why not try one for yourself today? Whether your a tour guide or a tourist, join the FreeGuides app today and experience the wonderful world of self-guided experiences!

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• 8 Benefits of Self-Guided Tours

If you are still wondering if a self guided experience will be your thing, make sure to consider the pros and cons in advance. Here are 8 benefits of self-guided travel we thought might help your research!

1. Time-saving

Research could be stressful and sometimes you do not have that kind of time to dig and dig until you find all the things you want to see, all the places you want to go and all the things you want to do. Instead you can trust professionals in designing just the trip you are dreaming of and then let you explore with no fear of missing out.

2. Cost efficiency

Having a guide present during your trip is great, but sometimes it can be too expensive. small groups or solo travelers cannot always afford to have a guide, so the self-guided option could drastically optimize the trip costs., 3. independence.

There is a great amount of freedom that comes with self-guided tours. It is surely much higher of having a guided tour, but still it is not as independent as being a completely independent traveller. However travelling independently is not for everyone and unless you’re completely cut out for it, it could be quite stressful with a lot of room for error.

With a self-guided tour, you get the feeling of independence along with the safety of knowing that everything is organised and arranged for you.

4. Choice of Routes

When you are not part of a thoroughly mapped route you can apply your own vision how to get from A to B. Especially when you are feeling challenged or curious you can always have a variety of walking routes being able to choose from gentle, moderate and difficult tours, allowing you to choose how far you walk each day!

5. Flexibility

Guided tours often tie you down to a date when there is a larger group of people going. With a self-guided tour, you can choose whatever day you want to start on. Moreover you are free to pick your sightseeing stops along the way, decide to linger a little over for lunch, or set off an hour earlier to catch the best time of day.

You’re basically free to stop wherever you like, whenever you like and how often you like as well taking as many pictures you like. The freedom of the tour is all yours!

6. Interaction

If you are on your own there won’t be as much social interaction as on a guided tour with a group, but don’t hurry with conclusions that this will make you feel lonely. The truth is that when on a self-guided tour you’re far more free to interact with the locals of the area you’re visiting, and this is the best way to really dive deep into the experience. Interacting with the locals gives you a much more authentic experience, while also giving you the ability to choose when you want to interact, and who with.

7. Accommodation

With a self-guided tour, your accommodation can be fully booked before you even start travelling. You’ll be assured of a comfortable place to rest your head after a day of travelling.

8. Self-Satisfaction

The self-satisfaction that comes with completing a self-guided tour is far greater than that of a guided tour. You truly feel a sense of accomplishment as you have navigated your way along the trail of your choice.

Due to these and many more benefits self-guided travel is becoming more and more popular among travellers who love exploring.

If you are one of them – contact us and get your custom self-guided tour for any destination in Bulgaria.

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Take Traditional Tours to the Next Level with Self-Guided Tours

Creating a tour for your visitors is a fine art in itself. You want to maximize their experience by showing the most interesting and important parts of your exhibition - and they’re relying on you for this expert guidance! At places like museums, historical landmarks, and tourist attractions, these types of tours increase interaction with your guests. They also forge a unique bond between curator and visitor, allowing for valuable question-and-answer sessions when guests can really pick the brains of experts - you!

At the same time, there’s just as much a hunger for self-guided exploration. Maybe it’s the folks who prefer not to follow the flock—or who simply want to soak up the experience on their own after they partake in a conventional tour. Offering self-guided tours gives your visitors the opportunity to delve into your site at their own pace and in their own way. Here’s how this option can take their experiences to the next level.

What is a Self-Guided Tour?

Many establishments create self-guided tours for their guests. While you may offer the option for people to simply wander the premises on their own, you can enhance the value of their experience by curating tour pathways and explorations that they can experience without the help of a physical tour guide.

During the self-guided tour experience, visitors follow these paths to learn more about specific subjects. For example, the American Museum of Natural History in New York offers a self-guided “highlights” tour that provides visitors with the chance to navigate the museum on their own, with suggestions to visit specific areas on different floors. This allows them to see some of the most iconic, popular, and historic displays and exhibits in a single visit. There are also more specific options, like self-guided dinosaur tours and self-guided earth and space tours.

If you don’t already offer them, you could be missing out on a good thing. People who don’t want to wait in line will appreciate the chance to delve right into a tour on their own. You’re also more likely to draw more visitors when you offer them multiple options for exploring the premises.

What is the difference between a Self-Guided Tour vs a Group Tour?

The main different between a self-guided tour and a group tour is your, the organizer's, level of active involvement. Don’t worry, self-guided tours aren’t about to replace your conventional tours - there’s room for both options! Guided tours are as much a part of visiting a museum or historical landmark as paintings on the wall or a recreated room from a bygone era. After all, not everyone can be an expert in ceramics from the Ming dynasty or on surrealist art - visitors rely on tour guides to give them intel beyond the museum label.

We can't all be experts.

Add value to your programming by offering visitors some customization. Self-guided tours encourage independent exploration. Your visitors can freely peruse your establishment on their own time. They aren’t limited to starting every hour, on the hour. They can rove from exhibit to exhibit at their own pace, reading the informational museum plaques and listening to the audio guides without rushing. A self-guided tour can dramatically enhance your visitors’ time by letting them choose exactly how to spend it.

A self-guided tour can dramatically enhance your visitors’ time by letting them choose exactly how to spend it.

Members of a group tour, by contrast, march very much to the beat of the leader’s drum. Tour guides are responsible for guiding the group from one exhibit or attraction to the next, educating visitors along the way. The guides serve as ambassadors, whose primary role is to support engagement between the visitor and the institution.

Solid advice for self-guided tours and life in general. Thanks, Peloton!

Who Could Benefit from Offering a Self-Guided Tour?

Virtually all businesses that offer tours can benefit in some way from a self-guided tour option. Think of them as a way to supplement what you already offer by allowing guests to “choose their own adventure”. They offer a number of benefits, too. They’re a time and cost-effective offering, since you don’t need volunteers to run them. There’s an intimacy about self-guided tours that can make visits more enjoyable overall. People value their independence, and this option allows them to navigate the space flexibly and on their own terms and schedule. They can also be a valuable safety measure if you’re trying to encourage social-distancing.

Museums are prime spots for self-guided tours. Visitors of all kinds stop by for a cultural boost, after all. There’s the gaggle of kids accompanied by chaperones during a school field trip. There’s the flock of tourists. There are the locals who just want to enjoy a little bit of what their own city has to offer. All of these groups can benefit from self-guided tours. Yes, even the kiddos—many institutions equip teachers with comprehensive guides so they can pull off successful field trips.

Many cities are home to renowned historical landmarks and tourist attractions. People come from far and wide to see these. You can reward them with a self-guided tour option, which can make it easier for both locals and visitors to navigate each stop along the way without worrying about keeping up with strangers. Trying to make sense of directions while enjoying the landmarks can be tricky, and takes your visitor away from being present.

Encourage you visitors to stay present during their visit

How Can You Make Your Own Self-Guided Tour?

No matter what type of experience you want to cultivate for your guests, you can use Goosechase to make the vision a reality. Create a self-guided tour complete with Missions for visitors to complete, offering a fun prize at the culmination of the Goosechase Experience. Think outside the box: have people touring the historic downtown area locate the most famous statue in the area and the most buzzed-about pizza joint in town. There’s no limit to what you can do with Goosechase, as the businesses below prove:

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) offers special Goosechase Experiences that spotlight certain exhibits, and they have specific Experiences for kids groups and field trips.

The Fairmount Park Conservancy in Philadelphia creates interactive experiences with Goosechase to encourage visitors to take self-guided tours of the park. Participants have a chance to win a great prize: complimentary membership to the conservancy.

The National Air and Space Museum has scavenger hunt-inspired Experiences that are always ready to join. They’re flexible enough to be done on-site during a visit to the Museum or can be completely remote, which is a great way to make your programming more inclusive (and drum up excitement for future visits!)

Educators entertain and educate all grade levels with Goosechase Experiences on field trips . Take a look at some of the awesome adventures they’ve created for inspiration on how you can create one for your location.

Tips for Enhancing your Self-Guided Tours

Self-guided tours have traditionally followed a tried-and-true technique. People expect to follow a map around town and navigate it per your instructions. That’s an old-school approach, though, and nowadays, it’s a lot more fun to give people interactive experiences that really get them thinking. Using self-guided tour technology to enhance the experience can make all the difference to the quality of your tour and the way that your visitors engage with your establishment. Here are a few ways you can transform the experience for them.

• Organize with Themes: Depending on your establishment, you might choose to design themed tours to create more curated experiences for your guests. Museums are often large and expansive, with a looooot of subject matter to cover. You can give each one the attention it deserves by dedicating a self-guided tour entirely to it. Make a list of exhibits or stops along the way for each themed tour.
• Rely on Routes: Make it simple and straightforward by providing clear directions about where they need to go. Color code routes, for example, and create clear paths that are easy to navigate.

A LONG time.

• Mission Possible: Proof that a self-guided tour can be more than fun! Use Goosechase to create interactive experiences for visitors to complete through the duration of their time at your attraction. Maybe they need to check in via GPS or send a photograph or a video of a certain exhibit or item in the facility. Maybe they need to pose like a famous statue, or find a clue hidden amongst the bricks at your main entrance - get creative and go BIG! Immerse people in what you have to offer and they’ll appreciate their experience tenfold. You can even offer a prize to everyone who completes all Missions successfully, like a certificate to the gift shop or bumper sticker, or coupon for reduced admission on their next visit.
• QR Codes: QR codes are literally everywhere—is there anything more 21st century? You can use QR codes to guide your visitors from attraction to attraction during their independent tour. They’ll scan one when they arrive to download the Goosechase Experience, which will then direct them to their next stop. At that stop will be another QR code featuring information about the exhibit and what’s next on the itinerary.
• Devil’s in the Details: Content matters, especially for those who aren’t on a guided tour. Pack museum labels with detail. Offer a mix of serious information and quirky trivia—people learn best when they’re having fun, and this is a thoughtful way to make a self-guided tour more engaging and memorable. Incorporate scannable links and Goosechase Experiences, both of which can make the experience more interactive by encouraging self-discovery. Make it extra fun by working a few Easter eggs into the experience to unlock special surprises and FYIs for your guests - for example, hide a QR code under the stairwell and add in a fun fact about your building’s history. Complete the experience with a Goosechase Mission that requires them to count how many steps there are in the staircase.

There are so many reasons to make self-guided tours an integral part of your business. Limiting group sizes and easing the workload for docents is a big one in the modern world, along with establishing a stronger link with your patrons and drawing even more people to your historical site or attraction. Using self-guided tour technology can transform your approach, giving both locals and out-of-towners a fun, interesting, personalized way to explore the premises and make their visit more meaningful and memorable.

A visitor experience they *actually* want to write home about? Nailed it.

What is Goosechase?

At Goosechase, experience is everything. Originally inspired by scavenger hunts, Goosechase is an online platform that enables organizations and attractions to engage, activate, and educate their communities through delightful interactive experiences. Sign up and try creating a free recreational game, or contact us to learn more about our enterprise solutions!

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Travel Talk

Local hosts share their insights.

• Nov 24, 2022

Publishing a self-guided tour | All you need to know

Updated: Nov 30, 2022

Earn additional income and reach more travelers by publishing a tour on GlobeTrott Travel.

Great, you have decided to reach more audiences and share your knowledge with travelers by creating an audio guide. Here are the 7 steps to creating and publishing a self-guided audio tour.

GlobeTrott Travel is a platform where locals share insights with independent travelers in a form of self-guided audio tours. Currently, we offer digital tours in 27 cities in 4 languages, with more tours being added on weekly basis. Tours are available using GlobeTrott Travel mobile application available on the Apple App store and Google Play store.

We have conducted extensive research with curious travelers you want to engage with, and we are excited to share it with you. The recommendations below highlight what they are looking for in a great audio tour.

1. Define the area: Which part of the city do you want to showcase?

The traveler will be walking on foot, so there is no way they will be able to see the whole city. Therefore, you need to choose one area of the city, ideally walkable within 4 hours. Remember, your self-guided audio tour is going to be one of a few activities that the traveler will do that day. We say - less is more! Instead of creating one long all encompassing tour, create a few shorter area-specific tours.

2. Topic: What is your tour about?

What is the story you want to tell with this tour? Do you want to share stories about the city's history by guiding travelers to major landmarks? Or perhaps you are passionate about architecture and your tour will feature the most impressive buildings in the city. Or maybe you are into the alternative cultural scene of the city and you want to show that part of the city to the traveler? Local hosts have published tours featuring street art, music, politics, and innovation in their cities.

With so much to see in every city, a solid topic makes it easier for you, the tour creator, to select what should be included in your self-guided tour. Nevertheless, it enhances travelers' experience as they know what to expect when choosing a tour.

3. Choose sights where you want to stop at

You probably have a long list of sights you want to include, now it is time to narrow it down to the exact objects that will be included in the tour. Keep in mind that they all have to be within a walkable range. We believe that the ideal tour should have between 12 - 18 sights, as it’s the number:

that travelers believe provides a valuable amount of information and are willing to pay for;

Allows you to include a range of sights, including both main landmarks and hidden gems;

Creates a tour that is about 2+ hours long, which is pleasant and not overwhelming.

What sights will you choose to include is completely up to you.

4 . Scriptwriting: tell an engaging story

Of course, you can record the audio right away, however, the majority of content creators write the script first to ensure that it includes all the facts they want to say. Key things to remember when writing the script are:

Write the script as a story. People enjoy the tour better when the tour is more than just a combination of the facts.

The ideal duration of the audio file is 1:30 to 3:00 minutes - plenty of time to share a detailed story about an object. If there is more information you would like to share about the object - maybe it is worth considering creating two audio files that should be listened to in different locations. Example: Main entrance to St. Pauls Cathedral and St. Pauls Cathedral Courtyard.

Include points of engagement to maintain the listeners' attention. Phrases like “Can you see [...]?”, “Did you know [...]?” or even jokes work great to re-engage the listener and direct their attention.

While planning a text for the audio, we recommend not referring to other sights that will be visited during the whole tour. This way you will always have the freedom to adjust the flow of the tour (adding and removing new objects), as well as use already produced content about the sight in your future tours.

As with every piece of content, review it with fresh eyes (ideally a few days after it was written or ask a friend), so that you could see where more details should be added or removed.

GlobeTrott Travel team is always here to provide their advice on your content pieces as well.

5. Record separate audios for each sight.

High-quality audio without the ‘uuumh’ and ‘aah’ or distracting background noise is most pleasant to listen to. You can either record the audio at a professional studio, record it at home or hire a professional voice-over artist (our team has several vetted suppliers).

Whichever option you choose, when recording it is essential to make sure that you sound friendly, knowledgeable, and lively. No one likes a boring monotomous tone and overly official representation of information. Imagine that you are taking your friend on a tour around the city, and the jokes will flow into the script smoothly.

6. Photos: a visual aid to discover the sights

Just like a good guidebook, GlobeTrott Travel mobile application provides images to travelers as a visual aid, almost like a confirmation that they are in the right location, especially when it comes to the hidden gems. When taking images please be mindful of the requirements:

The picture must be taken in a portrait format and show the object itself or a relevant image.

Provide the credits to the author of the image. If you took the image, it will be yourself, while if you need to use publically available images, always double-check what are the copyrights of using the images.

7. Let’s bring everything together: technical details GPS coordinates and radius

Your tour is now 50% ready, so let’s get to some technical details that any software for tour guides will need.

Name of the site

You will need to name your sites. For objects, we recommend using the exact name that it is known for. Example: ✅The Louvre in Paris vs ❌ Best museum in the world

Geolocation

This exact location that you will choose on the map will be shown to the traveler in the self-guided tour. We suggest you think about the best spot for the traveler to stand in order to clearly see the object and listen to your audio recording.

The easiest way to get geo-location coordinates is by walking the route of the tour yourself or using Google Street Views. As you arrive at the exact location where the traveler should be standing open Google Maps, zoom in on your current location, click on the screen and copy the coordinate details with a right click. You can also share these coordinates with yourself using WhatApp or other social media, and add the information to the document when you return home

When using Google Maps to access geo location be mindful that the location you select is (1) a place from where the traveler will be able to see the object well and (2) is not in the middle of the building. This is especially relevant for Massive landmarks like Buckingham palace in London. If you will choose coordinates in the middle of the building (or on the top of the building while looking at the maps) it will make it impossible for the user to get to the point shown on the map. Therefore, it is better to choose the coordinates that reflect the spot in front of the sight the traveler will be visiting.

To help travelers navigate with ease the audio for individual sights start to play automatically as they approach the object in their self-guided tour. The question you need to answer is when should the audio auto-play start to play.

If we are talking about bigger buildings, squares, parks, and monuments, perhaps it would make sense to trigger the audio within a bigger distance, since the sight can be seen and found from further away. Hence, 50 meters or 100 meters will make more sense. Although, if we are talking about smaller hidden gems or narrow streets where your sight is more difficult to find, if the site is hidden, perhaps using a radius of 10 or max 25 meters would make more sense, to give the traveler a heads up to start paying attention to look around.

Suitable for locals

Locals are just as eager to learn about the hidden gems of their city. Ask yourself “ do most people living in the city know this? “ If the answer is no when the sight is suitable for locals.

Sight specific The majority of stories in your tour will be linked to a specific sight, such as a street art mural, sculpture, courtyard, or a place of worship. If the traveler should be standing in a particular location to see the object for themselves - these are sight-specific stories (tick yes). Every city has important stories, such as legends about how the city began, short historic overviews,s or commentary about day-to-day life, these can be listened to while they are walking between objects and are not sight-specific (leave blank).

Now simply share these details with the GlobeTrott Travel content manager and they will integrate the tour into the platform.

Digital platforms allow locals to share their insights with arriving visitors at their own convenience. You create the content once and continue to earn income from sold tours for years. If you have not done so already, pitch your tour and tell the story of your city.

• Advantages of a self-guided tour
• 18/03/2021 19/03/2021

What is a self-guided tour?

As the name suggests, a self-guided tour is an individual touring holiday without a guide . It is a planned itinerary which you follow on your own terms and at your own pace.

Key Features:

Freedom to choose when and with whom you want to travel

Carefully planned itineraries, saving lots of time on preparation

Go at your own pace while your luggage is transported

Guide yourself with our detailed route notes, maps and GPS tracks

Backup telephone support in case of emergencies

Why book a self-guided tour?

The three key advantages to booking a self-guided tour are freedom , expertise , and time saved on research and preparation .

The key concept of a self-guided tour is that you are completely free to decide your own start date and to explore your chosen destination at whatever pace suits you, not in a group but using our detailed notes to guide you. You can take a break whenever you want, lingering for a lazy picnic in the sun, taking a siesta under a shady tree, or perhaps going for a refreshing swim on one of our coastal trails .

When you book a self-guided tour, you are booking a thoroughly researched and planned itinerary, where every detail has been thought through. You receive all the tools you need to find your way independently, without the need for a guide. We provide you with route descriptions, maps, GPS tracks, info on local public transport, restaurants, places of interest, etc. Where necessary, private transfers are pre-arranged to take you to and from remote hiking trails. On our self-guided cycling tours, we also offer the possibility of rental bikes. Our meticulous planning means that things rarely go wrong, but if any emergencies do arise then you have the backup security of telephone support throughout your trip.

Time saved on preparation and research

People sometimes ask, ‘well if there’s no guide, couldn’t I just plan and organise the trip myself?’ Of course you could, but it would usually require a lot of research and a lot of time. We and our trusted partners have worked hard on researching and walking/cycling all of our routes to create the best possible experience. When designing tours, we try to avoid crowds and follow quiet, less-frequented routes. For cycling routes, we select quiet roads or cycle paths with little traffic. Our itineraries are constantly tweaked and improved to ensure the best possible experience. Accommodation is carefully selected, and we also provide luggage transportation between hotels – a service that is not always easy or possible to arrange by yourself.

When you book one of our self-guided tours , we handle the logistics – booking your accommodation, transferring your bags and mapping your route. All you need to do is walk, cycle or drive to the next destination and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells along the way!

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self-guided

Definition of self-guided

Examples of self-guided in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-guided.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1733, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near self-guided

self-gratulatory

self-guiding

Cite this Entry

“Self-guided.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-guided. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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• Travel Guide

How To Be A Successful Tour Guide

Published: December 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Jenelle Speck

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Being a tour guide can be an incredibly rewarding and exciting profession. It allows you to share your passion for travel and adventure with others while immersing yourself in different cultures and exploring new destinations. Whether you’re leading a group trek through the Amazon rainforest or guiding tourists through the ancient ruins of Rome, being a successful tour guide requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and a genuine love for adventure.

In this article, we will discuss the essential requirements and qualifications needed to excel as a tour guide. We’ll explore the importance of researching and planning captivating tours, as well as the effective communication skills necessary to engage and connect with your guests. Additionally, we’ll delve into the art of building rapport with your guests, handling difficult situations, and ensuring their safety and satisfaction throughout the entire journey.

To be a successful tour guide, it’s crucial to maintain professionalism and adhere to ethical standards. We’ll provide insights on how to continuously enhance your knowledge and expertise to stay ahead in the ever-evolving travel industry. Lastly, we’ll touch on the importance of marketing and promoting your tours to attract new clients and grow your business.

Whether you’re a seasoned tour guide looking to refine your skills or someone considering a career in adventure tourism, this article will provide valuable information and tips to help you become a successful tour guide, delivering memorable experiences to your guests.

Requirements and Qualifications

Becoming a tour guide requires a combination of skills, qualifications, and personal attributes. While there may not be any set criteria or formal education requirements, possessing certain qualities can greatly enhance your chances of success. Here are some of the key requirements and qualifications to consider:

• Passion for Adventure: A deep love for travel, exploration, and adventure is the foundation of being a successful tour guide. Your enthusiasm will be contagious and inspire your guests to fully embrace the experience.
• Knowledge and Expertise: A comprehensive understanding of the destination you are guiding in is crucial. This includes history, culture, geography, local customs, and attractions. Continuously expand your knowledge through research and firsthand experiences.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills are essential for delivering engaging tours. From clear and concise explanations to storytelling, your ability to captivate and connect with your guests is paramount.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in the language(s) spoken by your guests is highly advantageous. If you plan to lead tours internationally, consider learning popular languages like English, Spanish, or Mandarin.
• Physical Fitness: Tour guiding often involves physical activities like hiking, walking, or cycling. Being physically fit allows you to endure the demands of the job and provide assistance if needed.
• Organizational Skills: Planning and coordinating tours require excellent organizational skills. From managing logistics to creating detailed itineraries, staying organized ensures smooth and enjoyable experiences for your guests.
• Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport and creating a positive rapport with your guests is crucial. The ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and make them feel comfortable is a valuable asset.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: As a tour guide, you may encounter unexpected situations or challenges. Quick thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills will help you handle such situations with ease and maintain guest satisfaction.

While academic qualifications may not be mandatory, pursuing relevant courses or certifications in tourism, hospitality, or outdoor activities can enhance your credibility. Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, or working as an assistant guide can provide valuable insights and practical skills.

By possessing these requirements and qualifications, you will be well-prepared to embark on a successful career as a tour guide, delivering unforgettable experiences to your guests.

Researching and Planning

One of the most critical aspects of being a tour guide is the ability to research and plan captivating and well-organized tours. Your guests rely on you to provide them with a seamless and unforgettable experience. Here are some essential steps to follow when researching and planning your tours:

• Destination Familiarization: Familiarize yourself with the destination you will be guiding in. Research its history, culture, attractions, and hidden gems. Get to know the local customs, traditions, and etiquettes to ensure a respectful and immersive experience for your guests.
• Understanding Your Audience: Determine the demographics, interests, and preferences of your target audience. Will your guests be adventure enthusiasts, history buffs, or nature lovers? Tailor your tours accordingly to provide a personalized and engaging experience.
• Selecting Key Sites and Activities: Identify the must-see sites and attractions in the destination. Consider both popular landmarks and off-the-beaten-path locations to provide a well-rounded experience. Research and select exciting activities and experiences that align with your guests’ interests.
• Creating a Detailed Itinerary: Craft a detailed itinerary that outlines the day-to-day activities, including transportation, accommodations, meal options, and specific timeframes for each activity. Build in flexibility for unexpected changes or additional opportunities that may arise.
• Ensuring Safety and Accessibility: Prioritize the safety and accessibility of your tours. Research hazard-prone areas, weather conditions, and any potential health risks. Account for the physical abilities and limitations of your guests, providing suitable alternatives or adjustments when necessary.
• Engaging Guides and Experts: Connect with local guides or experts who can provide unique insights and enhance your guests’ experience. Collaborating with knowledgeable individuals adds depth and authenticity to your tours.
• Considering Logistics and Timing: Pay attention to logistical aspects, such as transportation arrangements, ticket bookings, and crowd management. Plan your tours to avoid peak tourist seasons or crowded times to ensure a more enjoyable and comfortable experience for your guests.

Remember to continuously update your knowledge by staying informed about current events, new attractions, and changing regulations. Embrace feedback from previous tours to refine and improve your planning process. By conducting thorough research and careful planning, you can create tours that leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Creating Engaging Tours

As a tour guide, it is your responsibility to create engaging and immersive experiences for your guests. By curating tours that leave a lasting impression, you can ensure their satisfaction and increase the likelihood of them recommending your services. Here are some tips to help you create captivating and memorable tours:

• Storytelling: Narrate captivating stories and anecdotes about the destination and its attractions. Make history come alive, add local legends, or share personal experiences to engage your guests emotionally and intellectually.
• Interactive Experiences: Provide opportunities for your guests to actively participate and engage with the destination. Incorporate interactive elements like hands-on activities, tastings, or cultural demonstrations to create a deeper connection and understanding.
• Sensory Experiences: Appeal to your guests’ senses by highlighting the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the destination. Encourage them to fully immerse themselves in the local culture and environment.
• Variety of Activities: Offer a variety of activities to cater to different interests and preferences. Whether it’s hiking, biking, exploring historical sites, or indulging in culinary delights, provide a diverse range of experiences to appeal to a broader audience.
• Flexibility and Spontaneity: While it’s essential to have a well-structured itinerary, leave room for flexibility and spontaneity. Embrace unexpected opportunities or interests that arise during the tour and adapt your plans accordingly to provide a memorable and personalized experience.
• Engaging with Locals: Encourage interactions between your guests and the local community. Arrange visits to local markets, workshops, or community initiatives where they can engage with locals, learn about their daily lives, and support local businesses.
• Unveiling Hidden Gems: Go beyond the typical tourist hotspots and unveil hidden gems that showcase the destination’s unique charm and character. Whether it’s a secluded beach, a secret viewpoint, or a lesser-known historical site, surprise your guests with hidden treasures.
• Share Insider Tips: Provide insider tips and recommendations to make your guests’ experience even more enriching. Share your favorite local restaurants, shops, or lesser-known trails, allowing them to discover the destination like a local.

Remember, the key to creating engaging tours is to cater to your guests’ interests, evoke their curiosity, and create a sense of wonder and excitement. By incorporating storytelling, interactive experiences, and a variety of activities, you can create tours that leave a lasting impact and keep your guests coming back for more unforgettable adventures.

Effective Communication Skills

As a tour guide, effective communication is the key to engaging and connecting with your guests. It allows you to share information, convey your passion for the destination, and create an enjoyable and informative experience. Here are some essential communication skills to master:

• Clarity and Enunciation: Speak clearly and enunciate your words to ensure that your guests can understand you easily. Use simple language and avoid jargon or complex terminology that may be unfamiliar to your audience.
• Active Listening: Practice active listening by giving your full attention to your guests. Encourage them to ask questions or share their thoughts and opinions and respond attentively. This helps create a positive and interactive atmosphere.
• Body Language: Pay attention to your body language, as it can greatly impact how your message is received. Maintain an open and welcoming posture, use appropriate gestures, and make eye contact to establish a connection with your guests.
• Use of Visuals and Props: Support your verbal communication with visual aids and props. Maps, photos, or physical objects can enhance understanding and make your explanations more engaging and memorable.
• Adaptability: Adapt your communication style to suit the needs of your guests. Consider their language proficiency, cultural background, and any accessibility requirements. Ensure that everyone can fully engage and understand the information you are sharing.
• Personalization: Tailor your communication to your audience by using personal anecdotes, addressing individuals by name, or referring to their interests. This personal touch creates a connection and makes the experience more memorable.
• Storytelling Skills: Master the art of storytelling to captivate your guests’ attention. Use vivid descriptions, emotions, and suspense to bring the destination to life and create a memorable experience.
• Engage with Humor: Incorporate humor into your communication to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Light-hearted jokes or funny anecdotes can help break the ice, maintain interest, and foster a positive connection with your guests.

Remember to gauge your guests’ engagement and adjust your communication as needed. Ask for feedback and encourage them to share their thoughts and questions throughout the tour. By honing your communication skills, you can ensure a memorable and engaging experience for your guests, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the destination and their time with you.

Building Rapport with Guests

Building a strong rapport with your guests is essential for creating a positive and memorable experience. When guests feel comfortable and connected with their tour guide, they are more likely to engage, ask questions, and fully embrace the journey. Here are some tips to help you build rapport with your guests:

• Warm Welcome: Start the tour with a warm and friendly greeting. Make eye contact, smile, and introduce yourself to create a welcoming atmosphere from the very beginning.
• Active Engagement: Engage with your guests throughout the tour by asking open-ended questions, encouraging their participation, and actively listening to their responses. This shows genuine interest and makes them feel valued.
• Personalize the Experience: Take the time to learn your guests’ names and use them during interactions. Remember their interests or special occasions they may be celebrating. Personalizing the experience makes them feel special and acknowledged.
• Share Personal Stories: Share personal anecdotes or experiences related to the destination or the tour activities. This creates a connection and allows guests to see you as not just a guide but also a fellow traveler.
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Show empathy by understanding and addressing your guests’ needs and concerns. Be attentive to their emotions and adapt your approach accordingly. This helps create a comfortable and supportive environment for open communication.
• Respect Cultural Differences: Be mindful of the cultural diversity within your group. Respect different beliefs, customs, and values, and encourage guests to share their own cultural backgrounds to foster a sense of inclusivity and appreciation.
• Be Approachable: Be approachable and accessible to your guests. Encourage them to ask questions, seek guidance, or share their thoughts and experiences. Showing a willingness to interact and help creates a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Show Genuine Enthusiasm: Express your passion and enthusiasm for the destination and the tour activities. Your genuine excitement will be contagious and inspire guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Remain flexible and adaptable to meet the individual needs and preferences of your guests. Be open to suggestions, adjust the pace if necessary, and accommodate reasonable requests to ensure their comfort and satisfaction.

Remember, building rapport requires genuine interest, active engagement, and a willingness to connect with your guests on a personal level. By establishing a strong rapport, you create a trusting and enjoyable atmosphere that enhances the overall tour experience for everyone involved.

Handling Difficult Situations

As a tour guide, it is essential to be prepared for and effectively handle difficult situations that may arise during your tours. Whether it’s a sudden change in weather, a medical emergency, or guest dissatisfaction, your ability to stay calm, proactive, and empathetic is crucial. Here are some tips for effectively handling difficult situations:

• Remain Calm and Composed: Stay calm and composed, even in challenging situations. Your guests will look to you for guidance and reassurance, so maintaining a calm demeanor helps instill confidence and minimize panic.
• Assess the Situation: Quickly assess the situation and prioritize the safety and well-being of your guests. Identify any immediate risks or concerns and take necessary steps to address them promptly.
• Communicate Clearly: Effectively communicate with your guests, providing clear instructions and information about the situation at hand. Keep them informed of any changes, updates, or alternative plans, ensuring they feel informed and involved.
• Show Empathy and Support: Display empathy and understanding towards your guests’ concerns or discomfort. Listen attentively, acknowledge their feelings, and address their needs to the best of your ability. Offer support and reassurance throughout the situation.
• Follow Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and protocols specific to the destination or activity. This includes knowing the location of emergency services, medical facilities, and evacuation routes.
• Seek Expert Advice if Needed: If the situation requires specialized knowledge or assistance, seek advice from local authorities, medical professionals, or relevant experts. Act promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of your guests.
• Maintain Open Communication: Encourage guests to voice their concerns or questions openly. Listen attentively, respond empathetically, and address their concerns transparently. Open communication helps build trust and allows for timely resolution of issues.
• Provide Alternative Options: In case of unexpected changes or disruptions, offer alternative options or activities to make up for any inconvenience. This demonstrates your commitment to ensuring your guests have a satisfactory experience, even in challenging circumstances.
• Document and Report: Keep a record of any incidents, complaints, or feedback received during the tour. This information will be valuable for improving future tours and providing insights to your organization, if applicable.
• Learn from the Experience: Reflect on difficult situations and learn from them to enhance your future tour planning and management. Evaluate what worked well and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that you are better prepared for similar situations in the future.

Remember, while handling difficult situations can be challenging, your ability to remain calm, communicate effectively, and prioritize the safety and well-being of your guests is vital. By demonstrating empathy, proactivity, and professionalism, you can navigate through challenging circumstances and ensure a positive experience for your guests.

Ensuring Guest Safety and Satisfaction

As a tour guide, the safety and satisfaction of your guests should always be a top priority. By implementing proactive measures and creating a positive environment, you can ensure that your guests have a safe and satisfying experience. Here are some key aspects to consider:

• Thorough Risk Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment before each tour to identify potential hazards and develop appropriate safety measures. Consider factors such as weather conditions, terrain, activities, and the physical capabilities of your guests.
• Provide Safety Briefings: Start each tour with a safety briefing to educate your guests about any potential risks, safety protocols, and emergency procedures. Make sure they know how to use any equipment provided and encourage them to ask questions or express any concerns.
• First Aid and Emergency Preparedness: Carry a well-stocked first aid kit and be trained in basic first aid techniques. Familiarize yourself with the nearest medical facilities and emergency services in the area. Be prepared to handle common emergencies and provide appropriate assistance.
• Regular Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment used during the tour, such as hiking gear, vehicles, or water sports equipment. Ensuring they are in good working condition reduces the risk of accidents and malfunctions.
• Monitor Weather and Environmental Conditions: Stay informed about weather forecasts and environmental conditions. Modify plans if necessary to avoid exposure to extreme weather or unsafe conditions. Have a backup plan in place for unexpected changes.
• Proactive Communication: Keep your guests informed about any changes to the itinerary, safety updates, or relevant information throughout the tour. Maintain clear and open communication channels, allowing your guests to raise any concerns or ask questions at any time.
• Encourage Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from your guests to understand their needs, preferences, and concerns. Actively address any feedback received and use it to improve future tours and tailor the experience to meet their expectations.
• Ensure Accessibility: Accommodate the accessibility needs of your guests, such as mobility restrictions or dietary requirements. Modify activities or provide suitable alternatives to ensure that everyone can participate and feel included.
• Create a Positive Environment: Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere where all guests feel welcomed and respected. Encourage interaction and mutual respect among the group, creating a supportive environment for everyone to thrive.
• Exceed Expectations: Strive to exceed your guests’ expectations by going the extra mile. Surprise them with little touches, personalized gestures, or unexpected experiences to create a lasting impression of satisfaction and delight.

Remember, ensuring guest safety and satisfaction requires careful planning, effective communication, and a responsive approach. By taking proactive measures, prioritizing their well-being, and aiming to exceed their expectations, you can provide a exceptional experience that leaves your guests happy, fulfilled, and eager to recommend your services.

Maintaining Professionalism and Ethics

As a tour guide, maintaining professionalism and ethical standards is crucial for building trust with your guests and ensuring a positive experience. Upholding a high level of professionalism and ethical conduct not only reflects positively on you but also contributes to the reputation of the entire tourism industry. Here are some key principles to guide your behavior:

• Expertise and Knowledge: Continuously update and expand your knowledge about the destinations you guide in, including history, culture, and current affairs. Be well-informed and able to provide accurate and insightful information to your guests.
• Respect for Cultural Sensitivities: Show respect for the culture, customs, and traditions of the destinations you operate in. Promote responsible tourism practices that preserve and celebrate the local heritage, environment, and communities.
• Professional Appearance and Conduct: Present yourself in a professional manner by dressing appropriately and maintaining a neat appearance. Demonstrate professional behavior by being punctual, attentive, and responsive to your guests’ needs.
• Confidentiality: Respect the privacy and confidentiality of your guests. Do not disclose personal or sensitive information without proper consent. Safeguard any information obtained during the tour to maintain confidentiality and trust.
• Honesty and Integrity: Be honest and transparent in your interactions with guests. Provide accurate information, including pricing, expectations, and potential risks. Do not engage in misleading practices or make false claims that may compromise guest trust.
• Empathy and Inclusivity: Treat all guests with respect, regardless of their background, nationality, or beliefs. Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included.
• Conflict Resolution: Handle conflicts or disagreements with professionalism and diplomacy. Listen to all parties involved, seek understanding, and work towards a fair resolution. Maintain composure and remain neutral when mediating disputes.
• Environmental Responsibility: Be mindful of the impact your tours may have on the environment. Promote sustainable practices such as reducing waste, respecting wildlife and natural habitats, and encouraging responsible behaviors among your guests.
• Accountability: Take responsibility for your actions and mistakes. Address any guest concerns or complaints promptly and professionally. Learn from feedback and strive to continuously improve as a tour guide.
• Compliance with Legal and Ethical Standards: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to local laws, regulations, and industry guidelines. Avoid engaging in any illegal or unethical activities that could tarnish your reputation and that of the tourism industry.

Maintaining professionalism and ethics ensures that you provide a trustworthy and reputable service. By practicing these principles, you not only enhance the guest experience but also contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism industry.

Enhancing Knowledge and Expertise

As a tour guide, continuously enhancing your knowledge and expertise is crucial for staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of adventure tourism. By deepening your understanding of destinations, honing your skills, and staying up-to-date with industry trends, you can provide a higher level of service and enrich the experiences of your guests. Here are some strategies to enhance your knowledge and expertise:

• Continual Learning: Embrace a lifelong learning mindset by seeking opportunities to expand your knowledge. Read books, articles, and travel guides about the destinations you guide in. Attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay informed about the latest industry developments.
• Destination Familiarization: Explore your guiding destinations extensively. Visit different sites, engage with locals, and immerse yourself in the culture. This firsthand experience will not only deepen your knowledge but also allow you to share enriching stories and insights with your guests.
• Seek Feedback from Guests: Regularly seek feedback from your guests to understand their perspectives and areas for improvement. Use their insights to address any shortcomings and refine your guiding techniques. Actively engage in conversations with your guests to learn from their experiences and gather valuable feedback.
• Network and Collaborate: Connect with other tour guides, travel professionals, and industry experts. Join professional associations or online communities to exchange ideas, insights, and best practices. Collaborate with fellow guides on joint projects or share knowledge through mentorship programs.
• Develop Specialized Skills: Consider developing specialized skills or expertise in specific areas of interest. This could include gaining certifications in wildlife conservation, cultural heritage, or adventure activities. This specialized knowledge will enhance the uniqueness and quality of your tours.
• Technology and Digital Skills: Embrace technology and develop digital skills relevant to your role. Utilize online resources, apps, and platforms to enhance your guiding capabilities. Stay updated with social media trends to effectively market and promote your tours to a wider audience.
• Language Acquisition: Learn additional languages to expand your communication capabilities with a wider range of guests. Being able to speak the language of your guests builds rapport and allows for a more immersive experience.
• Keep Up with Industry News: Stay informed about the latest industry news, travel trends, and sustainability initiatives. Subscribe to industry publications, follow reputable blogs, and engage with industry influencers and experts on social media platforms.
• Engage in Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in cultural exchange opportunities to gain firsthand knowledge about different cultures, traditions, and customs. This can be achieved through volunteer work, homestays, or participating in local community activities.
• Reflect and Evaluate: Set aside time for self-reflection and evaluation. Assess your strengths and areas for improvement as a guide. Regularly reassess and update your tour itineraries, activities, and delivery techniques to ensure they meet the changing needs and expectations of your guests.

Remember, the pursuit of knowledge and expertise is a lifelong journey. By embracing continuous learning, seeking feedback, and connecting with others in the industry, you can enhance your guiding skills and provide exceptional experiences for your guests.

Marketing and Promoting Your Tours

Effective marketing and promotion are essential for attracting clients and growing your tour guiding business. By utilizing various marketing strategies and channels, you can reach a broader audience and showcase the unique experiences you offer. Here are some key tips for marketing and promoting your tours:

• Create a Compelling Website: Develop a professional website that showcases your tours, highlights your expertise, and provides easy access to information and booking options. Ensure that your website is visually appealing, mobile-friendly, and optimized for search engines.
• Utilize Social Media: Leverage social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote your tours. Share engaging content, including stunning photos, videos, and captivating stories. Interact with your audience, respond to comments, and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
• Partner with Travel Agencies and Hotels: Collaborate with local travel agencies, hotels, and accommodations to establish mutually beneficial partnerships. Provide them with detailed information about your tours and offer commission-based referrals to attract potential clients.
• Create Compelling Content: Publish informative and engaging content relevant to your tours on your website, blog, or social media platforms. This can include destination guides, travel tips, and personal stories that highlight the unique experiences you offer. Optimize your content with relevant keywords to improve search engine visibility.
• Offer Special Promotions and Packages: Create exclusive promotions, discounts, or package deals to attract new clients or encourage repeat bookings. Collaborate with local businesses to offer unique add-ons or experiences as part of your tours.
• Collect and Showcase Testimonials: Encourage your satisfied guests to provide testimonials and reviews of their experience. Display these testimonials on your website and social media platforms to build trust and credibility with prospective clients.
• Attend Travel Exhibitions and Events: Participate in travel exhibitions, fairs, and conferences to showcase your tours and network with potential clients and industry professionals. Distribute brochures, business cards, and promotional materials to leave a lasting impression.
• Build Relationships with Travel Bloggers and Influencers: Collaborate with travel bloggers, influencers, and vloggers who align with your target audience. Offer them complimentary experiences in exchange for honest reviews, social media exposure, or collaborative content creation.
• Optimize for Search Engines: Implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to improve your website’s visibility in search engine results. Research relevant keywords and incorporate them into your website content, meta tags, and headlines.
• Provide Excellent Customer Service: Deliver exceptional customer service throughout the entire guest experience. Respond to inquiries promptly, provide detailed information, and be attentive to guest needs. Word-of-mouth referrals and positive reviews can be powerful marketing tools.

Remember, marketing and promoting your tours require a multi-channel approach. Continuously assess the effectiveness of your marketing efforts, monitor analytics, and adjust your strategies accordingly. With a targeted marketing plan, you can attract more clients and position yourself as a trusted and sought-after tour guide in the industry.

Becoming a successful tour guide in the adventure tourism industry requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and a genuine passion for travel and exploration. By meeting the requirements and qualifications, researching and planning captivating tours, effectively communicating with guests, and building rapport with them, you can ensure memorable experiences. Handling difficult situations, prioritizing guest safety and satisfaction, maintaining professionalism and ethical standards, enhancing your knowledge and expertise, and implementing effective marketing strategies are all integral to your success as a tour guide.

Remember that continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to providing exceptional service are key. Embrace new technologies, stay informed about industry trends, and constantly seek to enhance your knowledge and skills. By creating engaging tours, fostering positive connections with guests, and promoting your services effectively, you can attract clients and build a strong reputation within the industry. Through professionalism, ethical conduct, and a genuine love for adventure, you can create unforgettable experiences and become a sought-after tour guide.

So, embark on this exciting journey with a mindset of constant improvement and a dedication to delivering exceptional adventures. As you guide your guests through remarkable destinations, remember that you have the power to inspire, educate, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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