Get a tour guide
You’ve googled it, gotten hold of all the brochures and guidebooks, and interrogated everyone who’s been to your next travel destination. So how will a tour guide offer you anything more? Follow this lead:
No worries about getting lost. Your guide knows the local district like the back of his hand. Plus, he’ll probably provide transportation, making for a more convenient and comfortable trip.
What’s worth seeing – or giving a miss? If pressed for time, your guide should be able to give you a priority list on places to visit. They’re hoping you’ll recommend them to your friends for future trips, so they’ll try their best to show you a good time.
You’ll be well-treated at restaurants, markets and other tourist spots. Guides with good rapport with people in the industry usually strike up an agreement with business owners to give special discounts in exchange for a steady stream of business.
You’ll have better bargaining power. There are usually two prices at markets or bazaars: A low price for the locals and a much higher one for tourists. A good tour guide must be able negotiate so that you pay closer to the local price.
You’ll understand local customs better. You don’t have to worry about offending the locals by first asking your guide on what’s appropriate or not.