How to Select a Tour Guide on Your Next Family Trip

When you and your family are on vacation in a new place, it can be exciting to wander around by yourselves and see what interesting little cafes and shops you can find. At times, though, it's nice to be shown around by someone who is familiar with the territory. A tour guide can take your travels to a whole new level.

Find a Local With Lots of Experience

Whether you're in the U.S. or out of the country, the hotel at your destination will most likely have a list of tour guides for the area you are visiting. If you want a complete package including tour guide, check out the internet for all-inclusive tours to your point of interest. Most reputable companies will have extensive websites, but don't rule out smaller tour companies that can only be found once you get to your destination. When putting in your request for a guide, let them know that you only want a person who has intimate knowledge of the area you are visiting so that you can see all the sights that are off the beaten path. Before booking, make sure children are allowed and that there will be activities geared toward them.

Verify Background Information

As a tourist, you are in a potentially vulnerable situation. You'll want a tour guide who inspires trust and makes you feel comfortable. You can use the internet to find public criminal records when verifying potential tour guides for your trip. Of course, these measures might be more reliable for U.S. companies and tour guides. The Better Business Bureau, however, also covers Canada. Beyond that, a company's website might have positive and negative reviews posted. Although Yelp is now only available in the U.S., you can look online for similar services abroad.

Choose Your Destination First

When planning your vacation, choose a spot that your family has been dreaming of going. The goal is to enjoy your time together away from home and make lasting memories. Finding a knowledgeable and trustworthy local tour guide is ideal, but if you are unable to settle on someone, it's really a minor detail in the overall picture. After all, the destination is the primary consideration, and you can probably engage someone suitable once you arrive. Some of the best adventures happen with the least rigid plans.

As with most of life, remaining open and flexible improves your odds of success. Be prepared to find someone who knows the locale and can show you all the seldom-seen details. If that option isn't feasible where you're headed, though, do your research anyway and consider a self-guided tour. The information is available, and you'll impress your family if you take the time to gather and digest it. Being your own tour guide will make you their hero.

If you’re planning a trip where you’ll be walking a lot, try the Piggyback Rider to make traveling with your kids easier!