Five Reasons To Do Guided Tours
I am a huge advocate of guided or organized tours. And love to join at least one whenever I go to a new city or place. Even if they speak English and I know I’ll be able to work out the navigation and explanations myself.
There are so many different types of guided tours. From the walking and hop-on-hop-off bus tours to exhibition and location tours and full day excursions. All of which have merit in my eyes.
Reasons to do guided tours: You get more information on the area
This is especially true of walking and bus tours as there’s a chance for someone to tell you things you’re passing. The significance of buildings around you. And little slices of history which you’d never get from just walking past them yourself. Walking tours mean you can get up close and personal with areas and get your bearings in a new city. Whereas bus tours are great to explore larger areas and use as your transport for the day. Whenever I head to a new city I love doing the bus tours. Especially if there’s live commentary as I think you get a lot more from those.
Guided tours around places like distilleries can also be perfect. As there’s only so much information you can provide on sheets and audio guides. Having a person standing there with you will provide you with information and answers to any questions you may have.
Reasons I love guided tours: You visit places you wouldn’t usually go to
When you join onto excursions or day tours chances are it will be because there are a few things on the itinerary which interest you and you’d wanted to do yourself. Chances are there’s also likely to be some things you’ll go and see which if on your own you wouldn’t have bothered with. For example, in Prague, I joined a half day tour to Kutna Hora as I wanted to see the Bone Church. But we also visited the St Margaret Cathedrale which I’d never have gone to myself. But it was beautiful. By joining tours you’ll get a chance to see places and explore areas which perhaps are not accessible unless you drive. Or otherwise can be tough to get to.
Ways guided tours make things easier: Things are organized for you
Whether you do a half day trip to a different part of the city or a full-on tour holiday such as the one I did with Trek America. Chances are things will be organized for you which saves you the hassle of thinking of public transport, where to visit and timings for situations. On tours which are half-day or longer, you’ll probably get lunch included. Or at least suggested in the area so you don’t need to worry about where you’re going to refuel.
Why choose guided tours? – You find out what you’re looking at
Having a guided tour around an exhibition or location can be so useful as you’ll be told exactly what you’re looking for and what it’s significance is. For example, a few year’s ago when I had a guided tour around Vatican City. I was shown the best/ most significant pieces of artwork in the museums. And told exactly what the items were which I was looking at. Had I have wandered around on my own I’m sure I’d have just stared aimlessly at things without knowing what was what.
This is also true of movie and location tours such as the Game of Thrones tour I did in Belfast. Because a lot of the locations don’t look exactly as you’d expect and have been altered for the screen. So having a guide there with you, they can both explain and show images to connect what you see with what you think you should see.
Why you should choose a guided tour: It’s a chance to laugh and be social
Some guided tours such as the Yeoman walking tour at the Tower of London are a chance to be social. And laugh at the funny antics and stories of the areas you’re touring. Reading literature isn’t overly social and chances are you’ll walk round in silence trying to read snippets on cards next to items. But if you choose a guided tour there will be sound (and generally laughter).
Do you ever do guided tours when you’re away?
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27 responses to “Five Reasons To Do Guided Tours”
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All About Me
Rhian Westbury
Travels and Destinations
Nothing currently planned
I have had some really great guided tours in the past – I think the best reason for one in busy, over-crowded, tourists is that you get to skip the queue!
C x
We went on a guided tour of the island of Sal when visited Cape Verde last year I think its a great way of learning more about the place u are visiting and to see places u may not have of thought of.
I like walking tours, definitely the best way to start a trip and get to know a new place I think. Then you’ve got a good idea of where to go and things to do.
Every country and city I’ve been to I’ve had a guided tour i feel it maximises your trip so you don’t have to research things for hours on end
Although I have never done a guided tour before I can see why they are very popular and needed! Will be considering one from now!
I love guided tours as you get to learn so much more about the place you are visiting
I do love guided tours as you get so much history from them. I loved the London Tour bus one we done a few years ago x
I’ve never really done a guided tour – but they do seem like a good way to see certain areas, these days I wouldn’t be able to keep up with them which is a shame.
I think guided tours are a great idea to do when you first get to a city so you can learn all the most popular bits right away, and then go back and visit them at your leisure later on. We did one in Brussels we really enjoyed.
We always do guided tours when we visit a city for the first time. Otherwise we just end up drifting about aimlessly!
I haven’t try guided tours and I think it’s great when ylu visit the city for the first time.
I really praise guided tours!! You’re right they often take you to places you wouldn’t have explored yourself and because they organize everything for you it’s so easy going and many time you get to try new things!
I think you are right ! Guided tours are a lot of fun because it gives you time to be social and network alongside having an organized day out x
I love guided tours. They really help me to get a real feel for the place!
Totally agree on using a guided tour, especially when you are only in a place for a short time. We went to Amsterdam recently and didn’t know where to start, so a guided tour would have been perfect for that!
I always look at people on guided tours with envy. With a 4 year old in tow we just haven’t dared go on one lately but as he gets older I’d certainly look into joining some again. You learn so much more than you normally would. And yes you’re right you see things you wouldn’t normally see.
I’m not a fan of guided tours. I always seem to get distracted by something I want to investigate and end up wandering off or holding up the group.
You’re right! Most of our trips are guided tour – We save time, effort and definitely be in the place and see what we are looking for. Although, its adventurous to consider to explore the place but its always better to have an expert around.
You are right. in spite of all its negatives, guided tours do make the experience a lil smoother and usually have most important sights covered!
I have done some guided tour before and I agree it saves time, but then again, you don’t get to explore too much and visit places that most tourist visits
I have never really been in to guided tours but as you explained they are good for certain reasons especially for like a day tour of a city!
My father in law prefers guided tours although I prefer to roam around in my own time
I think guided tours is a must especially if it’s your first time in a place. Your visit will be smooth and you can go to places easily if you have a guide. Tour guides should give the service a tourist needs
I love guided tours – I always feel like you learn so much more information and remember it better too.
Guided tours are great and depending on the city I think it is always good to do one. We also like to explore on our own so I think when you balance the two it is great.
Yes, I love guided tours, especially when they are affordable. Sometimes you even get to see things others do not. It’s a good way not to miss the AMAZING stuff.
Guided tours are what we take advantage of, especially when we are overseas. It would be difficult to do it by ourselves, more so if there is a language barrier. I would rather have peace of mind and get the most of my vacation with a guided tour.