For most travelers who are on a budget, a tour guide seems to be out of the question. They do not even consider a tour guide as they consider them as an unnecessary expense. Tour guides or travel guides are assumed to be only for the rich, who have money to give away to someone who will plan their whole itinerary for them. This is a misconception. Even those on a budget can afford tour guides.
For those travelers who cannot imagine traveling on a bus packed with 50 people and checking out more than 14 sights in a day, they can consider private tour guides. They are not expensive; most of them are local students or retired people who are making some extra cash. They work on an hourly basis or a gratuity basis. These private tour guides take you on tours of the city either by public transport or walking. This arrangement works perfect for those who want a more personalized tour, where they can ask questions and get a more in depth feel of the place. An on-foot personalized tour with one of these locals is bound to be more memorable than those bus tours with no time to take in the culture and sights of the place. You can find any of these tour guides by asking around, talking to locals, shop owners or even your hotel staff.
Another way to find a tour guide is by searching on the Internet. You can type in your budget and conduct a search for tour guides within that budget. You will definitely find someone who will show you the sights and sounds of the place within your budget. The Internet is the best way to get a tour guide. There are websites like VIAmigo.com that link travelers to travel guides in various cities and locations. All you have to do is choose your guide according to your budget and you are ready to go. This website is also great because you can read comments by other travelers regarding their particular travel guides. So you can choose one according to the review on the website. Another website is private-guides.com where you can choose between large bus tours and small private tours. Prices will differ, but the choice is yours.
Tripadvisor.com is a website where you can get information about the place you are going to visit. It gives you information regarding hotels, restaurants and other relevant information. Frommers.com is a virtual travel guide that will tell you all about the destination you are going to visit, from places of interest to activities and even the best time to visit. You can also ask your travel agent to help you with local guides. Travel agents have the best information regarding places and people.
