Thread: Guides

I don't like large tour groups or tour buses, but love the opportunity to be shown around by a local who is passionate about their city at least once in every vacation.

I've used ourexplorer and global greeter service in NYC and Egypt respectively and the guides I chose/was allocated were both excellent. Today I was very excited to read of "Rent a local friend" in the newspaper.

So excited in fact that I thought i'd share them all with you. If anyone has used or does use them let me know what you think!

Rent a local friend Rent a Local Friend - rentalocalfriend.com

Just found this site today and very exited! Not free, but also far cheaper than our explorer - Major cities worldwide.

Global greeter service Global Greeter Network: Destinations
Various cities worldwide, totally free / no tip policy local guides. Usually tours are organised/run by the local city body (tourism body, council etc.) and are either personal/your own group (NYC) or in a group of strangers with max of around 6 (MEL).

I used this service in New York (and was booked in Nantes, and my home town of Melbourne but had to cancel due to changes of plans) and the guide was excellent - a 60 year old New Yorker who spent over 8hrs with us showing us the city from his perspective

Our explorer Tour Guide and Private Tour Guides, Sightseeing Tours – OurExplorer City Tours
I used this site in Egypt and it is quite cheap in developing nations (hideously expensive in Europe/USA). Basic premise is all guides are registered guides (copy of their license on site) and you can pay a small down payment securely by card, and balance in cash on the day for private tours. You can then rate the guide and leave honest feedback for others.