ToursByLocals Blog list

Rome, the Eternal City, is set to shine even brighter in 2025 as it welcomes millions of visitors for the Jubilee Year. This extraordinary event, steeped in centuries of tradition, offers a unique opportunity to experience the heart of Catholic faith and Italian culture. Join us to explore what the Jubilee means and how you can be part of this once-in-a-generation celebration. What is the Jubilee? The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, is a special year of grace in the Catholic Church that occurs every 25 years. It's a time of spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and pilgrimage. The tradition dates back to 1300 when Pope Boniface VIII declared the first Jubilee. When is the Jubilee 2025? The Jubilee Year 2025 will begin on Christmas Eve - December 24, 2024 - with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica. It will continue throughout 2025, concluding on December 14, 2025. Experiencing the Jubilee in Rome Holy Doors and Papal Basilicas A central part of the Jubilee experience is passing through the Holy Doors of Rome's four major basilicas: St. Peter's Basilica St. John Lateran St. Mary Major St. Paul Outside the Walls These doors are only opened during Jubilee years, making it a truly special experience. Special Events and Gatherings Throughout 2025, Rome will host numerous events for different groups within the Church. Some highlights include: Jubilee of the World of Communications (January 24-26) Jubilee of Artists (February 15-18) Jubilee of Teenagers (April 25-27) Jubilee of Young People (July 28 - August 3) Rome's Renewed Beauty In preparation for the Jubilee, Rome has undergone extensive renovations. Visitors will be treated to newly restored landmarks, including: The baldacchino in St. Peter's Basilica Michelangelo's Pietà Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona Planning Your Jubilee Visit Best Times to Visit While the entire year is going to be special, consider planning your visit around events that interest you the most. Remember that Rome will be busier than usual, so book accommodations and tickets well in advance to avoid potential disappointment. Getting Around Rome's public transportation will be crucial during the Jubilee. Consider using buses and metros to navigate the city, as traffic may be heavier than usual. Booking Tours and Experiences To truly immerse yourself in the Jubilee celebrations, consider booking a private guided tour. The Roman guides on ToursByLocals offer insider knowledge and can help you navigate the crowds while providing deep insights into the spiritual and historical significance of the Jubilee. You can check out tours like this one of essential Jubilee churches, by local guide Giampaolo, designed to help you explore the best of Jubilee. Embrace the Spirit of the Jubilee Whether you're a devout pilgrim or a curious traveler, the Jubilee Year 2025 in Rome promises to be an unforgettable experience. It's a chance to witness history, explore faith, and be part of a global celebration in one of the world's most beautiful cities. Journey to Italy and let Rome's eternal spirit touch your heart during this extraordinary year of grace and renewal.

Christmas markets are a big draw for travellers to Europe; river cruises continue to run through the late fall and early winter months, with entire sailings dedicated to visiting the liveliest town centres, decked out with Christmas cheer. If you’re dreaming of the enchanting Christmas markets of Europe but can’t make the trip this December, don’t worry! The US offers several festive destinations that capture the charm and warmth of Europe’s traditional Christmas markets, right in your backyard. From twinkling lights to mulled wine and handmade crafts, here are some of the best European-style Christmas markets in the US that are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. 1. Christkindlmarket – Chicago, IL One of the most authentic European-style Christmas markets in the US, Chicago's Christkindlmarket is modeled after the famous markets of Germany. Located in Daley Plaza, the market features traditional wooden stalls selling everything from glass ornaments to delicious bratwurst and German sweets. With live holiday performances and hot glühwein served in festive mugs, this market is a must-see for anyone looking for an authentic German Christmas experience without leaving the country. 2. Union Square Holiday Market – New York, NY New York City may be famous for its Rockefeller Center tree and ice skating, but the Union Square Holiday Market brings a taste of European holiday tradition to the Big Apple. Inspired by the bustling Christmas markets of Germany and Austria, this market is packed with artisan vendors selling unique gifts, handmade crafts, and festive treats. Wander through the cozy aisles while sipping hot cider and enjoy the festive atmosphere in the heart of the city. 3. Christmas Village – Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia’s Christmas Village transforms LOVE Park and City Hall into a German wonderland. Modeled after a traditional German market, it features more than 80 booths offering everything from German food to beautiful handmade ornaments. The Christmas Village also hosts live music, festive light displays, and even a Ferris wheel, making it a perfect spot for families looking to immerse themselves in holiday cheer. 4. Downtown Holiday Market – Washington, DC Set against the backdrop of the Smithsonian museums, Washington, D.C.’s Downtown Holiday Market offers a European-style festive shopping experience right in the nation’s capital. With over 70 exhibitors, you can shop for jewelry, fine art, crafts, and holiday décor. Warm up with hot cocoa or mulled wine while you stroll through the market and enjoy live holiday performances. It's a blend of local charm and European holiday traditions. 5. Georgetown Christmas Market – Georgetown, CO Nestled in the historic town of Georgetown, Colorado, this charming Christmas market is reminiscent of the alpine markets found in Switzerland and Germany. With horse-drawn wagon rides, Victorian carolers, and the stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop, the Georgetown Christmas Market offers a cozy, old-world holiday experience. Be sure to stop by for roasted chestnuts, unique holiday gifts, and the cheerful holiday spirit that fills the entire town. 6. Texas Christkindl Market – Arlington, TX Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes the holiday festivities! Arlington’s Texas Christkindl Market is one of the largest open-air holiday markets in the region, offering a rich blend of German traditions and Texan hospitality. From wooden huts selling authentic German goods to live music, delicious food, and family-friendly activities, this market provides a taste of European Christmas with a Texan twist. 7. Leavenworth Christmas Market – Leavenworth, WA Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascade Mountains, and it transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland during the holiday season. The town’s Christkindlmarkt is a European-style market complete with vendors selling handmade crafts, festive foods, and traditional holiday décor. The entire town is adorned with twinkling lights, and carolers fill the streets with festive music. Visitors can sip on mulled wine, savor roasted nuts, and enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, making Leavenworth one of the most picturesque holiday destinations in the US. With its charming Alpine architecture and snowy backdrop, it truly feels like stepping into a storybook European village, and is a perfect weekend getaway for those living in the Pacific Northwest. So if Europe isn’t in the cards this holiday season, these Christmas markets across the US provide the perfect opportunity to indulge in the festive spirit and experience the magic of a European-style Christmas close to home. Gather your family and friends, bundle up, and enjoy the twinkling lights, delicious treats, and heartwarming holiday traditions that these markets have to offer!

ToursByLocals recently surveyed 1,000 Americans ages 21 - 90 with an interest in travel. The data below offers a look at the shifting desires and emerging priorities shaping how Americans will explore the world next year. Here are the 15 questions we posed, along with the key findings. 1. What are you most likely to splurge on when you’re traveling? 54% of US travelers say they are most likely to splurge on an experience, such as a tour or special activity when traveling compared to: Hotel room upgrade - 12% Flight upgrade - 8% A Michelin-starred restaurant - 8% Tickets to an event - 18% 2. A lot of travel talk these days centers around terms like “immersive” and “meaningful”. But what does a “meaningful” travel experience really look like to you? 80% say making lasting memories is what makes a “meaningful” travel experience 60% Trying something I’ve never done before 59% Learning new things that stay with me after the trip 49% Going beyond sightseeing to more hands-on interaction with a destination 3. Help us settle this once and for all: When it comes to flying, we want to know your preferences! When flying: 62% choose the window seat vs. the aisle 54% check luggage vs. 46% only bring a carry-on 56% keep their seats up vs. 44% recline their seats 70% line up at the gate so they’re first on the plane vs. 30% wait until the last minute 61% bring entertainment for the flight vs. 39% rely on in-flight entertainment 20% nap when they arrive at their destination vs. 80% power though until bedtime 4. Which travel trend are you most likely to participate in in 2025? 32% - Destination Dupes ((I.e. Traveling to a similar, less expensive and less crowded version of a popular destination - like swapping Barcelona for Girona) 21% - Solo Travel 17% - Culinary travel (I.e. Traveling to a destination specifically to indulge in local cuisine) 12% - Gig-Tripping (I.e. Traveling to a concert, music festival, etc.) 9% - Set-Jetting (I.e. Traveling to a destination you’ve seen in your favorite TV show or movie - Hi, Emily in Paris Season 4!) 9% - Sports Travel I.e. Traveling to a destination specifically for a game, tournament, etc. - Hi, Paris Olympics!) 5. How often do you purchase an entirely new wardrobe for your trip? 56% Almost always purchase one or two new items for a trip 22% never purchase anything new just for a trip 13% will purchase all new attire only if it’s a really special trip 9% of people purchase an entirely new wardrobe for their vacation Q6.When going to a foreign country where you don't speak the language, what do you do? 51% of people try to learn some or more of a foreign language before traveling to the destination 27% rely on Google translate or other translation apps 19% wing it and hope to find someone who speaks English 4% leverage a private guide to help with the language barrier Q7. How do you plan visits to a gallery or museum? 49% of people buy tickets to a gallery or museum well in advance and plan what exhibits they most want to see when traveling 19% of people book a tour with a guide to learn more about what they’re seeing 19% of people are just not gallery people, and don’t include museums on their trip itineraries 9% head straight to the museum’s highlights 2% don’t book in advance, get discouraged standing in long lines for tickets and change plans Q8. How likely are you to go out of your comfort zone and try a new activity while on a trip? 81% say they are likely to highly likely to go out of their comfort zone and try a new activity when on a trip Q9. What’s your preferred way of booking flights and hotels? 50% say their preferred way of booking flights and hotels is direct with the provider 43% choose OTAs 7% use travel agents Q10. What’s your favourite way to get to know a new city? 30% say their favorite way to get to know a new city is by getting recommendations from locals or friends who have been there 25% always like to take a guided tour 24% explore independently with a map at hand 20% explore using an app or guidebook Q11. If you could only book one tour to explore a new destination, what would its focus be? 29% say its focus would be on hitting the city highlights 23% say history 16% say food and drink 12% say local arts and culture 11% say active adventure 7% say a day trip out of town 1% say photography Q12. What’s your trip planning style? 42% say their trip planning style is research months ahead of time and book all of their “must-do” activities before they arrive 31% plan one activity a day, leaving room for spontaneity 20% say their plan is no plan; they like to be flexible and decide on the spot what to do next 7% say they throw schedules and busy days out the window; they travel to slow down and relax. Q13 and Q14. How many leisure trips (including at least one overnight) did you take in 2024 and how many trips are you planning to take in 2025? Americans are planning to travel more in 2025 - 37% took 3 or more trips in 2024, but 51% are planning for 3 or more trips in 2025 Q15. When it comes to your travel plans for 2025, are you heading overseas or staying in the US? 33% of Americans say they are only planning vacation within the US in 2025 29% are mainly traveling in the US, but considering an international getaway 24% are splitting their travel time between domestic and international trips 7% are mainly traveling overseas, but will likely have a short getaway in the US 6% say they are only plannings internationally in 2025 Snapshot of Generational Findings: Gen Z: Solo travel is hot for Gen Z, with 33% saying its the travel trend they are most likely to participate in in 2025, compared to 21% of all other generations 21% say they buy an entirely new wardrobe whenever they travel, compared to 9% of all other generations - However, 46% of Gen Z say they usually purchase only one or two new items 56% say their preferred way of booking flights and hotels is direct Gen Z is planning to travel more in 2025 - 44% took 3 or more trips in 2024, but 64% are planning for 3 or more trips in 2025 Millennials: 50% say their preferred way of booking flights and hotels is through OTAs They love the window seat: 75% of millennials choose it over aisle, similar to Gen Z. Only 50% of Boomers choose the window. Millennials are more likely than older generations to rely on apps to help with language in a foreign country. 1 in 3 millennials do this, vs only 1 in 5 boomers. The younger generations are all about booking tickets in advance: 64% of Gen Z and 57% of millennials will book a gallery or museum visit ahead of time, vs 43% Boomers and Gen X. Gen X: They’re planning on travelling more in 2025 than 2024, with 50% planning on taking 3 or more trips next year, compared with only 31% taking that number in 2024. They’re also the most likely demographic to travel with only carry-on. Gen X are the most independent travellers, preferring to explore a new city on their own, rather than using an app, tour, or guidebook. They’re also the most likely generation to travel with carry-on only; just over 50% opt not to check a bag. Boomers: More than any other group, Boomers prioritized spending on experiences, with just over 55% selecting this as the part of travel they’re most likely to splurge on. While Boomers were less likely than the average respondent to want to try something they’d never done before while travelling (about half of respondents were open to this), 63% wanted to learn new things that stayed with them after the trip, whereas only 50% of millennials prioritized learning on vacation. Like Gen Z, Boomers are more likely to book travel direct. 56% of Boomers surveyed booked direct, compared to 44% of millennials. They’re also the generation most likely to use a travel agent to book travel, at almost 10%.

Meet local guide Jenny in Athens! Born and raised in the Greek capital, she’s a true Athenian with a rich family history rooted in the ancient city, and a love of food, history and exploring. Planning a trip to Athens next year? Read on for Jenny's tips on what to see, do and eat when you arrive! What makes Athens such a great place to visit? Athens offers a unique blend of ancient history and vibrant modern culture. The city's dynamic character stems from its long history, dating back to the late Neolithic period (4th millennium BC), seamlessly merging historical landmarks like the Acropolis with a contemporary urban vibe. The nearby Athens Riviera, stretching from Piraeus to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, adds a beautiful coastal dimension to the city’s diverse appeal. When is the best time to visit? The ideal time to explore Athens is during spring, specifically from April to May, coinciding with the Easter season. With mild temperatures avoiding extreme heat or cold, visitors can enjoy the city with fewer crowds, allowing for relaxed exploration, museum visits, and unhurried photography. Summer tends to be hot and bustling, while winter offers fewer outdoor activities and reduced attraction hours. For budget-conscious travelers, November to March brings lower ticket prices, despite occasional rain or colder days. With over 200 days of sunshine each year, Athens really is welcoming year-round. What are the must-see sights every traveller should visit? The Acropolis is the top attraction, with its breathtaking marble monuments and panoramic views of the city. A stroll through Plaka, Monastiraki, Thissio, and Psyrri immerses travellers in a perfect mix of ancient ruins and modern life, along with the flavors of Greek cuisine. Other highlights include the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, and the National Archaeological Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Greek art from prehistoric to Roman times. Are there any off-the-beaten-track places you recommend after seeing the must-sees? After visiting the Acropolis and other main highlights, I suggest exploring the Athens Riviera, the beautiful seaside area of the city. A food and street art tour in Monastiraki, Psyrri, and Metaxourgeio—always with a licensed tour guide—provides an authentic glimpse into local urban life. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the National Gallery or the National Glyptotheque, which feature 19th- to 21st-century paintings and sculptures respectively. The Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art, housed in historic mansions, also offer rich private collections showcasing Greek art. What typical Greek dishes should travellers try? Souvlaki is a must-try street food, even for vegetarians, with pita bread and tzatziki (a creamy garlic sauce). Other great options include oven-baked dishes like moussaka, pastitsio, and gemista. A Greek salad with fresh ingredients and extra virgin olive oil is essential. For breakfast, try koulouri (Greek bagel) or savory pies like spanakopita (spinach pie) and tyropita (cheese pie). My personal favorite is dakos, a traditional Cretan salad made with barley rusks, tomatoes, feta, olive oil, and oregano—a refreshing and flavourful choice. What’s your favorite tour to deliver? The Acropolis tour is my favorite. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s an awe-inspiring landmark that never ceases to amaze me, even after dozens of visits—I always discover something new, whether it’s a carving, inscription, or view. The grandeur of the site and its breathtaking 360-degree views always impress my guests. I love answering their questions and sharing my passion for Athens. Being born and raised here, I have a deep connection to the Acropolis, the city's "most precious jewel." Travellers headed to Athens can see all of Jenny’s tour offerings, and get in touch with her, here.

Gulay moved to Japan five years ago, after a decade of working as a local guide in Turkey. She was drawn to the culture, and the mesmerizing blend of tradition and modernity that distinguishes Japan, and especially Tokyo. Today she’s sharing with us some of her favourite ways to spend time in the city. Why did you become a tour guide in Japan? After 10 amazing years working as a licensed professional tour guide in Istanbul, I wanted to continue guiding in Japan because, honestly, I was ready for a new adventure and to improve myself! I’ve lived here five years now, and am still fascinated by Japanese culture, and love my life in Tokyo. Guiding here is like unlocking a new level every day, and I get to share that excitement with people from all over the world. What do you think makes Tokyo a truly unique city? This is a question that I’ve been asking myself since I moved here, now I know the answer. For me, Tokyo is such a unique city because it’s a place where you can experience contrasts at every corner. Tokyo's blend of ancient customs with futuristic technology, old temples alongside bustling neon streets, it's like stepping into a world of contrasts every time you go out the door. One moment you're wandering through a peaceful shrine, and the next you're in the middle of Shibuya’s flashing lights. That balance between tradition and modern life keeps the city exciting, and it never feels like you’ve fully explored it. It's what makes Tokyo a never-ending adventure! What are 3 places you think every traveller should visit when they come to Tokyo? In my opinion, every traveler should definitely check out Shibuya for that iconic city vibe, and don’t miss the famous Shibuya Crossing, where it feels like the whole world is moving at once! (I’m serious). By the way, don’t forget to say hello to Hachiko. Then, head to Shimokitazawa for thrifting and all things vintage, and wrap it up with a visit to Meiji Shrine to soak up some history and peaceful nature. It’s the perfect mix of Tokyo’s energy, style, and tradition! What about more off the beaten track places? Are there special neighbourhoods or less well-known attractions you recommend? I always recommend Kichijoji. It’s got this artsy vibe with cool little shops, cozy cafés, and one of Tokyo’s best parks—Inokashira Park. The people in Kichijoji have their own unique style, whether it’s in fashion, art, or just how they live each day. Plus, it’s less touristy but still full of life, giving you a real feel for local Tokyo! What’s one food you recommend people try when they visit Tokyo? Takoyaki! It’s definitely takoyaki. These little octopus-filled dough balls are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and drizzled with a sweet-savory sauce. They’re the perfect street food snack—delicious, fun to eat. If you’re travelling to Tokyo, and want a local expert to show you around, reach out to Gulay for a half-day or full-day tour to discover the highlights and hidden gems of Tokyo.

Flights booked? Check. Hotels reserved? Check. Tours booked? Um... Not yet. In the throes of pre-vacation planning it can be easy to sideline what you are actually going to do once you touch down in your chosen location, leading to lots of last-minute frantic Google searches and even more wandering around unfamiliar streets. A private tour with a local expert guide is an excellent way to maximise your time in a new place. ToursByLocals has over 5,000 guides around the world who are eager to show you why they love where they live. Spending time with a guide on a private tour is much more personal than following a large group tour, so it's important that you find the right guide for you. Following our website re-launch, it's now easier than ever to connect with a knowledgeable local expert. On our homepage, you can choose to search by “tour” or by “guide” (or by shore excursion, safari and even live virtual tour!) Let’s start with what a tour search look like. On the search bar and type in the city you are going to explore. As you begin to type, you'll see a drop down menu appear with suggested locations and you can simply click on your desired location from there. To get the best experience, we highly recommend inserting the dates you are available into the calendar. This will allow you to only see tours that are available on your chosen dates. A new page will load, showing all tours that town or city. To narrow the search, use the handy 'filters' button on the top-left corner of the page. This is a good place to set the basic requirements of what you are looking for. Maybe you only have the morning free to explore, in which case you can indicate this in the filters section. You can also select your group size and desired activity level. Though these filters are not essential, it's an excellent way to narrow down your search. Keep in mind that guides can customise their tours according to your needs, so don't worry if you don't see exactly what you need. Following feedback from customers, we've added even more filters, to ensure that you only view tours who truly match your needs. History buff? Click on 'Interests' and then Select 'history' from the drop down menu. More into hiking or perhaps you're a foodie? We've got tags for that too. If you require private transportation, make sure to select that option in the 'Transportation' drop-down. Many ToursByLocals guides have their own vehicle and are licensed to show you the sights in style. Once you've browsed and narrowed down the selection of tours, it's time to connect with a local expert guide. At the top of each tour, you can see a photo of the guide and a short blurb, which is an extract from their biography that they have written to help you to get to know them better. Click anywhere on the text to read the guides' profile in full. You'll be able to learn about their interests, qualifications, language skills, availability and much more. For many guides, their passion for their area shines through in their profile, and give you a great indication of their personality. You can also read the reviews that other ToursByLocals travellers have left - a fantastic indication of what you can expect from your time with this guide. From the profile, you can connect with the guide directly using the green 'message' button. This button can also be found on the tour page, so if you have any questions about the tour, or your destination, or the guide’s qualifications, you can quickly and easily reach out to the guide themselves. Your message goes to their ToursByLocals account, and their reply will come directly to your email address. Keep in mind that guides are often guiding for several hours each day during their high season, so you may not receive a response immediately. You can check out the guides' average response time on their profile page, and of course the ToursByLocals support team is available 24/7 by telephone and email should you have any questions. This user journey started with searching for a tour, but it can just as easily start with searching for a guide from the search bar, and using filters to sort through guide profile results to find a person with the expertise you seek. It’s personal preference whether you prefer to search for a specific activity first, or search for a specific guide first, then message them to customize your tour. Booking a private tour is truly an investment in your trip, so it's worth taking a little time to find exactly the right guide for you. Many of our customers and guides have stayed in touch long after their tour has concluded, and some have even become firm friends who have hosted each other in their respective countries. Our ethos is 'keeping travel human' and it all starts with sending a simple message.

We’re joined today by local guide Uğur in Istanbul. Since 2012, Ugur has been guiding people all over Turkey, to Ankara, Cappadocia, Antalya, Ephesus, Troy - and of course on in depth day tours of his home city of Istanbul. Why did you become a tour guide? When I was still a student at college, I used to work in a hotel as a waiter. We used to have tour groups for lunch or dinner and I saw the guides introducing our history, food, culture, etc. I thought I could do this job, because I was able to speak two languages apart from Turkish (Spanish and English) and was also passionate about travel - just like these guests. So that’s how I became a guide! I see my job as not only showing travellers the main sites, but also to give them an insider experience, so they leave with a better understanding of life as a local in Istanbul. Tell us one thing about Istanbul that makes it truly unique! This city has a remarkable history: It’s divided between two continents and has been the capital of not one, not two, but three different empires. What are three must-see places you recommend to visitors during a trip to Istanbul?Where do you think is a great place to go for a unique photo in Istanbul? For a great photo, people in Istanbul should go to Galata Tower, which was a watch-out post for Genoeses Merchants back in the 1300s. What surprises people about Istanbul? When they find out that Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey but Ankara is. Everyone assumes it’s Istanbul! Especially because we were the capital of 3 different empires over many centuries. What do you recommend doing if you have a special event to celebrate in Istanbul? (Like a birthday, or an anniversary…) There are many beautiful restaurants, rooftops and hotels to host celebrations, which I’d be happy to recommend to you. But if the person is not looking for a restaurant, but something a little more unique, I would recommend to purchase some Turkish mezes (small plates of food) and rent a yacht for the evening and sail the Bosphorus or Çamlıca Hill. It will be an evening you won’t forget. What’s your favourite day trip out of Istanbul? My favourite day trip out of İstanbul would be Ephesus in İzmir area (500 kms to İstanbul) which was the fourth largest city in the ancient world. To do it as a single day trip requires a short, inexpensive flight, or you can take your time and do it over a couple days. Planning a trip to Istanbul and beyond? Start a conversation with Uğur!

The guides on ToursByLocals are immensely creative. They love the places they live, and have figured out all sorts of ways to share their favourite parts of their cities, towns and regions with travellers. This means there are many options for you when it comes to choosing a tour! In particularly popular destinations like Rome or Paris, you’ll see upwards of 1000 tours you could book. That’s a lot of choice! To make it easier for you to narrow down all those options, we’ve introduced quick filters at the top of the search results page for every destination. You can quickly narrow down results by your interests, the type of transportation involved (for instance, a walking tour, or driving) and the price range you’re comfortable with. Today we’re going to delve a bit deeper into the “interests” section, because - well, it really is the most interesting! The screenshot below shows you how to access these filters on the search results page in any destination. All the tours on ToursByLocals are categorized into different types, so you’ll be able to find the tour that best suits your interests, whether that’s history, art, nature, food, photography, or two dozen other options. Here are a few of the more popular types of tours you can search for, along with a brief description of the sort of tour you could find in each: City Highlights: far and away our most popular category, this is a great option for first time visitors to a new city, who want an overview of the city’s most popular attractions. Don’t think this is going to be a run of the mill touristy tour, though - your guide will always take the time to share some of their off the beaten track local knowledge. Day Trip: Typically, this is a day trip out of the city that requires transportation of some sort. If we search for “Day Trips” in Rome, for example, we’ll see full day tours that go to Pompeii and back in a day, or to ancient Ostia, or Hadrian’s Villa, or a day in the Roman countryside. These are the tours that get you out of the city, and exploring nearby attractions. Adventure: This is a category for those for whom a walking tour just doesn’t provide the adrenalin fix they’re looking for! Our active travellers can find activities like rafting, hiking, kayaking, cycling, snorkelling and other outdoors pursuits here. Off the Beaten Path: This category is for those in search of a true local experience. Perhaps you’re visiting for a second time, or are in a city long enough to want to go beyond the major attractions, and delve deeper into more of what it’s like to live there, rather than just visit as a tourist. Guides love delivering these types of tours, where they give you a window into their lives, and the lives of other locals, away from the tourist crowds. Genealogy: Hiring a local guide doesn’t mean you only have access to that person while you’re on tour: they can also help you with research and trip planning in advance! Booking a genealogy tour to uncover your family history is a fabulous way to use a local guide’s knowledge and translation skills to help you plan an unforgettable day connecting to your family roots. Classes and workshops: Immersive experiences create extremely memorable tour experiences! Filtering for this type of tour means you’ll uncover hands-on activities that add to the enjoyment and understanding of the place you’re visiting. To stick with the Rome example, this sort of tour could involve learning to create your own flavour of gelato, or make fresh pasta, or learn how to craft leather products at a traditional workshop. Other categories, like history, food and drink, photography, bird watching, architecture, etc are pretty self explanatory! We hope you enjoy browsing, and searching for the perfect tour for you and your friends and family. There really is an experience for everyone. And remember: if you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, there’s an easy solution: work with any guide to create a create a custom tour.