Rick Steves tours offer stress-free European vacations, combining small groups, great guides, central hotels, and all sightseeing. To find the best tour operator for your trip to Europe, consider factors such as your intended audience, itinerary and pace, included activities, group size, sustainability, and responsibility. Top Travel Italy, 50 Degrees, and Take Walks are some of the top tour companies in Europe.
Private Guides of Europe is a selection of exclusive and high-quality tour guides from over twenty countries across the continent. A reputable tour operator can help minimize headaches and maximize value. Europe offers a treasure trove of museums, archeological sites, and historic monuments. To find a reputable guide, book time well in advance and check your guidebook for recommendations. Many tourist offices list independent guides on their websites.
To find expert, local, and professional tour guides for small group and private tours throughout Europe, seek out locals who specialize in a field that interests you. Traveling with a travel journalist is also an option. Check with the tourist office of a city like Munich for names.
Choosing from the best tour companies in Europe is crucial, as you can find thoughtful, charming, bright, and creative local tour guides offering private tours in over 170 different countries. One of the top tips for hiring a guide for a tour (private or otherwise) is to find one with credentials. Many European countries will have their own tour operators.
📹 What makes a great tour guide and host? | Rick Steves | TEDxSeattleSalon
Learn why and how passionate teachers of their culture create experiences that are positive, vivid, and memorable. Rick Steves …
How do I choose a tour guide?
A great tour guide is passionate about their home country and treats guests like guests. They have a strong commitment to their work, often working 20 days a month away from their families to ensure they are the best they can be. A great guide needs to have all relevant qualifications, but experience in managing tours and groups is crucial. They must be able to create powerful shared experiences and memories while also giving people space and alone time.
A tour guide should have at least 5 years of experience, as everyone has different personalities and gaols. A great guide is committed to providing a positive and rewarding experience for their clients.
How to find good tour guides?
In order to ascertain whether a guide is an appropriate choice for your tour company, it is recommended that an assessment be conducted in the context of their typical work environment. This may entail hosting a trial day or participating in a tour. Client and colleague feedback can assist in determining the suitability of the guide. It is of the utmost importance that guides undergo a structured onboarding and training process in order to ensure their success.
Is Trafalgar Tours reputable?
Trafalgar, a trusted tour company, has received the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for its proven tours created by local travel experts. Despite a positive experience with Trafalgar, including a tour to Peru with an Ecuador extension, the company charged the customer 80 percent of the tour fees, despite the tour guide being excellent and explaining the destinations well. The company’s reputation for quality and customer satisfaction is a testament to its commitment to excellence.
How much do you pay a free tour guide?
The remuneration for a competent guide is typically within the range of 10 to 20 euros. The quality of the guide is evaluated based on the number of individuals who have registered for the tour, particularly if the guide is employed by a company with a global reach. It is advisable to select a company that restricts the number of participants on the tour.
What is the difference between a tour guide and a tourist guide?
Tours are a type of travel experience that takes place over time, visiting multiple sights and can be done as a walk or in a vehicle. They can be organized by the traveler themselves or a tour operator who designs and delivers a tour for a traveler or group of travelers.
The term “customer” is used more often in Anglophone countries, especially in the U. S., while “guest” relates more to a personal connection and a sense of welcome and hospitality. Different companies will prefer different terminology.
Tour guides, tour leaders, interpreters, docents, day tours, multi-day tours, package tours, group tours, pre-formed/affinity groups, escorted tours, guided tours, self-guided tours, familiarization tours, and flexible independent travel (FIT) tours are all terms used to describe different types of travel experiences.
A public tour is open to the general public and consists of a variety of people who don’t already know each other. A private tour is sold specifically to an already-organized group of travelers who don’t wish to experience the tour with others. Custom tours are usually also a private tour and refer to the operator crafting an experience customized to the specific demands of a client.
Pre-formed/affinity groups are commonly used in the multi-day tour space to refer to a group tour not made up of individual solo travelers and couples but instead of an alread-formed large group of travelers. They may also be created by a “Group Leader” who sells a tour for a tour operator, often in exchange for a free trip or a commission.
Escorted tours are used most often in the multi-day tour space and involve traveling with an escort (old-fashioned term), more commonly referred to today as a tour manager, tour director, tour leader, or trip leader. The TM’s job is to handle the logistics of keeping the group together, checking into hotels, arranging meals, etc.
Guided tours are organized excursions led by an individual or individuals, such as a museum doctor, adventure guide, or tour leader. Self-guided tours have two different meanings: one related to technology and one related to nature. In the world of adventure tours, self-guided tours happen when an individual hires a tour operator to provide guidance in the form of itineraries, maps, and possibly technology to facilitate an extended journey involving walking, hiking, biking, etc.
Familyization tours focus on helping one set of professionals (travel agents) learn about a destination or about vendors in an area. A group of tour guides might take a FAM tour to a new attraction that they’ll then sell to clients.
In summary, tours are a diverse range of travel experiences that cater to various needs and preferences.
The tour and activities industry encompasses various types of businesses, including activity-based tours, attractions, DMOs, CVBs, MICEs, and B2B operators. Activity-based tours involve activities such as watersports, biking, hiking, etc., while attraction-based tours involve activities like amusement parks, museums, and the Eiffel Tower. Attractions include meetings, incentives, conferences, and events, where operators work with a CVB to organize tours for business customers hosting or attending a conference in a location.
B2B tour operators work with other operators, such as adventure operators, watersports operators, and ATV rental operators. They do the grunt work, selling to customers and possibly working with vendors to create an organized tour experience. Inbound/receptive operators or DMCs (destination management companies) create experiences in a specific location, working B2B with tour operators or corporate entities needing local knowledge and connections. Outbound operators design experiences that take guests elsewhere, often focusing on trips that send their Australian customers outbound to other countries.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the art of optimizing your website and online presence to bring your content to the top of search engine results. PPC (Pay-per-click) refers to digital advertising done by companies like Google, where users pay for ads to appear in search engine results. Online Travel Agency (OTA) refers to a wide variety of online marketplaces servicing the travel industry, selling everything from rental cars to flights to hotels to tours.
Online Marketplace/Platform is a more general term for website platforms that sell a wide variety of tours online. Restech/Booking Software is a fast way to refer to the software industry centered around creating helping tour operators accept online bookings and keep those bookings organized. Tour Operator Software offers an extended suite of features meant to help operators across their whole business, from operators to itinerary proposals to budgeting and pricing.
SaaS (Software as a Service) refers to subscription-based websites or software that help operators do something, such as booking software and CRMs. Suppliers are those who supply tours that are then re-sold by the platform. Connectivity is the dark art of how operators connect to sales channels. Distributors/Resellers are sales channels that sell tickets to tours on behalf of the operator, such as online marketplaces like Viator and GetYourGuide, personal travel agents, or hotel concierges. Channel Manager is software that helps managers manage all their different sales channels in one place.
In summary, the tour and activities industry encompasses various types of businesses, including activity-based tours, attractions, DMOs, MICEs, and tour operators. These businesses work together to promote destinations, provide services, and manage their operations effectively.
Are private tour guides worth it?
Travels with Audrey offers guided tours to provide a comprehensive understanding of a destination, including its history, culture, quirks, and traditions. Local expert guides, also known as “local insiders”, are essential for small group tours and custom tours. They have earned licenses that grant them special privileges and valuable access, such as access to museums, palaces, and special venues.
Private tour guides are also beneficial for travelers who prefer to explore a location independently. They offer a unique perspective and connection to the local culture, allowing them to provide fresh and unique insights about a location. Private guides meet clients in hotel lobby, know the city and monuments inside out, and can respond to requests for unscheduled stops. They can point out landmarks and suggest places to visit at your leisure.
As a private tour, you can dictate the focus and pace, ask questions, and even stop for impromptu drinks or tapas. Local guides can easily obtain tickets on the spot for almost all attractions without waiting in line. This allows you to fully appreciate the cultural heritage and diversity of a destination.
Which is better, Globus or Trafalgar?
Trafalgar and Globus are tour companies that cater to budget-conscious travelers. Trafalgar offers “Be My Guest” tours, which are designed to appeal to a younger demographic between the ages of 18 and 39. Both companies have a long history in the guided tourism industry. Globus has nearly a century of experience, while Trafalgar has over 70 years. Both companies cater to those with limited financial resources and provide access to local travel opportunities unavailable to the general public.
How do I hire a tour guide?
Tourist offices often list independent guides on their websites, and in some cities, private guides can be booked through Airbnb, ToursByLocals, and TravelLocal. If a guide is needed after arrival, hoteliers or tourist information offices can help. A tip of €10-20 is acceptable for a few hours with a knowledgeable guide. European guides expect tips from American visitors, but their rates are not dependent on substantial tips. However, pay more if the guide makes any arrangements or goes above and beyond to help.
How do I find a reliable tour operator?
To evaluate the quality and credibility of tour operators and guides in a foreign country, consider checking online reviews, comparing prices and inclusions, verifying credentials and affiliations, directly contacting them, seeking personal recommendations, and trusting your instincts. Online feedback can gauge a tour operator’s reputation, while personal interactions with operators can reveal their commitment to quality and transparency.
Authenticity in reviews and how they handle criticism can also indicate their customer service and reliability. Trusting your instincts and seeking personal recommendations can help you make an informed decision about your tour destination.
How do I choose a tour operator?
The author shares their experience of spending several thousand dollars on a tour to a Middle Eastern destination, which led to feeling trapped and miserable. They were inspired by an American woman who lived in Egypt and had a tour company that hired local women to showcase the region. The author wrote to her and signed up for her mailing list, which led to a new tour to Jordan, specifically to Petra.
The author’s interest was piqued when they saw the tour being led by the first Middle Eastern woman to summit the seven summits. The author was impressed by the woman’s accomplishment and the fact that she came from a region where women are sometimes considered chattel or second class. They decided to buy the tour, despite being a little nervous about the Middle East part, but the airfares were expensive, especially coming from their Podunk area of North Carolina, where it is time-consuming and expensive to get out of the region.
The author emphasizes the importance of considering potential tours before making a decision, as they may not be able to fully experience the destination or the activities they want to experience. They encourage others to be cautious and consider the cost before making a decision.
📹 101 EUROPE TRAVEL TIPS & MUST-KNOWS FOR FIRST TIMERS | Scams, Tourist Traps, What Not to Do & More!
0:00 INTRODUCTION 0:28 TRAVEL PLANNING TIPS FOR EUROPE 6:17 TRANSPORT TIPS FOR EUROPE 10:03 ATTRACTION …
As an European I would suggest another packing tip. Just bring some nicer clothes as well, because most of Europeans love to dress up to their dinner or night out. Believe me – you don’t want to go out in you walking shoes or hiking shorts to a nice dinner, you will just feel out of place. And even more – in the larger cities you won’t feel comfortable, because everybody dresses up daily. Unless you want to look like a tourist. 🙂
Related to #52 (Separate your cards) – A lot of travelers misunderstand the purpose and use of money belts (and similar devices like neck wallets). This isn’t your working inventory, you don’t dip into the money belt to pay for lunch. Anything you think you’ll spend today can go in your wallet for easy access, with the slight risk of it getting pickpocketed. The belt is for when you’re carrying your travel documents or more money than you can afford to lose. Maybe you’re hitting the ATM to pull five days’ worth of cash or you’re traveling between cities and have to carry everything with you. Stash your stuff, zip up the belt and tuck it under your clothes. Now the only way you’re losing that money is a proper mugging where the thief stands there and makes you hand your stuff over. Those are exceedingly rare these days.
European here: Even in the hottest summer, pack some “proper” cover-up clothes when you plan to visit churches, cathedrals and things like that: most of them require you to cover up your knees and shoulders, some also your head, if you are a woman. When I travel around Europe myself, I like to bring a big, lightweight shawl for things like this and wear it over my head and shoulders at once while wearing a longer skirt on those days, for example. 🙂 If you don’t have anything with you, you either are denied entrance, or they provide you with some icky old cover ups they keep especially for that reason. And also pack some extra socks if you otherwise wear sandals barefoot, as similar places sometimes require you to take off your shoes. (Talking about mosques especially)
Regarding No. 14 (public transport is part of the experience) – It’s also a nice peek into the lives of ordinary people. I’ve met a few travelers who barely met any locals because they stayed at the Hilton, ate at the touristy restaurants, and got everywhere by car or tour bus. That’s not the worst thing, they still saw the sights, but they’re missing out on a big part of the experience.
If you rent bikes in a city where locals use bikes a lot, don’t behave like a tourist! Don’t stop in the middle of the bike lane and follow the flow and stick to the traffic rules. I reared an American woman last summer because she was super slow and came to a sudden stop at an unexpected spot. Fortunately there was just some small adjustments which had to be done to the bike (my bike, not hers) after the impact. If you visit Sweden, be prepared for nearly all payments to be done by card. Some places don’t even accept cash.
@30:23 Fun Austrian fact: In my Lower Austrian dialect, the aptly named sad gap of death (love that name, btw) is called “Schasgruabn”, which directly translates to “fart trench”. Yes, we do bring our loveliest language even into our bedrooms. Also – great article. I do like that you are very respectful toward the diversity of Europe and that you try to help your fellow Americans to enjoy our corner of the earth. Safe and happy travels to you!
The Schwab debit card has zero foreign transaction fees. I made the mistake of forgetting that the UK has different currency and outlets when I stopped through on a layover after visiting other European countries. The tip about scaffolding is true. On that same stop through London I went out to the Parliament Building to find Big Ben completely covered by scaffolding.
Hey, Christina (?) Started perusal your website today. I’ve traveled to Europe, Latin America and the Pacific Rim countless times in my 35 year career. I must say, even at your younger age (I’m 65), you are spot on. perusal your 101 tips,, I was going Yup, yup, yup… You started going into newer areas with Apps, Websites, different technical tools, but I kept up. I was the paper ticket, calls to a travel agent and an AT&T calling card guy. Nonetheless, yourtravel your tips are excellent! Best Regards from Texas.👍
Make sure you budget time at the airport to find or potentially stand in a line for VAT. The process itself doesn’t take that long for a refund if you’re prepared and ready to go, but not every airport has the most obvious signs or laid out spots that are visible if youre easily overwhelmed in a crowded airport. And at least in CDG they may not be available after security when youre trying to make it to your gate so take the best opportunity to get that refund when you see it. Ask me how I learned that one. 🙈
Some other random tips: 1 I like to travel with my own pillow. Sleep is so important I find I sleep much better with my own pillow. 2 Hostels can vary hugely country to country. U.K. hostels are usually awful. Swiss and Austrian hostels are better. 3. Seasons matter hugely. it’s better to visit the South of Spain in February and Norway in Summer. Not the reverse. 4 Campervan and camping is not the same as Nth America or Australia. There is very little National park type land. It’s more associated with itinerant travellers and locations could be quite nasty. 5 some countries are less set up for tourists. Spain has a massive tourism industry so is great everywhere while the U.K. and Nordics much less so.
Great advice and tips I love you’re website I’m taking the plunge and going to Split Croatia in October solo I kept researching safe solo female destinations vacations and Croatia came up many times. I love traveling and always went with a tour group in the past being a introvert I know I would enjoy it more solo but it’s scary especially traveling internationally alone language barriers, getting lost, pickpockets all these things you see and here about with international travel can be very intimidating so you’re vlogs really help ease my anxiety and fears seeing other women travel solo is so inspiring for me.
I have not seen a square sleeping pillow here in Germany in the last 30 years. Only in my childhood in the 80s we had them at my grandmas house. The smaller, square and quiet stiff ones are usually for the couch. For sleeping, we usually have 80x40cm ones. But in case you encounter one of the old fluffy square pillows (traditionally filled with goose feathers), try folding the lower third underneath the top. This gives you a good support for your neck.
Kind of good recommendations. Only very few points that might be improved 😀 For example 3/101 is partially correct, but during main school vacations more people are leaving many major tourist cities than getting visitors; my preferred month for visiting Paris for example is August (not 2024 due to Olympics). 15/101 is correct on not renting a car – but the “vignette” for motorways is only a minor of the possible problems. And the vignette is not necessarily automatically checked, nor is there an automatic scan at a border for such a vignette. Quite a number of interesting places have no car access or do not allow cars that have not special authorisation. Parking can be limited and is often expensive. Road information (for road signs) is usually in local language only. 65/101 might be worth to mention that “local” cuisine is seldom “national” but regional. Go where possible for regional food specialties (as mentioned in 75 at leat a little bit). 66/101 does not work everywhere, many hotels offer better breakfast at lower prices than a traveler can get, especially if not familiar with a place. Many places in Europe simply have no local bakery any more. Often enough I get a hotel breakfast that is sufficient for skipping lunch. 83/101 VAT is not that simple, a customs export confirmation is always required first, procedure depends on country, the VAT is refunded by the seller (in fact its a tax exemption for exports) often but not always done by some specialised offices. Products may not be used before export procedure is completed.
First, let me tell you I love your tips. I just discovered you and have watched many of your articles and read your posts on your website. OMG, you talk so fast. I must keep pausing the article to write down some of the info. However, keep up the enthusiastic wealth of knowledge for all of us keen travellers to use. Thank you!!
Thank you for all the amazing tips!! I know July is one of the worst times to visit Europe, but I’m going to be in Poland next year for a wedding and wanted to extend the trip to visit other countries 🥲 I’m getting discouraged by the crowds… so would love to see more tips on how to still have a good time traveling in July-August. ❤
These are amazing tips! I would love to see a Denmark specific tips article, as I plan to travel there for an 80-day period during the winter holidays, and it will be my first time traveling internationally! I am also a NA citizen, so it’d be nice to know more travel tips for Europe/Scandinavia/Denmark.
Thank you so much for this! i love all your tips and information! My friend and i are going to the eastern mediterranean on a cruise next year and are so overwhelmed about travel in europe! it’s a bucket list itinerary, but since we’re starting in Istanbul and ending in Trieste, we want to see a couple of days in Turkey and Italy and just trying to plan that is completely daunting. We have no idea how to get around or where to stay or what’s even practical for us – i’m devouring all your vlogs since i discovered this! Love all these tips and please do post more!
Love your website and articles! I’m a newish subscriber!!! Would LOVE article about the Italian train system. We will be traveling from Rome Airport (FCO) to Venice, then a few days later to Florence, then s few days later down to Naples, where we’ll stay in Sorrento. Then, we will train it back from Naples to Rome…I’m clueless! lol TIA
Great article…question on trains because I have yet to use them during my time in Europe. Mostly because they intimidate me a bit. When it comes to validating tickets, that’s only if you purchase a paper ticket correct? If you buy the tickets online then it’s ok I’m assuming. I plan to purchase the tickets ahead of time just because I don’t want the hassle of last minute. Plus I noticed that they can be cheaper if you get them in advance.
Great article! Tip nr 9. For instance: if you go to the cinque terre that place is packed with people. But if you go to Santa Margaretha’s Ligure and there is no cruiseship in town then the place is empty expect of residents and Italian tourist. It is so Nice. And also Recco the village next to Santa Margarita Ligure!
What baffles me is when some Americans travel to a place and expect everyone to adapt to them. I read a comment on a messaging board written by a guy who had moved to Japan for a year or so. He was complaining that, while the Japanese people spoke basic English, they did not seem interested in making a real effort in improving their English. He was the one moving to a foreign country😅 When you travel somewhere, try to learn a few words/sentences in that language. Be appreciative of the person who makes an effort to speak to you in English. Yes we all learn English in school, but sometimes it’s too much taken for granted by American travellers.
The title of the article should be Southern- and Central Europe. RE: ALCOHOL Warning when visiting Nordic countries (Norway, Sweeden, Finland, Denmark): If you drink alcohol in a public park you risk getting arrested. It is illegal. It is somewhat laxed on public beaches but drunkenness is highly frowned upon if there is children/teens around and there is a high chance that someone will call the police. Also, at least in Norway, the water is free in restaurants (you get tap water). If you want bottle water you need to ask for it (and pay). There probably are a few exclusive restaurants in Oslo that only offer e.g. VOSS bottled water but I’ve never heard of any. Where I live the tap water is just as clean as VOSS water.
That was such a rapid article that you may have mentioned, and therefore I missed it – that the volume of the transparent liquids bag that has to be checked at customs in Europe (and even in the UK, but we don’t know if we are in any part of Europe or not, anymore!) Is much less than is permitted in the USA. Just be aware. And, to repeat what other Europeans have posted; thank you, thank you for emphasising that Europe (Yurp?😂) is a mass of different countries with different laws, traditions and languages. Maybe, traditionally, Americans touring European countries speak so loudly because they think they can make themselves understood in English, in an area where English is not spoken, if they just do so VERY LOUDLY!😂 Now I have a question for other, North American responders. As what you refer to as a “washcloth “is, generally, in Europe ( and in the USA?) used for washing not only the face but other intimate parts of the body, why would you not have your own? Do you not already have your own shower sponge/scrunchie thing/whatever you call it, or do you expect hotels to provide supplies of those, too?
How about this tip? Get a burner phone rather than take your cell phone. If you lose your cell in Europe, all those messages, photos, and personal contacts will be gone forever. Instead, load the burner with Google Maps, travel apps, or whatever is the bare minimum of what you need on it. This is similar to the idea of not carrying around more cash than you can afford to lose.