Before traveling to Japan I had lunch with friends. Naturally, our conversation turned to my upcoming trip. Within minutes introductions were being made to two Japanese friends of my friends, one in Tokyo and one in Kyoto. Sometimes a local, free tour guide is just a conversation away.
I love nothing more than exploring a city with a local. Yes, I like to see the major sights of a city but my most memorable travel experiences are always connected to locals. I'm interested in the local experience, how they live, what their neighborhood is like, its history, and where they like to shop.
The bonus of enjoying this kind of experience is that the guide is usually more than happy to show you around for the pleasure of it. Which, I have found, makes it an all around better experience for both.
Not all of the tips below on finding a free tour guide are about the local experience but they are all great for the budget traveler.
Seven Ways to Find a Free Tour Guide
As a solo traveler, it’s helpful to have a local to take you around. It helps you slip into the scene and gives you a companion for a few hours or a day. This service can be booked through most hotels for a fee but not everyone has that budget. Plus, there is something special about people who show you their city, not because they’re being paid, but because they love it. Here are seven ways to help you find a free tour guide at your destination.
- Ask Friends. Whether at a lunch as I mentioned above or on a social media platform, friends and connections can often make introductions to a local at your destination who just might be available to spend an afternoon with you.
- International Greeters. I thoroughly enjoyed the free Greeter Program in Chicago. I asked for a cyclist and we covered a lot of the city in five hours. It was fabulous. I have since used Greeter programs in Paris and New York. Check to see if the city you’re going to has a Greeter program through their tourism office or on the International Greeters site.
- Meet-ups through Meetup.com. Are you into rock climbing, raw food, Harley Davidsons, practicing French, social media? There is a meet-up on just about anything that interests anybody. Check out the meetups to be held while you’re at your destination for a great way to meet locals who share your interests. If it’s a group on the move, like walkers or cyclists, you’ll probably get a unique tour of the city as well. Read Meetup.com Got Me Hiking in Hong Kong – It Was #$@&ing Hard!
- Free Walking Tours – Lots of Options From Berlin to San Francisco to Tel Aviv to Tokyo, there are free walking tours everywhere. Check out GuruWalks or Sandemans which list tours in multiple cities. Also, try Googling “free walking tours + (city you're visiting)” to find options such as Hanoi Free Tour Guides or Tokyo Free Guide or Toronto Free Walking Tours. I used GuruWalks on my recent trip to Panama.
- 5W – Women Welcoming Women World Wide With about 2,000 members in over 70 countries, 5W helps women connect with others around the world, make friendships, and have a contact when they travel. Accommodation is often on offer but it is best to keep the first visit short. This is a non-profit membership site so there is a membership fee.
- The Expat Community You can find expat groups that meet in many cities. Check meetup.com to find a group in the city you are visiting, or check local newspapers or websites.
- Your University Alumni or Social Service Club There are numerous alumni websites, communities, and clubs all around the world. A search on Google will help you narrow down the field to your geography of interest.
