Traveling abroad is one of life’s most enriching experiences, offering the chance to explore new cultures, taste exotic cuisines, and create memories that last a lifetime. Yet planning an international trip can be daunting, with language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and logistical challenges to navigate.
To make your journey smooth and relaxing, consider these tips on how to blend personal planning with the advantages of hiring a private guide, joining a tour group, and using a travel advisor.
Adventure Planning and Research
Before setting foot on foreign soil, thorough research and planning is required. Start by researching potential destinations based on the time of year, activity level desired, language fluency, and other relevant travel needs.
If your schedule is flexible, consider off-peak travel times when kids have gone back to school or outside of holiday seasons—you’ll save yourself time, hassle, and money if you can work with the shoulder seasons. Think Italy in early October, South America in late fall (early spring there), Australia in spring (autumn there), or London over Thanksgiving (not a holiday they celebrate).
Once you’ve found your spot, start researching the destination’s culture, customs, and top attractions. Dive into guidebooks, travel blogs, and forums to get a sense of what to expect. Read reviews, ratings, and recommendations from other travelers, giving you insider tips on the best places to visit and stay. Then, create a loose itinerary that highlights the must-see sights and experiences you’re interested in and can also be handed off to a travel agent or guide for further planning direction.
Hire a Private Guide for a Custom Experience
For travelers who want a truly customized luxury travel experience, perhaps one focused around specific activities like wine tasting or a safari, hiring a private guide is a worthy investment.
A private guide allows flexibility to design your itinerary around your personalized interests, whether that’s exploring historical landmarks, dining at a Michelin-star restaurant, or diving deep into the local culture—with all of the arrangements seamlessly handled by a local expert.
With a private guide, you’ll have the opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path locations that aren’t on the typical tourist trail because your guide has personal relationships with your destinations. You can also travel at your own pace, lingering at sites that captivate you without feeling rushed along on a tour.
Which naturally leads to the question: How do you find a private guide? Look for guides who are licensed and have excellent reviews. Many guides specialize in certain areas, such as history, art, or food, so choose one who aligns with your interests.
Andrea Zapico, a professional tour guide who specializes in wine tours around Mendoza, Argentina arranges tasting tours each day based on client’s desires—a tasting lunch, specific wineries, sparkling wines, various regions growing particular grapes, etc. Enroute to each location, she provides background on the wineries, terroir, and cultural traditions of the area in addition to translating any questions or information throughout the day. She also manages your personal driver, accommodations at boutique hotels, as well as curb to check-in service at the airport.
While hiring a private guide can be more expensive than joining a group tour, the personalized experience and local knowledge and connections often make it worth the investment.
Join a Tour Group for a Hassle-Free Adventure
For those who prefer a more structured travel experience, joining a tour group can be an excellent option. Tour groups are ideal for travelers who want to see a lot in a short amount of time without the stress of planning every detail, as they take care of the logistics, from transportation and accommodations to meals and entry tickets, allowing you to focus solely on the bucket-list events of the trip.
Traveling with a group offers the chance to meet like-minded individuals and make new friends from around the world. Many specialized tours such as the Whiskey and Wonders in Scotland tour, a partnership between Whiskied Wanderlust and Scholarly Sojourns, have itineraries designed around focused interests—in this case whisky.
“The best reason to travel with a tour group is the expertise of the people behind the tour,” explains whiskey expert and Whiskey and Wonders in Scotland host Kelli Nakagama. “The guides have been to these places hundreds of times, so they know the best way to get there, the best restaurants when you’re there, and the hidden gems that other tourists probably don’t know about.”
Some tours are more fast-paced, covering multiple cities in a short time, while others offer a more leisurely experience with plenty of free time. Tours are also a great option for solo travelers who prefer the safety and camaraderie of a group setting. To choose the right tour for you, research tour companies to find one that matches your travel style.
Use a Travel Advisor to Get the Details Right
Planning an international vacation comes with the need to address countless details such as flights and accommodations and local transportation, dining, and activities. This is where a professional travel agent or advisor can help you make decisions before you arrive and lower your stress level, leaving you free to make the most of your international getaway.
A seasoned travel advisor offers personal expertise, insider knowledge, and access to a global network of partners and travel experts in your destination. Best of all, they can craft a tailor-made itinerary that suits your preferences and budget.
“Travel advisors often save you money by securing better rates, upgrades, exclusive discounts, and amenities not available to the general public, maximizing your travel budget and making your experience more luxurious and cost-effective,” explains Fora Certified Travel Advisor Kari Herron who specializes in trips for wine tasting aficionados and beach enthusiasts.
A professional travel advisor can take the stress out of planning and save significant time, allowing you to focus on enjoying your experiences along the journey. “Their expertise ensures a seamless, tailored travel experience, making your journey enjoyable and stress-free, with the added assurance of 24/7 support for any unexpected issues,” Herron continues.
Another benefit of their services is that they are avid travelers themselves and can provide background on many locations you might have in mind.
“Puerto Vallarta is my favorite personal destination because it offers an ideal mix of a vibrant food scene, rich culture, and a sense of safety, all within a perfect climate,” says Herron. “The fact that it’s less expensive than most Mexican destinations and conveniently close to Salt Lake City, combined with the comfort of a beautiful, luxury hotel south of Puerto Vallarta, makes it the perfect getaway spot.”
Engage a Local Tour Guide for Authentic Insights
Even if you’re an independent traveler who prefers exploring on your own, hiring a local tour guide for a day or two once at your destination can greatly enhance your experience.
A local guide can provide context and insights that you might miss on your own, bringing the history, culture, and traditions of the area to life.
Best Times to Hire a Guide: Consider hiring a local guide for the first day of your trip to get a comprehensive overview of the city or region. This can help you get your bearings and inform your itinerary for the rest of your visit—ensuring you don’t miss must-see or must-eat specialties of the city. It’s also advisable to hire a guide for specific activities or sites that require more in-depth knowledge (think ruin bars in Budapest) or have limited entrance availability to the general public.
Cultural Connection:
A local guide often has deep ties to the community, providing you with authentic experiences such as visiting a local market in Valencia, Spain and then participating in a paella cooking class, attending a traditional event, or dining at a family-run restaurant that you wouldn’t find on your own.
Viator is a great resource for finding reputable guides and sometimes tours can be secured at a lower cost when booked directly through the local tour company.
Balancing Independent and Guided Experiences
The best travel experiences often come from a mix of curiosity and guided exploration. Use your personal planning and research to create a framework for your trip, then enhance it by incorporating guided tours and expert insights. Consider joining a tour group for part of your trip, hiring a private guide for a specific day, and exploring on your own for the rest. This approach allows you to enjoy the freedom of exploration while also benefiting from the knowledge and convenience that guides offer.
While planning will put your mind at ease, it’s also important to stay flexible and allow yourself the freedom to change plans. Factor in one to two days of a trip that you can fill once you arrive based on new discoveries, local recommendations, or simply the desire to take a day off and relax, because sometimes the best adventures are the ones you least expect.
Check These Boxes Before You Leave
However you plan to travel, consider these elements as your departure date nears.
Language Prep: Learn a few basic phrases in the local language. Even a simple “hello” and “thank you” can go a long way in connecting with locals and enhancing your travel experience. And knowing how to ask where the restrooms are is always essential. Some airline entertainment systems feature short tutorials for these.
Get Travel Insurance: Investing in comprehensive travel insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Make sure your insurance covers all the activities you’ll be participating in.
Prepare Documentation: Ensure your passport is up to date and expires at least six months after your planned return date. Make copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and other important documents. Store digital copies in a secure cloud service and keep physical copies separate from the originals. Check travel advisories of the locations you’ll be traveling to and register with your embassy or consulate.
Cultural Insights: Familiarize yourself with and show respect for the local customs and etiquette. Knowing how to greet someone, when to tip, or what to wear in certain places, such as Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia or any mosque, can help you avoid any cultural faux pas.
Pack Smart: Choose clothing that can be layered and mixed and matched to accommodate different climates and occasions. Don’t forget essentials like a universal adapter, medications, a basic first-aid kit, and a portable charger. Check with your mobile phone carrier about international roaming or a local SIM card to stay connected.
Money Matters: Carry a mix of payment methods, including cash in the local currency and a travel-friendly credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your credit or debit cards.
Health and Safety: Check if any vaccinations or medications are required for your destination. Be cautious with food and water to avoid stomach issues, and practice good hygiene. Ask your hotel concierge about where you should and shouldn’t go in the area and always prioritize your safety by staying aware of your surroundings.
Bon Voyage
Traveling abroad is an adventure that can broaden your horizons and leave you with lasting memories. By combining personal research with the expertise of guides and experts, you’ll be well-prepared to explore ancient ruins, savor local delicacies, and immerse yourself in a new culture. Safe travels!
