ToursByLocals.com Blog

Golden Gate Bridge Turns 75

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:00:00 -0800

A very big icon is about to celebrate a very big birthday. While it won’t be able to blow out the candles on its cake, hordes of adoring fans will give it a hand on May 27th. So what are we celebrating? San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is turning 75! When the bridge was finished at the height of the Great Depression, it became the longest suspension,...

The Perfect Time to Visit Vicenza, "the Museum of Museums"

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Vicenza, located an hour from Venice, is renowned as the former home of Renaissance master architect Andrea Palladio. This fall, the city is experiencing another artistic renaissance, as hundreds of works of classical and modern art will be displayed in the newly restored halls of Palladio’s masterpiece: the Basilica. Today our local Vicenza guide Ruben,...

Traveling to Europe with Kids: a guide in Verona makes it FUN

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Valeria, a long-term guide in beautiful Verona, Italy has designed the perfect travel experience for families traveling through Europe with their children. Her Safari Tour is not only kid-friendly, but kid-focused. At ToursByLocals, we are strong proponents of introducing children to different cultures through travel, so we think the way Valeria engages,...

Why you should visit Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Sabah – or Borneo – is one of those travel destinations that elicit dreams of wild adventure and discovery. Borneo’s tropical rainforests and climate provide the ideal conditions for a wide variety of species to thrive. Today our Malaysian guide, David, explains to us what travelers can expect on a visit to his spectacular island homeland. The world's,...

Regional Cuisine: the Delights of Southern BBQ

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever experienced the quintessentially American gastronomy known as “Barbecue”? Unique to the southern states – in particular the Carolinas, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri and Texas – this usually pork-based dish is decidedly non-vegetarian fare. The Spanish introduced pigs as a source of sustenance to the colonies and the American,...

Introducing the Latest TBL Addition: Alaska!

Wed, 9 May 2012 15:00:00 -0800

One of the newest additions to ToursByLocals is a guide who lives and works in a place many travelers have their eye on: Alaska. Based out of Anchorage, Steve has been guiding for 11 years and is equally comfortable being a guide-about-town as he is on multi-day wilderness excursions. As Steve explains, Anchorage is the perfect base to explore the Alaskan,...

Five Places near Bangkok to Visit Floating Markets

Mon, 7 May 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Today Swai, a very popular and consistently well-reviewed guide in Bangkok, is sharing with us five excellent spots to experience Thai floating markets. While most of Thailand – like the rest of the world – has embraced the convenience of modern supermarkets, several floating markets still exist to give locals and visitors alike the chance to witness,...

European Night of Museums

Fri, 4 May 2012 15:00:00 -0800

If you’re traveling to Europe this spring, chances are you’ll visit at least one museum. From the Louvre to the Guggenheim, the Rijksmuseum to the Hermitage, Europe’s museums are the thread holding together the continent’s cultural fabric. On May 19, 2012 the 5th annual Nuit des Musées (Night of Museums) event celebrates the role of the museum in European,...

What sort of packer are you?

Thu, 3 May 2012 15:00:00 -0800

I’ve started to re-evaluate my packing style. The impetus for this is the realization that all those extremely cheap flights throughout Europe aren’t so cheap once you add on baggage fees. While travelers can bring a carry-on at no cost, the flight from Amsterdam to Copenhagen (and the two other routes I’ll be flying) will come close to doubling in price,...

Grizzly Adventures in Canada's North

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0800

As the days grow longer and warmer, Canada’s North comes into its own as a tourist destination. When many travelers think of Canada, they imagine the whole country to be one great Northern wilderness, but for the majority of Canadians, who live in close proximity to their American neighbours to the South, anything north of the 49th parallel remains a mystery. ToursByLocals,...

Braving the Summer Heat in Sicily

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Today our intrepid Sicilian guide Sara is joining us for a second time to talk about how to enjoy the beauty of Sicily in the midst of a summer heat wave. Don’t let August scare you away from one of southern Europe’s most interesting destinations! Most travelers don't dare to visit Sicily in Summer, because they’re afraid of its high temperatures. But,...

Celebrating our Travelers: Barbara and Robert and their 39 Tours!

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0800

We’ve written many blog entries about our fantastic guides, the places they live and the diverse tours they offer. Today we’re going to do something different: we’re profiling one of our travelers. By the end of 2012, Barbara and her husband Robert will have taken an incredible 39 tours with ToursByLocals guides. They are recently retired and have spent,...

Summer Travel Plans: Newfoundland, anyone?

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0800

When Paul and I recently had the chance to talk to CTV news anchor Keri Adams about ToursByLocals, she asked us to recommend one great summer destination for 2012. I managed to sneak in two: the Netherlands and Slovenia, which are both hosting very special cultural events this year. Immediately following the interview, I felt guilty that I hadn’t been,...

See the "Locals'" Budapest

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Today, a few words from our Hungarian guide András, a lifetime resident of Budapest, who we feel really embodies the spirit of ToursByLocals. András understands that while landmarks and monuments look good on postcards, the most vivid travel memories come from discovering the heartbeat of a city. If you would ask me how to get a deeper knowledge about,...

Watch us on CTV News!

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Paul and Sara were in Vancouver's CTV news studios on Monday, taping a segment for the network's News at Noon show. You can watch our interview with CTV news anchor Keri Adams here: ToursByLocals Travel Tips on CTV. Keri asked us about the inspiration behind ToursByLocals, how we find our guides, and what "hot destination" we'd recommend visiting this,...

Halifax Commemorates its Connection to the Sinking of the Titanic

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0800

As many of us are aware, April 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Today Andy, our guide from Halifax, explains this historic Canadian city's connection to the international tragedy, and how it is commemorating the centenary. The year 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the infamous sinking of the ill-fated liner HMS Titanic.,...

A Move, a Run and a TV Studio: big week ahead for TBL!

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0800

It’s almost moving time! Time to leave the old office in New Westminster for our shinier downtown digs on the 6th floor of 1112 West Pender. We’ll be a stone’s throw (if you’ve got a good arm anyway!) from waterfront Jack Poole Plaza and the former Olympic Cauldron, whose flames burned throughout the Vancouver Winter 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games,...

2012 European Capital of Culture: Maribor

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Ever been to Slovenia? If not, 2012 is a great year to make the trip, as the eastern Slovenian city of Maribor is celebrating its status as European Capital of Culture 2012. A bit about Slovenia: this tiny central-European nation is blanketed in forests and history - making it a fascinating destination for both nature and culture-lovers. Highlights of,...

Five Activities You've Got to Do in Amsterdam

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0800

It’s April and that means one thing in Holland: Tulip season has begun! Throughout the Netherlands, visitors are flocking to the bulb fields to see the nation’s iconic flower in all its colourful glory. And tourists in the Netherlands rarely miss visiting Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most likeable cities. Today Frank, one of our Dutch guides, joins us to,...

We’re moving! (An Ode to New Westminster)

Mon, 2 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0800

The ToursByLocals office is moving this April. This won’t affect our guides or travelers in the slightest, but it will make commuting into work for our admin team a much more pleasant affair! For the past three years our offices have been based out of New Westminster, BC, in the south-eastern suburbs of Vancouver. “Suburb” is really an entirely inaccurate,...

Don't Miss Vicenza's Venetian Villas

Mon, 2 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Today we welcome Francesca, an experienced tourist guide in Vicenza, a thriving city in northeastern Italy's Veneto region. Francesca was born in one of Vicenza's renowned Palladian buildings, so it is no exaggeration to say she has embraced her city’s rich artistic and architectural heritage since birth. Now an Art Historian with a PhD from the University,...

Heading to the Netherlands this Summer? Don't Miss the Floriade!

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Travelers to the Netherlands are in for an extra special treat this summer: a-once-in-a-decade horticultural show that puts even the spectacular blooms at Keukenhof in its shadow. The Floriade is a horticultural expo that showcases the world’s best flowers, plants, trees, fruits and vegetables, and is expected to draw upwards of 2 million visitors this,...

Warning: Photos WILL Inspire Wanderlust

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0800

One of our local guides recently brought an amazing photo essay to our attention. Rosebell, who lives in Nairobi and guides all over Kenya, is both a guide and a keen adventurer. Her passion for new places has inspired her more than once to share amazing photos with us on our Facebook page. These particular photos, titled "Amazing Places to Experience,...

Denmark's "The Killing"

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Are you one of the many people who has tuned into the popular and critically acclaimed TV Drama "The Killing"? The Danish-born series, which features Detective Sarah Lund solving a tangled murder mystery/political conspiracy, first aired in Scandinavia in 2007, but only recently became an international hit. 2011 saw more British viewers watching the BAFTA,...

Off the Beaten Track in Thailand

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Today we are joined by one of our local Thai guides, Swai, who has a great off-the-beaten-path travel suggestion for us. Swai was born, raised and works today in Bangkok. He knows that Thailand is an incredible nation to visit – stunning beaches, riveting cultural traditions, incredible food – but there’s no denying that the tourist path is worn smooth,...

First Day of Spring!

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Can you smell it in the air where you live? The ground thawing, the buds tightly curled, waiting to unfurl, the tentative green of early spring? I can't. At about 1000ft above sea level, Burnaby Mountain woke up this morning to another day of frosty pavements and snow-covered roofs. Spring usually has sprung by this point in March, but it seems Mother,...

Wheelchair-Friendly Tours in Glasgow, Scotland

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0800

ToursByLocals recognises that many people with reduced mobility remain keen travelers. For this reason, we ask all of our guides to clearly label whether their individual tours are wheelchair-accessible or not. Reduced mobility should not be a barrier to seeing the world, and today we’d like to recognize one of our guides who has gone the extra mile to,...

Five Must-Sees in Fabulous Florence!

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0800

The jewel of Renaissance Italy. A city of timeless beauty. A financial powerhouse and artistic treasure trove. Once even (briefly) the nation’s capital. Full of family legacies and modern imaginings, Florence is a city to savour. If you’re lucky enough to be planning a trip here, pour yourself a glass of Chianti and read on! Our guide Valentina joins,...

Saint Petersburg: Where it all began

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Back when ToursByLocals first started in November 2008, the company had guides in only two countries: Canada and Russia. Compare that to now, with over 1100 excellent guides in 109 countries, and you'll see how far we've come in our mission to connect travelers with local guides anywhere in the world. But today's blog post isn't about where we're going,...

Traveling to Istanbul? A Top 10 Itinerary for you!

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Thanks to Emre, one of our guides in Istanbul, we have a top ten list of the most important, absolute must-sees for anyone traveling to this fascinating city. If you’re in the city for just a couple days, make sure to bring this itinerary with you to be sure you don’t miss the city’s most spectacular sights! 1) The Blue Mosque: The Sultan Ahmed Mosque,...

Infant travelers: start them young!

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Cindi, a traveler from Toronto, Canada recently sent us a photo of her lovely little globe-trotting grand-daughter Ella. Cindi has taken tours with ToursByLocals guides in 3 separate continents, and had 5-star experiences with all of them: Carina in Buenos Aires, Jacky in Hong Kong and Pierre in Monaco. Cindi sent us the photo to the right, with the caption: My,...

Pittsburgh: Why the city made Nat Geo's Best of the World list for 2012

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Did you know that the city of Pittsburgh was named as one of National Geographic’s “Best of the World in 2012”? Neither did we, until our local guide Phil, brought it to our attention. And for this we thank him! While many people still associate Pittsburgh with its industrial past, its days as a gritty blue-collar city are long gone. As National Geographic,...

A Unique Natural Experience in Mexico's Yucatán

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

In Cancun, Mexico we’re fortunate to have an enthusiastic and extremely qualified nature guide to get you away from the region’s busy beaches, and into the beautiful wilderness. Alberto takes great pride in showing visitors remote areas, rural communities and Federal Reserves off the beaten track. Today Alberto is sharing a truly rare and unique adventure,...

You Can't Do Everything (but you can certainly try) in Bali, Indonesia

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Today: our first blog correspondence from Matthew, the ToursByLocals staffer who has embarked on a two-month long business trip through South East Asia. He’s managed to meet all the ToursByLocals guides in Bali so far, and is currently in Jakarta, Indonesia. Today he tells us a bit about what it’s like to be a (working!) tourist in beautiful Bali. An,...

ToursByLocals Guide Hosts TV Crew in Buenos Aires

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Last week, one of our guides in Buenos Aires, Argentina had an extra special Valentine’s Day. Hernan was asked to lead a film crew around the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca to tape an episode of the popular travel TV show Globe Trekker (also known as Pilot Guides). Anyone who watches travel programming has seen the friendly faces of this long-running,...

Berlin in Winter

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

On this cold and rainy morning in Vancouver, it made me smile to read about a sparkling winter’s day in Berlin. Our local guide Penelope (or Pen, as she is usually called) sent me a beautiful written memory that illustrates the spontaneity, creativity and community spirit that embodies what it means to be a Berliner. If someone can convince me to travel,...

Where (and what!) to eat in Beijing

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

"Chinese food" as we eat it in the West is a pale shadow of the rich and complex flavours that exist in China itself. Our tepid stir-fries and chop-suey simply don't hold a candle to the real deal. But knowing what to eat once you've arrived in China can be a challenge: how do you pick from the vast array of regional cuisines, sauces, and preparations...?,...

Kids love Auckland: five family-friendly activities for young travelers

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever been to Auckland, New Zealand? Planning to go? Right now is the perfect time of year to experience summer in the Southern Hemisphere, right before the gentle golden days of Fall come to the North Island. We're joined today by our Auckland Guide Louise, who has shared with me all sorts of wonderful tips about her city. I'll dole them out over,...

Why Budapest? A Local Guide Explains his City's Allure

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Budapest now is among the top destinations for Central European city breaks. I hear from more and more tourists that this is the city most first-time travelers to Central Europe want to see. However, Budapest and Hungary are not among the must-do European destinations yet. As a post-Communist country, Hungary needed a long time to convince the global,...

Five Must-Sees in Istanbul

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

“Historic” barely begins to convey the intricate layers of ancient past that weave their way into Istanbul’s present. As a way for new visitors to get to know Turkey’s capital city, we’ve invited one of our Istanbul guides to share his Top 5 things to see and do there. Faruk is one of the youngest guides on ToursByLocals; he’s also one of our must popular! Top,...

ToursByLocals Adds Guides in Two New Countries

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

With the recent addition of new guides in two countries, travelers booking through ToursByLocals can now find guides in 108 countries around the world! Each new country and region that we add brings us closer to our goal of being able to offer travelers the ability to make authentic, local connections in any destination they choose to travel. Our two,...

Atlanta's Top Five Must-Sees: tips from a local guide

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Ever been to the sunny, booming "Capital of the South"? That would be Atlanta, Georgia. This city of five million draws many visitors each year with its charming streets, riveting civil war history and family-friendly attractions. Our local guide, Martina is here today to tell you the Top Five “Must-Sees” she recommends to visitors to Atlanta. 1. Piedmont,...

Irish Guide on Cover of National Newspaper

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

"His soul swooned slowly as he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead.” Our guide Joe in Dublin sent us this photo (right) a few weeks ago. I was remiss about getting it up on our site sooner (to better coincide with the January 6th date) but better,...

ToursByLocals heads to SE Asia!

Sun, 5 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

This week a member of the ToursByLocals admin team is embarking on a major out-of-office adventure. Leaving behind his headset and view of the Fraser River, Customer Service and Guide Rep Matthew will be flying to Bali, Indonesia for the start of a two-month long business trip through South East Asia. Matt's itinerary is ambitious: he will be trying,...

Why you need to visit Saltillo, Mexico

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Today we’re joined by a passionate guide and world-traveler from Saltillo, Mexico. Rodrigo has traveled to all seven continents, and loves to meet and make new friends by welcoming fellow travelers to his part of the world. With a degree in Tourism and Recreation from Texas A&M, Rodrigo has learned to be a passionate advocate for the benefits of sustainable,,...

Six Simple Products that Make Air Travel Easier

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:00 -0800

While some of us may relish the thought of a 6-hour flight, those travelers are few and far between. What with overbooked planes, the ever-increasing intensity of airport security measures, and the new norm of “no frills” on-board flight services, flying isn’t nearly as glamorous as it once was. Still, for most of us, air travel remains a part of our,...

Where to shop and what to eat in...

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Let’s play jeopardy: THIS city is the only metropolis in the world to span two continents. Another clue? It was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Need one more? Here’s an easy one: until 1930, this city used to be known as Constantinople. What is...Istanbul! Our popular and exuberant Turkish guide, Yilmaz, has provided us with a slew of great recommendations,...

It's Robbie Burns Day!

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Robert Burns, Scotland’s most celebrated poet, was born on this day, January 25th, in 1759. Known alternately as “Scotland’s Bard,” “Scotland’s Favourite Son” and “Scotland’s National Poet” Robbie Burns clearly did not toil away in obscurity. The first Robbie Burns Day suppers were held in Ayrshire, Scotland, at the end of the 18th century by Robert,...

Top Five Things to Do and See in Lima, Peru

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:00:00 -0800

What’s the weather like where you are today? If you’re anywhere around the 49th parallel (as we are here in Vancouver), you’re probably thinking wistfully of long, balmy summer days, while you tromp through puddles of slush. But if you live in Lima, as our guide Julio Cesar does, you’re likely enjoying a Pisco Sour on a sunny patio, while a gentle breeze,...

Traveling to Luxor Egypt in 2012? You should!

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Our guides in Egypt have had a rocky 2011. The Revolution in Cairo’s Al Tahrir (Liberation) Square and the subsequent civil unrest have caused tourist numbers to drop, even though the majority of the country is perfectly safe to visit. This is the case with Luxor. While it sits a significant distance South of Cairo (almost 700km!), the region has experienced,...

Gung Hei Fat Choi!

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:00 -0800

With New Year’s Eve celebrations a few weeks behind us, it’s time to turn our attention to another culture’s winter celebration: the Chinese New Year. The New Year in China, (also called “Lunar New Year”) does not occur on the same calendar day each year – at least not in the traditional Western sense. The first day of the New Year coincides with the second,...

How to Spend a Perfect Day in Turin (Torino)!

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Carol, a long-time guide in Torino (Turin) Italy, is here today to share with us her “perfect day” of eating, drinking and sightseeing in her hometown. If you are traveling to Torino in 2012, keep these tips handy for exploring the city! My perfect day in Torino starts with a good, strong cup of Espresso coffee: Torino is home to Lavazza, one of the,...

ToursByLocals Guide Featured in Indonesian Press

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:00:00 -0800

We recently received an interesting message from our guide Ira, who lives and works on the central Indonesian island of Java. Ira had been speaking to a reporter from the country's national newspaper, Seputar Indonesia, and sent us a link to the article. In the article, Ira talks to the journalist about the benefits of getting involved in Java's tourism,...

Top Five Things to See and Do in Los Cabos, Mexico

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Are the dark days of January causing you to dream of sun and sand in warmer climes? Maybe you’ve got a trip booked down South that your friends and family are secretly (or not so secretly!) envious of. For many North Americans, that sunny destination is Los Cabos, Mexico, where holiday-makers can enjoy the perfect blend of culture, scenery and surf that,...

All Roads Lead to Rome: how to get off the beaten path once you arrive

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 15:00:00 -0800

All roads lead to Rome. Averaging about 100,000 tourists a day throughout the year, this legendary city has long been a place everyone wants to go. The tourist track is well and truly worn – and for good reason! Rome boasts a richness of historical sites and cultural attractions that is hard to match anywhere else in the Western world. If you haven’t,...

24, 48 and 72 Hours in Stockholm

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 15:00:00 -0800

The Scandinavian city of Stockholm is routinely recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Set in a sparkling natural harbour and brimming with medieval charm, this is a delightful city to explore. Today local Swedish guide Jenny offers us recommendations on how to best spend your time in Stockholm whether you’ve got 1, 2 or 3 days. In,...

Top Five Restaurants to Try in Boston

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Our first guest blogger of 2012 is Peter, a historian and artist working as a private guide in Boston, MA. Peter has been living in Boston for over three decades and during that time has accumulated a wealth of local insight to share. Today he shares with us five must-try restaurants in Boston. It may be known as the home of the bean and the cod but,...

Five New Year’s Eve Destinations on Five Continents

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, and once again, everyone is asking what everyone else’s plans are. My New Year’s Day plans are exciting: I’m headed to Whistler for a few days of skiing some of the world’s best in-bounds terrain. But New Year’s Eve will probably look a lot like this: give kids their supper, put kids to bed, cook nice dinner with husband and,...

Kudos from a local Vancouver-ite

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0800

We recently received a lovely email message from a client who lives in our own hometown of Vancouver. At ToursByLocals, we work very hard every day to keep not only our travelers, but also our guides happy. To hear that we are succeeding warms our hearts! Here's the message we received: We recently took three ToursByLocals tours in South America, and each one was a resounding success. We found them to be far superior to any similar tours we've taken over the years, and to anything offered by the cruise ship we were on. What truly warmed the cockles of our hearts, though, was the fact that a company from our hometown was so well thought of by the guides we met. Each one of them commented on how well-run, honest and reliable your organization is. We felt proud simply by the association of coming from the same city. You're giving Canadians, and Vancouverites, a good rep in the world, and we love it! Thank you. Eleanor Joughin. Thank you Eleanor! And it wouldn't be right if we didn't acknowledge the three fine guides who helped to make Eleanor's trip such a resounding success. Michelle in Montevideo, Lais in Rio and Luciano in Buenos Aires - thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, friendliness and local expertise: you embody all that ToursByLocals stands for.

Spotlight on Madagascar

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0800

ToursByLocals now has local guides working in 105 countries! The latest nation to add to our global network is Madagascar. If you have children (or if you love animated movies) you probably associate this country’s name with dancing lions and witty zebras, but of course a visit here will show you something far more unique, beautiful and evocative than,...

Christmas in a Foreign Country

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0800

At any time of year other than late December, if someone asks me where I wish I could be, I can reel off a list of places I’d love to travel. But come Christmas time, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than home. In my 33 years, I’ve spent just one Christmas away from family – and it was about as far away as I could physically be: halfway around the world,...

Five Must-Sees in Strasbourg, France

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever been to Strasbourg? The intellectual and cultural capital of the Alsace region in North-Eastern France is a vibrant place to immerse yourself in French art and history. Xavier, our local guide in Strasbourg, joins us today to share his five favourite “must-see” suggestions for visitors to his hometown and its surrounds. 1. Place de la Republique,...

Don't Miss these Five Hot Spots in Java, Indonesia

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Indonesia is a nation of islands (over 17,000 at last count!) and no island defines the Indonesian experience more than Java. With a population of 120 million people making their living in a place only half the size of Great Britain, you’d think it would be difficult to find a quiet spot, let alone wilderness. And yet Java’s volcanic spine ensures there,...

London Guides Share Pints and Stories at the Ship & Shovell

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Last night, four of our British guides in London got together to share some festive cheer in one of the city’s historic pubs. This morning, we received a lovely message from Tony telling us about the great time that was had by all, and making more than one staffer in our Vancouver office long for a trip across the Atlantic to share a pint in such storied,...

The Sicily Experience! Five Must-Sees near Agrigento

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Western Sicily boasts one of the Western World’s most splendid treasures: the Valley of Temples. This relic of Ancient Greece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and deserves a thorough visit. But – as our local Sicilian guide explains in today’s blog entry – it would be a shame to travel to Agrigento and miss out on the region’s other unique attractions. Hello,...

Being a Flaneur in Paris' Parks

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0800

There’s something about Paris. More people than would care to admit have engaged in misty-eyed fantasies of renting an artist’s garret in Saint Germain, spending mornings walking along the Seine baguette in hand, and afternoons sipping coffee at Café deux Magots. There are, of course, the famous sites to see – le tour Eiffel, Sacré Coeur, L’Arc de Triomphe…,...

Don't Miss: Springtime in Tasmania

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0800

While the autumn leaves have all fallen in parts of the Northern Hemisphere, in southern Australia, the blooms are in full swing! Michelle, an adventurous, experienced and friendly guide based out of Hobart, Tasmania is joining us today to explain why this is the perfect time of year to visit her part of the world. It is late spring time in Tasmania;,...

Top 5 Places to Eat in Rio

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Brazilian cooking, while it has many similarities with that of its South American neighbours, is distinct. Differing greatly by region, Brazil’s multi-cultural flair is reflected in its gastronomic heritage – indigenous crops, a strong Portuguese influence, and other European immigrant cultures are all represented in the nation’s unique cuisine. Today,...

December in Budapest

Sat, 3 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0800

We’ve been dedicating a lot of time to writing about Christmas travel in Europe this holiday season. This is not only because we think it’s an enchanting time to discover Europe, but because our guides have been putting together such thoughtful holiday-themed tours, that we want you to know about them! The latest offering is from one of our highly sought-after,...

ToursByLocals Featured on BBC Fast Track Travel Show

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0800

We learned recently that ToursByLocals was featured this fall on the popular BBC Travel TV show, Fast Track. Hosted by Carmen Roberts, the show offers the "latest insider travel news and reviews, a wealth of destinations, amazing experiences and practical hints, tips and advice" to help people get the most out of their travels. Carmen explains that ToursByLocals,...

Find that Christmas Feeling in Frankfurt, Germany

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0800

The days are almost at their shortest, the sun is low in the sky and snow threatens from the lowering clouds. Tourists are thin on the ground in Europe, making it a lovely time to explore atmospheric streets and cafes without the thronging summer crowds. Germany holds a special allure for those who choose to travel here in the weeks leading up to the winter,...

Off the beaten track in Romania

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever been to Romania? Do you plan to go? Tucked into Europe’s South East corner, it’s a bit off the beaten tourist track, but rewards richly those who choose to make the trip. Our Romanian guide Radu – a PhD student in tourism at Bucharest University – joins us today to tell us how we can explore Romania’s mountains, and access some of Europe’s,...

Where to Find Manatees in Central Florida

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0800

November marks the beginning of Manatee Viewing Season in Central Florida. Our local guide Jack loves showing off these unique aquatic animals to visitors to his home state. He's here today to tell us a bit about the marine mammal, and when, where and how you can see one for yourself. The West Indian manatees could be dubbed "The Comeback Kid" of Florida's,...

Off the beaten track in Aruba

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today our local guide in Frances, Frances, returns with a look at “off the beaten track” activities on the island of Aruba. Frances is a local guide who moved to Aruba from the Netherlands many years ago. She works closely with her sister-in-law Esther, a native-born Aruban; this partnership gives her strong insight into the European/Island culture that,...

Christmas Markets in Munich

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0800

There’s snow on the ground in many parts of British Columbia, and thoughts are turning to Christmas. Where better to get into the Christmas spirit than in the traditional Christmas markets in Germany? Today we’re joined by Bavarian guide Simone, who regularly delights travelers with her fun and insightful tours of Munich. In November and December, Simone,...

Top 5 Things You Never Thought to Do in the Netherlands

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Your trip to Holland is all planned: Amsterdam, Delft, Kinderdijk…but have you thought about exploring some lesser-known Dutch treasures? Today Stefka, our extremely knowledgeable and exuberant local guide, presents to you five “off the beaten track” adventures in her homeland. Enjoy! Buses filled with tourists all head to the same destinations in my,...

The NEW Seven Wonders of Nature

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0800

On November 11 2011, the votes were tallied and the New Seven Wonders of Nature were chosen out of a shortlist of 28 candidates. The voting process, which began in 2007 with 440 submissions from over 200 countries, is the work of the New7Wonders Foundation. By encouraging democratic global participation to create the new list, the foundation aims to,...

Trinidad and Tobago Wins "Best Tourist Destination in the World" for 2012

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0800

The tiny island nation of Trinidad and Tobago has just won the world’s largest travel and tourism award. This fall, the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade voted Trinidad and Tobago as the Best Tourist Destination in the World for 2012, and the Favourite Cultural Destination. The designation of the World's Best Tourist Destination is the highest,...

Bargaining 101: Tips for fun and successful shopping around the world

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Shopping for unique items to bring home is something a lot of people look forward to on their travels. We’re not talking about Eiffel Tower key chains and Blarney Stone pint glasses, but one-of-a-kind items that will always remind you of your trip; perhaps a print from a local artist, a quintessential piece of street fashion, jewellery or regional pottery.,...

Traveling in the Off-Season (or "Why You Should Consider Winter in Croatia!")

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0800

At ToursByLocals, we notice a definite correlation between the changing of the seasons and the varying popularity of destinations. Everyone wants to go to Europe in the summer months and our guides there are extremely busy right through early Autumn. As the leaves start falling in the Northern Hemisphere, suddenly inquiries about the Caribbean and South,...

How to Spend a Fabulous Day in Biarritz, France

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we welcome Bea, our effervescent, active and lovely guide in Biarritz, France. Apart from being a tour guide, Bea is also a yoga instructor and certified scuba dive teacher. She’s joined us today to share her “perfect day” in Biarritz, in the hopes it will help those traveling to her hometown make the most of their time there! Biarritz is the most,...

Discovering Copenhagen: tips from a local guide

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we are joined by Una, a local Copenhagen guide, who has a lot to tell us about her hometown – and why it merits more than a one-day stop. If you’re headed to this Scandinavian city as part of a cruise, you’ll want to read Una’s suggestions for how to make the most of your short time here! If you have ever heard the phrase ”Big things come in small,...

Happy Halloween!

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

If you live in North America, Halloween is pretty hard to miss. Carved pumpkins adorn many stoops, along with cobwebs, faux gravestones, ghosts, ghouls and great big hairy spiders. Today millions of children headed off to school in their costumes for a day of haunted houses and orange-cupcake-inspired sugar-highs. While the excess of sugar that’s coming,...

Adding Tasmania to the List: a local guide explains the island's allure!

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

The leaves are falling and the days are getting shorter in the Northern Hemisphere, but the other side of the world is enjoying the blossoming of spring. Warmer temperatures down under make November and December an excellent time of year to visit Australia. And if you take the plunge into an Australian adventure, consider heading off the beaten tourist,...

Five foodie spots not to miss in Aruba

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Unlike many of the Caribbean islands, Aruba is a pretty sure bet when it comes to weather. As the nation sits on the southern fringes of the hurricane belt, tropical storms rarely have much impact on its sunny shores. There really is no bad time to visit Aruba. Our local guide in the region, Frances, emigrated from the Netherlands and made Aruba her home,...

Diwali Celebrations Begin!

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today marks the beginning of the 5-day long Deepavali Festival for Hindu, Sikh and Jain families around the world. Deepavali (frequently shortened to “Diwali”) translates to “row of lamps.” The celebration of Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps to signify the triumph of good over evil, and to rejoice in the inner light. Diwali is an official,...

Costa Rica: Top 5 Day Trips from San José

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we’re joined by Stephanie, a Costa Rican guide based out of San José and an avid world traveler. Stephanie has been to many countries, and believes Costa Rica is the best there is! Beaches, volcanoes, wildlife, national parks, friendly, peaceful people and warm weather all year round: what’s not to like? What is nice about Costa Rica (in addition,...

Where to Go for Fall Colours

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

The fall colours are almost at their peak in those parts of the Northern Hemisphere that erupt into colour every autumn. In Canada, the sugar maples in the East are turning a brilliant orange that pops against the deep blue sky, while aspens in the Rocky Mountains are rustling their sunshine yellow leaves. Japanese maples lining entire blocks in Vancouver,...

Top Five Things to Do in Buenos Aires

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we extend a warm welcome to our wonderful Buenos Aires guide, Pablo, who has taken the time to explain his favourite places for visitors lucky enough to be traveling to his hometown. And if you’re not currently planning a trip to Argentina, you’ll soon wish you were! First of all my Friends, WELCOME to the Paris of South America! So, if you are,...

Fall Festivals in Amsterdam

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Europe in the fall is a lovely proposition. The summer’s heat has dwindled, making for excellent walking weather (and what better way to experience a city than by foot?), and the tourist crowds have dwindled. Of course, summer is festival time, but there are still many special events going on throughout the autumn months. If you’re headed to Holland,...

Wine Tourism Around the World

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever experienced the joie de vivre that accompanies wine tourism? The experience can be a heady one as you drink in the sense of well-being that comes with savouring one of life’s truly simple, yet luxurious pleasures: a glass of wine in the tranquil beauty of a vineyard. Late September and early October is a wonderful time of year to witness,...

6 Tips to Avoid Catching the Dreaded "Airplane Cold"

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

It’s that time of year again: the days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder, and as we all start to huddle indoors, cold/flu season is about to rear its ugly head. Many travelers have noticed an increased susceptibility to catching a cold after flying; it turns out this common perception is very much grounded in reality. According to an,...

Handle Rio like a Local!

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today Martha, a Brazilian guide and proud Rio de Janeiro native, is here to share with us her tips for enjoying her city safely, and blending in as much as possible with the locals. Martha's tips should come in particularly handy for two of the ToursByLocals team, who are about to head to Brazil for a well-deserved holiday! After reading the article,,...

Japan: Land of the rising tourism numbers? (We can hope!)

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Ever since the devastating Earthquake and Tsunami that hit Japan last March, the nation's tourism sector has been struggling to rebound. Despite assurances to the contrary, most international tourists are still apprehensive about visiting Japan, meaning many popular attractions are remarkably uncrowded for those who haven't changed their travel plans. Our,...

ToursByLocals featured in Family Travel column on MSNBC

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

We woke up this morning to some great press coverage for ToursByLocals and one of our stellar guides: Aldo in Taormina, Sicily. Aldo spent a day touring around the historic town of Taormina and its surroundings with American travel journalist Eileen Ogintz, long-time columnist at TakingtheKids.com. In the article, Ogintz talks about the benefits of,...

Top 5 day-trips in Basque Country

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we’re joined by Spanish Guide Jon, an experienced tour guide and long-time local in the beautiful and culturally-rich Basque region of Northern Spain. Jon promises that on another occasion he’ll share with us his favourite things to do in his hometown of San Sebastian, but today he’s letting us know about how best to spend your time OUT of the city,,...

Fly me to the moon...an inside look at the Kennedy Space Center

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Space travel is the absolute final frontier for the adventurous, been-there-done-that type of traveler. If (like the majority of us) you don't have the funds required for a trip into space, head to the next best place: the Kennedy Space Center! Luke, our guide in Port Canaveral, (and also an engineer on the Space Shuttle!) joins us today to tell us about,...

ToursByLocals Celebrates TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Less than three years after launch, ToursByLocals offers private tours in 104 countries around the globe, receives Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. (Shared from our September 27, 2011 press release, issued from Vancouver, Canada.) ToursByLocals is celebrating a year of accelerated growth in its tour offerings. At its launch in November 2008,,...

It's Oktoberfest time: enjoy das Bierfest!

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Last Saturday, September 17th, Munich’s mayor kicked off the annual Oktoberfest celebrations by tapping 2011’s first keg of Oktoberfest beer. Yes, it's still September, but the festival traditionally lasts until the end of the first weekend in October. Oktoberfest began as a city-wide celebration of the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese in,...

What is your favourite weekend escape?

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Most of us only take a big holiday once or maybe twice a year. But that doesn’t mean we don’t like to recharge our batteries with mini-getaways in between the big trips. Short-haul travel also tends to be an environmentally-friendly option, as we’re not flying ourselves and luggage thousands of kilometres, but sticking closer to home. In Vancouver, we’re,...

How to Spend a Day in Helsinki

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today one of our knowledgeable Finnish guides, Ralf, is joining our blog to talk about spending a day in his hometown of Helsinki. This Scandinavian city is as modern and stylish as it is beautiful, sitting in a natural harbour made up of countless bays, inlets and islands and boasting many design-forward museums, restaurants and galleries. Helsinki,,...

Eat like the locals in Luxor, Egypt

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Egyptian guide Nahla is joining us today to talk about the best places to eat like a local in Luxor, Egypt. Nahla is a certified Egyptologist and extremely knowledgeable about ancient Egyptian art, culture and history – but she is just as eager to show visitors the “real” modern-day Egypt, with authentic local experiences at markets, schools and small-scale,...

Update your fall wardrobe - in Madrid!

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Gemma from Madrid is returning to our blog today with more insider tips on the Spanish capital. Last time she shared with us five great places to enjoy a meal in Madrid; today, the topic turns to other urban pleasures, namely shopping! Let Gemma tell you how to update your fall wardrobe, Madrilena style. If you are looking for something really original,,...

10 Must-Sees in Odessa, Ukraine: tips from a local guide

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Our guest blogger today is Anna, a Ukrainian guide who lives and works in the beautiful seaside city of Odessa. She’s here to share with you some insider tips on the ten most important things to see and do while visiting her hometown. Greetings from Sunny Odessa, Ukraine! To make an acquaintance with my beautiful city comfortable, exciting and interesting,,...

Forget Disneyland: Private Tours Becoming an Increasingly Popular Option for Families with Wanderlust

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0800

We’ve all seen it happen – maybe it’s happened to us. That audacious spark that characterized our travel adventures as 20-somethings is suddenly snuffed out by the arrival of our darling, burdensome children. All of a sudden we’re taking “family vacations” instead of backpacking through Thailand, reading Frommer’s instead of the Lonely Planet, researching,...

Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico City

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Are you planning on heading to Mexico this fall? If your travels take you there at the end of October, you’ll be fortunate enough to witness – and participate in, if you choose – one of Mexico’s most celebrated holidays: the Day of the Dead. The Day of the Dead can be traced back to pre-Colombian indigenous cultures; the Aztecs spent an entire month each,...

Back to School, Back to Work

Mon, 5 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0800

While summer in the Northern Hemisphere doesn’t officially end until September 23rd, for most people Labour Day and the first day of school spells the end of those golden summer days. Perhaps it’s because summer is about more than just the weather; it’s about assuming an attitude of relaxation, an emotional state of mind that privileges play over work.,...

Johannesburg: Just a transit point? Think again!

Fri, 2 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0800

South African guide Lesley is our guest blogger today. Having lived in the Gauteng area for fifty years, Lesley has a wealth of knowledge about the region’s historical, cultural and natural attractions – and a love of imparting local knowledge to visitors. Below she offers thoughtful suggestions on getting the most out of your visit to her hometown of,...

Eating in Madrid: Recommendations from a local foodie

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we are joined by Gemma, who lives and guides in Madrid, Spain. Apart from being an expert in European art (with a PhD in Art History) Gemma is passionate about gastronomy and has an inside track on the best places to enjoy the region’s freshest traditional and contemporary cuisine. Today she’s sharing with us five places to enjoy a meal in Madrid. The,...

Discovering the charms of the “luckiest place in New Zealand”

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we’re joined by Noel, an experienced and deeply knowledgeable local guide from Nelson, New Zealand. Noel is an expert on the region’s environment and natural history, and also all things wine-related. He’s here to tell us a bit about what makes Nelson such a blessed part of New Zealand, and a definite must-visit on your next trip to this island,...

Quick Update on Hurricane Irene

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

If you are traveling to the southeastern US or the Caribbean in the near future, no doubt you are keeping a close eye on the Category 3 storm moving through the area. The following update is a condensed version of an article by Adria Valdes, from the Recommend.com travel agents website. Hurricane Irene has caused a wave of travel cancellations as it moves through the Atlantic Ocean, already passing through Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos and the Dominican Republic. The good news is, it looks as though vacationers with travel plans in the coming weeks, and days even, need not worry. According to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, which we spoke to earlier today, while there has been some road closures and flooding in areas such Fajardo, all airports, hotels and resorts, as well ferry service to Vieques Island are open for business. The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism released a statement today saying, “all seaports, highways, hotels and most attractions and beaches are open and welcoming visitors post-Hurricane Irene. Most of the country’s eight international airports—including Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International Airport, which was closed Monday; and Puerto Plata’s Luperon International Airport, closed yesterday—are also open and receiving flights.” The tourism office, however, does urge tourists planning to visit the Dominican Republic in the next few days to check with their hotels and airlines to confirm travel information. As of press time, no updates were available from the Turks & Caicos tourism office as an assessment of the affects of the hurricane was still in progress this afternoon. The island is scheduled to release a press statement with the latest travel updates later today. Airline Updates - American Airlines has issued a travel waiver for passengers flying to and from several airports in the Caribbean—including San Juan and Santo Domingo—through Friday, Aug. 26. - Delta will waive change fees for passengers going to and from The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Puerto Rico through Thursday, Aug. 25. - JetBlue will waive change fees, as well as fare differences for travelers going to and from The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Turks & Caicos. - Continental Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways all have similar policies, as well.

How are you spending the last days of summer?

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Summer in the northern hemisphere is still going strong, but there’s no denying that the days are getting shorter, and September, with all its seasonal change, is just around the corner. Personally, I’m still throwing the over-eager “Back to School!” flyers into the recycling bin as soon as they arrive. Who wants to start thinking about the end of summer,...

Five Ways to Experience Thessaloniki: insider tips from a local guide

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today our guest blogger is Kevin, an American expat and local guide in Thessaloniki. Kevin has lived in this Northern Greek city for the past six years and loves the simple pleasures the city affords: good food and drink, atmospheric neighbourhoods, and a wealth of history. Here are Kevin’s five favourite recommendations for visitors to Thessaloniki. •,...

Iceland: A Paradise for Outdoor Lovers

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we welcome Guðrún, on outdoors enthusiast and passionate Icelandic guide based out of Reykjavik. She’s here to share with us the best spots to get outside and enjoy Iceland’s unique natural beauty. The Icelandic nature is magnificent: glaciers, huge waterfalls, big rivers and mountains everywhere. Iceland is made for activity and outdoor tourism.,...

Getting to Know the Office Team at ToursByLocals

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

ToursByLocals has been extremely busy this summer, and recently brought on board a new Customer Service Specialist to help out in the Vancouver office. Matthew Cooke has worked in the tourism industry for several years, and been a veteran traveler since his first visit to Africa at 10 years old. He is gifted at making new friends wherever he goes, and,...

An Insider's Guide to Visiting Montreal, Canada

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Edgy, cosmopolitan and with a dash of European flair, Montreal is a vibrant and eclectic Canadian city. The streets come alive in summer as sidewalk cafes and restaurant patios jostle for space with street performers and market stalls. Our local guide and long term Montreal resident, René, is here today to offer us some tips on how best to spend your,...

Cooking in Mexico City: the makings of a one-of-a-kind culinary tour

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

At ToursByLocals, we love it when guides get creative with their tour offerings. Tango classes, shopping trips to the local market, private piano concertos – these sorts of unique local experiences make for the best trip stories once a traveler returns home again. Today we’re interviewing a particularly creative guide: our Belgium-turned-Mexico City-Guide,,...

Five Lesser Known Gems in Dublin: tips from a local guide

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever been to Dublin? This compact, walk-able city is an absolute delight to explore, whether it’s your first or your fifteenth visit. With an abundance of history and culture, there is always something new to discover. Today our local Irish guide, Joe is here to tell us about five out-of-the-way cultural treasures in Dublin. Any guided tour,...

Five Places to Uncover Art and History in Brooklyn

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

A twenty minute walk across one of the world’s most iconic bridges leads commuters, pleasure-strolling locals and visitors across the East River to Brooklyn, NY. A world away from the high rises of lower Manhattan, Brooklyn offers a diverse wealth of art, culture and history. Today one of our a long time local guides, Harry, offers his perspective on,...

What goes into the making of a truly great guide?

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

You'll have to stay tuned for the answer, but know that we're working on coming up with a comprehensive response to this big question! We're reaching out to the most popular guides on our site, and to the travelers on our Facebook Page, to ask just what is it that distinguishes a great guide from a good one. If you have any tips to share, head over to,...

Why You Should Visit South Africa's Garden Route

Thu, 4 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we are joined by Fiona, one of our local guides in Knysna, South Africa. Fiona, a long-time traveler herself, explains why every visitor to South Africa should be sure not to miss the country’s spectacular Garden Route, and what you should be sure1 to see while you're there. The Garden Route of South Africa must be one of the most naturally beautiful,...

Five Culinary Adventures at the Los Angeles Farmer's Market

Wed, 3 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we’re handing the blog reins over to Steven, a local guide from Los Angeles, California. Steve has some excellent local insight to share about the culinary offerings on hand at LA’s famous Farmer’s Market. Warning: don’t read this on an empty stomach! You’re in LA and you’ve read the guide books, and they all say you need to go to the Farmers Market,...

Enjoying Kyoto's Gion Matsuri Festival With A Local Guide

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

One of our Japanese guides received a particularly lovely review today from travelers who had recently visited Kyoto during the city’s popular Gion Matsuri festival. One of the most famous and most well-attended festivals in all of Japan, Gion Matsuri spans the entire month of July, with closing ceremonies ending the festivities today. This festival originated,...

Top 5 Festivals in Barcelona for Photographers

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever been to Barcelona? Spain’s busiest port and most cosmopolitan city is filled with daring art and architecture, simply begging to be photographed. One of our local guides, Laurie, designs tours specifically for photo enthusiasts wanting to learn how to improve their camera skills while being taken to the most photogenic sites in Barcelona.,...

Five Must-Do Day Trips from Toronto

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

While Toronto isn’t the capital of Canada, it’s our country’s largest, busiest and (of course this is debateable!) most exciting city. The impact of multi-culturalism on Toronto’s many neighbourhoods can’t be over-stated. From Chinatown to Little Italy, Greektown to Portugal Village, Toronto is truly a city influenced by world cultures. The city’s diversity,...

Why Armenia should be on your travel list!

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever considered a trip to Armenia? Today’s guest blogger, Gevorg, an experienced local guide operating out of Yerevan, is here to tell you why we should all think about making Armenia our next travel destination – and what we should do once we get there. Armenia is a land of contrasts, offering something for everyone. It’s little known and a,...

Just in time for the weekend: Whistler Locals' Summer Secrets

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Being a Whistler local is a special thing, something many Canadians aspire to, but few achieve! Our local guide Laurie is fortunate to have spent nearly 40 years living in this stunning mountain community, where some of the world’s best hiking, biking, skiing and dining is merely steps away. Today she shares with us a few of the things you should do if,...

Five Fabulous Adventures in Bali

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

When many people think of Bali, the primary images that come to mind are exotic black sand beaches and lingering sunsets. But what to do once you’re bored with lazing around in paradise? Our local Balinese expert, Mully, is jumping in today to share his suggestions for the top 5 things activities to try around the stunning island of Bali, Indonesia. 1),...

Travel tips & Planning Info for South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today one of our local South African guides, Charmaine, is on hand to explain the unique and colourful Cape Floristic Region, which is about to erupt in its annual flowering season. Hopefully you've planned your trip to South Africa's Western Cape to coincide with this spectacular natural display. The Cape Floristic Region is one of only six floral kingdoms,...

Adventures Close to Home

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Last week I threw my tent and 3 sleeping bags into the trunk of our car and headed to Puget Sound for an impromptu camping trip. “Impromptu” and “camping” are words that really shouldn’t go together, unless you’re a seasoned camper who doesn’t have to think twice about what to pack on a camping trip. I am not a seasoned camper. But I AM always up for,...

Making the Most of a Visit to Vancouver Island: tips from a local

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

No visit to Canada’s West Coast is complete without taking a BC Ferry (or seaplane) across the Georgia Straight to Vancouver Island. The Island epitomizes the spectacular Pacific Northwest, with its scenic mountain and ocean vistas, abundance of wildlife and diverse aboriginal cultures. Today our friendly and knowledgeable Port Alberni guide Sandy talks,...

The Ultimate Guide to Mexico City's Best Attractions

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Monica, a friendly, knowledgeable and extremely popular local guide in Mexico City has created for us the ULTIMATE Top 5 list for her city: below you’ll find the Top 5 things to see, places to eat, neighbourhoods to explore, museums to visit, family friendly activities, and daytrips out of Mexico City. So put away your guidebook for a moment and plan,...

Five Unique Experiences in Kyoto

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today our guest blogger is Toyoko, born and raised in Kyoto, Japan’s most traditional city. Toyoko is one of ToursByLocals’ most popular Japanese guides, having led almost 60 tours around Kyoto in the past year, and earning a slew of 5 star reviews from happy travelers. Below you can find her five suggestions of unique and enjoyable things to eat, drink,...

World Literature: How fiction inspires our travels

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever come across a particular book that inspired you to travel to a new place? We’re not talking about travel guidebooks, or the specific genre of travel writing, but a really great novel that described a setting so evocatively that you couldn’t wait to experience that place for yourself. We recently compiled a list of literary fiction that sparked,...

A Modern Traveler's Dilemma: stay connected or go off the grid?

Fri, 8 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

The popularity of social networking sites and the proliferation of wireless hotspots around the world have created the perfect storm of communications technology: it really is possible to stay connected no matter where your travels take you. Traveling with a Smart Phone, Netbook, iPad or laptop allows you to plug into social media sites from your oceanfront,...

Adventures in Eating

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

When we travel we tend to give ourselves license to try new things. Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, Hiking Canada’s West Coast Trail or taking a Tango class in Buenos Aires are all classic travel adventures that ask us to muster up a bit of nerve. But what about adventures of the stomach? Being a curious traveler often means convincing yourself,...

Happy Customers Make Our Day

Tue, 5 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Received a lovely letter from a happy traveler this week who recently took three tours with ToursByLocals guides in Tallinn, St. Petersburg and Helsinki: Dear ToursByLocals, Our tours and guides were exceptional. Thank you for this experience. I will definitely use your company again for tours. Everything on your site was so clear. I printed my confirmations and logged all info and phone numbers into my phone. It was just great exchanging money with one company. I did have three other tours which worked out well too, but I would prefer to do it all through one company. Your website and information is so excellent. I will definitely use you again. Your guides e-mailed me back and forth as we made changes. Their responses were prompt and I felt like I knew them when I saw them. It made it so personal. I carried a yellow folder with their first name on it so they could find me. It worked well. I also was impressed with my being able to call your business and discuss matters with a "real human". I also gave your name to some other people on our cruise who were not so satisfied with their shore excursions. Thank you so much and I e-mailed my evaluations of our guides to you. I am sure they will be pleased with the feedback. Thanks so much and I am very fortunate to have found you. Regards, Linda Deitelhoff Thank you for your lovely feedback Linda, and many thanks also to Eva-Maria, Elena and Kirsti for providing this traveler and her family with such memorable local travel experiences. As James, our Customer Support Manager, says: We are very proud of our guides for their commitment to service excellence and for their enthusiasm in sharing the very best of their local communities and culture to open-minded travellers like Linda. Letters like this encourage us to continue on our mission to promote the benefits of local guiding around the world.

Uncovering Renaissance architecture (and some good nosh) in the “Palladian City”

Mon, 4 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever been to Vicenza? Sometimes overlooked by its nearby neighbour, Venice, this beautiful city in the heartland of Italy’s Veneto region, deserves more than a passing glance. Today Ruben, our guide in beautiful Vicenza, shares what makes his part of Italy so special. "Whereas Palladio's designs for public works, churches, mansions, and villas,...

Happy Canada Day! Happy Fourth of July!

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

This coming weekend will see the entire continent of North America engaging in a collective long weekend, as Canadians and Americans celebrate Canada Day and Independence Day, respectively. Canada Day, considered by many as “Canada’s Birthday” takes place on July 1st, while Independence Day falls on July 4th. While both Canada Day and the Fourth of July,...

Travelers Ask: Is it safe to travel to Greece?

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

In the face of protests over the looming Austerity Bill that has been deemed "harsh" and "ineffective" by Greek citizens, many travelers are asking themselves whether it is safe to travel to Greece. And while some are deciding the answer is “no”, even more are going ahead with their travel plans. Indeed, Thomas Cook reported last week that summer bookings,...

Reasons to Visit South Africa, the Rainbow Nation

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Do you have a country you’ve always dreamed of visiting? Someplace that’s maybe a bit hard to get to, or expensive, or far away – or all three! – but a dream you hold onto, nonetheless? I know I do. My dream is South Africa. When I was working on my undergraduate degree, I took a post-colonial literature course taught by a South African woman from Johannesburg.,...

Alternative Accommodations (or "Hotel Rooms are not for Everyone!")

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

We all have different budgets when it comes to travel, and different areas where we are prepared to scrimp or splurge for the best possible travel experience. Generally, the cost of a trip can be split into four key spending areas: transportation, meals, accommodation and activities. Personally, I don’t care how narrow or wide my airplane seat is, so,...

Tax Free Shopping in Rome

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today Stephen, one of our local guides in Rome, shares some useful tips on how to save money on taxes while shopping in Italy. How it works Tax Free shopping is an opportunity to purchase great things in Rome without paying Value Added Tax (VAT). Thus, if your home country is outside the EU (European Union) and you are making a purchase that exceeds 155,...

ToursByLocals Has Local Guides in 100 Countries

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

At ToursByLocals, we like to celebrate milestones. And in the last year we’ve had a lot of them! We now offer over 4120 tours led by 900 guides around the globe, we broke into the top 1% of websites worldwide, and have been featured as an exciting way to travel in national publications such as Canada’s Globe and Mail. A few days ago, ToursByLocals reached,...

Finding Great Pub Grub in Historic Sydney

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we’ve got a great read for anyone heading to Sydney, Australia. Our guide Suanne is a long-time local full of insider info on everything from where to shop to the best places to eat in her hometown. Today she’s giving us the low-down on where the locals eat when dining in The Rocks, Sydney’s historic district. I love this time of year in Sydney.,...

Vancouver Riots: Citizens Condemn the Thoughtless Actions of a Violent Few

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

As many people around the world have by now heard, Vancouver did not win the Stanley Cup last night. But the loss of the Cup has been all but eclipsed by our city's loss of dignity at the hands of a dangerous and deliberate few. Almost every Vancouver citizen is shaking their head this morning at the deplorable behaviour that was perpetrated on our streets,...

The Seven Wonders of Lviv

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we are lucky to feature a lovely guest blogger with many names: she can be Irene if you speak English, Iryna in Ukrainian, Irena in Polish, or Irina in Russian. Iryna lives in the beautiful Ukrainian city of Lviv, and would like to share with you the places she believes make Lviv special – in her words, the “seven wonders of Lviv.” Every city has,...

Go Canucks!

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever been in a city on the verge of winning something really big? I've found myself in this position several times now. The first was almost 20 years ago, when the Toronto Blue Jays won baseball's World Series. The second was last winter, when Canada beat the U.S. in the Gold Medal round of Olympic Hockey. And the third is happening right now,,...

The Top 10 'Must-Sees' in Athens: tips from a Greek guide

Thu, 9 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

June is a glorious month to visit Greece; the weather is beautiful and you’ll miss the summer’s peak crowds. Today Jordan, an experienced driver-guide in Athens, Greece wants to extend a warm welcome to travelers by presenting his personal top ten “must-sees and dos” in his fabled hometown. My top 10 "Must sees and dos" in Athens: 1. The Acropolis.,...

Should travelers coming to Spain worry about the recent E.Coli outbreak?

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Our guide Marta in Barcelona offers explanations and reassurance about the recent news surrounding an e.coli outbreak in Spain. Thank you for the timely update, Marta! SHOULD TRAVELERS COMING TO SPAIN WORRY ABOUT THE E.COLI BREAK? My answer is there is no need to worry. In Spain everyone feels safe eating as usual. Here is how the situation is going: Evidence,...

Mexican Cuisine Added to UNESCO Cultural Heritage List

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

When travelers think of UNESCO, they generally associate the organization with its remarkable list of World Heritage Sites. Many of the world’s most incredible historical monuments and natural attractions are on UNESCO’s famous list, from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to the Great Wall of China. But since 2003, UNESCO has been working on recognizing,...

Solo Female Travelers

Fri, 3 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

A guide review came across my desk this morning, and made me realise just what a blessing it is for a woman traveling alone in a foreign country to find companionship in another. Getting insider tips from a female friend who understands the culture of the place you are visiting can only enrich your travels. A friendly female guide can show you around,...

Discovering Luzon, Philippines: What to See Beyond Borocay

Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today our fun and friendly Filipino guide, JB offers tips on how to get away from the masses at Boracay and discover some truly unique island experiences on Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. 1) For those constrained with time (like cruise passengers), a quick tour of Manila is a must – but with a local you discover a more raw Manila – not,...

ToursByLocals team shares our bucket lists

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Do you have a travel wishlist? Back in 2007, Jack Nicolson and Morgan Freeman made the idea of the “Bucket List” popular with their movie of the same name. What travel adventures would you most like to have before you die? In the spirit of dreaming big (and to help you get to know us all a little better!) each member of the ToursByLocals office team has,...

Seeing Orangutans in the Wild

Fri, 27 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today one of our guides in Sarawak, Malaysia shares with us an incredible wildlife experience unique to this part of South East Asia: spotting orangutans in their native habitat. A walk through the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is one of those rare moments that you can sense becoming a vivid travel memory almost as it happens. The Sepilok Orangutan,...

Charleston, SC Crowned #4 Best City in the World for Travelers

Wed, 25 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Did you know that Charleston, South Carolina was voted #2 Best City in the U.S. to Visit by Travel and Leisure Magazine? Not only that, it ranked #4 in the World! Our Charleston guide, Linda, has a ton of ideas for how you can make the best of your time in her fun and fascinating hometown. Charleston is a "living museum" and history comes alive around,...

A Rush of 5-Star Reviews

Tue, 24 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Our site has been swamped this spring with five star traveler ratings for ToursByLocals guides. We explained in an earlier post how our ratings system works and we’re so thrilled with this recent slew of reviews that tell us how much travelers from all over the world are thoroughly enjoying meeting and touring with our local guides. There are too many,...

Local Guide Offers Different Reasons to Visit Kenya

Mon, 23 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today’s guest blogger is Rosebell, a guide from Nairobi. Rosebell is extremely well-versed in Kenya's tourism offerings, from watching the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara to urban cultural tours of Nairobi. In this piece, Rosebell gives us a local's look at a different side of Kenyan culture. Over the past few decades, the world has developed,...

Speaking the Language

Fri, 20 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

What is your approach to foreign languages while traveling? Those of us who speak English are extremely lucky that much of the world bends over backwards to learn how to communicate with us, while we retain merely a smidgeon of the vocabulary we learned in our high school French or Spanish classes. Engaging in dialogue with locals in the places we visit,...

Top 5 touring Places in Georgia

Thu, 19 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

The stunning nation of Georgia has never been on the beaten tourist trail, which means if you're fortunate enough to travel here you'll bring home some truly unique stories. Travel through jaw-droppingly beautiful mountain scenery to charming medieval villages while exploring the country's rich cultural heritage. Today our experienced guide, Mindia, from,...

Roadtripping with Children

Tue, 17 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

As I started to plan our family’s big summer road trip yesterday, I recognised a giddy sensation I hadn’t felt in a while: it was the happy feeling I get whenever travel plans begin to take shape. Budget constraints mean this year’s trip will involve driving rather than flying – but with the spectacular Pacific Northwest in our backyard, this is no hardship.,...

Armenia: Must-Sees in the Cradle of Civilization

Mon, 16 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Our guide Susanna from Yerevan, Armenia has joined us today to shed a bit of light on what makes her country such a fascinating travel destination – and what sights, museums and restaurants no visitor should miss! Armenia - acknowledged as one of the cradles of civilization - is a beautiful country with a sophisticated people and a long and cultured,...

Vancouver: 10 Ways to Enjoy Yourself for Free

Sun, 15 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

From June 10-12, travel bloggers from around the world will be descending on Vancouver for the 2011 TBEX Conference (Travel Blog Exchange). In honour of these prolific and inspiring writers who work hard and travel harder – often without hope of a lot of monetary gain – we’ve created a list of great things to do in and around Vancouver on the cheap, and,...

Five Fantastic Sights in Gdansk

Thu, 12 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today Margaret, one of our popular and highly-regarded Polish guides, tells us a bit about the best spots to visit in her lovely hometown of Gdansk. History, romance, shopping and a lively cafe culture - Gdansk has much to offer visitors. Gdansk is a romantic and historic waterside city in the Baltic Sea area. It is a city-on-the-water with a beautiful,...

How to Sleep on an Airplane

Wed, 11 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

There’s nothing like arriving first thing in the morning in an exciting new country…and wanting nothing more than to draw the curtains and curl up in your hotel room bed. As we told you in an earlier post on “How to Avoid Jetlag”, settling into the routine of your new time zone is critical in warding off the fatigue that can characterize overseas travel. But,...

Welcome to our newest guides!

Tue, 10 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Our network of independent guides continues to grow: ToursByLocals now has an incredible 1084 guides in 99 countries! Today we’re dedicating a bit of space to welcoming the newest in our roster of fun, friendly, passionate and knowledgeable local guides in North America, Europe and Africa. We’ve been looking for a great guide in Seattle for some time,...

A Dozen Delights in Sicily

Fri, 6 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

“Sicily is an island with a unique identity, a melting pot of different cultures”; so says our popular local guide Aldo, who has been helping travelers discover “his” Taormina for the past eleven years. Below, see Aldo’s recommendations for twelve must-sees around Taormina and Sicily’s East Coast. • Greek Theatre: Taormina's Greek theatre was built in,...

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Thu, 5 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today Cinco de Mayo festivities break out across much of the United States. May 5th is a date of great importance for the Mexican and Chicano communities, marking the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Many people wrongly equate this holiday with Mexican Independence which was actually won on September 16, 1810,...

Exploring Buenos Aires with a Local

Wed, 4 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today’s guest blogger is Hernan from the beautiful Argentine city of Buenos Aires, sharing his experience of one of the city’s most vibrant historic neighbourhoods. It’s Sunday noon in Buenos Aires. I am finishing up a cup of coffee, as a born and raised Porteño, I will not have lunch until 2:00 pm, so a coffee at noon sounds like a brilliant plan. It’s,...

The Value of Peer-Reviewed Travel

Tue, 3 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

The digital world has simultaneously shrunk and expanded our travel horizons. Reaching out and communicating with people in all corners of the world has never been easier, cheaper or faster. At the same time, our unprecedented access to information means we have a constant stream (more like a raging river) of information that just might carry us away,...

Vladimir's Top 5 Attractions

Mon, 2 May 2011 15:00:00 -0800

A jewel in Russia's "Golden Ring," the 1000 year old Russian city of Vladimir is rich in architectural and artistic treasures. Once one of the medieval capitals of Russia, today evidence of Vladimir’s richly storied past infuses the modern city. Our friendly Russian guide Larisa joins us today to explain the 5 most important historical and cultural monuments,...

London Calling

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

So did you do it? If you live in North America, did you set your alarm to wake you at an ungodly hour so you could watch the live feed from Westminster Abbey and the Mall? At the time of writing, ToursByLocals staff is undecided whether the Royal Wedding merits loss of sleep or not… but with a projected audience of two billion, we’re certain many people,...

Where to Find Great Travel Writing Online

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Many of us who enjoy travel also enjoy reading about others’ travels and their travel tips. As GoNOMAD (one of the sites we recommend below) explains, good travel stories need to be more than just pretty pictures and rosy descriptions of exotic places: the best travel writing is transformative, informative and thoughtful. Today we’ve put together a shortlist,...

Portugal Continues to Welcome Travelers

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Portugal offers an amazing blend of old world and modern charms, along with some of Europe’s most stunning coastline and medieval architecture. Today one of our Portuguese guides is stepping in to shed some light on what Portugal’s recent economic woes mean to travelers, and to invite people to travel to her country. Recent news reporting the fall of,...

Expanding our Horizons: Adventure Travel

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

One of the great things about travel is the way it challenges us to try things we’d never try at home. There’s something about being in an unfamiliar locale, away from our regular routine and out of our comfort zone, that lowers our inhibitions and entices us to give in to the thrill of excitement. What that means is different for all of us. Perhaps it,...

10 Must-see Sites in Jerusalem

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

In honour of the Easter and Passover holidays many millions of people around the world are celebrating this weekend, we asked our knowledgeable, experienced and erudite Jerusalem guide Schmuel to put together a list of the 10 Must-Sees in this most revered of holy cities. 10 Must-see Sites in Jerusalem The top three must-see sites in Jerusalem are associated,...

Coping with Jet Lag: Best Strategies

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Jet lag. From the newbie to the most seasoned traveler, we all dread its onset; some people even question whether a trip is worth the effort at all, for once we’re acclimatized to a new time zone, it’s often time to turn around and go home. But there are ways of minimizing the effects of jet lag so that you arrive at your destination (relatively!) refreshed,,...

Top 5 Places to Visit in and around Antalya, Turkey

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we welcome Aykut, a private guide with a degree in classical archaeology, from Antalya, Turkey. Antalya is an ancient coastal city and has become the gateway to the region now known as the “Turkish Riviera.” As Aykut explains, you won’t be short of things to do in this beautiful and fascinating part of the Mediterranean. TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT IN,...

ToursByLocals Guide Makes Headlines in Vancouver

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

One of our Vancouver-based guides made headlines last week with a full-colour photo on the cover of the Vancouver Westender publication. His talent? Unicycling! Alvin has achieved “icon” status in Vancouver’s West End, with his daily unicycle rides along the Sea Wall and through the city’s busy downtown streets. He has become a part of many Vancouverites’,...

Egypt's Top 5 Attractions: local guide explains the must-sees

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we welcome our ebullient, entertaining and popular Egyptian guide, Moustafa. Based out of Cairo, Moustafa helps travelers to discover Egypt’s ancient and modern wonders, from the streets of Alexandria to the Valley of the Kings. Here are Moustafa’s Top 5 Things to See while traveling around his homeland. Welcome to Egypt!(In Arabic we say AHLAN,...

Travelers Ask: Why do I pay in advance?

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Occasionally customers ask us why we require tours be paid for in advance. Simply put, it’s what the vast majority of our customers and guides prefer. Paying in advance through our secure site ensures both traveler and guide experience the most convenient, positive and accountable transaction. The best thing about paying in advance is it’s convenient.,...

Learn to Cook around the World

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Sampling foreign food while on the road is one of the great joys of travel. These days many people have access to excellent Indian, Chinese, Thai, Greek, Italian – you name it! – restaurants in their own cities, but while the food is often superb, there’s no substitute to enjoying it at its full strength, with fresh local ingredients, at its place of,...

Thailand's Songkran Festival

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

This week marks the start of a major festival in Thailand, and today’s guest blogger, our friendly and popular guide Air from Bangkok, is going to tell us a bit about what it all means. Make sure you take a look at the images to the right - Air's husband is a professional photographer and he took some great shots at last year's festival. In this coming,...

Historic Halifax

Fri, 8 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we welcome Andy, a charming, knowledgeable and above all entertaining guide from Halifax, Canada. Founded in 1749, Halifax is one of Canada’s oldest cities, and prides itself on being both historically and culturally diverse (and an awful lot of fun besides). Andy has put together a list of his favourite historic attractions in this lively maritime,...

Five Must-Sees in Moscow

Wed, 6 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we are lucky to have an eloquent and passionate Muscovite as our guest blogger. Tatiana has lived in Russia’s capital city since she was ten years old; she describes Moscow as a bundle of contradictions: “charming and austere, old-fashioned and genuinely modern, yet overall wonderful.” Following are Tatiana’s suggestions for the top five things,...

A Picture Says a Thousand Words

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

A beautiful photo often makes the best trip souvenir. Sometimes we luck out and snap a shot that’s frame-worthy, and other times we add another few degrees to the leaning tower of Pisa, or focus on Trafalgar Square’s pigeons, rather than Lord Nelson. Wouldn’t it be nice to go through your trip photos back home and feel like they really captured the atmosphere,...

Top 5 Things to Do in Bucharest

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Our guest blogger today is Radu Zota, a fun-loving and knowledgable Romanian guide living in Bucharest. Here are his top five suggestions for experiencing the pulse of the city while visiting Bucharest: 1. Parliament Palace The communist era put its fingerprint very dramatically on the Romanian capital. The most important legacy is the huge building,...

India V. Pakistan

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

It was a match for the ages. Today two South Asian rivals, India and Pakistan, met up in the semi-final match of the Cricket World Cup. Now in North America cricket's barely a blip on the radar of sports fans. In fact, Canadians have such a poor international reputation as players of the sport, that "to play like a Canadian" is widely understood to mean,...

A Day in Varna, Bulgaria: Local Tips

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Varna, Bulgaria has become a popular port of call for cruise ships sailing through Eastern Europe. One of the prettiest sail-ins on the Black Sea, it’s also a magnet for summer crowds. We asked our popular Bulgarian guide Dany how to make the most of your time in Varna. Dany’s response: You definitely don’t want to mix with the crowds in the most visited,...

Private tours more economical than bus tours - who knew?

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

ToursByLocals was recently featured in the Globe and Mail (Canada’s National Newspaper), who ran a piece comparing the merits of private tours versus large group tours. The surprising result was that in most travel circumstances, it was actually more economical for a small group (i.e. a family of 4 and even a couple travelling together) to hire a private,...

Learn to Cook in Ho Chi Minh City

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we’d like to feature a tour that we feel embodies the spirit of ToursByLocals. We believe traveling to new places is about so much more than seeing the sights; it’s about meeting new friends, learning firsthand about the local customs and environment, and leaving a place feeling you’ve gained some genuine cultural understanding. One great way to,...

Where to Eat in Rio

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

We asked Daniel, one of our most popular guides in Rio de Janeiro, to tell us about his favourite restaurants in the city. Make sure to hit up at least one of these places if you’re traveling to Rio this year! 1. Antiquarius Category: Portuguese This traditional restaurant is credited with bringing Portuguese cuisine, one of the staples of the Brazilian,...

Tips From a Local: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Today we’ve asked Croatian guide Pepo to comment on what he thinks are the top five experiences every visitor must have when traveling around the coastal city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Here's what Pepo recommends: 1. The village households in the Dubrovnik Littoral, Župa Dubrovačka and Konavle are well-known for their characteristic atmosphere, customs,...

The Tourism Situation in Japan and New Zealand

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Over the past couple days ToursByLocals has received several messages from Japanese and New Zealand guides concerned about the very real effect recent natural disasters are having on tourism in their regions. While we would never recommend traveling to a danger-zone, the vast majority of Japan and New Zealand are safe and unaffected by recent events.,...

Adventures in Uzbekistan

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Even among the most intrepid globetrotters, it’s a select few who have traveled to Central Asia. These days the “’Stans” don’t register strongly on people’s travel radar – but they should. We recently added a new guide to our network – Aziz in Uzbekistan. Born in Samarkand and now living in Tashkent, he’s passionate and deeply knowledgeable about his,...

Top 5 Things to Do in Agra

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Our guest blogger today is Ashish, an enthusiastic young guide from Agra, India, home of the iconic Taj Mahal. Ashish has assembled two lists: the top five things to do in Agra (there's more to the city than the Taj!) and the top five ways to enjoy Indian cuisine while you’re there. Top five things to do in Agra (make sure you click through the photos,...

Why do our guides have so many 4 and 5 star ratings?

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Occasionally people ask us why the ratings for the guides on our system are consistently 4 and 5 stars. Surely not every traveler is equally thrilled by their experience with the ToursByLocals guides? The answer is pretty simple. For the most part, travelers are extremely happy with their chosen guide and tour, and their exuberant reviews reflect that.,...

Any plans for St. Patrick's Day?

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, when the Irish and anyone with even the slightest connection to Ireland jump on board the Celtic bandwagon to join one of the world’s great parties. While St. Paddy’s Day started out as a religious observance, it’s become more of a secular holiday – a giant celebration of Irish culture. In Canada, some of the biggest St.,...

Top 5 Things to Do in Barcelona

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

As a regular part of our blog, we’ll be asking our local guides to share their favourite things to see and do in their hometowns. Our very first contributor is Marta, one of our most popular guides in Barcelona, Spain. She shared her recommendations for the top five things every visitor to her city should do. If you are coming to Barcelona there are a,...

Local Travel Movement

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

The Local Travel Movement is gaining steam. As technology continues to expand the speed and scope of our virtual experiences, an increasing number of people are looking to slow down and create more real and meaningful connections with the places they travel. Our unprecedented access to information means we can virtually experience a place before we go:,...

Earthquake in Japan

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

We woke up this morning to news of the disaster that struck Japan just hours ago. Much like the waves of the Tsunami, news of this sort travels fast, and there are probably few people in North America who are unaware of the devastation the Japanese people now face in the wake of the worst quake to hit Japan in a century. It was barely two weeks ago that,...

International Women's Day

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Did you know this week marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day? Specifically, March 8th 2011 is the day when men and women all over the world took time to celebrate women’s achievements and recognise the need for further social change. From their website: “Thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate,...

Welcome to the ToursByLocals Blog!

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0800

Hello and welcome to the inaugural TBL Blog post! We’re looking forward to the chance to share our enthusiasm for travel destinations around the world – from Capetown to Vancouver, Prague to Buenos Aires. On our blog you’ll get a chance to learn a bit more about the people behind ToursByLocals, where we like to travel, the services we like to use, and,...