ToursByLocals.com Blog

How to Eat like a Local in Singapore

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Saint Augustine of Hippo once said - "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page". Unless you travel the world and see other cities and towns, you will never have an idea of how diverse life can be! Apply this mantra to Singapore and you'll be ready to dive into the city's rich local culture and submerge yourself in its varied,...

Guide Video Contest Results Coming Soon

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Back in May we launched our first ever Guide Video Contest. We wanted to see more of our guides promote themselves by taking advantage of the video uploader tool on our website. A picture of your guide is great, but we figured that a video is an even better way to feel you've begun to "meet" the person you're going to spend time with on your travels. The,...

New York Launches Bike Share Program

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Late May of this year saw a major change take place on the streets of New York as the city launched its first new wide-scale public transportation in more than 75 years. They've already got taxis, subways, ferries, buses and their own two feet: so what were New Yorkers missing? A bike share program. On May 27, a fleet of 6,000 bikes located at more than,...

Journey to Hellfire Pass, Thailand

Wed, 5 Jun 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Thailand is famous for its golden beaches and turquoise waters, golden temples and elephant rides beside slow flowing rivers. So the words “Hellfire Pass” are startling: how does this place fit into our idea of Thailand as a bucolic paradise? Our guide Swai joins us today to share a bit of his nation’s history, and explain why a journey to Hellfire pass,...

Escaping the Heat in Athens: The best cafes when you're ready for a break

Thu, 30 May 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Christina, a PhD student in architecture and local guide in Athens, Greece joins us today to chat about how to step off the tourist trail to find refreshing cafes in the loveliest parts of her city. If you’re headed to Athens in the heat of summertime, this is information you’ll want to know! Athens is a magnificent city, with lots to see and do. But,...

Spotlight on St. John's, Newfoundland: local music, craft beer and where to do the best "twacking"

Mon, 27 May 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever spent time in Newfoundland? The word "unique" is bandied about a lot in travel writing, but it's certainly apt when describing this rugged, beautiful, quirky island off Canada's east coast - "The Rock" as the locals call it. Today our local guide Lisa is joining us to recommend things to see and do (and eat and drink) in the capital city,...

How do you Satisfy the Travel Bug in Between Trips?

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Our practical situations don’t always allow us to indulge our wanderlust. Time, finances, health and family commitments can squash the dream of jetting off for a European river cruise or African safari. Or maybe we’re fortunate enough to do those things, but no more than once or twice a year. What do people who love to travel do to soothe their itchy,...

Enjoying Rio Like a Local: tips for spending a great day in the Cidade Maravilhosa!

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Late spring is one of the best times of year to visit Brazil, and Rio in particular. If you’re lucky enough to be headed this way in 2013, read on for tips from local guide Lais on how to spend one splendid day in this ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’! I always tell my clients that the best months to visit Rio are May- June or September-October. The weather is very,...

Spotlight Destination: Bergen, Norway

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Our guide recruitment manager Colin has been working very hard of late to find ToursByLocals the right guides in Norway. Last week he introduced our team to one of his recruits: Kai Ove, a long-time resident of Bergen, Norway. If you’ve never been to Bergen, you’re going to want to go after reading about it. Surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords,,...

Portland Oregon: the random (but important!) stuff you need to know before your visit

Thu, 9 May 2013 15:00:00 -0800

We have a new guide in the Pacific Northwest! Scott is a long-time resident of Portland, Oregon, a city that’s popping up on more and more travelers’ radars these days. Its vibrant downtown, pretty residential neighborhoods, local cafes and brewpubs share space with many friendly (and caffeinated!) characters. Scott’s here to tell you about a few things,...

Special Places: Edinburgh's Holyrood Park

Tue, 7 May 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Do you have a favourite place in your city or town – someplace that always bring you a sense of peace or joy when you visit it? Our Edinburgh guide Peter took some time to tell us about a special spot in his city that brings locals and visitors together in their admiration for Scottish nature and history: Holyrood Park. My first adventure into the park,...

Get to Know our Guides via Video

Wed, 1 May 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Something we feel sets ToursByLocals apart from other private tour companies is our focus on our guides - the unique people behind the tours. Travelers are encouraged to read about and communicate with the different guides on our site and find the person who best fits their personality and traveling style. Travelers don't just book a tour - they choose,...

Tips for Visiting France's Bordeaux Wine Region

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Our guide Nicolle knows a thing or two about wine. When you live in Bordeaux, it’s almost a prerequisite to have at least a little savoir faire about grapes, but Nicolle’s knowledge extends to a diploma from the Faculty of Oenology at Bordeaux University and authoring a best-selling book about wine tasting. She’s joining us today to offer some well-thought,...

Vancouver and Dubai Guides Lead Media Guests

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0800

A couple of our guides on opposite sides of the world led some special guests on tours this past weekend. Travel writers were visiting Vancouver and Dubai and ToursByLocals got the chance to show two very different journalists around these two very different cities! Our guide Lois in Vancouver met with Ben Clatworthy, a UK journalist from leading British,...

Earth Day: 10 Ways to Travel Green

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Happy Earth Day! While it goes without saying that we should engage in environmentally sound practices every single day of the year, April 22nd is a good day to pause and evaluate our habits, and consider how our daily activities - and our vacations - affect the planet. When it comes to travel, there's sometime a tendency to step away from our normal,...

Life as a Tour Guide

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work as a tour guide? For people who are truly passionate about their city or region, and who enjoy constantly meeting new people, guiding is a dream profession. Just ask Maria, a local guide working out of Helsinki, Finland. "Good morning and welcome to Helsinki! My name is Maria and it's my pleasure to serve,...

Packing Tips: How to Travel the World with a Carry-On

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0800

What type of packer are you? Are you a full-size suitcase plus carry-on user, a back-packer or one of those streamlined small roller-bag types? We all have our own individual approaches to packing, and it’s worth stopping to ask ourselves if our personal packing style needs a little tweak. European travel guru Rick Steves tells us: “The measure of a,...

What to Do with Three Days in Brisbane

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Today we're featuring a guest blogger and Brisbane expert from travel site Cheapflights, a flight comparison website offering travelers useful flight and trip planning tools. If you're headed to Brisbane in 2013, you'll want to read on for fun ideas about the best ways to spend your time while you're there. Some people call it Bris-vegas which is maybe,...

ToursByLocals Welcomes Three New Office Staff (and will soon have to buy more office chairs!)

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0800

As more and more travelers are discovering ToursByLocals, and as ToursByLocals continues to find amazing guides in more parts of the world, we’ve had to hire some new bodies to keep up with the need for customer support in our Vancouver office. This brings our total marketing and administrative staff to 14 people. We thought we’d introduce Alex and Paul,...

Sailing the Indian Ocean at Age 92

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0800

We recently came across an interesting traveler comment on our website. Diana Conovitz from the United States had written: "We had the most wonderful tour with Augustine. He was so knowledgeable and made Cochin come to life for us. He was so caring of our comfort and the well-being of our 92 year old mother. We could not have imagined a more positive experience,...

St. Petersburg: How to make a "grown-up city" fun for kids!

Wed, 3 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Our guide Elina was born and raised in downtown St. Petersburg. She is an art history scholar, making her the perfect person to offer both a local's insight and academic's expertise on the Russian city. Elina is also a parent and has joined us today to offer advice on how to enjoy all of St. Petersburg's cultural offerings while balancing the interests,...

Seven Simple Tips to Improve your Trip Photos

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:00:00 -0800

No matter how many lovely trinkets we buy on our travels, our favourite souvenirs are almost always the ones that cost nothing: our photos. And with the high quality cameras available in smartphones today, you don’t have to carry around a DSLR to capture great shots. Read on for a few simple tips to make your trip photos more memorable, eye-catching and,...

Spring Festivals in Southern Europe

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Has spring sprung yet where you live? Or perhaps you're in the Southern hemisphere, and summertime is easing its way into warm fall days. This "shoulder season" time tends to provide perfect traveling conditions in many parts of the world, when you can avoid the summertime crowds and heat, and the weather is just right for doing plenty of walking. April,...

Magical, Mysterious San Miguel de Allende

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Are you planning a trip to San Miguel de Allende? Be careful: you may join the surprisingly large number of visitors who have decided to become residents! This Mexican town is the kind of place that’s hard to leave. Today our guide Mari explains how she ended up becoming a San Miguel local and just what makes it so special. I am an American woman, who,...

Happy Saint Patricks Day!

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 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. Ready to party with the best of them,...

Japanese Food 101: Five Casual Dishes to Try on your trip to Tokyo

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Tomie, our lovely guide in Tokyo, is not only an experienced local guide, but also an accomplished cook. We've asked her to take some time today to share with us five easy-to-find snacks and meals that are popular with the locals in Tokyo and the surrounding towns. 　　 Sushi, Tempura and Sukiyaki have been introduced many times before, and you are no,...

Five Must-Sees Sites of Ancient Rome

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Taking the blog reins today is Marissa from Rome - an experienced guide with a doctorate degree in archeology. She's a great authority on how to spend your time exploring the ancient side of Rome (but also knows where to get a wicked gelato!) Rome is a city with an impressive density of archaeological sites. If you want to go beyond the visit of the,...

Lace up your Walking Shoes: a tour through Agrigento, Sicily

Thu, 7 Mar 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Are you traveling to Sicily this spring or summer? Our local guide Sara has kindly sent us a suggested walking itinerary for travelers looking to explore the winding streets of Agrigento’s old town in a morning or afternoon. To visit Agrigento's old town you need half a day, a comfortable pair of shoes and an open and inquisitive mind. Park your car,...

Five Reasons to Leave Vancouver

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 15:00:00 -0800

So you’ve arrived in Vancouver, seen the markets on Granville Island, explored Stanley Park, been to the top of Grouse Mountain and shopped the boutiques in Kitsilano...and you’ve still got some time left on your hands before you have to fly/sail out of here. Fortunately, this is a very good problem to have. Frequently ranked as one of the top 3 “most,...

Take Advantage of Airline Routing for a Day (or more!) in Iceland

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever been to Iceland? The number of people answering “yes” to this question has risen in recent years, thanks in large part to Iceland’s increasing popularity as a hub for trans-Atlantic flights. For no extra cost, a traveler flying Iceland Air from Seattle, Boston or Toronto (and more) can break up a trip to other destinations in Europe with,...

Boat Tours: See a New City from the Water

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Seeing a city from the water gives us a whole new perspective that we lack while experiencing it from the ground. If you’ve been to Vancouver, you’ve probably walked through the dense heart of historic Gastown. But you wouldn’t know until you hopped on a sea bus (a part of our public transit system that ferries people from downtown to the North Shore),...

Medellin's Star is Rising

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Medellín, Colombia’s second largest city, is beginning to pop up on travelers’ radars with increasing frequency. The city, which sits nearly 5000 feet above sea level, is rising above its tarnished reputation as a former den of drugs and violent crime. A recent New York times feature travel article sings the city’s praises, and will no doubt encourage,...

Berlin: A Sober Reminder from 80 years ago

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Berliners live in a city that saw more tumultuous history in the 20th century than nearly any place else in the world. Today our German guide Janna tells us about a sober anniversary the city is currently recognizing. January 30th, 2013 was the 80 years anniversary of Adolf Hitler becoming German Chancellor – the first step of changing Germany into one,...

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Gung Hei Fat Choi! This weekend marks the start of Chinese New Year celebrations. 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 new moon after the Winter Solstice, which means it can begin anywhere,...

ToursByLocals Appears on CTV News

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Yesterday Colin Garritty and I (Sara) headed to the Vancouver CTV news studio to do a live interview on the Noon News. This was my second trip in front of the CTV cameras and Colin's first. It's always tricky to say all you want to say with just 4 minutes on air, but I think we got across the most important points: there's no better way to experience,...

Why Romania will surprise you

Tue, 5 Feb 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Today we are joined by Adrian, an enthusiastic and experienced local guide from Bucharest, Romania. Adrian has been guiding for 15 years, and is a strong advocate for bringing more tourism to his country. In light of that, he’ll be sharing with us 10 reasons we should all consider Romania as our next destination in Eastern Europe. The only Latin language,...

From the Summit of Kili to the Foot of the Pyramids: our guide manager reflects on the trip of a lifetime

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 15:00:00 -0800

At the start of January, one of our guide managers, Colin Garrity, embarked on a 3-week trip through Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia and Egypt. It had long been a goal of ours to spend some time with our guides in East Africa. Meeting our partners face to face always provides great opportunities for training, recruiting new guides, and building on our existing,...

What to do in Slovakia: the country at the heart of Europe

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 15:00:00 -0800

2013 is a big year for Slovakia, the little country sitting at the heart of Europe. The Eastern Slovakian city of Košice has been selected as this year’s European Capital of Culture, and the city has planned over 300 cultural events in honour of the distinction. Today our Slovakian guide Hana suggests a range of delightful places you may want to visit,...

Why you can't miss Edinburgh on a Scottish tour

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Scottish guide Martin has a life-long passion for his hometown of Edinburgh and its history. A proud Scot, he will show up to greet visitors in national dress and “will leave you with a real sense of the city - past and present” (as one happy traveller told us). He’s here today to tell us a bit about the history of Edinburgh. No visit to Scotland is,...

Star Gazing in Jasper National Park

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Winter is a wonderful time for star gazing in the Northern Hemisphere. While the shorter days give us less sunshine, they bring more star-shine and the convenience of star gazing in the early evening, rather than having to wait for the late summer sun to set. The best places to see stars are away from sources of light pollution. Obviously the Australian,...

Highlights of Scotland's West Coast: tips from a local guide

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Another tribute to Scotland will grace our page today, this one from Glaswegian guide, Bill. Bill has been on the receiving end of a stream of 5-star praise from guests delighted with the Scotland he showed them during their time in his homeland. Today he’ll tell us about several must-see places along Scotland's West Coast and Highlands. Scotland has,...

Scotland Tops CNN's 2013 Travel Destinations

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 15:00:00 -0800

When CNN released its "Top Travel Destinations for 2013" we weren't surprised to see Scotland at the top of the list. Its misty highlands recently played a starring role in "Skyfall", the latest James Bond movie, and the country has issued a hearty welcome to international visitors by declaring 2013 "The Year of Natural Scotland". We've asked our Scottish,...

Sub-Saharan Africa Sees Launch of First Low-Cost Airline

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Some interesting news emerged for our guides and travelers in Africa late this fall. On November 27th, the continent saw the launch of Fastjet, Africa's new European‐style, low-cost airline, which promises to revolutionize travel in the region. Until Fastjet’s launch, travel options through much of Africa were limited to expensive full service charter,...

ToursByLocals Now Has Presence in All of Europe

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 15:00:00 -0800

The continent of Europe contains (depending on who you ask) somewhere between 45 and 50 countries. And up until a couple weeks ago, we had guides in every single country but one. You’d think it was likely a tiny or remote or little-known place, but while the missing country IS tiny, it sits square in the geographic and cultural heart of Europe. So who,...

Puerto Rico: Your Next Adventure

Thu, 3 Jan 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever been to Puerto Rico? Our local guide Melba – a young entrepreneur, community leader and eco-tourism guide based out of San Juan – joins us today to tell you why you shouldn’t miss this tiny Caribbean island. Puerto Rico is a WONDER! This small Island, 100 miles from West to East and 35 miles from North to South, is something out of this,...

Discover Dragons and Volcanoes in Flores, Indonesia

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Last week we welcomed a new guide into the ToursByLocals network: John in Flores, Indonesia. We've had guides in Bali, Java, Kalimantan and Sumatra for some time, but John is the first guide from the island of Flores. He's also the only guide on our site who will take travelers to see the fearsome Komodo Dragons in their native habitat! Flores' main,...

Merry Christmas (and an idea for last minute shoppers!)

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 15:00:00 -0800

It's Christmas Eve, and we'd like to take the time to wish every one of our guides, travelers, friends and supporters a very merry Christmas. We hope you are preparing to spend the next couple days relaxing with good friends and family. For those of you planning to shop right up until the stores close today, we've got an easier idea: give your loved,...

The Best Business Trip Ever

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:00:00 -0800

There is much excitement in the ToursByLocals office this week, as Guide Manager Colin Garrity prepares to head off on what should officially and forever be recognized as the Best Business Trip Ever. Colin’s business travel doesn’t involve trade shows, board rooms or plastic-wrapped breakfast muffins, for Colin is going to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It,...

Finding Light in the Darkest Days of December

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:00:00 -0800

The winter solstice is approaching. When we reach this day, many of us breathe a small sigh of relief. While it is the shortest day of the year, it means we’ve done it, we’ve made it to the darkest part of winter, and now begins the slow progression of a return to long sunlit days. One reprieve from the darkness at this time of year is the multitude,...

New Orleans voted #1 American City to Visit

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 15:00:00 -0800

This November, Travel and Leisure Magazine voted New Orleans the best city in America to visit. And coincidentally, we've recently added New Orleans to our list of ToursByLocals destinations! We had been looking for a long time for the right guide for this unique city; someone who could convey the essence of this one-of-a-kind place, with its melange,...

Five Fabulous Escapes: How to Flee Christmas in Style

Wed, 5 Dec 2012 15:00:00 -0800

We wrote last week about special places to witness Christmas traditions all over the world. But what if you’re not looking for a hearty dose of eggnog and sprigs of mistletoe at this time of year? What if your ideal Christmas vacation is NO Christmas at all? Then today is for you, as we list a few of the best destinations to escape those incessant jingle,...

Want to Go on a "Secret" Melbourne Walking Tour?

Mon, 3 Dec 2012 15:00:00 -0800

The chilly grey December weather continues in Vancouver today, so it was lovely to receive a message from one of our guides in Australia, where Christmas-time usually means sunny days spent at the beach rather than in front of a fireplace. Our newest Melbourne guide, Greg, recently led his first ToursByLocals clients on a private walking tour of his hometown,,...

Christmas Tours: Where to Find Holiday Spirit on Your Travels

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

The countdown to the Christmas holidays is beginning in earnest. There are upsides and downsides to this time of year, and depending on where you fall along the “Christmas Spirit” spectrum, you may either be embracing the music, tinsel and lights or preparing to hide under a rock (or on a sunny beach!) for the next few weeks. If you’re the jingle-bell-avoiding-type,,...

ToursByLocals Joined by its First Cuban Guide

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

We're very happy this week to add a new country to our growing list of ToursByLocals destinations, and a new guide to our network! Welcome to Roland, who lives and works in historic Havana, Cuba. Have you ever been to Cuba? Seasoned Caribbean travelers and first-timers alike are surprised and delighted by the cultural richness, natural beauty and sheer,...

Four Fabulous Cafes to Try in Barcelona

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Are you traveling to Barcelona this fall or winter? In between sightseeing the city’s many monuments, museums and art galleries, you’ll likely want to join the locals enveloping themselves in the warmth of the city’s many excellent cafés. Our Barcelona guide, Francisco has scoped out some of the best cafes in town for their atmosphere, coffee and history,,...

A Ray of Sunshine in November: Vancouver's Eastside Culture Crawl

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

As our blog readers know by now, ToursByLocals is based out of Vancouver, Canada. Most people who live in this gorgeous city will tell you how much we love it here. But most people will also admit that they're less likely to feel the love in November. It's definitely shoulder season: the glorious crisp fall days are softening to grey, and the snow hasn't,...

Shubh Diwali!

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Today marks the holiest of days during 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.” At its essence, the celebration of Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps to signify the triumph of light over dark, good over evil, and to rejoice,...

Rio Guide Stars in CNN Documentary

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

We're very proud of one of our Rio de Janeiro guides this week! Carlos starred in a CNN Inside Africa documentary titled: "From Samba to Carnival: Brazil's thriving African culture." Leading Shasta Darlington (the show's host) around Rio, Carlos gives a succinct history of the impact of the African slave trade on his city. In 1888, Brazil was the last,...

Like Wine? You'll love Cape Town

Thu, 1 Nov 2012 15:00:00 -0800

As the days grow shorter and the chill fog of winter draws closer to Vancouver, many of the ToursByLocals office staff start dreaming of sunnier climes in the Southern Hemisphere. South Africa is one place that continually tops our travel wish lists! To further whet our appetites for this fascinating part of the world, one of our Cape Town guides, Derek,...

5 Must-Visit Volcanoes in Indonesia

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Today we're welcoming our lovely young guide Ami from East Java, Indonesia. Ami loves to talk about what makes her home unique, and in this case, the answer is some of the most active volcanoes in the world. Ami's going to tell us which ones we should visit on our future travels to Indonesia. Indonesia is not only the world’s biggest archipelago country,,...

Discover Classic Ireland away from the Ring of Kerry

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Joining us today is local Irish guide Roghan from County Laois, Ireland. His hometown of Timahoe is unlikely to ring any bells, not being on the well-trod tourist circuit of southwest Ireland. But travelers looking to discover classic Irish countryside, cosy villages and a warm Celtic welcome shouldn’t miss it! Hello all! Conas ata tu! My name is Roghan,...

Win a "Northern Lights Trip" to Iceland!

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0800

ToursByLocals recently partnered with Hostelbookers.com to bring you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. Included in the prize are two return airfares to Reykjavik, 3-nights accommodation and a private “Northern Lights Tour” led by local guide Guðrún. Here’s what the prize winner can expect from their tour:,...

International Film Crew Experiences Dubai with ToursByLocals Guide

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Yesterday our guide Houssam in Dubai had the fun (and challenging!) task of showing a film crew around his city of Dubai. The “November Films” Production Crew was in Dubai filming a travel show to be aired on a Norwegian network in early 2013. The crew had requested a very specific view of the city from the water, so Houssam arranged a private moonlight,...

Discover an Aussie Island Paradise near Brisbane, Australia

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever been to Brisbane? As our local guide Tamara tells us, there’s more to this part of Australia’s Gold Coast than high-profile beach resorts and city life. Tamara joins us today to let us in on one of the locals' all-time favourite day trips. When people come to Brisbane I always ask “How long are you staying for?” What I’m secretly wishing,...

What's NOT to Love about Madrid?

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Have you seen the weather forecast for Madrid this week? Sunny and 19 degrees (Celsius): absolutely perfect weather for walking around a new city. Our local Madrileña guide Paloma wrote to us recently explaining the many reasons she’s in love with this Spanish city – everything from its contemporary art scene to a quiet Sunday stroll through a shady park.,...

Company "Retreat" Issues a Full-Scale "Charge!!"

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0800

This past Friday the ToursByLocals team stepped out of the office and into a conference room at the Vancouver Marriot Pinnacle Hotel to spend a day envisioning our company’s future and the steps we’ll be taking to get there. These events are commonly referred to as "retreats" in corporate-speak. A bit of a misnomer in this case, considering we spent the,...

Harvest Season in Bordeaux: how to spend a perfect day in French wine country

Tue, 9 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0800

It’s harvest season in the Northern Hemisphere, and today our guide in Bordeaux is going to tell us what that looks like in France’s Médoc wine region. Beatrice joined us at this time last year to talk about spending a day in Biarritz; here she is again to suggest a similarly tantalizing day in the heart of French wine country. Harvest season is starting,...

Cape Town: 4 Reasons to Keep Coming Back

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Today we’re joined by Joanna from Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town holds one of the top spots on my “bucket list” of places to travel, so I can appreciate Joanna’s enthusiasm for her hometown! Read on to learn about four places every traveler to Cape Town should visit. I’m lucky enough to live in the best city on earth, a city where only one thing,...

Madrid Nightlife: Five Spots to See and Be Seen

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Our guide Gemma in Madrid has become a bit of a regular on our travel blog: in the past she's shared insightful tips on Madrid's lively food and shopping scenes. Today she's here to tell the night owls among us about the best places to enjoy the city's nightlife - an integral part of Madrid's culture. The nightlife in Madrid is unique - there is nothing,...

September 27th is Arthur’s Day in Dublin!

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Taking the blog reins today is Garvan from Dublin, who's going to tell us a bit about a new holiday in Ireland that's quickly gaining traction as a major reason to celebrate the nation's most famous brew. What is Arthur’s Day? And who’s this Arthur? Is this a day when they celebrate King Arthur in England? No. And besides, King Arthur is part of Welsh,,...

Celebrating 50 Tours in Lima, Peru

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Last week one of our very special guides in Peru delivered his 50th ToursByLocals travel experience to a trio of visitors from the United States. Aaron in Lima is always impressing us with his ability to innovate; he is clearly passionate about offering the best possible local experiences for visitors to his hometown. In addition to offering day trips,...

Some sad news

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Our Vancouver office was extremely saddened to learn of the death of one of our guides in Poland yesterday. Maria Margaret Skierniewska was a long-term guide in Poland, and an inspiration to many younger guides who looked to her for support and wisdom. Her friend and fellow guide in Warsaw, Monika, has written a few words about Maria Margaret that we’d,...

ToursByLocals Welcomes Tomas to the Marketing Team

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0800

At the end of August we welcomed a new staff member to the ToursByLocals office team in Vancouver: Tomas Pantucek. Tomas had recently moved to Canada from the city of Brno, in the Czech Republic and was living and working in Whistler when he saw ToursByLocals was looking for an online marketing specialist. It can be difficult to tempt people away from,...

Keep Cool, Have Fun and Enjoy Great Local Eats in Kuala Lumpur

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0800

While temperatures are cooling in the Northern Hemisphere, the mercury remains steady in steamy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Today our local guide Leng tells us how to keep cool, have fun and find the best eats in this vibrant Asian metropolis. My Favourite Local Haunts: As the weather in KL is generally hot and humid, I, along with the people here tend to,...

Summer Travel Reviews

Fri, 7 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0800

The summer is gradually winding to a close, and our well-researched and eagerly anticipated summer travel plans are now becoming golden travel memories. We've received so many thoughtful and exuberant reviews for our guides this summer that I thought I'd share a few that have come in just this week. It's wonderful to read about the way our guides contribute,...

Grape Treading in the Douro Valley, Portugal

Sun, 2 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0800

September marks the end of summer, and the beginning of harvest season for the many grape growers across Europe and North America. Our guide Miguel in Oporto, Portugal would like to invite travelers to take part in the harvest by visiting his city and getting their feet dirty! September is time for harvesting and there‘s no better place to do it than,...

Copenhagen’s Café Scene: Top 5 Places to Enjoy Coffee and Wienerbrød

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:00:00 -0800

So, you’ve walked every inch of Copenhagen’s Indre By (Old Town) and are ready to branch out into other neighbourhoods. Here’s a list of five fantastic cafés frequented by locals so you can experience a slice of the city’s vibrant café culture on your wanders through the Copenhagen’s fascinating and eclectic neighbourhoods. 1. Granola (edge of Frederiksberg) Sitting,...

"Vélibs" and “Boris Bikes”: using community cycles to get around Paris and London

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 15:00:00 -0800

While traveling through Europe this August, I took a different approach to getting around than I have in the past. Usually I buy some sort of multi-day public transit pass that allows me extensive use of a city’s public transit system. Paris and London in particular have superb bus and subway train systems (the “Metro” and “Underground” or “Tube” respectively).,...

Ich bin ein Berliner!

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Having never been to Berlin (or Germany for that matter) I was surprised to realise I had so many expectations for the type of city I was headed to. I pictured a lot of frenetic energy, urban density, concrete and graffiti – something maybe a bit like Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Berlin is really nothing like this. First off, it’s an incredibly green,...

How to be mistaken for a local in Europe

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

When traveling in Europe, many North Americans hope they will find a way to blend in with the locals, so they don’t stand out as a typical “tourist”. Not that there’s anything wrong with being a traveler! We’re privileged to be in a position to travel beyond our own borders. Still for many of us, there’s a hankering to look and feel like we belong in,...

Exploring Paris' Neighbourhoods with a Local Guide

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

Today I had the good fortune to spend several hours in the company of one of our most successful guides in Paris: Pamela Breit. I’m a couple days into a 2-week long trip through Europe, with an itinerary that includes Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen and London. While I haven’t been to Berlin or Copenhagen, and have been to London and Paris, I’ll freely admit,...

Five Things to Do on a Daytrip to Niagara Falls, Ontario

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

Niagara Falls is one of the top tourist destinations in North America. And it’s no wonder! The jaw-dropping spectacle of Canada’s Horseshoe Falls is a truly magnificent one that has to be seen up close to be appreciated. But let’s be honest: once you’ve seen the falls, and maybe taken a ride on the Maid of the Mist or the Funicular Railway, there’s not,...

Taman Negara National Park

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Have you heard of Taman Negara National Park? It’s the largest park in peninsular Malaysia, covering over 4300 sq km of land in the Titiwangsa Mountains. However, it’s not remarkable so much for its size, but rather its age: this pristine primary rainforest is estimated to be 130 million years old. Everything here is immense: gargantuan insects, flowers,...

London 2012: Let the Games Begin!

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

The London 2012 Summer Olympics are about to begin! At the time of writing, the Opening Ceremony is a mere 90 minutes away. Will you be watching on TV? Even better, will you be watching in person? Two and a half years ago many Vancouverites were sitting inside BC Place Stadium, waiting to witness the biggest spectacle our city would ever see. Millions,...

Exercise and Travel

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

If you’re the type of person who maintains a regular exercise routine at home, does it continue when you travel? Does whether or not you maintain the routine depend on the type of trip you’re doing, or perhaps how long you’ll be away? Are things like gym facilities in a hotel important, or can you incorporate exercise into your day in other ways? I’ve,...

Ramadan mubârak!

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

This Friday marks the beginning of Ramadan, a sacred Islamic holiday. Wael, a local guide from Jordan, has written a short article about the holiday, and encourages people to come visit his part of the world during this special time in the Muslim calendar. In Jordan and all other Islamic countries, the 20th of July marks the beginning of the Islamic,...

"Backyard" Canadian Travel: Discovering Alberta's Crowsnest Pass

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

Western Canada is blessed with some of the most incredible scenery on the planet, and every summer international visitors flock to Alberta and British Columbia in search of the crystal clear lakes, snow-capped mountains and glacial valleys that scream "Canada" from the postcard stands. Jasper and Banff National Parks are the recognized jewels in the,...

Meal with a View: Tips for Exploring Amsterdam's Culinary Scene

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Eating your way through a new city is a fun and delicious way to access local hang-outs, people watch and flat out enjoy yourself in different surroundings. As most European cities are extremely walkable, they make excellent foodie travel destinations – you’ll burn off more calories than you would at home just by walking (or cycling) between attractions,,...

111 Countries! Who is the Most Recent Addition to the TBL Roster?

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

The numbers keep going up! We have recently added one more country to the list of places ToursByLocals has guides. We're now sitting at 1277 guides in 111 countries! The latest addition to the list is technically an independent state, rather than a full blown nation, but we're not being picky: today we welcome the Republic of San Marino to the ToursByLocals,...

Congratulations Rio!

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

One of our guides in Brazil brought an interesting piece of news to our attention this week: Rio de Janeiro’s iconic landscape has just been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Clicking on the photos to the right will give you a sense of why UNESCO was impressed by the city's unique beauty. Thanks to Carlos for sharing the following information! Rio,...

TripAdvisor Reviews

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

Sometimes a traveler has such a fabulous time on their private tour, and is so impressed with their guide that they make an extra effort to let others know about it. We encourage all travelers to review their guides directly on the ToursByLocals site, as this sort of peer review helps others who are researching the best guide for their needs. But some,...

Guide Books for Young Travelers

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0800

A terrific book recently fell into my hands; a copy of KidsGo! London. In my years of travel, I've experienced the delight of cracking open a fresh guidebook many times. I remember the first one I ever purchased, Lonely Planet's Nepal Guide, and how I savoured it for weeks leading up to my trip. So naturally, I love the idea of a guidebook designed to,...

Five Delicious Reasons to Come to Peru

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Eating new and unfamiliar foods is one of the great joys of traveling and a wonderful way to explore a different culture. We love it when guides find creative ways to include local food and drink into a tour, whether through cooking classes, a stroll through a local market, or sampling street food and drinks. Aaron a passionate “foodie” guide in Lima,,...

Amsterdam Guide Meet-Up

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0800

We have a lovely group of local guides in Amsterdam, who had "met" each other online, but not in person. Last week they decided to get together for an evening of shared drinks (courtesy of the TBL office team) and conversation. Vincent, Frank, Karen, Frances and Yvonne met up in the centre of Amsterdam, at an atmospheric café named "De Waag" (weigh house,...

Go Big or Go Home: Why You Can't Miss Hawaii's Big Island

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Hawaii has been described as “nature at its most luscious.” No eye-rolling: it really is true! Anyone who has taken a trip to these emerald islands, rooted in the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean, and tickled by warm wafts of hibiscus-scented air, tends to agree: Hawaii really is paradise. One of our newest guides hails from Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island,...

TBL Open House!

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Thanks to all the travelers, guides, potential guides, potential travelers, journalists and friends who came out to celebrate with us in our new office space yesterday. It was wonderful feeling the energy in the room of so many people for whom travel is a passion. The number of times we heard: "Hey - you have real office space!" or "We thought you worked,...

Discover the Charm and Character of Victoria BC and the Gulf Islands

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0800

As we approach the longest day of the year, we also enter the best time of year to travel throughout beautiful British Columbia, Canada. The ToursByLocals team is admittedly biased about promoting this part of the world as a top travel destination: it’s our home after all! Today our local Victoria guide Elizabeth is here to share with us what makes her,...

Beyond the Museums: a guide’s tips on how to experience a slice of Dublin

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Introducing Garvan, a loquacious and warm-hearted Dublin guide who wants to help visitors gain an understanding of his living, breathing city that they won’t find in museums. Want to really get under Dublin’s skin? Then read on! So you know Dublin has a wealth of world-class museums and attractions, yeah? I bet you’ve got a fair idea of a handful of,...

Euro Cup 2012 - and TV fame for a local guide!

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Starting this weekend, Ukraine and Poland are co-hosting the 2012 Euro Cup. This will be the first time either nation has hosted the event, which lasts from June 8 – July 1st. Sixteen European countries will be playing for the prestigious football (soccer) prize: Spain, Italy, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Portugal, Russia,,...

ToursByLocals Open House

Thu, 7 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0800

The dust has settled from our big move to downtown Vancouver, and we're throwing open the doors of our brand new, bright green office on Pender Street for an Open House on June 14th. Everyone welcome! Along with our big move, we're in the mood to celebrate 3 years of tremendous growth: with 1253 guides offering 6551 tours in 109 countries around the globe, we're truly meeting our mandate of connecting travelers with local guides worldwide. Perhaps you're a Vancouver local who has used our guides on your travels, or are considering it for your next trip. Or you might be one of our local guides in the Lower Mainland who hasn't yet met the office staff in person. Or maybe you're a travel agent looking for unique experiences for your clients. Whatever personal or professional connection you have with travel and tourism, you're invited to meet our team and enjoy drinks, food and travel chat. When: 4-6pm, Thursday June 14th Where: 1112 W. Pender St, Suite 600 (at Pender and Thurlow, near the Burrard Skytrain Station.) If you plan to drop by, please let David know: dyoung at toursbylocals.com or call 604.777.4141 ext 6773. Hope to see you there!

Five Things to do in Casablanca: tips from a local guide

Tue, 5 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Have you ever been to Morocco? The nation is a fascinating fusion of Mediterranean and North African cultures, and its diverse influences are reflected in its unique architectural styles and cuisine. Mohamed, a guide in Casablanca, is here today to share with us five suggestions on how to enjoy his legendary hometown. Today Casablanca is the largest,...

Jubilee Celebrations in London

Mon, 4 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0800

In the last year, London has seen more than its fair share of pomp and circumstance. There was the Queen’s 85th birthday in April 2011, followed closely by the much anticipated wedding of Prince William and Catherine, ongoing preparations for the 2012 Summer Olympics, and now Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Not even England’s infamous rain can,...

Enjoy Porto’s São João Festival!

Tue, 29 May 2012 15:00:00 -0800

In 2004, a journalist from The Guardian commented that "Porto's Festa de São João is one of Europe's liveliest street festivals, yet it remains relatively unknown outside the country." Almost a decade later the lively celebrations surrounding John the Baptist continue to pulse through the Portuguese city – but more visitors than ever are joining the party.,...

How to eat like a local in Thailand!

Mon, 28 May 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Do you have a favourite Thai meal? Personally, I love Red Curry with beef or chicken. The richness of the spices and coconut blending together, the flavourful broth soaked up by fluffy white rice...heaven in a bowl. But I know there are a lot of dishes I have yet to try! Today our Bangkok-based guide Swai describes six very popular Thai meals that we,...

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 incomprehensible behaviour that shattered our city,...

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 quite like arriving first thing in the morning in an exciting new country...and wanting only 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 plague overseas travel. But for,...

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 you,...

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

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,...