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When was the last time a place revealed itself not through a landmark, but through a meal?Across South East Asia, food is rarely a solitary experience. Meals unfold at shared tables, where dishes arrive all at once, stories travel freely, and flavours reflect generations of migration, trade, and tradition. To eat well here is not simply to taste — it’s to connect.From steamy street stalls to family-run kitchens, South East Asia invites travellers to sit down together and learn a country’s rhythm through what’s served. Here’s what awaits at the table in five unforgettable destinations — and how exploring them with a local guide brings deeper perspective.Vietnam: Balance, Freshness, and Everyday RitualVietnamese cuisine is built on harmony — of texture, temperature, and taste. Meals often feature a careful interplay of fresh herbs, light broths, grilled meats, and rice or noodles, designed to be assembled and shared.At the table, you might enjoy:Phở, aromatic and nuanced, shaped by region and time of dayBún chả, grilled pork served with herbs and dipping sauceFresh spring rolls, wrapped to order and meant to be eaten communallyIn Hanoi especially, food reflects daily life: quick breakfasts at dawn, lingering lunches, and evening gatherings over low stools and conversation. Explore the city’s many unforgettable tastes with local guide Tai.Thailand: Layers of Flavour, Shared with IntentionThai meals are designed for the centre of the table. Sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter notes appear together, inviting diners to explore contrast rather than hierarchy.A typical shared spread may include:Green papaya salad, bright and assertiveTom yum or tom kha gai, soups that balance heat with citrus and herbsRed, yellow and green curries, spooned over rice and passed from plate to plateIn Bangkok, food tells stories of royal kitchens, river trade, and neighbourhood traditions — best understood alongside someone who knows where those threads converge, like long time tour guide Peach, in her local neighbourhood of Bangkrak.Malaysia: A Meeting Point of CulturesMalaysia’s shared tables reflect its multicultural identity. Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences coexist, sometimes within a single meal, creating cuisine that is deeply layered and proudly communal.Look forward to dishes such as:Nasi lemak, rich with coconut rice and anchovy sambalChar kway teow, wok-fried noodles shaped by Chinese heritageRoti canai with dhal or curry, meant to be torn, dipped and sharedIn Penang, food is a living archive of migration and adaptation, best experienced slowly and with context. A tour with Hoo Peng is an unforgettable way to taste your way around this Malaysian foodie city.Singapore: Precision, Heritage, and the Hawker TableSingapore’s food culture thrives in its famed hawker centres: democratic spaces where strangers sit shoulder to shoulder, united by shared appetite and expectation.At the table, you may encounter:Hainanese chicken rice, deceptively simple and deeply exactingLaksa, where spice and coconut milk meetChilli crab, messy, generous, and unmistakably socialEating in Singapore is an act of cultural fluency, and a local guide like Michelle helps decode not just what to eat, but why it matters.Indonesia (the island of Bali): Ceremony, Community, and SpiceIn Indonesia, meals are entwined with ritual and hospitality. Food is often prepared collectively and eaten together, reinforcing bonds between family, neighbours, and guests.Shared dishes may include:Nasi campur, a composed plate of varied flavours and texturesSatay, grilled and served communally with saucesLawar or plecing kangkung, reflecting regional spice traditionsIn Bali and Lombok, food is inseparable from ceremony and belief — and learning this at the table in the company of locals offers insight no guidebook can provide.Sit Down, Share, and See More ClearlyShared meals slow us down. They encourage listening, curiosity, and openness — the very qualities that turn travel into understanding.Exploring South East Asia’s food culture with a local guide doesn’t just expand your palate. It offers a thoughtful, immersive perspective on how people live, celebrate, and connect.Whether you’re planning your next journey or simply imagining one, we hope this inspired a richer way of seeing the world, one shared table at a time.

Season 5 of Emily in Paris is about to launch on Netflix on December 18, and we're here for it. A quick catch-up, if you’re not already a fan: Emily in Paris follows a young American navigating a new career and an unfamiliar culture in Europe - a premise that has evolved into a vivid, city-shaping journey across France and now Italy. The series has always offered more than romantic plotlines and couture; it has turned Paris, and now Rome, into living characters, full of texture, contradictions, and irresistible intrigue. As Emily’s world expands, so does the desire among fans to step into the narrative themselves, with their own journeys. The upcoming season of Emily in Paris invites us into a new chapter, one that deepens Emily’s relationship with Paris while pulling her into the energy and elegance of Rome. For viewers, it’s the perfect moment to turn inspiration into a journey and see two iconic cities through a fresh, story-rich lens. Explore Paris: The City That Started It All Paris remains the heartbeat of the series—its cafés, courtyards, and riverbank moments shaping Emily’s evolution as much as any character on screen. Two thoughtfully designed ToursByLocals experiences offer a closer look at the places where the show’s Parisian magic unfolds. 1. Emily in Paris Half-Day Exclusive Tour This half-day wander offers a focused, elegant sweep through some of the series’ most memorable sites. Travellers explore neighbourhoods where Emily forged friendships, tackled career hurdles, and learned to navigate Paris with a mix of ambition and charm. It’s an invitation to look beyond the postcard-perfect façades and discover the nuances that make these districts so compelling. Plus, it comes along with a professional photographer as your guide, to capture those picture-perfect Emily moments. 2. All-Seasons Highlights: Netflix’s Emily in Paris Tour For fans who want to trace the arc of Emily’s Paris years all at once, this comprehensive tour connects filming locations across multiple seasons. Expect a curated storyline—woven from fashion moments, career pivots, and romantic escapades—that brings depth to spots that viewers may recognize instantly. Guides share details from production, cultural insights, and thoughtful commentary that turns each location into a point of connection. Rome: Emily’s New Chapter Takes Centre Stage If Paris gave Emily her spark, Rome tests her imagination. The series’ newest episodes immerse her in Roman rhythm—its art, its appetite, its layered history—and local Rome guide Caron has shaped three distinct experiences to help travellers follow that journey with purpose and delight. 1. Stepping Into Emily’s Shoes, Roman Style This tour mirrors Emily’s leap into a vibrant and occasionally chaotic Rome. Travellers wander through piazzas, film locations, and neighbourhoods where the pace slows just enough for stories to land. It’s a chance to explore Rome through a lighter, contemporary frame while still feeling the city’s deep artistic pulse. 2. Emily in Paris Spa Day in Rome Part pampering escape, part cinephile exploration, this experience pairs iconic filming locations with moments of wellness and indulgence. It captures the tone of Emily’s Roman interlude, where unexpected challenges often unfold between glamorous appointments and sun-drenched viewpoints. 3. Emily in Rome Walking Tour with Lunch at Trattoria Angelino Nothing anchors a story like a shared meal. This walk leads travellers from key filming locations to a long, leisurely lunch at Trattoria Angelino, where Emily also enjoyed a meal, echoing the convivial rhythm that defines so many scenes from the new season. It’s a thoughtful blend of setting, flavour, and conversation. And Soon… Emily in Venice We’ve heard rumours that Season 5 will whisk Emily through the canals of Venice, and guides are already preparing a dedicated experience that follows her journey there. As filming details unfold, we’ll unveil a new tour that brings her Venetian moments to life—glimpses of old-world grandeur, unexpected misadventures, and the serenity of a city built on water. Take a journey shaped by Emily's story...and your own What makes these experiences resonate is not just their connection to a fun and beloved series. It’s the way they turn filming locations into touch points for culture, history, and lived experience. Each tour offers insights that deepen understanding—not just of Emily’s world, but of the cities themselves, and your guide's life within them. Whether you’re planning your next journey or simply imagining one, these tours invite you to see Paris and Rome with new eyes—through the narrative of a show you love, and through the perspective of local guides who know how to bring each place to life. 

Today we welcome local Egyptian guide Emil as he shares his favourite off the beaten track destinations to explore with visitors.Emil is a local guide based in Cairo, Egypt. With a deep passion for Egypt's rich history and culture, he specializes in creating personalized itineraries that bring ancient wonders and vibrant traditions to life. What he enjoys most about being a guide is sharing authentic experiences with travellers, from exploring iconic landmarks to discovering hidden gems that showcase the beauty of Egypt.Dreaming of a trip to Cairo in the new year? Here are five off the beaten track places Emil recommends curious travellers to Cairo should visit:1. Explore the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid in DahshurDahshur, located about 40 kilometers south of Cairo, is a must-visit for those interested in the evolution of pyramid construction. The Bent Pyramid, with its distinct change in angle, offers a fascinating glimpse into architectural experimentation during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu. Nearby, the Red Pyramid, named for its reddish limestone, is Egypt’s first successful attempt at a smooth-sided pyramid. Unlike the crowded Giza Plateau, Dahshur offers a tranquil setting to explore these remarkable structures and even enter the Red Pyramid’s chambers for a unique experience.2. Travel to Wadi Al-Hitan (Valley of the Whales)Wadi Al-Hitan, or the Valley of the Whales, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Fayoum, about 150 kilometers southwest of Cairo. This extraordinary desert landscape is home to fossilized whale skeletons that date back over 40 million years, showcasing the region’s prehistoric marine environment. The fossils are displayed in an open-air museum, and the surrounding dramatic rock formations and serene desert vistas make it a favorite for nature enthusiasts. Combine your visit with stops at the nearby Magic Lake or a desert safari for an unforgettable adventure.3. See the Cave Church of Saint Simon the Tanner (Samaan Al-Kharaz)Hidden in the Mokattam Hills of Cairo, the Cave Church of Saint Simon the Tanner is an extraordinary site blending spirituality and stunning artistry. This vast church, carved into the rock, can hold over 20,000 worshippers and features beautiful carvings and murals depicting biblical scenes. The church is part of the Zabbaleen community, known for their recycling efforts, adding a unique social and cultural dimension to your visit. Its breathtaking location and peaceful atmosphere make it a lesser-known gem worth exploring.4. Escape to Al-Azhar ParkThis beautifully landscaped park offers panoramic views of Cairo’s historic skyline, including the Citadel and Sultan Hassan Mosque. Al-Azhar Park provides a refreshing green escape in the heart of the bustling city. Stroll through its gardens, enjoy traditional Egyptian cuisine at its restaurants, and take in the serenity of this cultural haven. The park’s blend of history and tranquility makes it a favourite among both locals and visitors.5. Take a Felucca Ride on the Nile at SunsetA felucca ride at sunset is a peaceful and romantic way to experience the Nile. These traditional sailboats glide quietly along the river, providing stunning views of the cityscape as the sun sets. It’s an intimate way to connect with Cairo’s timeless river and escape the chaos of the city for a while.Planning to explore Egypt in 2025 or beyond? You can start a conversation with Emil to come up with the perfect Cairo and beyond itinerary for you and your travel companions.

With over 35,000 private tour options around the world, even we sometimes find it hard to choose. So we asked our own team to share the experiences that stayed with them: the ones that deepened their connection to a place, a guide, or a moment in time.Here’s your year in travel inspiration! Twelve ToursByLocals experiences, one for every month of 2026.January – Floating Over Ancient MexicoHot Air Balloons and History at TeotihuacanBy Alyson, Director of MarketingMy favourite tour experience was a tour we took out of Mexico City, to Teotihuacan. It was absolutely incredible. Our guide Jesús gave us the perfect mix of history and culture while also keeping it light during a long day. He leaned into our interests and regularly checked in with us giving us time on our own when we wanted it to explore independently or when my very pregnant friend needed a break he would drive her in the air conditioned car so she didn't have to walk in the hot sun along the main street of Teotihuacan. He offered us a few detours on the way back when we asked about various places or food.He also ensured we had the best possible time in our hot air balloon securing us the smallest basket (less people) with an experienced pilot that took off first so we got the skies to ourselves for a bit before all the other hot air balloons joined us in floating over Teotihuacan.Like so many ToursByLocals guides - he became more than a guide throughout the day; he became a real friend.Tour Teotihuacan with JésusFebruary – Exploring Colourful CuraçaoFrom Hidden Stairs to Windswept CliffsBy Tracy, VP People + CultureWe had an unforgettable day exploring the beautiful island of Curaçao! The tour was the perfect mix of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery that kept our family of four entertained throughout the full day. Our guide, Raychan, was warm, knowledgeable, and made us feel like instant friends. We started off at the Blue Curaçao distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo followed by a driving tour of Willemstaad to see the sights and learn a bit more about the island’s history.One of our favourite surprises was the colourful hidden stairs in Otrobanda—so vibrant and unique. The Shete Boka National Park was rugged and beautiful—our daughters loved seeing the ocean shoot through blowholes at Boka Pistol. We also got to swim at some gorgeous beaches, spot wild flamingos, and see some turtles at Playa Piskado.This full-day tour really gave us a taste of everything Curaçao has to offer. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the island. It was an amazing adventure we won’t forget!Tour Caraçao with RaychanMarch – A Toast to the AndesSavouring Mendoza’s Wines with FlorenciaBy Cami, Payment Operations Specialist Flor is a guide based in Mendoza, Argentina — also known as Argentina’s famous wine region. We took a multi-day tour with her, and it was truly a five-star experience. We visited world-renowned wineries to taste the best wines paired with great food, while being surrounded by breathtaking views of the Andes. Flor’s knowledge and passion for the wine industry totally made the difference in making this a memorable experience. Highly recommended!Tour Mendoza with FlorApril – A Night to Remember in BangkokStreet Food, Tuk Tuks, and Temple ViewsBy Morven, Account Content SpecialistWe were in Thailand for our honeymoon at the end of April and took an amazing night tuk tuk food tour with Jay K. It was so good. We were still very jet-lagged from our long flight, and it was SO HOT (we really felt this, coming from Scotland!) but Jay was so prepared, she even had a bag of mini frozen towels which we ended up using constantly throughout the tour as we were so sweaty, lol. The food was 10/10 and we saw so many sights, ending the tour at a bar with a view over Wat Arun temple. She took a taxi all the way back to our hotel with us even though it was far from where she lived as she was worried we would be overcharged without her there. A great start to the trip!Tour Bangkok with JayMay – A Royal Day in WindsorHistory, Heart, and a Beatles SurpriseBy Leandro, Tour Connection SpecialistWe visited Windsor Castle - the largest and oldest continually occupied castle in the world - with ToursByLocals guide Alexander. Alex was really enthusiastic, and so knowledgeable and kind. He went above and beyond during the tour, and after took us to Abbey Road on our way home - a bonus!Tour Windsor Castle with AlexJune – Golden Evenings in PortugalOysters and Ocean Breezes in LagosBy Macarena, Director of Tour ExperienceWe sailed along the stunning cliffs of Ponta da Piedade in Portgual's Algarve at sunset, surrounded by golden light and calm turquoise waters. Our guide, Max, made the experience truly special. He shared amazing stories, played great music, and even extended the boat trip so we could enjoy the sunset longer. The fresh oyster tasting on board was delicious and unique. It was peaceful, authentic, and one of the highlights of our trip to Portugal.Tour the Algarve with MaxJuly – Summer Learning in BanffCuriosity and Connection in the Canadian RockiesBy Dawn, Internal Quality LeadWhile we didn’t find a sasquatch on our trip - we did find something much cooler: one of our legendary Banff guides, Patrick T.Patrick has so much knowledge and passion for guiding. We hit all the Banff and area highlights as well as a few places we wouldn’t have known about without him. My family is a rather inquisitive bunch and he answered all our questions with ease. He fit right in with us and we all learned so much. My brother’s fiancé commented on how much she enjoyed the learning part of the tour and didn’t expect him to have such a varied background on so many things (history, local politics, geology etc). Please go with Patrick if you ever find yourself in Banff!Tour Banff with PatrickAugust – A Feast for the Senses in PenangFood, Friendship, and the Sea BreezeBy Geneva, VP Customer Support and Service ExcellenceI’d heard so much about the famous food of Penang, Malaysia, and so I was really excited to explore it with a local guide. Everything we ate was absolutely delicious, from street food to tiny hidden restaurants. Our guide David even ended the tour by taking me to a beautiful beach to relax and enjoy some classic chicken skewers with a classic sea view.Tour Penang with DavidSeptember – Coastal Calm in DonegalTradition and Wild Beauty in Ireland’s NorthwestBy Sara, Director of CommunicationsIrish guide Finn delivers exactly the sort of experience I've grown to love with ToursByLocals - an authentic look at places I would not have gone to on my own, seen through the eyes of someone who grew up there. During our 8 hours together, Finn took us along windy backroads to some unforgettable spots along the Donegal coast. Along the way, we witnessed glimpses into traditional Irish life: peat harvesting, sheep farming, local weaving. We also saw how much the landscape meant to Finn and generations of his family. This tour was fantastic value and so enriching. Do not miss exploring Donegal with this guide!Tour Donegal with FinnOctober – Discovering Tokyo’s Culinary SoulSushi, Stories, and the Spirit of TsukijiBy Hevlin, SEO Content SpecialistWe had a great tour at the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo with our guide Kenji. He is a food photographer and sushi chef and we spent the entire morning walking around the market learning about the different types of tuna cuts, fish and wagyu beef that chefs buy there. We tasted lots of great food while he explained what we were eating, the history and some fun facts behind it and also some traditions about Tokyo's sushi when compared to other cities. At the end we had some time left so we went to his office where he made some fresh sushi for us. He took many pics during the tour, made a collage and gave it to us at the end. Super sweet. We had a blast!Tour Tokyo with KenjiNovember – Sunlit Strolls in Southern SpainDiscovering Malaga with CiprianoBy Vlad, Tour Connection SpecialistMy partner and I took a customized tour with Cipriano of the neighbourhoods of Malaga and Costa del Sol. We couldn’t choose a better guide. Cipriano’s knowledge of the area, his friendly approach and willingness to accommodate our requests made for a fun and informative day. Cipriano took us to a local restaurant with great food for lunch and surprised us with a stop at an amazing viewpoint, which wasn’t planned, but very much appreciated. We truly felt like we were discovering the area with a friend. I wouldn’t hesitate to take any of Cipriano’s tours in the future and highly recommend him as your guide.Tour in Malaga with CiprianoDecember – A Christmas Day in RioFestive Spirit with a LocalBy Pierina, Operations Support Specialist & Data ChampWe went on a cruise and stopped at Rio, and our tour fell on December 25th — a day when most places were closed and it was incredibly difficult to find a guide. Leticia not only agreed to take us, she made sure we experienced the city to its fullest.Her storytelling was so vivid we felt as though we were witnessing Carnival live. She brought the city’s history and culture to life, making every moment engaging and unforgettable. Despite the holiday closures, we never felt like we missed anything; the views, the energy, and the sense of celebration were all there. The fact that this trip was our long-postponed honeymoon made the experience even more special. Leticia went above and beyond, and I highly recommend her for an immersive and insightful tour.Tour in Rio with LeticiaTwelve months, twelve stories — each one shaped by the people who bring places to life. Whether you’re dreaming of island rhythms or mountain air, culinary adventures or quiet coastlines, we hope these staff favourites spark your own dream detours in 2026.