How to Book Your First Tour on ToursByLocals

Are you new to ToursByLocals? Unsure about how it all works, or feeling shy about making your first inquiry of a guide? We’re here to show you just how quick and easy it is.

The first thing you should know about how ToursByLocals works is that it’s simple. We've tried to take all the stress and complication out of finding and booking a tour, so you can skip ahead to the fun part - taking it!

How to Book Your Private Tour

1. Head to ToursByLocals.com Enter where you’re going into the search box - whether it's Reykjavik, Rome, Rio or any other amazing destination around the world. There are tours available in towns, cities and national parks in over 170 different countries!

2. Browse through the available tours, and read details about the guides who offer them, along with reviews from past travellers. You'll see some places have dozens or in some case hundreds of options. You can use our filtering tools to narrow down all the choices by your unique interests, activity level, duration, transportation method, etc.

3. Spot the perfect tour and click on “Book tour” to purchase. Or click on the “Message Guide” button to contact any guide with questions, or to request a customized itinerary. The guide will happily discuss your options, and email you a link to book your custom tour.

4. Pay securely for your tour online, in the currency of your choice. Or if you prefer, you can call our office to book by phone, 24/7: 1-866-844-6783. All tours are fully refundable up to 15 days before the tour date, or you can purchase our Any Reason Cancellation Policy and obtain a refund up to the last minute. You'll get your guide's phone number when you complete your booking, just in case you need to reach them on the day of your tour.

5. Meet your guide at the pre-arranged location and enjoy your tour!

Now that you're all set to make your first inquiry, here are a few insider tips on booking the best private tour for you!

More Tips For Booking Your First Private Tour

1. Don’t be shy! Click the “Message” button on the guide's profile page to start a conversation with any guide on the site. It’s a great way to figure out if this is the right guide and tour for you.

2. Use your first message to share practical information: your travel dates, how many people are in your group, whether anyone has mobility issues, or any special needs, etc.

3. This is also a good time to share a few personal details: Is this your first time in their city? Is there anything special you are hoping to see or learn about? Letting the guide know a bit about you and your travel style will help them to tailor a tour itinerary that’s unique to you.

4. Once you’ve sent your inquiry, be patient. The guide wants to and will get back to you as soon as they can! Our guides are often busy leading tours - especially during high season - and many live in different time zones than us. If you have not heard from them in 24 hours, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our Customer Support staff are available 24/7 to help.

5. Don’t get discouraged if your first choice of guide is unavailable. Contact another! We expect 2025 to be a busy year, as many of us book special trips to make up for lost time. Every guide on our site was carefully selected to be there, so your private tour experience will always be an excellent one.

6. Finally, feel free to stay in touch with your guide after your booking, to communicate any additional questions you may have, or just to let them know you’re excited for your tour. They will be too.