Travel Blog list

Ryoan-ji rock garden, Kyoto (courtesy The Guardian).

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

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

Oct 06 2011

Gaztelugatxe Island causeway

Top 5 day-trips in Basque Country

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

Oct 03 2011

The Saturn Rocket

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

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:

Sep 30 2011

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ToursByLocals Celebrates TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

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

Sep 27 2011

A "beer wench" serving up brews in Cincinatti

It's Oktoberfest time: enjoy das Bierfest!

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

Sep 26 2011

Leaving for the weekend (Overnight bag and photo courtesy of www.thewrendesign.com)

What is your favourite weekend escape?

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

Sep 23 2011

Senate Square

How to Spend a Day in Helsinki

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

Sep 22 2011

Kofta el Haty

Eat like the locals in Luxor, Egypt

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 –

Sep 19 2011

Casa de Diego

Update your fall wardrobe - in Madrid!

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,

Sep 16 2011

Elisavetinskaya (Schepkina) Street

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

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

Sep 14 2011

Egyptian guide Melad with a trio of mini-travelers

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

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

Sep 12 2011

The shadows are getting longer on Kits Beach in Vancouver

Back to School, Back to Work

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

Sep 05 2011