A private guided trip is the closest thing to a fully-planned travel experience. It involves an experienced local guide who leads you through a carefully-crafted itinerary. Private tours are sometimes also referred to as bespoke or tailored, because of the level of customization that’s possible (though it will cost you).

There are lots of reasons to book a private tour. For one, they can be more budget friendly than group tours. But more importantly, private tours can be a more authentic and meaningful way to explore.

You’ll get to know the guide, who can share their knowledge of a destination, from its history, culture and traditions. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions, which is not always easy to do when travelling in a group. This is particularly beneficial for people who are curious about religion, politics, or local customs.

Private tours can also be more flexible, as your guide can adjust the itinerary on the day to suit the weather or other factors. For example, if the weather is unfavorable for hiking in a national park, your guide can reschedule to visit a different sight or activity. Likewise, if you’re enjoying a sight and want to stay longer, your guide can contact the driver to let them know you need more time. This allows you to maximize your sightseeing time.

On the flip side, some people don’t feel comfortable asking questions in front of strangers. Private tours can be a great solution for those people who want to get the most out of their experience, but don’t feel like they’re ready to join a group tour.

Another reason to book a private tour is to save time and energy. Coordinating all the logistics of a trip can be challenging for even experienced travelers, especially when they’re traveling to a new destination. A private guide can help you avoid the hassle by booking transportation and attraction tickets, arranging accommodations, and even suggesting sustainable places to eat and ethical experiences to enjoy.

If you’re not a planner, there are also plenty of tour packages available that take care of all the logistics for you. Services like GetYourGuide and Airbnb Experiences offer trips that include food, accommodation, activities, and even flights.

So, what’s the best option for you? Ultimately, it depends on your personal travel style and how much time you’re willing to spend planning. But whatever you choose, don’t forget to look for a local guide who loves their job and can show you the best of their country or city!