A truly unique travel experience involves seeing things other travelers don’t with a local guide. That means mixing with the locals but its often difficult to just strike-up a friendship in a foreign town. Luckily there is now a service that allows you to rent a local friend. This service is offered by several individuals and companies in several locations.
“Rent a Local Guide” or “Rent a Local Friend”, are services that hook you up with a local who takes you around town. Your local friend will show you the sites that suit your tastes and interests. And you’ll see places only a local would know about.
See How Locals Really Live
When you rent a local guide (friend) you get to meet locals in their own homes. Your local friend will show you areas you would otherwise never find; take you to neighborhood eateries and share secret beauty spots. Avoid the hustle and bustle of tourist areas and maximize your time. Your “local friend” will know just where to take you. It’s like a private local guide of places that are not in the guide-book. You won’t be with other travelers and the tour will be planned according to your interests and pace. It’s like a friend showing you around their own town.
Practical Details for a Local Guide
Where:
I have found “Rent a friend” local guide type businesses in the following countries, but there may be more available, so check out the web according to your destination.
San Paulo, Brazil, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Lisbon, Portugal, London, England, Paris, France, Shanghai, China, New Delhi, India, San Diego, USA, New York, USA, Maui, Hawaii.
When:
All year round, depending on the availability of your “friend”.
Cost:
Prices are per group (of up to 5 and in some cases 6) and vary from location to location. It can be as little as €70 for a full 8 hours in Lisbon, to $70 per hour, per group in San Diego. London £70 for 4 hours, Shanghai $90 for 4 hours.
Paid in cash at end of the day. Cost does not include food, entrance fees, transport.
Transport:
Can be on foot, public transport, or a rented car you provide, or they can rent you the car in some locations.
Web sites:
Hawaii Rent a Local
New York Tours By Locals
If you want more travel ideas and ways to see your travel destination go here.
