If you just listened to the podcast about ToursByLocals, you will recall that I promised to post a cheat sheet for hiring a guide from here or any other company or individual. Before vision loss, I had seriously considered being a guide. Now, I am the one who needs the guide just to get around safely.
We have used guides throughout the world and all are not as wonderful and well-vetted as those from ToursByLocals. Sometimes we take a chance. We have enjoyed guides who operate simply on tips, but those are always groups. If you have any type of body disruptors, it’s not always simple to keep up the pace. Some of these people will also guide privately.
I recall one great guide who knew Athens quite well. He was tall. He had long legs. Some of us had difficulty climbing the hills and keeping up with him.
Hope this list helps!
1. BEFORE BOOKING
- ☐ Browse ToursByLocals for “South Beach” or “Miami Beach”
- ☐ Filter by tour type (architecture, culture, food, history)
- ☐ Read guide profiles (background, specialties, languages)
- ☐ Scan reviews for patterns (pacing, accessibility, storytelling)
- ☐ Check tour duration + walking distance
- ☐ Confirm price, group size, and what’s included
- ☐ Shortlist 2–3 guides
2. MESSAGE THE GUIDE
Send a quick message asking:
- ☐ “How much walking is involved?”
- ☐ “Can we focus more on architecture?”
- ☐ “Are there shade breaks built in?”
- ☐ “Any accessibility considerations?”
- ☐ “What time of day is best for heat/crowds?”
- ☐ “Where exactly is the meeting point?”
3. BOOK & CONFIRM
- ☐ Finalize date and time
- ☐ Add confirmation to your calendar
- ☐ Screenshot meeting point + guide contact info
- ☐ Share mobility or pacing needs
- ☐ Ask about weather backup plans
- ☐ Request any customizations (architecture emphasis, slower pace, photo stops)
4. PREP FOR THE DAY
- ☐ Check weather + humidity
- ☐ Wear breathable clothing (linen, moisture‑wicking)
- ☐ Comfortable walking shoes
- ☐ Bring water
- ☐ Sunscreen + hat
- ☐ Portable fan (optional but helpful)
- ☐ Small notebook or phone notes for architecture details
- ☐ Fully charged phone
- ☐ Cash or card for café stops or tips
5. DURING THE TOUR
- ☐ Confirm pacing at the start
- ☐ Ask questions freely
- ☐ Request shade or rest breaks as needed
- ☐ Note building names, architects, and stories
- ☐ Take photos of details (tiles, signage, motifs)
- ☐ Ask for local recommendations for after the tour
6. AFTER THE TOUR
☐ Add notes to your travel journal or trip report
☐ Jot down highlights while they’re fresh
☐ Save building names or locations you want to revisit
☐ Leave a thoughtful review (mention pacing, accessibility, storytelling)
☐ Bookmark the guide for future trips
Living The Could Life contains affiliate links. They don’t cost you anything, but we may earn a small commission if you use them. We may have been hosted on a trip, excursion or other travel-related event. We may have received or experienced a product for review. Any opinion is our own. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES
AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.
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