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After attending a wedding outside Dublin earlier this month, a traveler spent a week exploring Ireland and Northern Ireland for the first time. The trip combined natural wonders such as the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway, with visits to renowned cities like Galway and Belfast.
Upon arriving in Derry (or Londonderry, depending on one’s persuasion), the traveler embarked on an activity they had never tried before: a guided walking tour of the area, arranged through Brendan Vacations. Their tour guide, Gerry Lynn—aptly dubbed “Gerry from Derry”—grew up in the famed city and provided an extensive history lesson from the Middle Ages to the Troubles to the present day. He also highlighted filming locations and references from the show “Derry Girls,” a delightful nod after learning the traveler was a fan.
A few days later in Belfast, another enriching walking tour was taken with a guide named Dee Morgan. Dee skillfully intertwined the city’s historic and geographic information with personal anecdotes about growing up there. Her stories from her punk rocker teenage years and pub recommendations were particularly memorable.
While the traveler had never opposed guided tours, their past experiences mostly involved organized day trips on coach buses from major cities to nearby destinations, booked to avoid the hassle of transit logistics. Think London to Stonehenge or Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands. However, their experiences in Derry and Belfast converted them into a strong proponent of guided city walking tours as a way to start a vacation in a new place.
“A walking tour led by a knowledgeable local guide provides an excellent opportunity for travelers to get their bearings and familiarize themselves with the layout of the city or neighborhood,” Lisa Chen, CEO of the travel company ToursByLocals, told HuffPost.
Besides orientation, the traveler was pleased to gain a local’s perspective on the best activities for the remainder of their stay. Both Gerry and Dee pointed out good restaurants along the routes and suggested sites beyond the covered areas.
“Local guides are a treasure trove of insider knowledge and recommendations for dining, shopping, and activities off the beaten path,” Chen noted. “By embarking on a walking tour early in the trip, travelers can benefit from the guide’s expertise and insider tips, gaining valuable insights that enhance their overall experience and make their stay more enjoyable.”
Interestingly, a recent survey from the travel booking platform GetYourGuide suggested that guided tours are making a comeback with younger travelers. According to the data, 81% of millennial and 80% of Gen Z travelers are likely to book a guided tour in the next year. Popular reasons for choosing a guided tour include delving deeper into the history of a city or landmark, exploring local cuisine, and the opportunity to meet locals.
However, guided tours often conjure images of mobs of tourists and guides with booming megaphones clamoring to see overrun attractions. These experiences can feel very scripted and inauthentic, especially when they include stops for food at tourist trap restaurants, far from immersing oneself in the local culture.
“When groups stick to the big attractions with the masses, they miss out on the chance for deeper cultural immersion, which I see as the most important and special part of traveling,” Chen said.
To avoid such pitfalls, one can strike a balance and find better guided tour experiences by researching and reading reviews ahead of time. Searching specifically for “off-the-beaten path” options can help those looking to venture beyond the classics.
Choosing a private tour can also offer a more authentic feel, and it’s not necessarily much more expensive, especially when traveling as a family or with a group of friends who can split the costs.
“Unlike large group tours, a private walking tour offers the flexibility to tailor the experience to the group’s interests and preferences,” Chen said. “Travelers can interact directly with the guide, asking questions, and requesting specific stops or detours based on their curiosity, creating a more personalized and immersive experience.”
Chen added that tours with local guides may also save precious vacation time by eliminating the need to figure out directions and guiding travelers on the most efficient paths. Locals also know how to circumvent traffic and crowds and can share optimal times for visiting different attractions.
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, sustainability, and responsible tourism cannot be overlooked. Working with a reputable local guide supports this notion.
“Being mindful of our impact on the environment and local communities is just as important for small groups of travelers on a trip together,” Chen said. “Travelers should strive to support local businesses, minimize waste, and respect cultural norms to ensure a positive and sustainable travel experience for all.”
Ultimately, travelers may discover that guided walking tours are not their preferred method for exploring a destination. However, as with any aspect of travel, it’s essential to try it first. They might find themselves as pleasantly surprised as this traveler was.
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