Secrets From a Tour Guide

Tour groups can be an attractive way to experience a destination, as they take care of the planning and ensure you see the main sights. That can relieve anxiety ahead of your trip, but it can sometimes lead to discomfort during the trip, as you’re traveling with strangers and have little control of the itinerary. We talked with Johnny Layton, who has worked as a tour leader since 1988. He now leads tours for Road Scholar, the nonprofit educational travel company for travelers over 50. Here is his advice.

Consider your capabilities

Find out how much time is being spent on a bus. Riding for long periods of time between attractions may be a disappointing way to spend your time. But many stops can also pose issues. Getting on and off a bus four or five times a day can be challenging. And look for smaller groups. Meals in big groups take longer.

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Mix and mingle

Couples traveling together typically don’t branch out, and they miss an amazing opportunity to learn from others in the group. There’s so much value in your tour group travel companions, in their life experience and where they’ve traveled. Get to know them. That makes all the difference.

Don’t be afraid to speak up

Courtesy Johnny Layton

Even though you’re on a group itinerary, let the leader know your special requests. I love it when a participant tells me, “I really want to see this museum. When would be a good opportunity to do this on my own?” I will help them work it into the itinerary. We build in free time for that.

Avoid politics

There’s nothing that will bring down a group more than a political discussion, even if it’s civil.

Don’t overtip

Most tour companies don’t expect participants to tip local guides, docents or bus drivers, since their gratuities are usually paid by the company. But consider tipping your tour leader at the end of the tour. If you don’t have local currency, give U.S. dollars, which are universally accepted.

Learn some of the local language

The first thing I learn is, “I’m sorry, I don’t speak [fill in the language].” It’s better than asking if the other person speaks English, which is very ethnocentric. Language apps are helpful. Google Translate (a free app that instantly translates into 243 languages) is my best friend. You can show the translation on your phone to the other person. I also use the language learning app Rosetta Stone. (Apple Translate is another free app.)

Consider a private guide

If you’re not on a group tour, another great option is to hire a private guide for a single excursion on your vacation.