Travel Guru Features

"From deserts and mountain ranges to ancient forts and step wells - Northern India is incredibly diverse. "

"Don't be afraid to get amongst it! India is so fun and energetic. There's always a lot going on - which can be overwhelming. But if you're open to it, it can be a really cool experience. "

"Finding hidden little gems, like the Bahubali Hills in Udaipur. An insider's guide is the best help when it comes to unique experiences and (most importantly) yummy food!"

"There are so many camels in this beautiful place!"

"Imerovigli is often overlooked, but has breathtaking views and is a lot quieter compared to Oia. "

"The sunsets in Santorini are phenomenal. I would recommend booking somewhere with sunset views so you can enjoy the sunset privately away from the crowds."

"I would recommend going to Oia as it is definitely the prettiest town in Santorini. But go before sunset as it tends to get very crowded in the afternoon. "

"Visit one of the most colourful slot canyons without the crowd!!!"

"As soon as you drive into the national park, the views are epic. You are surrounded by Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. The hikes are some of the best in New Zealand, offering unbeatable views. "

"Visit during the week, as it gets busy on weekends. Spend your time driving into the national park - plenty of viewpoints! Camp in the national park to make sure you see everything. "

"Awe-inspiring. That’s the best way to describe the pyramid complex in Cairo, Egypt. The pyramids, the sphinx and the camels are all in one area allowing your trip to Cairo to be short but jam-packed!"

"The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is a place of worship & should be respected as such. Cover your head and body (NO SHORTS) and don’t forget to go into the courtyard, the view of the city is spectacular. "

"Safety and information! The Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is an active market for locals and you WILL STAND OUT. Hollywood depictions do not do this area justice, you just have to see it to believe it."

"Niagara Falls had always been on my wish list and I was advised to visit from the Canadian side for the best views. I couldn't stop smiling at how GREAT they absolutely were!"

"If you can blow your budget, get a room with a view of the falls! (search online for the best view aspect, the Canadian side was amazing in my opinion)"

"‘Pondy’ as it’s known locally, is an Indian city with French flair. Filled with leafy boulevards, bright bougainvillea, cathedrals, and colonial buildings, White Town is like a welcoming oasis of calm "

"Visit Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu before, even Lake Titicaca and Colca Valley, if you are going to visit that area, to acclimatize to the altitude (5.000 mt. approx)."

"Don't waste too much time if there is a queue at the base of the mountain. The best photos are with the animals and on the mountain in front of you."

"If you can, talk to your guide about going to the Red Valley. It is not very physically demanding and the experience is incredible."

"The experience is unique, there are no tourists and the hike and views are incredible."

"The language barrier is tough and a guide is almost essential at times. Most people only speak Russian or Uzbek and both use the Cyrillic alphabet."

"Travel by train. It's quick, cheap and easy. Plus, first class is especially affordable here. "

"Uzbekistan is such an underrated country. There's so much to see and do, it's like nowhere else in the world."

"Talking to the locals and playing football with them, laughing with them and sharing stories despite their English isn't the best is probably my favourite part of visiting Pangandaran."

"Take your time to walk on the black sand beach to watch the local life and definitely visit the Green Canyon. Not many people have heard of this place but it is absolutely amazing!"

"You can’t visit the desert on your own. A local guide will show you all the magical spots!"

"Ask your guide for the best sunset spot! Stay at least 2 nights. Enjoy the peace, there is no WiFi or phone connection here!"

"A lot of places in rural Japan are spread out, which is not a worry when on a tour but otherwise a car is advised. Most big tourist attractions can be reached by train and/or bus, but a tour or car is the best way to make the most of your time there!"

"What I love most is how easily you can see all of your favourite landmarks in a short amount of time. Copenhagen is very walkable and bike-friendly, so get active!"

"1. Try Frankies Pizza after a long day of sightseeing. 2. Visit stunning Nyhavn; try Guf ice cream along the canal! 3. Visit the city's famous bodegas to truly experience Copenhagen's nightlife."

"The light on the Isla Ometepe is something really special. In the mornings and evenings, it covers the local people working on the fertile volcanic lands in a golden glow that is truly beautiful. "

"It's always amazing to go up to local people, visit them and let them tell their own powerful stories to enhance your own perspective. I was lucky to photograph this woman in her favourite spot: Home."

"Keep your eyes open for the details and all the wildlife just roaming around the Island. There is plenty and it will leave you in awe and possibly some great photos and experiences to tell about."

"Cuba has an undefinable magic to it. It dances to its own beat. A constant juxtaposition -dilapidated but dignified, timeworn but elegant. A wonderful fusion of Caribbean and Latin cultures."

"I love all the crafts and art that people sell on the streets"

"Spend at least one night in the Sahara Desert – it will be incredible and you even get to see the Milky Way!"

"The Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon is remote and exotic, shrouded in mystery and magic. Its low-volume, high-value tourism, prides itself on a sustainable approach. "

"•Travel during a festival celebration •There is a minimum daily spend paid in USD in advance •Selling or buying tobacco products is illegal •Don’t disrespect the Royal Family "

"Travelling around Bhutan is guided only! For all of you nomads that hate the idea - in such a remote location, having a local guide to translate to connect with locals along the way is enriching."

"Like a National Geographic expedition - 1000km literally in the middle of nowhere. The Guérewol festival is an annual event - a male “beauty pageant” so to speak, the location was chosen for the suitability of livestock. "

"•No wifi, internet or any other facilities available •No running water or electricity •High temperatures ( 40C +) and dust the norm •Come with everything you require - the festival lasts a week "

"Electric atmosphere 24/7 - male “contestants” sing and dance, complete with “costume change” to woo potential female suitors day and night. 100% unique experience "

"Chat with locals, there are a lot of local activities that are not widely advertised."

"If you travel with a guide, you are able to see places you wouldn’t have probably seen if you went alone. You can also find out some interesting facts about the place."

"There is always something to do. Enjoy city life? Denver has you covered. A break in the Mountains? Drive a couple of hours to the Rockies."

"If you are in the city, be cautious of your surroundings, but walk everywhere. It is the best way to explore a place!"

"Beware of resort fees! If you're not already on a tour, always make sure you check the resort fees before you book with any hotel. I would book your hotel on Booking.com as it includes all taxes and resort fees on the total price."

"The Stratosphere Tower. You can go right to the top of the tower to see the views of Las Vegas. It also has several thrill rides and you can Sky Jump 192 meters down it!"

"NYC is a vibrant dream destination where you can do so much. Simply walking in the streets of Manhattan is an experience in itself."

"Buy a metro card and day passes to have full access to transportation."

"To fully enjoy the Brooklyn Bridge and the DUMBO area without all the people, get up early and start your day there."

"Wake up early to explore the French Quarter without the crowds, take the streetcars, walk in the garden district and listen to some jazz."

"Taking the streetcar is so much fun! You shouldn't miss riding them! "

"I love being able to get out in nature, whether it's going for a nice walk around Lost Lake or skiing on Blackcomb Mountain. The air is just different here. It makes me feel so refreshed!"

"This is bear country. If you are visiting in the summer and autumn months, heed and obey the cautions around the village. If you plan to hike, learn a little bit about bear safety. "

"If you would like to experience some adrenaline-fuelled activities, but you're not an expert sportsperson, go with a guided group. Not only will the experience be fun, but also safe."

"Steveston is rich in history and an important place for fishing in British Columbia. I love to visit all of the old canneries, which are now museums, and learn about this essential industry. "

"Variety of places. There are mountains, waterfalls, forests, beaches and lakes."

"If you're not already on a tour, book accommodation in advance and arrive to hikes early to get a parking spot. The season is short which brings crowds of visitors in the summer. "

"The landscape is just amazing, you feel like you are on another planet. I’ve been to Utah 4 times and still have not visited all the spots I wanted. "

"Don’t overlook state parks. There are so many and some of them are better than national parks, in my opinion!"

"The park is a showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors."

"White Sands National Park is unique and beautiful. The contrast of white sand with the blue sky and the mountains around it makes visiting the place so worth it!"

"Hawaiian hikes are simply magical! Being able to hike in the greenest mountains to then see the bluest water, there’s nothing like it! Each hike is unique on its own but so fulfilling!"

"Incorporate some American History by visiting both Liberty Hall & Liberty Bell, which is located directly across the street."

"You can spot elephant seals at Pier 39!"

"There are scenic views throughout the entire drive, between Carmel & Big Sur with numerous places to pull off the road and take photos."

"Stop at Garrapata Beach for a chance to stretch your legs or get some sun. Not a safe place for swimming though due to the strong surf!"

" -Bring plenty of snacks & water (only a few places for food are available). -Stop if you see a public 🚻, they're sparse on the drive. -Bring sunscreen & layers, the weather can change quickly."

"Big Sur River Inn is an excellent place to stop for a bite & restroom break. Try the build-your-own burrito option, they are delicious!"

"McWay Falls is an incredible sight, use caution when viewing and stay on the path. -Don't attempt to go around the barricade, it isn't safe!"

"This city has got everything to offer. Literally, everything is there haha! Thanks to the skyscrapers and the American flags it's like walking in an American movie. "

"Go for a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, it's free! You will get an amazing view of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty."

"The Columbia River Gorge has one of the best concentrations of waterfall hikes with over 90 waterfalls in the area waiting to be explored!"

"Wear layers & always bring a jacket. The Gorge is known to have big wind gusts, especially in the late fall, winter, and early Spring. Best to be prepared with a jacket or layers."

"The historic Vista House at Crown Point is an excellent starting point for your drive on HWY 30. Climb to the top for the best views of the Columbia River."

"Stay on the trail when walking into the canyon, when the trail ends path becomes dangerous."

"Excellent place for a picnic, exploring & hiking to view the falls!"

"Sunset offers incredible opportunities to view wildlife & watch the colours highlight El Capitan as the sun sinks beyond the horizon."

"Look for wildlife sightings throughout the park!"

"Access to information about the best hikes, insights and tips to make your trip magical and unique! "

"Head towards the Hetch Hetchy reservoir for some amazing views of the stunning lakes along the Sierra Nevada mountain range."

"Best time to watch Old Faithful erupt is around sunset, there will be less crowds & beautiful sunset views!"

"There are so many natural wonders to observe and amazing places to explore!"

"Plan to visit the North entrance & see the Teddy Roosevelt Archway."

"Keep a keen eye out for abundant wildlife, especially in the Hayden Valley area!"

"They're able to provide tips and insights, and ensure you see the best sights throughout Yellowstone NP!"

"Visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone & walk the north rim trail for epic views!"

"Marvel at Redwood trees."

"Find unique views of San Fran from Sausalito. "

"If you're a move fanatic, you can find the "Mrs. Doubtfire" home and several other film locations around the city."

"One of the best-kept, charming & quaint historic towns in the USA. "

"Known as the holy city, there are so many historic churches to explore & a tour guide can provide all sorts of insights & information about the history of Charleston."

"Walk off the beaten path & put down the map, Charleston is a picturesque city with hundreds of quiet little lanes just waiting to be explored."

"Plan to wear comfortable shoes that have grip & can handle cobblestone streets!"

"Head to Callie's Hot Little Biscuit and grab a sample of the delicious fresh-baked biscuits!"

"A plethora of amazing restaurants provide ample opportunities to sample local favourites, such as unicorn grits, fried green tomatoes or fried okra."

"Explore the historic Wormsloe Plantation: drive the gorgeous tree-lined drive, walk nature trails and observe ruins."

"There are over 20 squares, which function like a park located all around the city. They're perfect for resting weary feet & people watching."

"Head to Forsyth fountain and enjoy the shade while you stroll under the tree-lined path."

"Sample amazing local cuisine at Collins Quarter near Forsyth Park."

"A tour guide will have the best recommendations for whatever kind of travel it is you’re looking for. They always know best, trust they are sending you to the most beautiful locations. "

"The wildlife encounters you have each and every day with curious and unique animals."

"Wander off the main streets to get amazing views and unexpected encounters."

"Be respectful when photographing people and young children. Sometimes a behind shot is more effective and protects the unsuspecting."

"Seeing locals interact in the setting. They understand the beauty and importance of the city just as much, if not more than, the tourists."

"Pay attention to details!"

"I loved visiting the "Perito Moreno" glacier with an organised boat tour. It takes you close to the glacier, allowing you to witness the incredible ice formations and possibly witness calving events!"

"Cocora Valley is easily reachable from Salento, Colombia. You can just do a short hike to reach the most famous spots, or indulge in a 13-km loop-hike. I totally recommend the latter."

"Hire a bicycle and ride the downhill route - called the Ruta de las Cascadas (meaning Waterfall Route) - enjoy passing many incredible waterfalls and experience stunning mountain views! "

"The people, the nature, the food!"

"It’s not as scary as people say but please be cautious: no walking on a beach at night, don’t walk around with your phone out, don’t take pictures of locals in favelas, and don’t carry a lot of cash. "

"A tour guide is necessary for visiting the favelas, I don’t think you should go there without one! "

"The city centre of the small town of Jardín is very picturesque. It's the only city in Colombia which has such a cosy main square with a lot of terraces to enjoy a drink or dinner."

"Jardín is still a bit of a hidden gem in Colombia, it's not visited by many people yet. You can find beautiful nature here and it's a great place for birdwatching!"

"The history. There is so much to learn about Havana’s past."

"Learn about Havana through the locals and take time to talk to the elderly."

"Havana is known for its rich colonial history and architecture, which contributes to its captivating colonial atmosphere."

"It's essential to be well-prepared due to the country's unique circumstances, here are some tips: bring cash as credit cards don't work, book to stay in "casas particulares" and use "taxis compartidos" to move around."

"Book a day trip by catamaran to discover Cayo Iguana, an untouched Caribbean island east of Matanzas in northern Cuba."

"Apart from the obvious LOTR spots and activities, the views are quite simply stunning. If you get lucky like we did, you can see Acetenango and an erupting Fuego."

"It can get quite busy so it is best to go in the morning. If it's not already included in your tour, you can book directly through Hobbitenango's office in Antigua, as we did, or make your own way there by Uber/taxi."

"Once you are at the top and the sun has begun to rise, you will get an incredible view of the lake and the surrounding volcanoes. The guide will also start making some coffee, perfect spot for it!"

""CLOUDS COME AND GO, THE MOUNTAIN REMAINS.""

"POV: this is not Venice in Italy, but Xochimilco, Mexico City! What's not to love?"

"The beach and the ocean is gorgeous!"

"Choose an ocean view room for the best views!"

"All the yellow buildings in the city centre."

"The yellow colour makes this place even more hot, so bring plenty of water and watch out for the heat!"

"Stay in Mérida or Valladolid and have a day trip there!"

"The architecture and the colonial vibe make this city super cool! Don’t miss the Monday night fiesta!"

"With a horse carriage, you can have a 40-minute sightseeing tour all around the city centre."

"Seeing the iconic world wonder is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!"

"Go as early as you can! Try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the opening time to avoid the heat and the crowds."

"Go to the main square for the sunset and listen to the birds’ song."

"The colourful houses and streets are so charming to explore."

"The Tulum ruins are so beautiful, this place is a must!"

"Visit at least one of the cenotes located nearby, these are truly a unique activity."

"Try out the local cuisine for something authentic."

"Go as early as you can to take photos at the popular Insta-famous locations, such as Ven a La Luz."

"The vibrant Quinta Avenida and the gorgeous beaches."

"Try to stay near the Quinta Avenida to have the best of the city and the beach."

"Stepping into the history of this Mayan site without a mass of tourists."

"A guide can show you places you would not find on your own, as well as share the history behind each area of the site."

"As it’s still a place which isn't too touristy, having a guide will help you to take advantage of every second in this beautiful country."

"The best part of travelling the world with your own car is that you are able to meet locals in the most deserted places. It will give you the opportunity to really get to know the culture."