Follow Rick Steves' Advice And Splurge On This Luxury During A Trip To Europe

There are a lot of options when it comes to deciding where to direct your money while on a European vacation. Historic attractions, high-end restaurants, and experiences are all great ways to make sure your trip is as memorable as possible. But according to Rick Steves, there's one thing that is especially worth splurging on when it comes to making your European trip complete: hiring a local tour guide.

Wandering through a city you've never experienced before can be thrilling. But if you are with someone who lives there and knows the history and insider details, it can elevate your vacation beyond your expectations, Steves says. He also suggests hiring that tour guide at the beginning of your trip. This will give you a better idea of areas you want to revisit or further explore during the rest of your stay.

Of course, you want to avoid hiring a tour guide who isn't trustworthy. Steves recommends reaching out to your hotel before you arrive for a few reasons, including getting suggestions on guides and tour companies they work with. He also recommends visiting the websites of local tourism offices, which will likely have a list of vetted tour guides and companies they recommend for visitors.

Rick Steves has given a lot of amazing travel tips over the years, and he describes hiring a tour guide as "renting a friend." This friend happens to have detailed information about the city you're visiting and will also have insights that only come from a local's perspective. It's an investment, for sure, since guides can cost a few hundred dollars, according to Steves. But this planned, added expense to your trip will offer a cultural understanding along with some great sightseeing opportunities. He also reminds us that while it's not required, it's a good idea to tip your guide, especially if he or she surpasses your expectations.

A tour can be anything you want, and it's important to remember that tour guides come in many forms. Some are independent, some work for tour companies, and others offer unique experiences to enhance your tour. Top Bike Tours in Portugal, for example, provides a guide and bicycle for tourists looking to cover more areas. There are also tour companies like Rogue Expeditions in Europe that can provide a guide to lead groups of running enthusiasts to exciting destinations.

Of course, travelers regularly encounter locals near sites that attract tourists who may offer to be your guide, for a price. If you don't already have a guide lined up, Steves recommends chatting with that potential guide for a bit to see if you're comfortable with them and if they seem to know the city. He advises that you be careful, though, because too many are full of what he calls "fried air" and may not be as informative as you hoped.