5 Amazing Websites That Allow You to Connect With Locals While Travelling
Nowadays, more and more travelers are searching for authentic experiences in the areas they are exploring. Few travelers are content to move around the tourist traps of significant cities. Previously, there was little out there to help those who wanted to get off the beaten track. Thanks to these five websites, you can now connect directly to the locals who can help explore the hidden gems that your destinations have to offer.
Viator.com
Viator was recently acquired by Trip advisor for a reported $200m and should be your first stop when trying to book any tour on holidays. The sheer number of destinations and types of terms available on this website is staggering. It caters to all price ranges and all tastes, from boats to bikes and even helicopter tours. Prices can range from a few dollars well into the hundreds and in some cases thousands, so all budgets are accommodated here. They also have a vast library of verified reviews, giving you a chance to see exactly what you are paying for.
ToursByLocals.com
Running since 2008, ToursByLocals offers access to high-quality tour guides all over the world. Their guides are handpicked and have extensive knowledge of their areas. The website provides a fair amount of tours but not as many as others. It is, however, the quality of the times which makes this site stand out. You can purchase a place on a pre-arranged tour (usually with other tourists). Being able to message a local guide directly is the standout feature on ToursByLocals. It allows you to build your itinerary and feel if the guide is the right one to show you around your destination. This ensures you will see everything you want and saves you from wasting your time on the things that do not interest you!
Showaround.com
Showaround is a very excellent site that connects you with locals in cities all over the world! The interface on the website is amazing and is similar to that of a social media website. You can organize the guides based on the price range. Once you have decided how much you want to spend, you can discuss what activities you would like to do during your stay. As soon as this is finalized, you simply pay your guide to reserve the date! The social side of this site is excellent and you could very well make a new friend once you have spent a bit of time with your guide. The only downside is which guide you should choose!
Rentalocalfriend.com
Based in Brazil, RALCF offers a vast array of local guides in South America. They also provide guides all around the world. However, their coverage of the rest of the world is not as comprehensive as other sites. You pay 30% of the total cost in an upfront booking fee and 70% in cash after the tours. The minimum price for these tours is around the $34 mark, with some places having a slightly higher base price. If you are traveling around South America, especially Brazil, this is the best way to connect in your area.
Local-insider.com
Jetstar Australia offers direct budget flights from Australia to Saigon, so there is no better time to visit Vietnam. Specializing in Thailand and Vietnam, you need to look no further than Local Insider to connect to knowledgeable locals in Southeast Asia. Offering a great mix of both professional and non-professional guides, they can cater to all your needs.
Like the other sites, you can directly message your guide and organize your trip based on what you would like to do. They cater for all price ranges (as low as $5/hour), and the local insiders are ranked via verified reviews. Another benefit of Inspitrip is that it is a cashless service which the locals will receive the tour fee only after you leave reviews.