I've been asked to write about how I find my guides - and how I decide if I need one in the first place.
If only the decision-making followed a logical sequence! Like some of my travels, it can all be a bit hit and miss.
I'm going somewhere I've never been before, and have limited time and want to see as much as possible, I always begin by finding an agent in the capital. This is a bit like sticking a pin in a list of agents, but I do check out guidebooks and travel forums to find some that look reliable, email them all, and see who replies. Most ignore me. So assume that anyone who replies really wants to help.
What I'm looking for, at that stage, is advice on the reliability of local transport, suggestions of places to go, that sort of thing. Invariably the agents interpret that as a request for a complete itinerary, transfers, everything. So emails go backwards and forwards, and we eventually reach an agreement and take it from there.
This is very different from my long trip, or if I'm going somewhere I know well, such as Bangkok or Kathmandu. In that case I book a hotel for the first few nights, and take it from there. If I decide I need a guide (I'd never climb a mountain without a guide, but will explore temples on my own.) there are plenty of local agents to help. (In Nepal, of course, there's always Tika.)
It's the agents who provide the guides. Those who have read this blog, or the books, will know I've met some extraordinary guides - notably, on this last trip to Malawi, the faithful Everlasting. Though I work on the principle that most of us are extraordinary if we are given the chance. So - while I'm fascinated by all historical guff they are telling me, I am equally fascinated by them. And I've yet to meet a guide who didn't give me permission to write about him or her.
So, that's how I find them. I've not, yet, had a guide who was openly dishonest or uncaring - I know that, travelling on my own, I run the risk of being exploited. I check things out as best I can, and then go for it. So far, so wonderful!
How do other people do it?
A few days ago I was talking to my husband about your travels and he asked the same question about how you find your guides. So now I can tell him!
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit hit and miss, Anne - but it seems to work!
DeleteI was wondering the same thing, Jo! But my next question is about the agents. When you say you find them in the countries, how does that work? Are these travel agents? And do they have lists of guides?
ReplyDeleteI'll tackle that in the next blog, if it helps, Val.
DeleteInteresting to hear about how you find guides.
ReplyDeleteLocal guides are very useful. I was one (although privately) for a few years. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.