What to Look for at Your Local Repairman When You Travel
Personal guides or local repairmen who can guide you one-on-one or in small groups are not always cheap, but can enrich your journey and provide you with behind-the-scenes access. If you are working with one, you want to recoup your money. Here’s what to look for to be sure.
When looking for the right anchor, make a list of the qualities that are most important to you. Travel writer Brook Wilkinson has some tips to start your list:
- They can help you skip long lines. They can do this in many ways, by purchasing tickets in advance, having a guide or group tickets, or simply knowing the right person. Whatever they do, ask them before booking to make sure you don’t have to pay to queue with them. Also make sure they have access to whatever site you want to see. Some sites require specific guide licenses and you need a guide with those licenses.
- They are knowledgeable in areas that you care about. They won’t know everything, but they should at least be experts in the areas that interest you. For example, if you are planning to visit many art museums, you need a guide who knows art and art history.
- They take you to great restaurants and shops, not just the ones that give them kickbacks. For a truly authentic experience, you want to dine and shop in good, local, authentic locations without worrying about missing out on something better just because your repair assistant had his wallet in mind because of the service. for which you hired him.
If you can’t find this information on their website or by talking to them directly, look for reviews for the locals you are considering. You can also ask to speak to some of their previous clients, although they may only give you positive feedback. But you shouldn’t have a problem finding reviews of good guides. If so, then it might not be the best choice.
Make Sure Your Private Guide Can Do These Six Things | Wendy Perrin