Dutch travel blogger Chris Oberman, who lives in South Korea, and his wife explore the Zagros Mountains, near Choman, Iraq. Local authorities have warned of danger and restricted visitors to the area because the peaks have been covered in heavy snow since late July. The route is winding, densely forested, with many rocky mountains, rivers, and political instability, with the possibility of landmines on the Iraq-Iran border.
Despite his extensive travel experience, Oberman said that exploring the Zagros Mountains alone was dangerous, so he decided to hire a local guide. They understand the language, culture and traditions, making it easier for visitors to integrate into a new place. The Obermans had the opportunity to learn about the life of Kurdish shepherds in the mountains along the border.
For group tourism, the large number of visitors also makes it difficult for each tourist to fully experience the culture of the destination.
Australian photographer Lisa Michele Burns traveled to Swedish Lapland to photograph the northern lights. She initially traveled with a group of tourists but was disappointed by the large crowds, which made it difficult to get good shots. She decided to hire a reindeer herder to be her personal guide. Not only did he help her find the perfect location, he also shared interesting information along the way.
“Traveling with a reindeer herder, I was able to explore remote fields, wade through knee-deep snow, stand on frozen streams and admire the aurora borealis, a dazzling display of green, pink and purple,” Burns said.
Tim Choate, founder of vacation rental network RedAwning, says local guides know off-the-beaten-path itineraries and destinations. Choate hired a former national park director to lead tours of lesser-known wildlife sanctuaries in Southeast Asia, a unique experience not offered by regular tours.
"There's nothing better than having a local guide you through the dos and don'ts of a new place," says Vanessa Karel, founder of the Greether platform that connects female travelers with female guides.
In addition to platforms like ToursByLocals, GetYourGuide, and Airbnb Experiences, social media like Facebook and Instagram also help travelers find reputable local guides. Travel advisor Kimberly Denison says travelers should find local guides through reputable sources, like referrals from acquaintances or industry experts. Additionally, travelers can choose themed tour companies to find guides.
Alex Bentley, director of Audley Travel, says guides can provide unique stories along the way. For example, when visiting Egypt, a guide in Cairo can share information about the ongoing excavations around the Giza pyramids.
“This approach helps customers have memorable and authentic experiences,” Bentley says, adding that you should check for expertise, foreign languages, and a passion for sharing culture through reviews or direct inquiries.
HQ (according to VnExpress)Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/loi-ich-khi-thue-huong-dan-vien-dia-phuong-405713.html
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