Just because you have planned a big trip and purchased cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms does not necessarily mean that you will need a travel guide.
The following is when you would be wise to travel without a guide:
When you are traveling with an open mind and no real objective; hiring a tour guide can remove opportunities for spontaneity and luck. If you want to hang loose, you are better off on your own.
When you are returning to a destination you have already seen with a guide previously, venturing out on your own may be the best way to experience treasured moments.
When traveling by yourself you will have opportunities to interact with locals and improvise as you go along.
When you already have a lot of activities scheduled.
When your main goal is to unwind and you do not want to be tied to a schedule.
When the place you are visiting is very small, say a small island, a bike may come in handier than a guide.
When you are feeling antisocial or just want to be left alone.
When you want to immerse yourself in the local language and culture. Sometimes your goal may be to see if you can make the grade speaking a foreign language.
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