With more and more people venturing out to explore the world, the travel and tourism industry is at an all-time high. Modern technology has made it easier for people to plan for holidays in distant and exotic locations. This has also given a boost to the business of tour guides. A tour or travel guide can provide a lot of essential services and assistance. They can ensure your safety and comfort during your trip and assist you with any queries or help that you may need.

A good travel guide is reliable, well versed in the local customs and culture and resourceful. Depending on the place you are planning to visit, you may need travel guides with specialized knowledge. This includes trekking, safari and other outdoor adventures which require travel guides with knowledge of nature and essential survival skills. There are some points that you must keep in mind in order to choose the best travel guide.

You should always hire a travel guide from a reliable and certified source, whether online or offline. Some reputed travel companies provide travel guides as part of their travel package. Also in some countries and tourist places such as wildlife sanctuaries, travel guides are arranged by the local government or even by private contractors.

Travel guides are available for hire at airports, train stations and famous tourist places. But you should generally not hire them unless you are sure about their credentials and background. The best travel guide is polite, courteous and knowledgeable and can add value to your holiday experience.

Most tourist places have online websites which provide information on how and where to hire good travel guides. If you are travelling to a remote place and unable to find travel guide related information online, then you should check with your friends or even on online forums for people who have visited the same place earlier.