posted: 1/6/2023 | June 1, 2023
I love trip planning. Reading about a destination, learning about its history, and finding all the cool things to see and do (and eat) is one of the many things I love about traveling.
When I first started backpacking, planning budget trips was a challenge because you could only rely on out of date guidebooks or dubious online forums.
But these days, filling out an itinerary has never been easier. Researching activities, reading reviews and booking trips can be done months in advance from the comfort of home or as a last minute decision if you like traveling spontaneously.
One of the websites I frequently use when I travel is GetYourGuide.
GetYourGuide is a marketplace for tours, activities and excursions. It has everything from skip-the-line museum tickets and walking tours to winery tours and adventure activities — and everything in between. That includes major “must see” sights as well as off-the-beaten track activities as well.
Here's everything you need to know about GYG to help you plan your next trip, have fun, and save money!
What Types of Activities Does GetYourGuide Offer?
GetYourGuide has a large number of activities at destinations around the world, but they are usually divided into different categories:
Tickets – GYG sells tickets to museums, galleries, amusement parks, and everything in between. These are often skip-the-line tickets, which are especially helpful if you're visiting a busy tourist attraction.
General tour – This includes most activities, including walking tours, guided hikes, whale watching tours, vineyard trips, etc. You pay a fee and join a small group of fellow travelers.
Private tour – From private walking tours to private guided hikes, if you have a bigger budget (or are traveling with a small group) you can find all kinds of guides here offering more exclusive activities.
Day trip – If you live in a big city, you'll find countless day trips (and even multi-day trips) further afield. This could be national parks, wineries, beaches, and more. They usually include transportation to and from your accommodation as well as meals.
Transport – Airport shuttle tickets, private drivers, and public transportation can all be found at GYG.
For most activities, GYG promotes local operators. They are simply intermediaries who help facilitate your planning. However, they also have their own “Original” experience created in partnership with a local operator and only available to order at GYG. Genuine experience included Turning on the Lights in the Vatican Museums, Wine Tasting at the Eiffel Towerand exclusive pre-hours tour of the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.
My Experience Using Get Your Guide
I have used GetYourGuide at several different destinations on my trip because it was an easy place to find tours. I booked an amazing food tour in Bologna, another wine tour in Bologna (where the guy had just started his company, so I gave him some tips on how to succeed), and a day trip around the Slovenian countryside.
Like most travel search engines, what's great about GYG is that it's all in one place. This is very important for the experience because most big cities have multiple tour operators. That means if you search solely through Google, you might miss a lot of things.
So I like that GYG puts everything in one place for me so I can move around and compare activity prices, duration, and more — all from one website/app.
I am planning to use GYG in my upcoming trip to Japan as there are lots of cool activities and tours available, from tea ceremony in Kyoto to watch sumo training session in Tokyo to try Japanese traditional archery in Hiroshima.
So, Is GYG Worth Using?
If you want to simplify your travel planning and find cool activities for your next trip, GYG is a great place to start. Not only can you find fun outings and excursions, but you can also read reviews and compare prices to see if the activity fits your needs. It's a simple and easy-to-use website and app that can really add depth to your journey.
And they not only run their own unique tours and activities, but also serve as a retailer for thousands of others. That means you book with a local company, ensuring most of the money you spend stays in the community.
Whether you want to plan a trip ahead of time or take up a new activity on the fly, GetYourGuide is a helpful website and app that can ensure you make the most of your time abroad. Foodies, history buffs, nightowls, backpackers, adrenaline junkies — GYG offers unique activities for every travel style and budget, allowing you to dive deeper into your destination, connect with local guides and other travelers, and have more unique experiences.
Book Your Trip: Logistics Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights using Skyscanner. This is my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the world so you always know there's no stone unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, go for it Booking.com because it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guest houses and hotels.
Don't Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you from illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It's comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I never travel without it as I've had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want Free Travel?
A travel credit card lets you earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodations — all at no extra cost. Check out my guide to choosing the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to work with when you're on the go. I list everything that I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can't go wrong with them on your travels.