My Quest for the Best Private Tour Companies (And How I Almost Got Scammed)
Look, I thought I was a savvy traveler. Then I tried booking a “luxury private tour” in Marrakech that turned out to be a guy named Dave from Ohio driving a tuk-tuk with a suspiciously loose wheel. So yeah, I’ve learned some things about finding the best private tour companies for customized travel—the hard way.
Why Private Tours? (Spoiler: I’m Lazy and Picky)
I want:
- No forced souvenir-shop detours (cough Bangkok gem scam cough)
- Guides who don’t say “This cathedral is very old” like they’re reading Wikipedia aloud
- The ability to bail if I suddenly decide I’d rather eat gelato for three hours (happens more than I’d like to admit)
The Best Private Tour Companies I’ve Actually Loved (No Dave’s Included)
1. Black Tomato (For When You Want to Feel Fancy But Also Adventurous)
These folks planned a wild Patagonia trip where I slept in a glass dome under the stars. Downside? I cried when I realized there was no Wi-Fi. Worth it. Black Tomato
2. Context Travel (For Nerds Who Like to Overthink Everything)
Their “Secret History of NYC” tour had me side-eyeing every subway station like it was hiding Illuminati clues. *10/10, would conspiracy-theory again.*
3. Kensington Tours (When You Want to Pretend You’re in a Spy Movie)
They arranged a “meet a local chef in Lisbon” thing that turned into a 4-hour wine-and-custard-tart bender. Zero regrets.
How to Not Get Screwed Over (Like I Did)
- Read reviews like they’re your ex’s texts—deeply and with suspicion. Context Travel
- Ask exactly what “customized” means (Some think it means “you pick the lunch spot.” Others? “We’ll base the itinerary on your astrological sign.”)
- Demand to see the vehicle beforehand (RIP me, trusting Dave’s “vintage ride” was not a duct-taped golf cart.)
Final Thoughts: Yes, It’s Worth It (If You Do It Right)
Private tours are like dating—sometimes you get Dave. Sometimes you get a life-changing gelato-and-history mashup. Do your homework, embrace the chaos, and always tip your guide.
Now go forth and customize! (And maybe send me your disaster stories. I thrive on schadenfreude.) Kensington Tours
