I love going on walking tours when I travel to a new place. It’s a fantastic way to explore, see the sights, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Plus, you get to chat with a knowledgeable guide who can give you insider tips (I always ask for food recommendations!). However, sometimes the scheduled tours don’t align with my plans, especially if I’m only in town for a short visit or during a local holiday. I also like the freedom to be spontaneous and explore at my own pace, without being tied to a group for hours on end.
In the past, this would leave me without many options. But now, there’s a new solution: self-guided audio tours. With smartphones being so common, you can access guided walking tours right from your device, giving you the flexibility to explore on your terms.
I’ve tried audio tours worldwide, and they vary in quality. Around is a platform that aims to simplify finding top-notch audio tours by vetting local guides and offering tours from cities globally in one place. Let’s dive into what Around is all about!
Around is a platform where travelers can discover and enjoy self-guided audio walking tours in major cities worldwide. They ensure quality by vetting local experts who create and list tours on their platform. Tours typically last 60-90 minutes, with some longer ones like the Full Immersion Verona lasting over 180 minutes. These tours cover a range of topics, from detailed explorations of specific themes to general overviews for first-time visitors.
To use Around, all you need is a smartphone with GPS and an internet connection; no need for a separate app. Instead of paying per tour, you can buy an all-access pass for a set period, allowing you to take multiple tours during that time. This pass offers great value compared to paying for individual tours, especially if you plan to explore a city extensively.
Around offers tours mainly in English, with some available in Spanish and Italian, and they are expanding to include more languages. The tours come with helpful details like duration, starting point, guide information, and a brief description of what to expect. You can even listen to a preview before committing to a full tour.
While Around is still growing and improving, it’s a promising platform for affordable, expert-led audio tours. They are actively adding more cities and working on enhancements like downloadable tours for offline use. If you have the chance to explore a city with Around’s tours, it’s worth giving them a try!
