Why is it necessary to have a travel guide?

Thinking back to those days, I was a person who did as I pleased. I came when I was inspired and returned when I was interested, so I looked very free and easy. But after many such experiences, I found that my travels were not profound at all. Every time a friend asks me if there are any recommended places, accommodations, or food, I find that I can’t answer them—because, if you don’t travel with a guide, finding your favorite restaurants, hotels, and attractions depends too much on character and luck. .

Later, I started to slowly make strategies. At first, I will read some travel notes written by people on Qunar.com, Fliggy, and Mafengwo. I will probably have a preliminary understanding of the destination, know where the popular attractions are, and where the things are recommended. Later, I gradually relied on the "Lonely Planet" series of books to supplement my knowledge. Many of the routes in it are very classic, and some shops are not popular and niche, but have a unique style, which deepens my favorability of each trip. . Sometimes friends come to me and ask me for recommended places, and I can recommend them to their hearts.

There are actually many benefits to making a guide, not only to have a better experience of local restaurants and attractions, but sometimes it can also save money. For example, when traveling in Japan, it is well known that transportation is very expensive, so it is not cost-effective to buy tickets and take a taxi every time you go. In fact, it will be much cheaper to get a three-day light rail pass. If you don't do a guide and you can't communicate with the locals, it will actually increase a lot of costs.

Now a friend asked me if I should travel more casually or have a guide. I will definitely recommend the process of making a strategy now. Although the early process is complicated, it will save effort in the later stage.