Tours Archives — Lara Dunston

Direct Bookings for Siem Reap Itineraries and Trip Planning

Siem Reap Old Town. Siem Reap Itineraries. Copyright 2015 Terence Carter / Lara Dunston / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

I’ve been offering bespoke itineraries and trip planning services for a while now, booked via Vayable, as well as arranged directly through me via Grantourismo. This all came about somewhat serendipitously in response to friends asking me to help plan their itineraries to include off-the-beaten-track spots and local experiences. After restaurateur and chef friends began requesting food-focused … Read more about Direct Bookings for Siem Reap Itineraries and Trip Planning

2 Days in Tropical Darwin: day 1, a taster

by Lara Dunston

Check out our story on Australia’s sultry ‘Top End’ city of Darwin on Viator. We spent a few weeks in this tropical town just before the Wet season started, using it as a base to explore Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Litchfield and we absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, for many travellers heading Down Under, Darwin isn’t … Read more about 2 Days in Tropical Darwin: day 1, a taster

Putting context back into travel, OR why contextualizing travel is cool

by Lara Dunston

Now, you know I’m not a fan of guides (see this post) and my recent observation of a tour guide who stopped at each key sight at the Roman Forum to read passages from a guidebook to her bored tour group only reaffirmed many of my beliefs on guides and guided tours. Yet Context Travel … Read more about Putting context back into travel, OR why contextualizing travel is cool

When guided tours are close to spiritual experiences: I’ve been converted

by Lara Dunston

I’m converted. And I’m not ashamed to admit it. I can now reveal I’m addicted to cool guided tours. My definition? Enriching, focused, well thought-out, specialized tours to compelling places with small groups (so miniscule you can remember everyone’s names), led by super qualified and highly specialized guides who are as fascinating as the places … Read more about When guided tours are close to spiritual experiences: I’ve been converted

Guides: how to pick them

by Lara Dunston

If you must hire a guide (well, you know how I feel about some guides), whether it’s simply to show you around a city you’re a first-time visitor to, escort you on a day-trip, or lead you on a longer trek or journey, here are a few tips: 1) Do your research: start with the … Read more about Guides: how to pick them