Self Guided Audio Tours

[disneychrista]

Has anyone used these when you've gone on a trip? I am visiting the California Central Coast in a few days for my 50th birthday. There are several of these audio tours that are inexpensive and look interesting. If you've used them what was your experience. Are they easy to use? Are the useful? Any tips or tricks?

Here are a few examples of what I am looking at :

https://www.viator.com/tours/San-Lu...wn-on-an-audio-walking-tour/d33000-110804P177

https://www.viator.com/tours/Monter...rey-on-an-audio-walking-tour/d5250-110804P232

https://www.viator.com/tours/Monter...riving-Tour-of-Salt-Lake-City/d5250-259648P15

 

[disneychrista]

anyone?

I’m surprised that no one has experiences with these.

 

[disykat]

I have used Viator to purchase tours before and I've also done audio tours, I've just never done an audio tour from Viator. If the price was right, I'd do it in a minute though! I think you really do see and learn more with some information.

 

[Colleen27]

I've never used one for a walking tour, but I've used Gypsy Guide for road trips and have enjoyed those. The fact that they're GPS based and give you a heads up before particularly scenic pullouts and other places of interest is really nice. They have one for the Pacific Coast Highway that you might be interested in, if you're going to be taking that route on your trip.

 

[disneychrista]

They have one for the Pacific Coast Highway that you might be interested in, if you're going to be taking that route on your trip.

Thank you. I am actually doing this drive between SLO & Monterey.

 

[disneychrista]

I have used Viator to purchase tours before and I've also done audio tours, I've just never done an audio tour from Viator. If the price was right, I'd do it in a minute though! I think you really do see and learn more with some information.

Is there another place I should be looking for audio tours? Viator seems to be the one the comes up when I look for tours.

 

[disykat]

Viator is probably what you'll find unless something is offered independently specifically for that location. I have done general Rick Steve's walking tours through neighborhoods in Europe and also some location provided ones. For specific locations, I specifically remember the one at Alcatraz and one at Windsor Castle.

 

[Darcy03231]

I did the one on the Midway in San Diego and it was excellent. There were different stations all over the ship and at each one there was a description. If you pressed the button for more information there was a recording of someone who served on the Midway in that capacity and they talked about their experience. I would do it again it was so good.

 

[dazedx3]

So far, neither of us have any symptoms. We will test again tomorrow, if negative, I think we will feel better about things. DD is still feeling kind of icky. I really hope she can come ( she organized and paid for most of the trip)

 

[disneychrista]

I've never used one for a walking tour, but I've used Gypsy Guide for road trips and have enjoyed those. The fact that they're GPS based and give you a heads up before particularly scenic pullouts and other places of interest is really nice. They have one for the Pacific Coast Highway that you might be interested in, if you're going to be taking that route on your trip.

I just wanted to say thank you for alerting me to this. I used the Big Sur tour yesterday and really enjoyed it. I didn’t do all of the stops and side trips he suggested but enjoyed hearing the history & background information on them.

 

[Praying Colonel]

Rick Steves has an app with self-guided tours for various locations. I used the one for Amsterdam when we were there a few years ago and it was great.

 

[bcla]

It's basically required on Alcatraz right now although using it is optional. Under the previous transportation operator, it was optional and maybe $3 more.

 

[fly girl]

Did the self guided tour for Alcatraz and Pearl Harbor. Both were really good. I like that you do it at your pace, what you are interested in and not following a herd.

I have not tried one while driving, but never say never. Sounds like you enjoyed it which is wonderful!

Happy 50th Birthday and have a great trip!