Should you book a tailor-made trip with Rough Guides?

updated 6/4/2021

In late 2018, we launched Rough Guides tailor-made trips, a unique travel marketplace where we connect you to local tour operators in over 70 countries worldwide. These local experts create a travel itinerary and book personalised trips for you, packed with personality and stimulating adventure.

Just like you, they’re now eagerly waiting for travel to return and what better way to find out about local restrictions and regulations than by talking to a local? You get to support boutique tour operators while traveling exactly to your terms. No two trips are alike so your trip will be as unique as you are.

What does tailor-made travel mean?

Exactly what it sounds like. On a tailor-made holiday, you’re in the driving seat. No two trips are the same. You can decide where to go, for how long, and what you’d like to see along the way.

Your local travel expert is your main point of contact, and takes care of all the bookings and timings, taking the stress out of planning your travel itinerary. Your expert arranges all aspects of your trip, from transportation such as private drivers or rental cars to private excursions and your hotel stays.

No matter if you’re interested in exploring the destination in your own rental car or with a private transport and guide - explore Rough Guides trips options here to see more.

Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre, Italy – just one of the places you can visit with Rough Guides Trips © Shutterstock

What are the benefits of booking a tailor-made travel itinerary?

On a customised trip, you can choose exactly what you want to see, or be guided by your local experts' experience. Everything is flexible, from where you stay to daily excursions, meal preferences and more. Let your local expert suggest a route for you or create your own with their help.

For example – if you have specific sights you want to cover in Italy, your expert can plan a travel itinerary to suit. Or, if on the other hand, you want to visit Sri Lanka but don't know where to start, your expert can take the lead. If you’re more of a beach person or you love exploring cities – just let your expert know, and they'll adapt the itinerary.

Booking a tailor-made trip helps you save time doing your own research but also makes sure your trip is going smoothly once in the destination. A 24/7 emergency hotline is at your fingertips and your local expert makes sure you’re getting the most out of your trip.

Who is tailor-made travel for?

Our tailor-made travellers are as unique and varied as our readers. From solo travellers exploring countries off the beaten track and families planning intergenerational trips or a first trip as empty-nesters or recent honeymooners – tailor-made travel is for you if you’re looking to travel worry-free with your travel itinerary and all services personalised to your taste but pre-booked ahead of time.

All arrangements will be covered from your transport to your excursions so all you have to do is book your flight tickets and pack your bags.

On the other hand, if you are looking to travel more spontaneously, our travel guidebooks will be a better fit for you as all the tailor-made trips are planned and agreed in advance. They’re not designed for people who like to take each day as it comes when they’re in the destination.

Is tailor-made travel more expensive?

By working with local tour operators and cutting out the middleman, you receive real prices directly from the tour provider. This ensures that all trips provide amazing value for what they include. Do bear in mind though, if you’re working with a budget of less than £100 per day, prefer to take public transport or stay in low-budget accommodation like hostels, you might find our travel guide books to be of more help.

Ait Benhaddou fortified city in Morocco © Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

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What countries can I visit with a tailor-made trip?

Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips offers holidays to over 70 countries across 6 continents. From Vietnam to Argentina and South Africa to Iceland we can connect you with a local expert who will create and book a memorable trip for you.

For a full list of all of our destinations, click here.

How far in advance do I need to book a trip?

Some like to book a year in advance while others are more spontaneous with trips planned within the next few weeks. To give your local expert the necessary time to create a truly personalised itinerary that fits your wishes and book all related services, we recommend that you get in touch at least 3 weeks before your proposed travel date. The earlier you contact us, the more time you’ll have to get your trip just right with your own local expert.

Traditional Moroccan cafe in Marrakesh © Shutterstock

How to book

It couldn’t be easier to plan a tailor-made trip with your own local expert. Here’s how:

Head to our enquiry form

Choose your destination, pick your dates and submit an enquiry

Fill in a short form to share your preferences with your local expert

Receive your personalised itinerary – you can tweak and refine until you're completely happy

Book online, pack your bags and enjoy your trip!

Enquire today and start planning your trip with a local expert

New: What if I need to change my plans because of Covid?

Just as your trip is tailor-made and personalised, your local expert makes sure that the payment and cancellation policies fit you and your itinerary ideally. Over 30 destinations are bookable with only a 10% deposit as a downpayment and free date changes up to 30 days before arrival. Your local expert will work closely with you to find the options if your plans have to change due to Covid.