If you want to level up your next vacation, there's one simple and easy way to do so. It's not upgrading to an unlimited drink package or requesting a city-front hotel view; it's simply booking a local tour guide. Before visiting Bali, I'd never consider getting a tour guide because I didn't think I'd be able to swing it financially, but the truth is, it's a pretty affordable (and well worth it!) luxury.
If the word "tour guide" brings up an image of a monotone, name-tag-wearing someone that herds you around a museum with 100+ people, know that this is not what I mean. When I say hire a tour guide, I mean hire a local one who understands the culture, land, food, and traditions of the place you're visiting firsthand.
I learned the importance of having a local tour guide when I recently traveled to Bali with a company called EF Ultimate Break. If you're unfamiliar, EF Ultimate Break is what I'd consider to be a travel concierge service that handles all the logistical stressors that come with vacationing. This includes booking your flight, hotel, and general itinerary for the trip. (Truly things that are too much of a hassle to do yourself.)
Most importantly though, EF Ultimate Break pairs your group of up to 44 people with a local tour guide and tour director who show you the country or cities from their native lens — and honestly, this is what elevated my Bali experience more than anything. Allow me to explain why hiring a local tour guide should be a priority on your next vacation.
You Gain Access to Intimate Cultural Information
My Ultimate Break's group tour guide, Putri, 44, and tour director Aggie, 31, were both from Pejeng, a small village in Bali just a few minutes outside of the main city of Ubud. With them both being Balinese, they were able to provide cultural information I otherwise wouldn't have retained traveling without them.
They spoke openly about their own families and religious practice and also used their personal lives to provide insight on Balinese customs, like why and how the traditional Balinese offerings are made. These offerings are handmade up to 15 times a day, and include flower pedals, rice, incense, food to eat, and sometimes cigarettes. They're placed along the sidewalks, the street, in hotels, and more, with the idea being that they "nurture the land" and "protect the people." Putri even taught us how to make an offering.
In addition to the offerings, with US politics being in shambles and abortion access being stripped away at the federal level here, I also asked them questions on how Balinese people viewed topics like abortion access, LGBTQ+ rights, and marrying below or above their individual caste system. We were able to talk openly about the cultural differences and the progress we hoped to see come out of our respective countries.
They Help You Skip the Tourist Traps
One of the biggest perks of having a local guide is that they know where the real gems are—not just the overpriced, Instagram-famous spots that every travel blogger hypes up. Putri and Aggie took us to warungs (small family-owned restaurants) where the food was not only cheaper but also way more authentic than anything you'd find in the tourist-heavy areas of Seminyak or Canggu.
They also knew the best times to visit popular attractions to avoid crowds. For example, instead of heading to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces at noon when every tour bus unloads, we went at sunrise. Not only did we have the place practically to ourselves, but the lighting was absolutely magical for photos. Little insider tips like this made the trip infinitely smoother.
You Get a Personalized Experience
Unlike pre-recorded audio tours or rigid group itineraries, a local guide can tailor the experience to your interests. When I mentioned I was obsessed with Balinese coffee, Aggie arranged for us to visit a local coffee plantation where we got to see the entire process—from bean to cup—and even try the infamous luwak coffee (yes, the one made from civet poop).
They also adjusted plans on the fly based on weather, energy levels, or even just spontaneous recommendations from other locals. One evening, after hearing about a hidden waterfall from a street vendor, Putri rerouted our next day’s plans so we could check it out. It ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.
It’s Safer and Less Stressful
Navigating a foreign country—especially one with a language barrier—can be intimidating. Having a local guide means you always have someone who knows the area, speaks the language, and understands cultural norms. When one person in our group got sick, Putri knew exactly which pharmacy to go to and how to explain the symptoms in Balinese. Without her, we would’ve been lost (literally and figuratively).
They also help you avoid scams. In tourist-heavy areas, it’s common for vendors to inflate prices for foreigners. Putri would casually step in and negotiate in Balinese, ensuring we paid fair local prices for everything from sarongs to taxi rides.
You Support the Local Economy Directly
When you hire a local guide, your money goes straight into the community rather than a big international tour company. Many guides also have connections with small businesses—whether it’s a family-run silver shop or a home-based batik workshop—and will take you to places where your spending actually benefits local artisans.
Putri introduced us to a woodcarver in her village who explained the spiritual significance behind his designs. We left not just with souvenirs, but with stories and a real connection to the craftspeople behind them.
At the end of the day, a local guide doesn’t just show you a place—they help you experience it in a way that’s deeper, richer, and way more meaningful than any guidebook or influencer itinerary ever could. And honestly? That’s the kind of luxury worth splurging on.
