Hire a guide

     Yes, you can drive yourself around a major city or destination with a guidebook, but you cannot beat hiring a guide - someone who has lived in a place for many years or even grown up there. I have done lots of homework and driven in the countryside and it works well, but not for a visit in a special place with limited time. The photos above are the result of hiring a local guide.  Starting at the top: Daniel showed us around his home city of Brussels. We told what was of interest and he did the rest. Next is the back of Duncan's head. He lead us around the Chobe National Park in Botswana. There were maps available and rental cars, but no thanks. Three full days of game drives made it possible to see the game, not worry about hitting an elephant. Next is Tim the former Police Chief of Dingle, Ireland. A man with a ready wit and a great knowledge of the area. He even speaks Gaelic. The bottom photo is of the great cavern in the Rock of Gibraltar. Karl grew up in the city and was the right blend of lots of information and freedom to roam. He arranged for all the entry tickets and drove roads that scared me beyond words. Expensive? No. Not if you want to know what you are seeing after spending a bundle flying there.