Take home memories and photos that none of your friends have. When you travel with a private guide you will get to see your destination through the eyes of a local. Having an expert to guide you through the current culture and political climate of the city you are visiting, will help you discover more than you can imagine.

2.  Stay in Control

Travel on your time and see exactly what you want to see. Having a Personal Travel Guide assures that you can explore, shop, eat, and rest at your pace, not when a bus driver or typical tour group decides.

3.  Don’t Miss a Thing

Some moments are meant to be treasured, you shouldn’t miss anything just because you stop to take a picture or simply daydream. After all, a vacation is meant to be relaxing. When you travel with a Personal Travel Guide you don’t need to worry about missing out on anything because you can ask questions and move along at your own pace.

4.  Skip the Crowds

There is no reason to waste your vacation time standing in long lines or trying to see through the crowds during peak hours for popular attractions. When you travel with a Personal Travel Guide they will know not only know the customs of the local population, but they will know the best time to go to the most popular places.

5.  Dine Finer and Shop Wiser

When you travel with a Personal Guide they will have firsthand experience when it comes to dining at the finest places and shopping at the best markets. Knowing the local customs and language are essential to getting the best prices and dealing with the best merchants. It’s no different than knowing where to find the best sales at your favorite shopping mall or knowing the best place to get a satisfying meal in your hometown.

The business of a Private Tour Guide involves being a specialist in the local area you live and know.

• Being able to share the nuances of the culture and people around your home is what makes you special and sought out by travelers.

• Your primary customer is someone coming from a long distance. They could be traveling from anyplace in the world.

• At the same time as being a local expert, it is difficult to advertise your services to the world if you are a one person or small company.

How can a Private Tour Guide reach out to a world of travelers in over 200 countries?

• By joining  seemyCity.com you instantly have access to thousands of interested customers, seeking out your expert services.

• Ask for referrals from your existing customers. They already know you and have experienced your services. They are great sources of referrals. Ask them for the names of some friends who may be planning to visit your home area.

• Become more visible to the international traveler through personal referrals from other tour guides around the world.  People in the tour guide business are the best resource for telling other travelers about your particular tours and knowledge of the area.  This is a low cost/no cost way to increase your business.

• People who travel are always looking for a good referral for a guide or specialist in an area they are planning to visit.  Build up your contacts of other guides from other countries. You can offer to also refer your friends, clients and customers to them when they need a guide in their particular area.  As your network grows, referrals will also grow.

How can you connect with other Private Travel Guides throughout the World?

• The most effective way to  meet other Personal Travel Guides all around the world is to find them and connect through seemyCity.com

• Our exclusive network of Private Tour Guides includes access to guides from over 180 countries

Connecting with Travelers seeking your services and Networking with Personal Travel Guides has never been easier, thanks to seemyCity.com.

Renowned as Sydney’s first beachside cinema, Flickerfest kicks off the summer cinema season outdoors under the stars at Bondi Beach, screening the best short films from Australia and the world in a unique and relaxed summer environment. After our Sydney festival Flickerfest tours to 23 venues around Australia. Our Academy accredited short film competition and special showcases celebrate the latest in cutting edge shorts from around the world. Welcome to our world of shorts! …

Click here for more information on the Flikerfest Festival in Sydney, Australia.

February: Anima, Brussels, Belgium

The next Anima, the Brussels International Animation Film Festival, will take place in Flagev February 10 – 20, 2010. Featuring over 150 films in the international competition (shorts and features, commercials and music videos) retrospectives, exhibitions, lessons, workshops for the kids. The Futurama professional days, round-table discussions, numerous guests and film concerts make Brussels an international appointment not to be ignored. It’s also the place to find out about Belgian animation with a notional competition and screenings in panorama. Add to that a very “Animated Night” full of films, and Anima easily confirms itself a “must” for the thirty thousand spectators that flock to Flagev, the prestigious cultural center of Belgium’s capital city.

Click here for more information on the Anima Film Festival in Brussels, Belgium.

March: Febiofest, Prague, Czech Republic

FEBIOFEST was founded in 1993 by FEBIO, an independent film and TV company. During the hard transition period from communism to democracy and market economy, FEBIO provided a working opportunity to almost all important Czech filmmakers including Vera Chytilova, Juraj Jakubisko, Jiri Menzel, Jan Jires, Jan Hrebejk and many others.
When evening rolls around, FEBIOFEST transforms itself into the widely attended and increasingly popular FEBIOFEST MUSIC FESTIVAL, showcasing world music, jazz, blues, avant-garde and alternative rock concerts in the multiplex cinema garages.

Click here for more information on the Febiofest in Prague, Czech Republic.

April: Achtung Berlin – Berlin, Germany

From 14 to 21 April 2010 is the film festival Achtung Berlin – new berlin film award again current feature films and documentaries presented that were either fully or partially realized by a Berlin-Brandenburg and film production. The screening of the films will be accompanied by film interviews with writers, directors, producers and distributors to inform on their production strategies.

Click here for more information on the Achtung Berlin Film Festival in Berlin, Germany.

May: Cannes Film Festival – Cannes, France

For 12 days in May the City of Cannes is transformed from a quiet seaside resort into the entire focus of the international film industry. Over 200,000 people – Filmmakers, film fans and stargazers alike descend on the Croisette to take part in the Cannes Film Festival (or more correctly, the Festival de Cannes). During these two weeks thousands of films are screened, careers are made (and ruined), and start from all over the world gather to bask in the limelight.

Click here for more information on the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France.

June: Maui Film Festival – Hawaii, United States

“The Maui Film Festival Serves Up Feasts, Stars and Enlightenment. It’s where the seaside rules and studio execs retreat and where there’s enough A-list presence on and off screen to make it an island celebration deserving of its industry recognition.”

Click here for more information on the Maui Film Festival in Hawaii, United States.

July: Film Festival am Rathausplatz – Vienna, Austria

One of the summer highlights and an absolute must for friends of operas is the Film Festival in front of the Vienna City Hall. Each night a different film connected to operas is presented on the colossal screen. There is no entrance fee and a collection of different international cuisines is pampering your stomach.

The beautiful facade of Vienna’s City Hall adds to the atmosphere. In between city hall building and there is a spacious park and an open space which is used for the open air cinema in summer and is popular in winter and other activities.

Click here for more information on the Film Festival am Rathausplatz in Vienna, Austria.

August: Sarajevo Film Festival – Bosnia & Herzegovina

The SFF has become the most honored festival in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Unlike the untouchable glitter of Cannes or Venice, this event is a perfect occasion to mix and mingle with local and international stars alike. Aside from the main stage showings, the ‘Panaroma’ and regional shows host some of the world’s best documentaries and it’s definitely the best venue to get a taste of southeast Europe’s best filmmakers.

Click here for more information on the Sarajevo Film Festival in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

September: Venice Film Festival – Venice, Italy

The 67. Venice International Film Festival will take place at the Lido of Venice 1 through 11 September 2010, Directed by Marco Müller. The exhibition aims to foster knowledge and dissemination of international cinema in all its forms of art, entertainment and industry, in a spirit of freedom and tolerance. The official selection of films scheduled at the next exhibition will be presented during the press conference scheduled for late July 2010 in Rome.

Click here for more information on the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy.

October: Vina Del Mar Film Festival – Chile

This is the headline international film event in Chile, with origins in the activities of a local cine club in the 1960s. It has run regularly since 1990, and features international feature and short film competitions as well as a national short film competition. Known as ‘El Festival Internacional de Cine de Vina del Mar’, it is recognised throughout Latin America and the wider world as an important event in the world of cinema. The principal venue is the Municipal Theatre, a grand 1930′s edifice in classical style, with a capacity of more than 1,000 in boxes, balconies and stalls. Screenings also take place in about three cinemas in the town.

Click here for more information on the Vina Del Mar Film Festival in Chile.

November: World Film Festival – Bangkok, Thailand

This Festival is dedicated to bringing the best art house and indie features, shorts, documentaries and animation films from across the globe to Bangkok, The annual World Film Festival stages screenings, film-related talks and workshops. The main festival venue is the Paragon Cineplex.

Click here for more information on the World Film Festival in Bangkok, Thailand.

December: International Film Festival Bratislava – Bratislava, Slovakia

Held each December, Bratislava’s International Film Festival screens a selection of films from all over the world.

Click here for more information on International Film Festival Bratislava in Bratislava, Slovakia.

We found all these Film Festivals in the seemyFestival section of seemyCity.com. These along with over 9,000 other fun and interesting celebrations and festivals are there to find and explore.

seemyCity.com takes a look at some of the more interesting winter sun destinations, the locations below are intended to give a range of holiday types, not just a typical beach vacation. We are pleased to be able to connect you to personal travel guides for many of your winter destinations.

South Africa

A winter sun vacation in South Africa offers the holidaymaker a whole host of options. For the more adventurous a safari through the Kruger Park, including a stay at one of the luxury game lodges in the region would offer a great winter sun break. For something more traditional any of the beach resorts along the Golden Route are perfect for a sun worshiper’s beach holiday.

Egypt

For the winter sun traveler who has an interest in history and culture, then Egypt is arguably the single destination which combines excellent climate with exceptional attractions. In winter months the temperature is a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius average, allowing the holiday maker to explore site such as the Great Pyramids, The Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings in comfort. A visit to Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, provides the visitor with an east meets west fusion of Egyptian markets and modern hotel facilities.

Thailand

The gem of South East Asia, a popular winter travel destination for a whole range of reasons. From Bangkok and Pattaya nightlife to the stunning natural beaches of Koh Samui and Phuket, Thailand offers a diverse and enthralling experience to the visitor. In the winter the southern parts of Thailand are the warmest, offering the kinds of temperatures that make a day lazing on the sand comfortable without being too hot. The high season in Thailand starts in January, with prices rising by around 30%, visit in December for the best bargain in winter sun travel.

Miami, Florida, USA

South Beach is often cited as being a huge adult playground. Populated by chic restaurants, trendy bars and well appointed hotels. Although the beach here is excellent, many people prefer to take advantage of the cooler winter climate to explore the galleries and cafes which run along the Lincoln Road Mall. Miami is an excellent choice for the kind of holidaymaker who is looking for a little luxury at a reasonable price, a great venue for younger people, the clubs and bars of Miami are world renowned for their high quality.

The Maldives

For the winter traveler who is looking for treasure island style surroundings yet with all of the modern amenities we have come to expect in the 21st then The Maldives is an excellent choice. This charming tropical island is ringed by white sandy beaches, excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving as the reef lies just off shore. The hotels upon the island are exceptionally good quality and value and incorporate all of the facilities the visitor would expect to find in more developed winter travel destinations. For the ultimate tropical island adventure with all the comforts of home The Maldives is a sure fire winner.

Dominica

This is the Caribbean destination of choice for many winter travelers. Although there is plenty of scope for a traditional beach holiday in Dominica, the major benefit of a visit here during the winter is the exceptional quality of the outdoor activities. The interior is blessed by a rainforest landscape complete with hidden waterfalls and hot springs. Renting a jeep or donning a pair of hiking boots grants the holidaymaker access to this incredible landscape.

Whatever your pleasure, the winter months are no excuse to stay home. Travel options are plentiful, the weather is great and there are some great deals to be found.

seemyCity.com will help connect you to personal tour guides for each of the following Destinations:

• South Africa
• Egypt
• Thailand
• Miami, Florida USA
• The Maldives
• Dominica

We hear from many guides that they consider the cruise business a direct competitor to their own guide business.

While the cruise business is highly organized, and can compete with local private guides for business, the cruise lines offer a tremendous and growing opportunity for new guide business.

Naturally this assumes you are located within a reasonable proximity of a port, but cruise lines have expanded their itineraries to include many new stopovers throughout the world.  Asia and Africa are two countries that are seeing a great increase in cruise ship arrivals.

Also, there are many river boat cruises that venture far into a country from the coast.  As an example, shore excursions are offered into Paris from Rouen which is 2.5 hours away by bus or car. The distance you are willing to travel is up to you but cruise passengers have been conditioned to travel a long way to see that special tourist site or activity.

Take a look at the numbers…

The cruise industry is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry – achieving more than 2,100 percent growth since 1970, when an estimated 500,000 people took a cruise. Approximately 33.6 million people took a cruise vacation in 2008.

The cruise industry’s growth is also reflected in its expanding guest capacity. Nearly 40 new ships were built in the 1980s and during the 1990s, nearly 80 new ships debuted. By the end of 2008, over 100 new ships will have been introduced since 2000.

The cruise industry’s commitment to adding new capacity is based on cruising’s tremendous growth potential. Because only approximately 20 percent of U.S. adults have ever taken a cruise vacation, there remains an enormous untapped market.

And look at the profile of the average cruiser….

Cruisers average 46 years of age, with above-average ($93,000) annual household income. Cruise vacations attract travelers from every state in the nation and from every province in Canada. The states producing the most cruise passengers are Florida, California, Texas, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois, Arizona and Georgia.

How to tap into this market….

First, find out where the ships that will stop and study their shore excursions.  All this can be done using the internet.  Do their tours offer the same value and area highlights that you are familiar with? Are they just seeing the highly commercialized stops?  Know this as it will help you market your local knowledge of the area.

Ask around and see who is providing the tour services…almost all of the cruise lines contract with local tour companies for the shore excursions they offer.  Maybe you can work with the master tour broker for that area, or become the master tour broker yourself!

Write the cruise lines….again, all the contact information is listed online.  Tell them about your services, history and credentials.  Cruise lines are always looking for quality tour operations to offer unique tours that their competition does not offer.

Participate in online cruise message boards.  As an example, Cruise Critic (www.cruisecritic.com) has message boards for each ship and cruise line.  Cruisers are always looking for tips on specific ports and local guides.  Word of mouth referrals among the cruise lines can be very successful. Again, spending a little time online can have big rewards and your out of pocket expenses is minimal.

Write to some of the major cruise travels agents and let them know about your services. Ninety percent of all cruise vacations are booked through travel agents, and cruise sales account for more than half of all vacation sales among travel agents. Agents are always looking for contacts for these clients.   Offer to give the cruise agent a free tour when he/she is in port.  This will return itself tenfold in new business.

A complete list of cruise lines and their ships can be found

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cruise_ships