Question 1

What are Free Tours?

Accepted Answer

Free Tours are guided experiences where you "pay what you wish" at the end, usually in tips. This allows everyone to enjoy a tour without paying upfront while supporting the guide based on your satisfaction. Learn more about how they work in our guide: [How (Free) Pay What You Wish Tours Actually Work](/blog/free-tours/how-free-tours-work).

Question 2

Do I need to book a Free Tour in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, booking in advance is required to help us plan the tour and ensure your spot, especially during busy seasons. Available dates and times will be shown when you make your booking.

Question 3

How long is a typical Free Tour?

Accepted Answer

Tours usually last 1.5–3.5 hours, depending on the city and itinerary.

Question 4

Are Free Tours really free, or are there hidden costs?

Accepted Answer

All Free Tours have no mandatory fees. Tips are optional but important—they help keep guides motivated and able to continue offering quality tours. While booking is free, please respect the guide's time by showing up or cancelling at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend.

Question 5

What languages are the tours offered in?

Accepted Answer

Tours are offered in the languages listed when you book, and you can select your preferred language at that time. Most tours are available in English, while availability in other languages (Italian, Spanish, French, German, etc.) may vary depending on the tour.

Question 6

Are Free Tours suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, children are welcome on most tours, and some tours offer free participation for young children. However, certain tours, such as ghost tours, are not suitable for children under 12. Any age restrictions will be clearly stated when booking.

Question 7

Are tours wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Accepted Answer

Accessibility depends on the tour and city. Check the tour description before booking to confirm whether a tour is suitable.

Question 8

What are Paid Tours?

Accepted Answer

Paid Tours are guided experiences that require full or partial payment in advance or at the meeting time. They may include extra services, special access, or unique experiences not offered on Free Tours.

Question 9

How do I pay for a Paid Tour?

Accepted Answer

Payments are processed securely through the platform. Some tours require a deposit at booking, while others require full payment online or at the meeting time. The exact payment details will be clearly shown at checkout.

Question 10

Can I pay in cash or by credit card?

Accepted Answer

Payment options depend on the tour and guide's settings. Most tours allow secure online payment by credit or debit card, and some guides may accept cash at the tour. The available options are always displayed during booking.

Question 11

Can I get a refund for a Paid Tour?

Accepted Answer

Refunds depend on the tour's cancellation policy. Typically, cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour are eligible for a full refund. You can learn more about the different policies on our [cancellation options page](https://discoveryourtour.com/en/cancellation-options). Each request is reviewed by the platform together with the guide until an agreement is reached.

Question 12

Are taxes and fees included in the price?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all prices include applicable taxes. No hidden fees will be charged beyond the price shown at checkout.

Question 13

What if the guide cancels the tour?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a full refund or be offered an alternative date, depending on your preference and availability.

Question 14

How much should I tip my guide?

Accepted Answer

Tips are essential if you enjoyed the tour. While Free Tours don't have a booking fee, guides invest their time and resources to offer these experiences. Most guests tip $5–$15 per person, depending on their satisfaction. Tips are usually given in cash at the end of the tour, or online if the platform allows. Tipping ensures guides can continue offering high-quality tours—it's a win-win for everyone!

Question 15

Can I tip online or only in person?

Accepted Answer

Most tips are given in person at the end of the tour, but some platforms allow online tipping during booking. Many guides also have PayPal or other accounts you can use to tip—feel free to ask your guide after the tour if you prefer to tip electronically.

Question 16

Is tipping mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Tipping isn't required, but it's greatly appreciated if you enjoyed the tour. Free Tours are possible because guides invest their time and resources, so tipping helps them continue offering great experiences. It's a simple way to say "thank you"—a win-win for both guests and guides!

Question 17

Can I tip in a different currency?

Accepted Answer

Guides usually accept the local currency, but you can ask your guide if alternatives are possible.

Question 18

What are the booking rules?

Accepted Answer

Bookings must include the correct name, date, and time. Modifications are usually allowed up to 24 hours before the tour.

Question 19

Can I book for someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but all participant information must be accurate.

Question 20

Can I change my booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, changes are usually allowed up to 24 hours before the tour and can be done directly through the platform.

Question 21

What happens if I don't show up for a tour?

Accepted Answer

No-shows may be recorded and can affect your ability to book future Free Tours.

Question 22

Can I cancel to avoid a no-show penalty?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cancelling ahead of time prevents a no-show record. Typically, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the tour departure.

Question 23

What if I am late?

Accepted Answer

Arriving late may mean missing part of the tour. When you book, you'll receive the guide's contact details and can also reach them directly through the platform. If possible, the guide may suggest alternatives, but if you cannot join on time, you might unfortunately be marked as a no-show, which could affect your platform record.

Question 24

Is there a cutoff time to cancel without penalty?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cancellations must generally be made at least 24 hours before the tour to avoid a no-show and, if applicable, to receive a full refund.

Question 25

What happens if the tour is canceled by the guide?

Accepted Answer

You will be notified immediately and offered an alternative time or a full refund if payment was made.

Question 26

Can repeated no-shows lead to account restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, multiple no-shows on Free Tours may temporarily limit your account until resolved.

Question 27

How are no-shows tracked?

Accepted Answer

The platform logs attendance using guide reports. You can also check your own status directly on your booking dashboard to stay informed.

Question 28

Can I create multiple accounts?

Accepted Answer

No, each user should have only one account. Multiple accounts may be restricted.

Question 29

Can I share my account with family or friends?

Accepted Answer

No, accounts are personal and must only be used by the registered user.

Question 30

What happens if my account is flagged?

Accepted Answer

Flagged accounts may face temporary restrictions until reviewed.

Question 31

What is considered misuse of an account?

Accepted Answer

Misuse includes creating fake bookings, sharing login details, or violating platform rules.

Question 32

Can I reactivate a suspended account?

Accepted Answer

Yes, after review, suspended accounts may be reinstated if the issues are resolved.

Question 33

How do I reset my password or recover my account?

Accepted Answer

Use the "Forgot Password" option on the login page.

Question 34

Can my account be deleted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can request permanent deletion through account settings or support.

Question 35

How are guides protected from no-shows?

Accepted Answer

To protect guides from repeated no-shows, guest attendance behavior is monitored on the platform. Travelers who repeatedly reserve tours but fail to attend without cancelling may receive warnings, booking limitations, or temporary account blocks. These measures help ensure that reserved spots are used by guests who genuinely plan to join the tour and allow guides to rely on confirmed bookings.

Question 36

What if a guest misbehaves on a tour?

Accepted Answer

Guides can report incidents, and the platform investigates to maintain a safe environment.

Question 37

Can a guide cancel or reject a tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes, guides can cancel tours with valid reasons and will usually notify guests and offer alternatives.

Question 38

How are guides protected from fraud or abuse?

Accepted Answer

The platform monitors reports and enforces rules to protect guides from unfair behavior.

Question 39

What happens if a guide is unable to start a tour?

Accepted Answer

Guests are notified immediately and offered alternatives or a refund if payment was made.

Question 40

Can guides receive reviews?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests are encouraged to leave a review after their tour. Reviews help maintain guide quality, support great local guides, and help future travelers choose the best experiences.

Question 41

What should I bring on a tour?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable shoes, water, and a camera are recommended.

Question 42

What is the dress code?

Accepted Answer

Dress appropriately for the weather and cultural sites.

Question 43

Are food or drinks provided?

Accepted Answer

Usually not, unless specified in the tour description.

Question 44

What if it rains?

Accepted Answer

Most tours run rain or shine; bring an umbrella or raincoat.

Question 45

How can I contact my guide?

Accepted Answer

All necessary contact details are available through your booking dashboard once your booking is confirmed.

Question 46

What if I have a problem during the tour?

Accepted Answer

Notify your guide immediately. The platform can assist if needed.

Question 47

How do I report an issue with a booking?

Accepted Answer

Use the platform to contact the guide directly and submit your request.

FAQ (Travelers)

Free Tours

Paid Tours

Tipping

Booking Rules

No Show Policy

Account Restrictions

Guide Protection

Tour Experience

Contact & Support