We had a wonderful trip planned by Guidester. They recommenced us to the Black Forest region of Germany as well as adding on Austria. Both were additions we never thought of and ended up being our favorite parts of the trip. The guide had lots of helpful tips and some... read moreWe had a wonderful trip planned by Guidester. They recommenced us to the Black Forest region of Germany as well as adding on Austria. Both were additions we never thought of and ended up being our favorite parts of the trip. The guide had lots of helpful tips and some of our favorite restaurant recommendations came from it. Definitely recommend!! read less

 My husband and I recently took a trip to Ireland, our first international trip together. We had soooo many questions, concerns, ideas of places we wanted to visit. It was frustrating and confusing to sort through ALL of the things that went into this trip. Before we left for our... read moreMy husband and I recently took a trip to Ireland, our first international trip together. We had soooo many questions, concerns, ideas of places we wanted to visit. It was frustrating and confusing to sort through ALL of the things that went into this trip. Before we left for our trip we decided to get a guide from Guidester. I was sent an email link to a simple yet aesthetically pleasing questionnaire on their site. It asked about the details of our trip, what we like to do, how busy we'd like to be, etc. Based on our answers we would got a guidebook to be downloaded on our phone. I wasn't sure what to expect, I thought maybe an itinerary or a list of places. I was blown away by every aspect of the book. First off it's again aesthetically pleasing, colorful, detailed, and quickly downloaded as an ebook on my phone. It had an about page for each city, things to know as far as travel options (bus, train, bike, rental cars), sites to see, places to eat. It felt tailor made for us, and it was because of the questionnaire. The best part for me was the google map that opened to a website with all of the site suggestions pinned. These were in different colors as well (food one color, sites another). We could see where things were and could plan a route of sorts for each day, maximizing time and energy. I'm detailed orientated, love to plan, but this will be a no brainer next time we travel. Definitely worth it. read less

 Wow, wow, wow is all I can say about Guidester!! I reached out for a guide for my short 4 day trip to Paris, within a day I had my very own personal guide. The guide included day trips, personal tours, dining, and just all around tips. We booked 3... read moreWow, wow, wow is all I can say about Guidester!! I reached out for a guide for my short 4 day trip to Paris, within a day I had my very own personal guide. The guide included day trips, personal tours, dining, and just all around tips. We booked 3 different tours. Our hosts were wonderful and showed us how amazing Paris is. Thank you just doesn’t seem enough. We made memories to last a lifetime!! read less

 Italy was a dream come true for me; especially seeing Venice. I could have never pulled off what Jack did for all of us. The tours were amazing; the food was beyond my expectations and all the different places we got to explore and the amazing hotels made... read moreItaly was a dream come true for me; especially seeing Venice. I could have never pulled off what Jack did for all of us. The tours were amazing; the food was beyond my expectations and all the different places we got to explore and the amazing hotels made my trip perfect. Jack was so knowledgeable about Italy and shared all his wisdom with us which made everything just fall into place so perfect. I recommend if you want to take a trip to Europe or anywhere go with Guidester and he will make sure your trip is memorable. read less

 Great travel guides to get the most out of a vacation, domestically or internationally!

 My wife and I knew we wanted to take a trip to Mexico, but we had no idea where. The first place that Jack mentioned was Isla Mujeres, an island off the coast of Cancun. He explained that it was a more relaxed and off-the-beaten path destination in Mexico,... read moreMy wife and I knew we wanted to take a trip to Mexico, but we had no idea where. The first place that Jack mentioned was Isla Mujeres, an island off the coast of Cancun. He explained that it was a more relaxed and off-the-beaten path destination in Mexico, with beautiful scenery and resorts. We went with his recommendation, and he couldn't have been more right. We absolutely loved our trip, and Guidester was very helpful in getting everything planned. This positive experience it us very much looking forward to our next trip, and I have no doubt that Guidester will point us in the right direction again, and make booking and planning a breeze. Thanks! read less

 There is no way I could have put together the adventure that Guidester organized for us on the taste of Italy tour. To pack so much in, not feel rushed, have amazing place to stay just would not have happened I have always been a do it yourself person... read moreThere is no way I could have put together the adventure that Guidester organized for us on the taste of Italy tour. To pack so much in, not feel rushed, have amazing place to stay just would not have happened I have always been a do it yourself person no matter what it is on this occasion at a friends advice joined Jacks tour. The experience exceeded my expectations fro the first hotel to the last day of departure. The advice on what to see when to see where to eat what sights to prioritize was invaluable in using my vacation time in the best way possible. Jack I also appreciated the personal time you were able to give everyone and the individual attention to their interest. Well done and thank you! read less

 Guidester provided a very personalized 10 day tour to Italy. It was well thought out from a scheduling perspective and the hotels, restaurants and tours were top-notch. Jack made it so easy -- I had no time to plan a trip for myself but needed a getaway. This was easy... read moreGuidester provided a very personalized 10 day tour to Italy. It was well thought out from a scheduling perspective and the hotels, restaurants and tours were top-notch. Jack made it so easy -- I had no time to plan a trip for myself but needed a getaway. This was easy to say "yes" to and I had to do no planning beyond booking a round-trip flight (and Jack even told me exactly which flights to book). I felt it was value-added is so many ways but especially being able to escape and have a fantastic experience. Every day was an adventure and a joy and Jack with his calm and friendly nature was right there with us making sure we knew where to show up and where each day. With plenty of guidance and lots of free time, it was a perfect blend of history, culture and just "getting away from it all." I highly recommend Jack and his personalized Guidestar tours and look forward to another one in the future. read less

 My wife and I needed to go to Switzerland for business. Being totally unfamiliar with Switzerland we decided to have Guidester arrange our itinerary and we could not be happier. All of our transportation, hotels and daily activity suggestions were “Swiss” clockwork perfect. Thank you Guidester, we’re looking forward to... read moreMy wife and I needed to go to Switzerland for business. Being totally unfamiliar with Switzerland we decided to have Guidester arrange our itinerary and we could not be happier. All of our transportation, hotels and daily activity suggestions were “Swiss” clockwork perfect. Thank you Guidester, we’re looking forward to traveling again.

Leonard and Roberta Wren read less

 Thank you forever to Jack Bauman for giving my soul wings and opening my heart to Italy! Always, #1 on my proverbial' bucket list', Italy has felt like a remote promise.
Fast forward to late winter 2019 and receiving (a sign from above??) an email from Guidster: Italy tour summer... read moreThank you forever to Jack Bauman for giving my soul wings and opening my heart to Italy! Always, #1 on my proverbial' bucket list', Italy has felt like a remote promise.
Fast forward to late winter 2019 and receiving (a sign from above??) an email from Guidster: Italy tour summer 2019!
I signed on immediately and began meeting with Jack to learn more about him, his experience in assembling tours, and, in the process, I fell in love with his unique, albeit quirky, approach to foreign travel.
Jack has a vast landscape of experience with International travel, so do not let his millennial youthfulness fool you!
He looks at travel through the eye of a seasoned explorer and vets the most unusual, intimate experiences for his group of travelers. .
My favorites in Italy were the Jewish Ghetto in Rome, dinner at a friend's private villa (that just happened to be literally right on the Apian Way) and a completely relaxing day in Tuscany visiting a most charming, off the grid, winery.
We definitely walked and walked and walked even more, being led many days by one of several, passionate guides who lovingly shared more knowledge than could be assimilated.
Jack holds the philosophy of sharing intimately what he has seen and learned by creating tours with a smallish group. (There were 11 on our tour.)
Lastly, Jack's choice of accommodations were brilliant; simply perfect in every way! Wonderful, charming hotels, beyond expectation, each better than the last and all with their own unique character,
Yes, to next year's consortium of magical destinations! Count me in on at least one of Jack's new adventures!! read less