self guided tour app state

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Campus Tours

Register for a tour

Explore our Boone campus with a guided campus tour by a current student. Experience our beautiful location and learn more about the App State Community. We look forward to welcoming you to campus!

Virtual Info Sessions

Register for an info session

Get a feel for campus without ever leaving home! Info sessions include live presentations with the ability to ask questions about general App State  facts and figures, the admissions process, resources and so much more. Options for first-year stdents, transfers and parents.

Take a Virtual Tour

Take a Tour

Explore campus from wherever you are. Click through an interactive presentation to discover App State through 3-D photos.

Hickory Campus Events

Register for Hickory Campus events

In the heart of the Catawba Valley, App State offers the appeal of a small college with the prestige of a premier public institution. Learn more about  App State’s Hickory campus at an upcoming Admissions event.

Self-Guided Tour

Learn more and register today!

Explore campus on your own time and at your own pace with our  self-guided walking tour ! This 1.5-mile route takes approximately 1 hour to complete and highlights some notable places.

Group Tours (up to 50)

Interested in bringing a group of students to campus? We offer group visits for students in grades 10, 11 and 12 as well as prospective transfer students. 

Search for an available date and time and schedule your visit today for up to  50 total  for a walking tour. Please request your visit at least  four weeks  in advance. 

Academic Visit Opportunities

• Beaver College of Health Sciences
• Veterinary Technology 
• Reich College of Education 

Video Chat Options

Whether you have confirmed your enrollment, are still weighing your options or are just starting your college search, these chats are a great  opportunity to get all your questions answered. 

• Schedule a One-on-One with your assigned Admissions Counselor to discuss our Boone Campus. 
• Schedule a One-on-One with a counselor to discuss our Hickory Campus.
• Need help with your financial aid?  Schedule a virtual appointment  or drop-in to their live virtual lobby    Monday-Friday from 2:00pm - 4:00pm .

Visitor Parking

Visitor parking   for campus tours and events is located in the  Rivers Street Parking Deck . You will use the Park Mobile website to park on campus.  We recommend setting up your account, vehicle, and payment options prior to your visit. A promo code will be provided by Admissions for a discounted parking fee — this will be sent to the email that you used to registered for your event. .

*Note that certain events may have different parking instructions than above. Check your email prior to the event for more details. 

Accommodations

On-Campus experiences: Individuals who need accommodations on the basis of disability, should contact the Office of Disability Resources a minimum of 10 business days prior to the scheduled visit. 

It is recommended that guests with limited mobility work with a medical supply store or pharmacy for short term wheelchair or mobility device options/rentals as wheelchairs or other personal mobility devices are not provided on campus.

Pets will not be allowed to join any campus tour. Only Service Animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted. Individuals contact Admissions if being accompanied by a Service Animal.

Virtual experiences:  Admissions will utilize auto-captioning for virtual experiences within applicable platforms. Individuals who need real time captioning, or other accommodations on the basis of disability, should contact the  Office of Disability Resources  a minimum of 5 business days prior to the scheduled virtual experience. 

The following admission presentation recordings are available with closed captions included: First Year Admissions Information Session ,  Transfer Admissions Information Session  and Next Steps for Admitted First Year Students.

• HOW IT WORKS
• TRIP PLANNERS

Location-based audio tours

Don't Miss a Thing

Guiding you to all the best things to see and do, with trip planners and suggested half, full and multi day itineraries.

Explore Freely

Freedom to travel at your own pace. Spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing those that don’t.

Easy to Use

All commentary autoplays as you drive, based on your GPS location and direction.

Tour Offline

Pre-download content for offline use. Tours use GPS to trigger audio, no signal or data needed.

Explore tours by region

Including yellowstone, utah, and more.

Browse all audio tours >

Including the Great Smoky Mountains

Including maui and the road to hana, including banff, jasper, and lake louise, including the great ocean road, 43 destinations, browse tours by local destination.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK TOUR

ARCHES + CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK TOURS

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY TOUR

CATSKILLS TOUR

GREAT SMOKY MTNS NATIONAL PARK TOUR

JOSHUA TREE TOUR

KANCAMAGUS TOUR

KAUAI TOURS

KEWEENAW COPPER COUNTRY TRAIL TOUR

LAKE SUPERIOR NORTH SHORE, HWY 61 TOUR

LAKE TAHOE TOUR

MAUI – ROAD TO HANA TOUR

MIAMI KEY WEST TOUR

MICHIGAN LAKESHORE, M-22 TOUR

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK TOUR

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK TOUR

VERMONT, RT100 SCENIC BYWAY TOUR

YOSEMITE TOUR

ZION + BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK TOURS

See what our users are saying.

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Frequently asked questions

How does it work without cell signal.

Our app uses GPS co-ordinates to determine your location and play commentary, not cellular or wifi signal.

Just pre-download both the app and tour content (audio, maps and images) to your phone, well before you leave signal, so you’ll have everything ready to tour offline.

And as there’s no time limit to use the tours, you can preview the tour routes, major highlights, itineraries and other travel tips as part of your trip planning.

How do I buy tours?

BUY DIRECT & SAVE:

• From our webstore, sign in to unlock tours to your existing Apple or Google Play store profile.
• Buy tours or bundles directly from GuideAlong and enter your payment method on our secure Stripe site.
• Download the GuideAlong app from the link within your receipt. Sign in using the same Apple or Google Play store ID.
• Open the Guidealong app and view your tour collection in the My Tours tab. Browse route maps, highlights, trip planners and other travel tips.

BUY IN-APP FROM APPLE OR GOOGLE PLAY STORE ACCOUNT:

• Download the free GuideAlong app from the Apple or Google Play store and sign-in using your Apple or Google Play store ID.
• Tap the Explore menu to view (unpurchased) tours and bundles. 
• Tap to BUY tours or bundles. Apple or Google Play manage transactions and payment methods.

Can it help me plan my trip?

Condensed Trip Planners are available in app with full versions available on our website for download.

Contents include

How to Get Here Getting Around Entrance Fees Where to Stay When to Visit How Much Time Do You Need How to Avoid the Crowds Things to See and Do Best Hikes Family Fun Adventure Awesome Experiences Best Sunset and Sunrise Spots Food You Have to Try Packing List Top Travel Tips

What languages do you offer?

Only English at this time, but keep watching …

Can I gift a tour?

Aren’t you nice! Yes, you sure can, just head over to our store and toggle on “send tours as a gift” option. 

Is there a time or date limit?

Tours are a one-time purchase with no date/time limit or expiry.  That’s right, no need to worry about using it within a certain timeframe.

And guess what? We’re always improving and updating our tours, so you can keep enjoying them. That’s just one of the ways we show our appreciation for your support.

How much does it cost?

Each tour is priced individually and listed on the tour page.

Tours and bundles are one time purchase, with no time/date limits or expiry and include free updates. There’s no monthly subscriptions.

Make sure to check out the bundles to save even more!

Do I have to follow a set itinerary?

Our tours are designed to be flexible, so you can divide the commentary and customize into your own half, full or multi sightseeing day trips.

What devices will it work on?

All mobile devices that include a GPS chip and meet the minimum operating system requirements.

Apple iPad wifi models and Kindle Fire do not include a GPS chip and are prevented from downloading as they will not determine location in remote areas.

Will it work alongside music and navigational apps?

Our app works in background mode, allowing you to listen to your own road trip playlists.

Commentary will automatically pause or lower the volume of your music at triggered audio points.

Navigation is included as part of the narration, providing advanced notice on critical intersections, recommended side trips, as well as the best scenic viewpoints, along the tour routes.

If you do use another navigational app at the same time, (say to direct you to a specific restaurant or hotel) be aware they may direct you off our touring route.

T RAVEL S TORYS GPS

• Jackson Mandarin Tours
• IN THE NEWS
• English Español

TELL YOUR STORIES

We help organizations attract visitors, connect to travelers, and engage audiences by telling their stories in their own voice with our patented, award-winning technology.

HEAR THE STORIES

Connect to the world around you by exploring thousands of authentic, curated stories told by locals through our GPS-based, self-guided audio tours.

EXPLORE OUR

Self-guided audio tours, download our free free app.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP

Keyboard_arrow_down, build a deeper connection to the places you travel and want to travel., free gps self-guided audio tours - for travelers and virtual travelers, either onsite or from the comfort of your home, our tours can be enjoyed from anywhere, interested in building a tour of your location our team is here to answer your questions.

Winner of April 2018 Awards - Best Mobile App Design

Every Place Has A Story To Tell. Expand Your Audiences – TravelStorys' high quality tours can be built and enjoyed either onsite or remotely, specially designed to be enjoyed from anywhere.

Find A Tour Near You. Drive, walk, bike or paddle along a tour route at your own pace. Stories about where you are — the history, wildlife, culture, and more — will automatically play as you go.

Hands-Free. Heads Up. Start a tour and let our technology do the rest. Less like an app and more like a private tour guide, TravelStorys works offline and inside a pocket. Download a tour, hit the play button, and focus on your surroundings instead of your device.

Featured tours, check out our newest tours, piermont on the hudson, the history, the river, the village, welcome to arco, idaho, first in the world, explore kirksville, a historic downtown & more.

Explore the early beginnings of the vibrant village of Piermont. Learn about its connection to the Hudson River, its role in the American Revolution, its industrial past and its commercial significance to the country.

Welcome to Arco, Idaho! Arco is a place of transition, where the desert plain meets the mountains, blue streams disappear into black lava, and the urban of Idaho gives way to the wilds of Idaho.

Welcome to this walking tour of Kirksville, Missouri! This tour will take you to Kirksville’s most fascinating and historically significant landmarks, while sharing the stories of the people who made this such an interesting city.

What Users Are Saying

“Awesome App - A must have app for anyone who enjoys learning more about the area they are in. While being entertained by great stories and information. Great job!!!”

“Great idea! - What an innovative idea! So enjoyed my first tour (of Red Mountain Park) by using your app. I look forward to using it at other attractions in the future and have high hopes that all cities will offer this first class format to help enhance the experience of traveling.”

"We used this app in Jackson,WY and through Teton National Park. As we drove through Teton NP, we listened to the historical story of the area. It gave us so much more understanding of the area and added so much to our drive. It’s really easy to use and added so much to our trip. Would gladly use it again."

“Awesome app - This app is great when traveling around Wyoming. The stories told make you appreciate what you are driving or walking through! A must have whether you are a local interested in the history and wildlife or a tourist on the go!”

- Travelstorysgps lover!

“Excellent app! - I love this app! We used it on a recent trip through Grand Teton Park and it provided us with a depth and breadth of information (regarding the park) to which we would not otherwise have access! I look forward to seeing what other tours will be added. Great work!”

- IloveWyomingandtheTetons

“Fantastic road tripping tool! - My family used TravelStorys to plan our trip to Jackson Hole and this app was indispensable! We listened to several of their tours through the Tetons and absolutely loved it. The app spoke to us while driving, so we didn’t have to look at the phone once!”

“Great app for traveling families - When you approach a destination, the app will automatically start, you don’t need to do anything but listen. If you don’t want the audio, you can read the text. There are also great photos for each section. The stories are quirky and fun and both kids and adults will find them interesting.”

- onealmond.com

“Great app with great potential - I can’t wait until there are even more stories! Great idea.”

“Great App. A must have for self guided, easy to use interface!”

“What fun - Turns a normal drive into a fascinating history lesson”

“Fun tour app! - Learned so much without hassle!”

“Sooooo cool!! This is the best app I've ever used. If your traveling to new places use this app to learn the history! Couldn't live without it!”

- Ray Kennedy

“Eye opener My family and I have traveled to Wyoming many times but we always seemed to visit the same old places again and again. However this app allows me to check out new places I've never even considered before. I guess there is a lot more to the state than Yellowstone. Can't wait to plan new adventures.”

“Indispensable! Used this app to plan and then tour the Tetons and surrounding areas. Our whole family was entertained and we learned so much! And it's free. Thank you TravelStorys.”

“I like it, great idea! Music and Radio only lasts so long on road trips. This app is awesome because it tells you stories about what you are driving by, and gives you cool info about the area. Great idea!”

- William Davis

“Loved this! My sisters, mom, and 7-year-old niece used this app as we visited the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. It was wonderful! It really helped us feel a connection to the mountains and places we toured. I want this for everywhere I go now!”

- R. Tynker

“Love it, learn the history of where your traveling too via this awesome storytelling app. Love the vocals for the great Smoky Mountains! Grateful!”

- JillianPress

“Great! Local travel info & stories. I love this app. I learned a lot about the Jackson, Wyoming area & Grant Teton Nat’l Park. I have already recommended it to folk who connect with my own local Jackson based business, xcDogs. Everyone I speak to about it loves the idea…”

“Excellent adventure stories for the Grand Tetons”

- Rick Aune

"For new visitors paddling on a sunny day, the new TravelStorys app is an opportunity to understand the ecological and culture significance of the area. At home or in the classroom, the voice narration coupled with photos can entice and enhance the experience before a canoe even launches."

- NewJersey.com

"Great app for visitors & locals - This app rocks. Learned so much about Jackson Hole and the surrounding areas just by having my phone on me. Anyone who is adventuring in the wild Wild West should consider having this app on their phone. You’ll be surprised with how much you can learn on your trip!"

- Austin Hopkins

Neat app! Great for a frequent traveler or history buff! Very interesting stories about pikes peak! Can't wait for the Garden of the gods tour!

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Appalachian State University

Table of contents, east self-guided walking tour, rivers street parking deck.

Welcome to App State! Explore the Boone campus on your own time and at your own pace. This 1.5-mile tour takes approximately 1 hour to complete and highlights some of our most notable places on the east-side of the Boone campus.

Please note that you can expect to encounter stairs and varying terrain on this walking tour.

John E. Thomas Hall

Affectionately nicknamed “JET,” this building provides students with resources that take them from prospective student to graduate. JET houses the offices of Admissions, Transfer Admissions and Engagement, Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Registrar, School of Graduate Studies, University Housing and the Testing Center.

Questions? We’re here to help! We are currently offering information sessions with admissions counselors and a variety of options for engaging with current Mountaineers and faculty from academic programs.

Undergraduate Admissions admissions.appstate.edu/visit 828-262-2120 828-458-8070 (text) [email protected]

Graduate Admissions graduate.appstate.edu/visit 828-262-2130 [email protected]

NPHC Plots and Garden

NPHC is a collaborative organization made up of the Divine Nine Black Greek-letter organizations . The plots symbolically and physically represent each organization's presence on campus and give alumni and current members a location for reflection and celebration.

Roess Dining Hall

Roess Dining Hall is the largest of our three on-campus dining halls . From local food options and plant-forward plates, to “worry free” ways to meet dietary restrictions, you’ll have an abundance of options at App State to satisfy any craving.

Did you know? 27% of food served on campus comes from local sources.

Rankin Science Buildings

The Rankin Science Buildings are home to the College of Arts and Sciences’ Biology , Geography and Planning , and Geological and Environmental Sciences (GES) departments. In addition, the silver dome atop Rankin South is our Rankin Science Observatory, which houses the telescope used in astronomy courses.

Did you know? In the courtyard adjacent the buildings is the Fred Webb Jr. Outdoor Lab and Rock Garden , which is home to Archie — a bronze aetosaur sculpture created through a collaboration between faculty and students in the GES and Art departments.

Peacock Hall

The Walker College of Business and its more than 3,000 students call App State’s Peacock Hall home. With multiple study areas, networking space for students, faculty, staff and community members and Beans 2 Brew, a student-run coffee shop, Peacock has become a favorite campus hangout.

Belk Library and Information Commons

Centrally located on campus, Belk Library opens its doors to over a million visitors per year. Within the library, students can find quiet study spaces and an impressive catalog of resources, including scholarly journals, books and more. In addition to an extensive computer lab, students can check out laptops, digital cameras and tripods from the library.

Did you know? The University Writing Center , located on the library’s second floor, is a free resource available to all App State students — whether you need a second pair of eyes on an essay or assistance finding sources for your research paper.

University Bookstore

App State’s University Bookstore serves the entire Appalachian Community, including students and their families, faculty, staff, alumni and fans, as well as campus visitors.

The bookstore also manages the university’s tuition-based rental textbook program , which provides the primary text for most undergraduate courses and saves students hundreds of dollars each year.

Did you know? A portion of every bookstore purchase — from App State apparel and gifts, to computers and school supplies — goes toward student scholarships.

Plemmons Student Union and Solarium

Plemmons Student Union (PSU) serves as a central hub for student activities. It features a coffee shop and dining facilities, game room, movie theater, fitness center, meeting and club rooms, and an art gallery. It also houses many offices and clubs pertaining to student life, including the Dean of Students, Student Engagement and Leadership, Student Research, International Education and Development, Student Veteran Resource Center, Career Development Center and Intercultural Student Affairs.

Did you know? Students often mention PSU’s Solarium as a favorite place to study. With live trees and plants, water features and comfy chairs, what’s not to love?

Sanford Mall

Sanford Mall is the heart of campus. At any point, you could see students studying (free Wi-Fi!), slacklining, meeting friends, hammocking (yes, it’s a verb here), throwing Frisbee or picnicking. It is also used as an outdoor classroom when weather allows.

Sanford Hall

Sanford Hall houses the Department of English and provides classrooms, common areas and collaborative workspace for students. 

Summit Residence Hall

Appalachian has 18  residence halls on campus with nearly 6,100 residents. Living on campus puts you within walking distance of campus resources, including classes, faculty offices, dining, recreation facilities and the library.

All new first-year students and transfer students less than 12 months out of high school are required to live on campus. The educational programming, intentional community building and additional contacts with trained residence hall staff contribute to App State's stellar first- to second-year retention rates.

Did you know? There are more than 15 Residential Learning Communities on campus. You’ll find several interests to choose from, including service, sustainability, language and culture, outdoor activities, education, health and more.

Founders Plaza

Founders Plaza was dedicated in 2018 to celebrate the nearly 125-year history of Appalachian State University and to honor its founders, B.B. and D.D. Dougherty and Lillie Shull Dougherty. The space provides an iconic setting for the university sign and an outdoor space for studying, small gatherings and campus events. Read more about App State’s history .

Pro tip: It’s the perfect spot for photos!

Want to keep exploring? Click below for more places to discover while you're touring campus. You can also visit our Virtual Tour of Campus  for an interactive 360-degree view of the Boone campus.

Points of Interest

• Yosef statue (the perfect spot for a photo!)

Academic Buildings

• Beasley Media Complex
• Broyhill Music Center
• Leon Levine Hall
• Reich College of Education

Arts & Cultural Venues

• Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
• Turchin Center for the Visual Arts

Athletics and Recreation

• Student Recreation Center
• Kidd Brewer Stadium

Thanks for visiting App State!

Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies

• Schedule a Graduate Visit
• Graduate Admissions

There are so many ways to explore life as a future App State graduate student. Take a virtual or self-guided tour, join an online event or schedule a one-on-one chat with an admissions counselor. Get answers about the admissions process, learn more about your program, assistantships and other opportunities that will shape your graduate school experience.

Check out the options below to make connections and get to know what life is like for an App State graduate student.

Information Sessions

Learn more about your program of interest, meet faculty, get answers about admission requirements and financial aid and what graduate student life at App State is really like.

Schedule a One-on-One

Applying to graduate school at App State? Schedule a one-on-one video appointment with the Graduate Admissions team to learn more about the application process. 

Graduate Campus Tours

Schedule a tour to explore our Boone campus and learn more about our graduate programs.

Virtual Tour

Explore campus from wherever you are. Click through for an interactive 360-degree view of App State's Boone campus.

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Planning to Visit Bonaventure Cemetery? Here are a Few Things You Should Know.

by Leslie Alwiel

Updated: 6/11/2022

Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the most popular places to visit here in Savannah, we have been recognized by  Trip Advisor  . with a Travelers’ Choice award.  It is a serene and sublime experience to walk about this Victorian Era cemetery filled with beautiful statues, oak trees with Spanish moss, and to learn about the history of those who built our fair city.

Hours, Parking and Basics

The cemetery is from 8 am to 5 pm every day of the year and is free to enter.  There are two small parking areas on the side of each entry gate, another small area near the start of the historical section and places to pull over on the wider roads throughout its 100 acres.

There are climate controlled restrooms available for use in the building across from the visitor’s center. There is also a soda machine available in the same space.

Bonaventure Cemetery is over 170 years old and features few modern amenities.

We suggest comfortable shoes, sunscreen in the summer months, and bug spray most of the year to keep the “no see’ums” – sand gnats – at bay.  We also strongly recommend bringing bottled water during the Spring, Summer and Fall months.

The cemetery is a working cemetery managed by the City of Savannah and the office is inside the red brick administration building that also serves as the Bonaventure Historical Society’s Visitor’s Center.  On the weekends and some holidays the Bonaventure Historical Society volunteer staff is available to assist you during your visit.  We greatly appreciate so help with our mission to fund the restoration work required to keep things as beautiful as they are.  We receive no city, state or federal funds in support of that mission.

Visitor’s Center and Main Office

Bonaventure Historical Society Tours

The Bonaventure Historical Society also offer free tours during the weekend of the second Sunday of each month.  Our schedule can be found  here .  And we’re happy to host group tours of ten or more people when requested.

We also offer a self-guided tour via our Bonaventure Cemetery App it is available on both  iOS  and  Android  devices.  You can learn more about the mobile tour  here.

You can learn more about Bonaventure Cemetery on our  website .

Thanks, and we hope you do stop by and take time to enjoy this local treasure. And feel free to share your photos on our Facebook Page!

Related posts

Cemetery Etiquette When Visiting Bonaventure July 20, 2022

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I Visited 14 National Parks In One Year. Here Are the Apps I Used to Plan and Pull Off Those Trips.

By Elissa Sanci

Elissa Sanci is a writer on the discovery team. She has found that clear ice makes carbonated drinks taste better, and citronella candles don’t work.

In 2021, I visited 14 national parks spanning from the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between. I hiked up mountains for stunning 360-degree vistas, ventured underground to explore cave systems, and wandered through slot canyons in the desert heat—and to do it all successfully, I relied on a few trusted apps. Whether I’m searching for campsites, organizing a packed itinerary, or navigating long hikes safely, I’ve found these apps extremely useful in pulling off my national park trips. Here are the apps that can help you plan your own adventures.

Learn about the national parks

The app: National Park Service ( iOS and Android )

What it’s good for: Information about every single national park site across the country—including national parks, monuments, and historical sites.

The nitty-gritty: All of my trip planning begins with this handy app released in 2021 by the National Park Service. Easy to use and free to download, the NPS app (which you can also use offline as long as you download content beforehand) offers interactive maps of each park, self-guided tours curated by park rangers, and news and current events, along with lists of amenities (such as food services, restrooms, and gift shops). You can get as involved with the app as you’d like, whether you want to keep detailed lists of the overlooks and points of interest you want to see or you just need to check the park hours and entry fees.

The NPS app gives real-time updates on conditions within the park—such as road closures, long entry lines, weather advisory warnings, and whether you need a reservation to enter—allowing you to find all the pertinent information you need to know before heading to or traveling throughout the park. I didn’t use the NPS app on my trip to Big Bend National Park—but if I had, I could have avoided a two-hour wait at a trailhead when important roads were blocked off for construction.

Discover the best hiking trails

The app: AllTrails ( iOS and Android )

What it’s good for: Finding and researching all possible paths through a park.

The nitty-gritty: With a free membership, you can search for hiking trails using a name, city, or park and then filter your results based on difficulty level and length. From there, you can read through hiker reviews to learn more about the trail and assess whether it’s right for you. You can also save your preferred routes on curated lists; for example, I created separate lists for each of the parks in Utah I planned to visit so that I could easily refer back to them while preparing for each trip. And AllTrails isn’t just for hikers, as you can also use the app to plan out mountain biking, snow sports, mountaineering, trail running, and climbing excursions.

If you plan to hike a few different trails during your trip, the AllTrails Plus Membership might be worth investing in. For $36 a year, you have the ability to download maps for offline access, something that comes in handy if you find yourself veering off-trail in an area with limited service. Just make sure you’ve downloaded the map prior to your hike. The Plus Membership comes with other perks, too, but I’ve found the ability to see my GPS dot moving alongside the correct trail worth the yearly membership fee all on its own. If you’re not sold, you can sign up for a one-week free trial—but make sure to time it so that the period lines up with your next trip.

After your trip, return to AllTrails to leave reviews of the trails you hiked. If you relied on information you learned about certain trails to choose and execute a hike safely, repay the favor by leaving thoughts about your experience in the comment section. Prospective hikers will appreciate your updates on trail closures, maintenance issues, and tricky-to-follow trails.

Find a place to sleep

The apps: Recreation.gov ( iOS and Android ), The Dyrt ( iOS and Android ), Hipcamp ( iOS and Android )

What they’re good for: Finding campsites suited to your budget, expertise, and comfort level.

The nitty-gritty: Which app you use to reserve a campsite or lodging for your trip ultimately depends on the kind of experience you’re looking to have.

Recreation.gov lists only federal camping options, so if you know you’d like to stay in the national park or forest you’re visiting, this app should be your first stop. Each campsite listing shows site details including rules, amenities, and availability. You can book directly through the app, and you can also use Recreation.gov to apply for permits and pay your park-entry fees.

The Dyrt is a good option for campers looking for free and discounted campsites, as it offers a repository of more than 500,000 campgrounds around the country on both public and private land. Similar to the listings in Recreation.gov, each Dyrt listing gives a rundown of the amenities and rules of the campsite, but rather than allowing you to book through the app, Dyrt redirects you to the campground’s website. You can also look through Dyrt user reviews and photos as you make a decision. The Dyrt is a free app, but if you want the ability to search for campgrounds offline or to download maps, you can sign up for The Dyrt Pro for $36 per year. You can sign up for a free seven-day trial if you’re not ready to commit.

Hipcamp is perfect for folks who would rather glamp than camp. Through this app, you can find Instagram-worthy private glamping sites (think decked-out RVs, yurts, and cabins). These sites tend to be more expensive, but they offer more amenities and creature comforts for those who aren’t comfortable pitching their own tent or sleeping on the ground. Like Airbnb (which can also help you find glamping and camping sites), Hipcamp lets you read through each host’s bio, flip through photos of the listing, and scroll through reviews before booking directly in the app. You can use Hipcamp to find cheap DIY campsites, as well.

Explore the park without leaving your car

The app: Just Ahead ( iOS )

What it’s good for: A narrated car ride through the parks.

The nitty-gritty: This app is useful for folks who want private guided tours. Employing your phone’s built-in GPS (offline use is also an option), the Just Ahead app automatically begins narrating as you drive by certain markers on the map, and you can learn about scenic views, geology, and park history as you pass them. Each guide is professionally written and narrated by journalists and authors who have written for National Geographic and Outside Magazine. Just Ahead isn’t without its limitations, though: It offers guides to only a handful of the more popular US national parks (such as Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, and Rocky Mountain), and each guide must be purchased separately, starting at $15.

Organize your travel plans

The app: Notion ( iOS and Android )

What it’s good for: Keeping important travel information and documents in one place.

The nitty-gritty: You can plan your trip however you’d like, be it in Google Docs, detailed Excel sheets, or the notes app on your phone—but I love using Notion, a free project-management and note-taking app that you can access on both your phone and your desktop. Because you can use this app to organize all parts of your life, it can feel a little overwhelming at first, but Notion provides a dedicated travel template that can help make trip planning more streamlined. You can pull all the essential details of your trip into one highly organized spot by creating tables for different kinds of information (such as your budget or flight details), embedding Google maps specific to your trip, and assigning tags to certain categories so they’re easier to find. You can create a general overview of your trip, linking out to other important documents, files, and websites—and you can make more in-depth, filtered views for each day of your trip with all the information you’ll need. Notion also makes collaborating with others simple, so you can share your plans with travel buddies ahead of time and work together to create the perfect trip.

This article was edited by Treye Green and Annemarie Conte.

Meet your guide

Elissa Sanci

Senior Staff Writer

Elissa Sanci is a senior staff writer for Wirecutter’s discovery team based in Denver. Her byline has appeared in The New York Times, Woman’s Day, Marie Claire, and Good Housekeeping. When she’s not testing TikTok-famous products or writing about car garbage cans, you can find her hiking somewhere in the Rockies or lying on the couch with a bowl of chips balanced on her chest. There is no in-between.

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The Best Gear for Travel

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18 Best Websites & Apps for Self Guided Tours

• 1 Pinterest

Don’t like traveling in groups? Do you prefer to experience a destination on your own?

Discover the best apps and sites for self-guided tours and enjoy an interactive way to navigate through an attraction or a location while also getting the benefits of a traditional tour guide.

Pick your favorite provider and be your own tour guide for your next holiday. 🙂

Best Apps & Websites for Self Guided Tours

We hope you enjoyed our selection of self guided tours sites & apps. Don’t hesitate to comment below if you wish to recommend other providers.

Wishing you an excellent time and travel safe!! 🙂

10 Best Self-Guided Walking Tour Apps to Explore More for Less!

• October 27, 2023
• Lauren Stuttaford

Let’s step into a world of self-guided exploration and uncover the hidden gems of iconic destinations like London, Rome, New York City, and Paris. That’s right, we’ve put together a list of the best self-guided walking tour apps. Imagine strolling long cobblestone streets, discovering charming neighborhoods, and immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture, all at your own pace. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 10 best self-guided walking tour apps that will transform your tourist experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Say goodbye to rigid itineraries and hello to the freedom of discovering these renowned cities on your terms. Lace up those walking shoes!

10 Best Self-Guided Walking Tour Apps

Perfect for Scavenger Hunt-Style Exploration

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Location: Available worldwide

Available: iOS and Android

• Create thrilling scavenger hunt adventures for friends or family.
• Customize challenges and missions for an interactive experience.
• Real-time tracking to keep an eye on your fellow explorers.
• Engaging leaderboards for competitive outdoor fun.
• Ideal for team building, parties, and educational quests.

Goosechase turns any location into an exciting scavenger hunt. Whether you’re exploring a new city or simply want to add an adventurous twist to a day out, this app takes your outdoor escapades to a whole new level. Whish is why it’s earned a spot on our list of best app for self-guided walking tours. It’s perfect for families, friends, and team-building activities, making every step you take an opportunity for adventure and fun.

PocketSights

Perfect for Exploring With a Wealth of Historical Insights

• Access a rich library of self-guided tours in various cities.
• Offline maps and GPS navigation for seamless exploration.
• Dive deep into history with engaging audio guides and multimedia content.
• User-friendly platform ideal for tourists and history enthusiasts.
• Explore hidden gems and untold stories in popular tourist destinations.

PocketSights isn’t just like ordinary self-guided walking tour apps, it allows you to learn historical and cultural knowledge as you explore the streets and landmarks. Offline maps and user-friendly features, mean you can explore the past and unearth fascinating stories that bring each destination to life.

STQRY Guide

Perfect for Immersive Cultural and Historical Tours

• Explore a diverse collection of interactive stories and tours.
• Immerse yourself in museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.
• Enjoy offline content availability for uninterrupted tours.
• Share your experiences with fellow travelers.
• User-friendly platform designed for tourists and history enthusiasts.

STQRY Guide is undoubtedly one of the best free self-guided walking tour app. It’s ideal for travelers looking for immersive cultural and historical tours in popular tourist destinations worldwide. It’s got an extensive library of interactive stories, so you can explore museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks like never before. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, STQRY Guide provides a seamless, offline experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace and share your discoveries with others.

Roadside America App

Perfect for Discovering Quirky and Unique Attractions

Price: $4.99

Location: Covers the United States and parts of Canada

• Unearth offbeat and bizarre roadside attractions.
• Navigate with detailed maps and directions.
• Discover hidden gems, oddities, and curiosities.
• Plan memorable road trips with customizable itineraries.
• User-friendly interface for all adventure seekers.

When it comes to the best self-guided tour apps, this one offers up something no other apps do. The Roadside America app helps you uncover the weird and wonderful world of offbeat roadside attractions across the United States and Canada. From giant rubber band balls to quirky museums and oddball landmarks, this app is perfect for discovering hidden gems and curiosities. Plus, detailed maps, directions, and customizable itineraries, mean you can plan unforgettable road trips filled with unique experiences.

Perfect for Curated City Tours and Local Recommendations

Location: Covers popular cities worldwide

• Access a treasure trove of expert-curated city tours.
• Discover hidden local gems, foodie hotspots, and cultural experiences.
• Offline maps and navigation for seamless exploration.
• Create custom itineraries based on your interests.
• Capture memories with in-app photo and journal features.

TripScout is a well-loved option on this list of best self-guided walking tour apps, mainly because it offers authentically curated city tours and insider recommendations in popular cities across the globe. It gives you access to a wealth of expert-curated content, so you can easily find hidden local gems, savor culinary delights, and immerse yourself in cultural experiences. You can also explore even when you don’t have an internet connection, since the app provides offline maps and navigation. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or simply an adventurous traveler, TripScout is worth download one of the best self-guided tour apps!

Rick Steve’s Audio Europe

Perfect for In-Depth Exploration of European Destinations

Price: Free

Location: Covers various European cities and destinations

• Access a library of immersive audio tours personally narrated by Rick Steve.
• Dive deep into European culture, history, and local insights.
• Offline audio content for on-the-go exploration.
• User-friendly interface suitable for tourists and independent travelers.
• Save and organize your favorite tours for future reference.

Looking for the best self-guided walking tour apps in Europe? Rick Steve’s Audio Europe offers an immersive exploration of European cities and destinations. Be guided across the country by travel expert Rick Steve, and you’ll quickly see why this is one of best city travel self-guided tour apps. Access offline audio content and explore at your own pace, even without an internet connection. Plus, you can save and organize your favorite tours!

Perfect for Guided Tours with Local Narrators

Location: Offers tours in various global destinations

• Explore with captivating audio-guided tours narrated by local experts.
• Discover hidden stories, historical insights, and cultural gems.
• Offline mode for uninterrupted adventures, no need for an internet connection.
• GPS integration ensures you never miss a point of interest.
• Create personalized tours and share your experiences with fellow travelers.

VoiceMap is another one of the best self-guided walking tour apps you should consider downloading. It offers an immersive exploration led by local narrators across diverse global destinations, as well as offline mode and GPS integration – so you never miss a point of interest along the way! Plus, VoiceMap lets you get creative and craft your own personalized tours, making it easy to share your experiences and insider knowledge with fellow travelers.

When it comes to the best self-guided tour apps, VoiceMap is one of our top picks.

Perfect for Self-Guided City Tours and Exploration

Location: Covers numerous cities worldwide

• Access an extensive library of self-guided city tours and travel articles.
• Turn-by-turn directions to popular landmarks and hidden gems.
• The flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Ideal for both first-time tourists and seasoned travelers.

GPSmyCity is your go-to app walking tour guide app offering a vast library of guided city walks and travel articles. With offline maps and GPS navigation, you can effortlessly explore your chosen destination, receiving turn-by-turn directions to popular landmarks and hidden gems. This walking tour guide app provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, making it suitable for both first-time tourists and seasoned travelers looking for a deeper dive into a city’s culture and history.

Perfect for Engaging, Location-Based Storytelling

Location: Offers tours worldwide

• Explore destinations with captivating location-based audio tours.
• Access a diverse range of tours covering cultural, historical, and natural highlights.
• Offline mode for uninterrupted travel, no need for an internet connection.
• Create your own tours and share your personal stories with the world.
• A user-friendly platform suitable for curious travelers and history enthusiasts.

GeoTourist offers an immersive, location-based storytelling experience as you explore destinations around the world. And that’s why we think it’s one of the best self-guided walking tour apps. It’s captivating audio tours provide cultural, historical, and natural insights, plus, the app’s offline mode means you can explore, even without an internet connection. You can also become a storyteller yourself by creating your own tours and sharing your personal stories with the world. Nifty, eh? It’s another reason, GeoTourist is one of our favorites for the best self-guided tour apps.

izi.TRAVEL Audio Tours

Perfect for Exploring with Expert-Guided Tours

Location: Covers numerous cities and cultural sites worldwide

• Access a vast collection of expert-guided tours at your fingertips.
• Offline mode for uninterrupted exploration without an internet connection.
• Rich multimedia content enhances your tour experience.
• Personalization options to create a tailored adventure.
• User-friendly platform suitable for tourists and history enthusiasts.

izi.TRAVEL is our final one on the list of apps for self-guided walking tours, and it’s also one of THE best self-guided audio tour apps. It offers expert-guided tours in numerous cities and cultural sites around the world, and personalization options, mean you have the flexibility to create a tailored adventure that suits your interests. Whether you’re a tourist or a history enthusiast, izi.TRAVEL makes every step of your journey more enriching and memorable.

How Air Doctor Can Help

Air Doctor  is an easy-to-use app that connects you with a global network of multi-lingual doctors and specialists so you can access medical care anywhere, anytime.

Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
• Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
• Most common medical specialties
• Valid, local prescriptions
• 24/7 multi-lingual support
• Active in 75 countries
• Telemedicine services in up to 21 languages
• Transparent pricing, and reviews

Download the Air Doctor app and experience the world worry-free.

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Jenny Cohen Derfler

Air dr ceo & co-founder.

Jenny is the CEO and one of the Co-Founders at Air Doctor. She spent more than 20 years at Intel, most recently as general manager of its manufacturing facility in Israel and before that in various engineering and manufacturing roles in Silicon Valley. Air Doctor is her second startup having previously founded electric vehicle company ElectRoad.

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

One of the nation’s elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, and humanities. We embrace a philosophy of learning that is strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. FSU’s welcoming campus is located on the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida, and our community fosters free inquiry and embraces diversity.

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Personalized tour.

Answer a short questionnaire, and we will generate a custom tour based on your interests.

Tallahassee Campus Tour

Welcome to Florida State University! You can explore FSU’s 485-acre campus in Tallahassee, Florida. We’re tucked into Florida’s Big Bend off I-10, and the white-sand beaches of the Gulf are only 60 miles away via beautiful, live-oak canopy roads. Enjoy everything nature has to offer in our Red Hills region while still having the conveniences of living in a thriving town. Not only is Tallahassee the state’s capital, but it offers amazing cuisine, award-winning parks, miles and miles of walking and biking trails, as well as cultural events occurring all year-round.

University Housing Tour

A tour of the on-campus housing at the Tallahassee campus.

Panama City Campus Tour

Welcome to Florida State University Panama City! You can explore FSU’s 26-acre regional campus in Bay County, Florida, home of “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.” While the area’s white sandy beaches, emerald green waters, and 320 days of sunshine a year attract thousands of visitors year-round, about 185,000 residents live in the county full-time. With the campus’s shady oaks and a beautiful view of North Bay, it is an ideal setting to make life-long friends, discover new talents, and become the person you are meant to be.

Explore Campus

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Speak with a Florida State University admissions team member.

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14 Advantages of App-Led and Self-Guided Tours

Visiting a new city and want to see the sights solo? Curious about self-guided tours? This post as has all you need to know!

Over the past decade, app-based and self-guided tours have become a more and more popular way to explore the world around us. They became especially popular during the COVID pandemic as they offered a safe way to see a city without having to worry about coming into contact with too many other people. 

Below you can find several advantages to doing self-guided tours based on my experience as a full-time traveler. While I love a good guided tour, sometimes I feel like I am missing out on something and that I don’t have enough time to venture out on my own. I’ve found app-based tours to be a great alternative to a more traditional guided tour for the many reasons below.

Make every adventure unforgettable!

Let’s Roam offers more than 400 different activities in hundreds of locations around the world. We have everything from fun-filled scavenger hunts , boozy bar crawls , spooky ghost tours , classy art walks , and even date nights with a difference . So whatever you’re looking for we’re confident we have an adventure that’s perfect for you and your group! If you find a few that you love, you can even get a monthly membership which gives you access to all of our app-based activities at a lower price. Now that’s exciting!

1. It’s a great way to learn more about your destination.

First and foremost, app-led and self-guided walking tours can be a phenomenal way to learn more about a new destination. Rather than blindly following a tour guide, app-based tours give you the chance to immerse yourself in a destination since you’re the one that is navigating through the city. This is great for people who want to learn as much as possible about a destination but don’t want to be led around a city by a guide. 

2. You can do it on your own schedule.

Sometimes there’s nothing worse than reading about a fantastic tour and then realizing that there’s no availability when you’re visiting a city. The great thing about doing a virtual tour is that you can do it whenever suits you best whether that means going out first thing in the morning for your very own sunrise tour or in the mid-afternoon as some post-lunch exercise. It also means that you can do it at your own pace, meaning you can stop to check out the interesting-looking museum that you passed, try a few balls of that delicious-looking gelato that is beckoning to you, or stop for a much-needed coffee after a long day of pounding the pavement.

3. It’s a great family activity. 

We all know that traveling with kids can get pretty tricky and that planning a family vacay is hard work. While self-led tours are a great addition to any getaway, they are particularly useful if have kids in tow and you’re struggling to find ways to keep them entertained. There are many interesting kid-oriented app-based tours to choose from which give information in digestible chunks so that visitors young and old can learn more about a place. 

App-based tours can often be a better solution than standard guided tours for families since they allow you to move at your own speed and stop for as many bathroom and snack breaks as necessary. Since you’ll likely be doing the tour with only your small group, it also means that you won’t have to worry about bothering other travelers which we all know can get very stressful very quickly!

4. You can tailor them to your own interests.

When you’re on a walking tour, you’re kind of at the mercy of the tour guide and need to stop at all the dedicated stops along the way. However, on a self-guided tour, you can skip places that you’re not interested in. This gives you the chance to spend more time at the places that are calling to you and less time at the places that you aren’t particularly interested in. This tailor-made tour helps you make the most of your limited vacation time and honestly, what is not to like about that? 

5. There are tons of options to choose from.

Companies such as Let’s Roam have created a slew of app-led scavenger hunts and walking tours covering not only the highlights of a destination but also some of the lesser-known aspects of it. These “niche” tours are perfect for people who have a particular interest in a city and since there’s no minimum of people needed for the tour to run, you’re guaranteed to be able to go on the tour. 

For example, you can spend the morning exploring the Murals of Manhattan and then the evening on a Greenwich Ghost Hunt. In between, you can take a long walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or the Hudson River, explore the Financial District, or even catch a Broadway matinee. Also, if you happen to be thinking about going to college in a new city, you can check the place out with a campus tour first. Or if you’re looking for somewhere new to explore in your city, you could take a tour in your local Chinatown-international district or similar.

6. You can save time.

Researching for and planning a big trip can be very time consuming and can easily begin to feel like a major hassle. App-based and self-guided tours can help you save a ton of time by allowing you to see many of the highlights of a destination. From there, you can decide where you want to return to. The time that you save hurriedly Googling the best things to do in a place can instead be used to enjoy your vacation.

7. You can save money.

Unless you’re an enormous travel budget, there’s a likelihood that you’re trying to save some money at some point during your trip. App-led tours are the perfect way to do just that! Self-guided tours are often considerably cheaper than having a guide present, especially if you’re traveling alone or with a small group. They can also give you the privacy of a private tour without the hefty price tag that usually comes with it, making it perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends who want to spend quality time together with no distractions. This is a great way to save money while traveling on a budget .

8. You know what you’re getting.

Hiring a tour guide can sometimes feel like a bit of a crapshoot. Often you booked up towards your company and you have no idea who the guide will be until the tour actually starts. The quality of the guide can make or break a tour and for people who love to plan everything to the very last detail, this can be a little stressful. With an app-based tour, you can usually read reviews of what past guests have experienced and decide for yourself whether or not you want to go on the tour.

9. You can interact more with locals.

Many travelers hate feeling like they are being herded from one place to another and some guided tours can make you feel like you’re a sheep in a big crowd. Worse, they can make you feel disconnected from the local community. A self-guided tour gives you the time that you need to connect with people rather than feeling like you’re being rushed from one place to another.

10. You don’t have to interact with anyone.

While app-based tours can give you more of an opportunity to interact with locals, they also let you be completely alone if you want to be! Traveling can be exhausting and sometimes, you simply want to walk around on your own and not talk to anyone else (trust me, I know how that is!). With a self-guided tour, you only need to worry about pleasing yourself. That means no small talk with other tour guests, no need to answer a guide when they ask questions, nothing. This can give you the time that you need to replenish your energy without losing valuable travel time.

11. It can help you feel a sense of accomplishment. 

Finding your way around a new destination can feel empowering, especially if you don’t speak the local language. However, this feeling of accomplishment can sometimes be lost when you’re simply following a tour guide around. Meanwhile, venturing out completely on your own can feel a bit overwhelming and you may waste a lot of time trying to figure out the layout of a city and what exactly you want to do there. 

However, an app-led, self-guided tour gives you the best of both worlds. You get the ease and security of having a “guide” while still feeling like you’re doing it on your own. Best of all, once you get your bearings a bit thanks to the self-guided tour, you’ll then feel even more confident venturing off the beaten track. 

12. You can make new friends.

Imagine this… you’re sitting in a hostel in Nashville chatting with some of your fellow backpackers. Someone mentions that they have a fun, app-based scavenger hunt of Music Row on their phone that will take you to all the best places in the city and asks if anyone wants to come. A few hours and some great travel memories later, you’re sitting around a pub or cafe, drinking beer with your new friends! Better yet, you could be on an exciting Nashville Pub Crawl checking out some of the city’s best honky tonks!

App-based tours, scavenger hunts, and pub crawls can be the perfect icebreaker and are a great way to connect with other travelers, even the ones that you haven’t had the chance to meet yet! And since they are very economical, it won’t break the bank either!

13. It allows you to forge your own path.

When you’re on a guided tour, you normally have to stick to a predetermined route and are unable to veer off of that (unless you’re on an expensive guided tour that is!). However, a self-guided tour allows you to forge your own path, regardless of whether that means skipping a few spots on the tour route or even deviating a bit so you can get a closer look at that adorable little alleyway or fascinating church that you just walked past. 

Having this kind of flexibility can help you feel like you have gotten the most out of your time in a destination. It also means that you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of time backtracking after a guided tour is over or, even worse, having to figure out where something was again. As you leave on your next flight, train, or bus, you can feel confident that you didn’t miss a thing!

14. You can go on the tour early in the morning.

While getting up super early in the morning during your vacation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, dawn is one of the best times to take photographs. It’s also a time when most cities are still pretty sleepy and you have the chance to see some of their most popular attractions with no one around. App-based and self-guided tours let you pick your own starting time, allowing you to incorporate your photo session with a tour and effectively kill two birds with one stone.

I know, I know. Waking up early isn’t always fun but believe me, this can be really, really helpful in many European cities that tend to be thronged with tourists most of the year. Rather than fighting the crowds to try and get a good photo of Notre Dame or Florence’s famous Duomo, you can grab a cup of espresso (you may need it by early afternoon!) and relax as you watch the tour groups go by.

Ready to roam?

We hope that this list has given you enough reasons to consider doing an app-led tour on your next trip! 

If you still need help choosing a destination, make sure to check out our Explorer Blog . Here, you’ll find articles written by our in-house travel experts detailing the best places to visit, stay, and play all around the world. Make sure to also download the Let’s Roam app which features user-generated content from across the country to help you find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Self-guided tours are a great way to explore the city at your own pace and at a much lower cost than hiring a tour guide.

One of the biggest advantages of app-based tours is that you can do them on your own schedule which allows you to fit it in when it works best for you.

With more than 400 tours to choose from all around the world, Let’s Roam is one of the leading providers of app-based, self-guided tours .

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Lamplight guided night tours to take place at Fort New Salem

SALEM, W.Va (WDTV) - Lamplight guided night tours featuring Appalachian tales are scheduled at Fort New Salem this month.

The Myths of the Mountains events are scheduled for Saturday, July 13th and July 27th.

Guests are assigned a personal guide who escorts by lamplight on a special night visit of Fort New Salem, organizers said. Each tour includes planned stops at multiple cabins for unique folklore tales delivered by costumed storytellers.

Tours launch every 10 minutes beginning at 8 p.m. with the last one beginning at 9:30 p.m. and last for approximately one hour.

Admission is $7 per person and includes a complimentary cup of cider. Children 10 and under are admitted free, organizers said.

For more information, call 304-695-2220.

Copyright 2024 WDTV. All rights reserved.

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