Trip Guides Can Make it Easier
Planning a trip has never been easier. or more overwhelming.
Today there is an endless amount of information available online. Travel agencies, tourism websites, social media groups, travel blogs, and attraction websites all have suggestions about what you should see and do. The challenge isn’t finding information anymore—it’s deciding what to leave out.
We discovered that firsthand while planning our trip to Banff and Jasper, Alberta.
Even after spending two weeks there, we realized it still wasn’t enough time to see everything the Canadian Rockies have to offer. At some point, we had to stop researching and start making decisions.
Rather than trying to create a schedule that dictated every minute of our day, we put together a list of “must-see” attractions and a second list of places we’d visit if time allowed. That approach gave us the flexibility to slow down, enjoy each stop, and avoid feeling rushed.
Two resources proved especially helpful.
Learn from People Who Have Been There
The first was a social media group dedicated to the Banff area.
Most of the members were either planning a trip, currently visiting, or had recently returned. Their recommendations came from personal experience rather than advertising brochures.
Of course, everyone travels differently. What one person considers a “must-see” might not interest someone else. Still, reading about other travelers’ experiences helped us refine our plans and prioritize the places that matched our interests.
A Personal Tour Guide in Your Pocket
The second resource turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.
Through that same online group, we learned about an app called GuideAlong.
After downloading the app and purchasing the Canadian Rockies tour, it became our personal tour guide throughout Banff, Jasper, and the Icefields Parkway.
Using your phone’s GPS, the app automatically provides narration as you drive. It explains the history of the area, points out scenic overlooks, recommends worthwhile stops, and even suggests attractions you might skip if you’re short on time.
What impressed me most was the level of detail.
The app tells you where to park, how far you’ll need to walk, the difficulty of a hike, and approximately how much time to allow for each stop. It even gives advance notice by saying things like, “After the next curve, pull into the parking area on your right for one of the best photo opportunities along the drive.”
If you decide to take a detour, the app automatically adjusts. It will either guide you back to the planned route or continue providing information about the area you’re exploring.
Another feature I appreciated was that the narration isn’t constant. It quietly runs in the background and only speaks when there’s something interesting to point out. That makes for a much more relaxing drive.
We used it every day during our time in Banff and Jasper, and it greatly enhanced the experience.
At the time of our trip, the Canadian Rockies guide cost less than $30, which I thought was a bargain considering how much information it provided.
As with any product I mention on this website, I’m not affiliated with the company and I’m not receiving anything for recommending it. I’m simply sharing something that genuinely added to our trip.
Whether you’re traveling by RV, car, or motorcycle, having a knowledgeable guide riding along with you makes exploring a new area even more enjoyable.