There are many travel related resources available on the internet. However, many are discovering that providing a more specific service can be a benefit. OurExplorer gives users a better way to locate a reliable tour guide that can help them make the most out of their next trip. A user can browse the OurExplorer website and learn about tour guides through ratings and reviews. The site also backs up the service with a guaranteed refund on request. Once the user finds a tour guide they want to hire, they can book the guide with a 10% deposit paid through OurExplorer. After printing the payment confirmation, the user is done and ready to travel. OurExplorer is a partner of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA).

Based out of Sydney, Australia, OurExplorer was acquired by Viator in October of 2010. Viator sells travel experiences through over 5,500 tours, activities and attractions online. The company also offers over 450 travel destinations in 75 countries throughout the world. OurExplorer has become another branch of Viator that offers users another way to plan their next trip and make the most out of every journey.

Travel themed website are nothing new, however most focus on information only. These sites may include great images, articles, and reviews, but they offer so many services its hard to know which can actually live up to expectations. OurExplorer focuses on one specific area of travel: the tour guide. By including client reviews, a refund policy, and partnership with the WFTGA, OurExplorer can offer a reliable service that lets users get the most out of every trip.

The Our Explorer website offers a hint of fun as well as functionality. The inviting blue color scheme is highlighted by hints of green and color images of people in far away places. The attractive logo features an image of the earth that blends well with the rest of the website. The service is simple and well organized, using “thumbs up” icons along with actual client reviews.

A new user can sign up for OurExplorer by clicking on the blue “Register” link found at the top right hand corner of the homepage. This link directs the user to the “Tour Guides” tab which includes a sign up form. The form asks for a first and last name, email address, password, account type (either explorer or tour guide), and home country. After entering the code (verifying that the user is human), and clicking the lime green “Register” button at the bottom of the form, a pop up box advises the user that registration is complete.

OurExplorer benefits from having more users visit the site and check out what it has to offer. Creating an account and browsing available tour guides costs users nothing. There are no subscription fees or other membership costs. How much is spent depends entirely on the user. Every tour guide booked requires a 10% down payment, however this is not an OurExplorer fee and goes to the tour guide. Tour guides, on the other hand, are charged a 10% fee every time someone books their service.

Travelers and tour guides looking for more clients can benefit from using OurExplorer. The site is mostly free to use and offers a great deal of information. A tour guide can build up their reputation through ratings and reviews while the traveler can learn more about who can provide them with an exciting tour.

• Search for tour guides all over the world
• Book and pay a down payment for the service of an OurExplorer tour guide
• Read tour guide reviews and ratings
• Choose from many popular travel destinations on the homepage
• Book a tour guide with the backing of the OurExplorer refund policy