Alright, let's cut to the chase: Showaround isn’t your typical travel app. It’s like having a buddy in every city who knows all the secret spots, the local dives, and that hole-in-the-wall taco joint that tourists miss.
I stumbled on it when I was itching to explore beyond the usual tourist traps. Spoiler alert: It flipped my whole travel game upside down—in a good way.
So here’s the deal, I’m gonna break down what Showaround really is, why you might wanna care, and whether it’s worth dropping your cash on.
What Is This Showaround Thing Anyway?
Showaround connects you with real locals who want to show off their city—and not in some staged touristy way. Think less brochure brochure and more ‘come hang out with me’ vibe.
You get personalized tours tailored just for you. No crowds, no cookie-cutter routes—just raw insider access that even seasoned travelers crave.
Whether you're into street art or the best bar for whiskey neat, this app hooks you up with someone who's passionate about showing you around—and getting paid for it.
Availability & Payouts
- Countries
- US, CA, UK, AU, DE, FR, ES, IT
- Payout Methods
- PayPal, Direct bank transfer
- Minimum Payout
- $20
- Payout Speed
- Within 7 days after payout request
- Notes
- Availability can vary; confirm in-app for your specific country. Payouts depend on completing verified tours and user ratings. US, UK, Canada, Australia tend to have the most active opportunities.
Turn Your City Into Cash
So, you know your city like the back of your hand? That’s your golden ticket. Sign up as a local guide on Showaround and get paid to show travelers around your hood. You set your availability and prices—flexibility that’s hard to beat.
Here’s the deal: after creating a killer profile with snaps and a quick intro, tourists hit you up for custom tours or just chill hangouts. You decide how deep you wanna go—half-day adventures or quick coffee runs with local tips.
Payment lands within 24 hours after each meetup via PayPal or bank transfer. Heads-up: Showaround takes a small cut, but honestly, it’s worth the platform reach and security.
Host Themed Experiences People Crave
Ever thought about blending passion with profit? On Showaround, you can create themed experiences—think secret food trails, street art hunts, or sunset hikes—and pitch them to curious explorers craving authentic vibes.
Step one: brainstorm something unique only you can deliver; step two: list it with clear pricing and time slots. Don’t forget to highlight what makes your experience stand out—it sells better than cookie-cutter tours.
Once booked, cash hits your account usually within two days post-event via multiple payout options. Just keep in mind cancellations affect earnings, so keeping communication tight is key.
Get Paid Guiding Locals & Travelers
Here’s the deal: you become a local expert and show tourists your city through authentic experiences. Think hidden gems, cool food spots, or quirky neighborhoods only you know about. Sign up on Showaround, create your profile with killer pics and a detailed bio—sell yourself as the ultimate insider.
Once live, travelers book tours directly with you. You set your rates and availability—no lowballing unless you want to—and get paid after each tour via Showaround’s secure system. Keep in mind cancellations can happen, so stay flexible but firm on your refund policy.
Payments hit your account within days after tour completion depending on chosen payout methods like PayPal or bank transfer. The more unique and immersive your tours, the fatter your wallet gets because people pay for experience, not just sightseeing.
Host Virtual City Walks Anytime
Don’t wanna meet up IRL? No stress. Showaround lets you host live virtual city walks where folks join from anywhere worldwide via video call. It’s like being a travel vlogger but earning money directly from engaged viewers instead of ad bucks.
To start, list virtual tours highlighting cool themes—street art crawl, foodie hangout spots, or historical stories that captivate folks stuck at home craving adventure. Set clear prices per session and limit group sizes for that cozy vibe everyone loves.
You’ll receive payouts shortly after sessions wrap up through Showaround’s payment platform—easy to track and withdraw anytime. Bonus: no commute or weather worries means more hustle time turning passion into profit without leaving your couch.
Flip Your Local Knowledge Into Cash
Here's the deal: If you know your city like the back of your hand, Showaround lets you get paid for it. You sign up, create a profile flaunting your insider skills and favorite spots, then tourists book you as their personal guide—easy peasy.
You set your own rates and availability, which means you're in control. Keep in mind though, reliability is key: canceling last minute hurts your rep and wallet. Payments roll out every week through PayPal or direct bank transfer—no mysterious delays here.
Just remember to be genuine and ready to share stories that only locals would know. No stiff tours allowed! This isn’t just guiding; it’s creating memorable experiences that people will pay top dollar for.
Earn Tips by Being More Than A Guide
Heads up: Besides the base fee, the real cheddar often comes from tips. Go above and beyond by personalizing each tour—think hidden gems, custom food stops, or secret viewpoints that aren’t on anyone's radar.
Showaround encourages sharing extra helpful info upfront to boost bookings but tipping happens organically once folks vibe with you during the walk. The platform facilitates tip collection seamlessly post-tour with funds hitting your account within days.
To maximize earnings here? Build rapport fast and keep communication real — tourists want authenticity over rehearsed scripts. Plus: happy clients come back or send friends; repeat biz equals steady cash flow without any extra ad spend.
Turn Local Know-How Into Cash
So here’s the scoop: Showaround pays you to be the go-to local guide for travelers craving authentic experiences. You set your own rates and schedule, which means more flexibility than a yoga class.
To get started, sign up, create a killer profile showcasing your neighborhood secrets, then wait for travelers to book your time. Remember, the better your reviews, the more bookings—and yep, it’s competitive out there so bring your A-game!
Payments land right after each tour via PayPal or bank transfer. Keep in mind, cancellations can mess with your flow—so communicate clearly and stay reliable if you wanna keep that steady income rolling.
Why Showaround Feels Like Your Local Buddy
So, here’s the skinny: Showaround isn’t just another gig platform — it’s like having a local friend who actually knows the cool spots and secret vibes of your city. You’re not just listing your time, you’re selling genuine experiences that travelers will remember. And frankly, that authenticity? It pays off. People crave real connections, not cookie-cutter tours.
Another thing to keep in mind: flexibility is king here. You set your own schedule and prices, which means if you wanna hustle on weekends or only evenings, that’s totally doable. No one’s breathing down your neck except maybe your bank account begging for some extra cash!
Let's be honest though—nailing this gig means more than knowing the best taco joint or where to snap an epic selfie. It demands personality and a pinch of storytelling magic. So be ready to charm the socks off potential guests while keeping it genuine; nobody likes a try-hard tour guide.
One downside? The competition can get heated in popular cities, so standing out is crucial. Pro tip: focus on niche interests like food tours, art walks or nighttime escapades to carve out your own little empire within Showaround.
Show Me The Money: How Much Can You Really Make?
Alright—let's talk cash flow because no one's doing side hustles just for kicks (unless you're rolling in crypto). On Showaround, guides usually charge anywhere from $15 up to $50 per hour depending on their city and expertise level. If you stack up 3-4 bookings weekly? That’s an easy couple hundred bucks added to your pocket.
Heads up: income isn't guaranteed; it fluctuates based on seasonality and tourist waves crashing into town at random times (thanks global events). But with some strategic marketing — think social media shout-outs or offering last-minute deals — you can smooth out those dry spells.
"But what about fees?" Glad you asked! Showaround takes a cut but it's pretty reasonable compared to other platforms — usually around 20%. So keep that in mind when pricing yourself; it ain't all gravy but still good dough overall.
Lastly, once you build up positive reviews and repeat customers (yes they exist!), you'll find yourself charging premium rates without breaking a sweat because people pay for trust and stellar vibes.
The Real Deal: What Could Trip You Up?
Heads-up alert: hosting strangers can sometimes be unpredictable—think last-minute cancellations or flaky tourists ghosting after booking—which can throw off your earnings rhythm hard.
Plus, since you're basically running a mini business solo style, managing payments smoothly while handling disputes might feel like juggling flaming torches early on until you find your groove.
Also, don’t overlook local regulations; some cities might require permits for paid guiding services which can get complicated fast if you're not prepared.
On the bright side, customer interactions are almost always fun and fulfilling despite occasional hiccups—it's part of what makes this job unique compared to mundane gigs stuck behind screens all day long.
Pros
- Connects you with local hosts who know their city inside out
- Easy-to-use platform that makes booking tours a breeze
- Unique, personalized experiences you won’t find in guidebooks
- Fair pricing with clear communication upfront—no shady surprises
Cons
- Tour quality can vary because hosts are independent
- Limited availability in less touristy or smaller cities
- Sometimes the app interface feels clunky or outdated
- Cancellation policies differ wildly depending on the host
FAQs
- How does Showaround actually work?
- You pick a city and browse through local guides offering tours. Once you find someone who clicks, book directly through the app or website. It’s like Airbnb but for personal tours.
- Are these tours safe?
- 'Safe' depends on your host choice. Showaround vets guides to some extent, but since they’re independent individuals, always check reviews and trust your gut before booking.
- Can I customize my tour experience?
- Absolutely. Most hosts are flexible and open to tailoring your itinerary based on your interests—foodie vibes, hidden gems hunting, cultural deep dives—you name it.
- What if I need to cancel my tour?
- "Cancellation policies aren’t one-size-fits-all here." Each host sets their own rules so read those carefully before committing to avoid surprises or penalties.
- Is there an app for both Android and iOS?
- Yes, Showaround offers mobile apps for both platforms so you can book or message your guide on the fly without digging through emails.
- 'Do I tip my host?'
- "Tipping is not mandatory but definitely appreciated if your host nails it. Think of it as thanking a friend rather than paying extra fees."
- Are group tours available?
- Most experiences focus on small groups or even one-on-one time with hosts. Large group tours aren’t common here since personalization is key.
- Can I use Showaround internationally?
- You bet! The platform has guides worldwide—from New York City hustle to Tokyo’s neon jungle—making it a solid tool for international travelers seeking insider access.
- How do I become a top-rated guide on Showaround?
- "Glad you asked! Nail this by responding quickly to inquiries (people hate waiting), customizing tours based on traveler preferences—not reading from scripts—and collecting solid reviews by delivering memorable experiences consistently."
- Can I offer virtual tours instead of in-person?
- "Currently Showaround focuses mostly on face-to-face meetups—but given how digital things have gone wild lately? Who knows! Meanwhile consider pairing with platforms specializing in online experiences for that remote hustle."
- What happens if my guest cancels last minute?
- "Showaround has cancellation policies protecting guides partly but expect some unpredictability; best practice is setting clear terms upfront plus keeping communication tight with guests before meeting day."
Final Verdict
Look, if you want cookie-cutter tourist traps, keep scrolling somewhere else. But if you're hungry for real local flavor delivered by someone who lives and breathes the city? Showaround nails that vibe.
Sure, it's not perfect—sometimes uneven in quality and coverage—but that’s kind of the charm. You're tapping into actual locals’ passion projects rather than packaged experiences churned out by faceless operators.
Bottom line: For travelers craving authenticity with an easy booking process, this platform delivers value beyond typical tours. Just do your homework picking a guide—and then prepare for something way more memorable than standard sightseeing.
"Look," at the end of the day, Showaround offers something refreshing—a way for locals hungry for extra income and human connection to turn their hometown knowledge into cold hard cash without corporate nonsense breathing down their necks."
"Yes," there are bumps along the road like any hustle worth having; but if you've got personality plus patience with occasional flakey folks—it'll pay dividends both financially and personally over time."