How does Pricing work?

Pricing is pretty simple:
You pay based on time. You purchase the time online, with your credit card, on our secure server, just like you make any online payment.

The friendly knowledgeable person whom you have chosen as your Untours Local Expert, and with whom you have corresponded by email, can advise you for about $60/hour. (Intervals as short as 15 minutes are also available.)

If you like to do your research ahead of time, you may need as little as 15 minutes to ask a few specific questions. That will cost you $20. It may be the least expensive and most valuable cost of your entire trip.

Most people will know, before they spend a penny what the cost will be. You can "dip your toe in" to the Untour Local Expert option by choosing the "5 minutes for free" option. With this option, you tell him or hera little about your trip, and ask him orher one question. The expert gives you an answer by email, along with a cost estimate and details of how he or she might be of further help This gives both you and the expert a no-risk way to see if this expert is right for you. You also know exactly what you are getting and what it will cost before you spend a penny.

You can call us here at Untours toll-free (1-888-868-6871) and visit with us. Just as with all the Untours apartments, an Untour representative has met all of our experts...and any details missing from the websit, we can probably fill in. Untours Local Expert may also offer a “bundle of services”. You will see exactly which options you have on the drop down menu under their payment button on their website.

Here is a summary some of the most frequently offered prices and packages (each expert differs so check the Untours Local Eperts' individual pages):
15 minutes ($20.00): This is a great "get to know the expert" option without spending much.  If you have just a few questions, or want to "dip your toe in" to see how much help a Local Expert might be, this is ideal. (Available via phone only) 1/2 hour ($35.00): The power session: the experienced independent traveler who knows his or her questions may find that this is a great option; lots of information, from a trusted source whom you can always check back with, without spending much money or time. You need to have your conversation well –organized if you want to keep to this time frame.
One hour of conversation ($60.00): You can take this hour all at once or in up to three installments. Here's something that works well: 1) Have a brief conversation to give your Untours Local Expert the outline & goals of your trip, 2) The expert subsequently does research specific to your requests (as well as those traveling with you) 3) He or she delivers the information in a follow up phone call. If your needs are relatively simple, all that can take place in an hour. If more time is needed your Untours Local Expert can estimate that early in the session.
Good Start Session ($145.00): This consists of an orientation session that answers the questions you sent to your Untours Local Expert prior to your arrival as well as new questions you may have. (This session is quite similar to the Orientation conducted on an Untour, but tailored for your unique needs and interests.) It usually is an overview of practical tips, itinerary planning and common sense advice that lasts about an hour. In addition, there is phone support - via the expert's cell phone - for up to 48 hours after. The session is roughly equivalent to about 2 hours of your expert's time, including research, meeting and support.
Arrival/escort + Good Start ($200.00):Your Untours Local Expert meets and escorts you from your arrival point (at airport, train station, etc.) to your accommodation first. Then, at a time convenient to both of you in the first 24 hours, you schedule your Good Start Session (see above for details). (Note: Transportation costs from airport/station to accommodation are not included.)
Specialist options: Each expert has his or her specialties and he or she often knows how to bundle the knowledge, advice and touring options in ways that visitors love. The prices for these packages will vary, as the services rendered are so varied. See each expert's payment section of the individual expert's page to determine what he or she offers and the prices. Feel free also to propose your own package; the expert will give you an estimate of how much the requested services might cost. The arrival package and good start sessions are examples of popular packages that many visitors like.

Can you think of the experience, with just the right topic and the right balance of support and independence that is the essence of what you hoped this trip would be? Email your expert and see if he or she can make that a reality. Here are just few examples of our specialists' options. We hope they provide a jumpstart that enables you to imagine what would make your trip unforgettable for you and your travelling companions...and propose it to your Untours Local Expert, who may know just how to make it a reality.

  • Best things for a grandparent to do with a grandchild in _____(London, New York, Paris)...tailor made to suit YOU and your grandchild's interests
  • A half day in a favorite museum with an art historian who specializes in the art work you love.
  • A do-it-yourself tour of _____? For example, in New York City, you can pay to go on a guided "Chocolate Tour" or you can ask our expert for the real best chocolatiers (many of whom you would have missed on the established guided tours) and when those chocolate merchants are giving out free samples! Take the stops on the tour all at once, or take in one each day.
  • Bargains on ______(vintage clothing, antiques, wine, sightseeing, Christmas shopping, the list is endless)
  • Best place to _______(have hot chocolate, buy shoes, eat out on a budget, do bird watching, visit local artist's studios, have a picnic, etc.)
  • How to:
    • Get where you're going for the least amount of money,
    • tip,
    • minimize time waiting in lines,
    • not bore your kid,
    • find a unique gift,
    • organize a wedding, anniversary or family reunion trip.
Other Pricing questions
What happens if I paid for just 15 minutes and, once I am on the conversation, then I want to extend the conversation? You have two options.
  • You can provide your Untours Local Expert with payment information to authorize an extended session, which he or she will do just the same way you did when you signed up for your first session
  • Or you handle it yourself making another online purchase of time on the Untours Local Expert website. In this option, you have to hang up and make the online payment. Your Untours Local Expert receives an email after you send your payment information, and calls you back, usually in a matter of minutes.
  • Your Untours Local Expert is not able to extend the call without authorization from Untours. If they do so, they could lose their ability to participate as an Untours Local Expert.
Can’t I talk with the expert for just a few minutes on the phone before I pay?
  • Sorry, no. However there is a great deal of information about the Untours Local Expert knowledge and approach, including customer reviews on his or her page
  • Instead of a phone call you can "try the expert out" by sending one specific question which the Untours Local Expert will answer by email.
Where does my money go? Two thirds of the money always goes directly to the expert. The rest goes to Untours. You may already know us as the unique travel company that gives all of our profits away. Our commitment to social justice in the world is balanced by our commitment to be fair to our experts and our customers. That's why the expert always gets the lion's share of your payment and why in general, the costs are always on the modest-but-reasonable side. We're Untours. Reasonable, fair and modestly priced is what we're about.