So I'm basically recommending tours I've never actually taken and praying nobody notices the gap in my credibility
Real talk, I'm booking a Norway itinerary for this couple in July and there are legitimately like 50 fjord tour operators all with four point nines on Google. Four point nines. Everyone's doing something right or everyone's gaming reviews. Not sure which keeps me up at night more.
The thing that's been eating at me though is that I haven't actually done most of these tours myself. I've done maybe two in Norway, both five years ago before I even did this for a living. So now I'm in this weird position of being like, yeah I totally recommend Sognefjord Epic Adventures or whatever, they seem solid based on reviews, but also I have genuinely no idea if the guide is going to be boring or if the group photo spot is actually worth the hike they promise.
It's someone's once in a lifetime trip. They saved for two years. They're spending real money. And I'm out here basically playing Russian roulette with tour operators I found on comparison sites.
I rely on reviews like everyone else, but reviews don't tell you if the coffee on the boat is hot or if the guide actually knows what theyre talking about or if the "breathtaking views" are actually breathtaking or just regular pretty. Reviews tell you if someone got murdered, basically.
Wish I could just say I do all the tours myself to vet them but that would be insane. Also I'd be bankrupt, also I'd probably hate tourism by week three. Does anyone else in travel services just recommend stuff they haven't personally tested and somehow sleep at night or am I the only one anxiety spiraling about this