I Have 5 Tips for Visiting Athens from Its Top-Rated Tour Guide

Cutting to the core of an ancient city like Athens isn’t easy, even for an experienced traveler.

Not only are you seeking out highly complex and antiquated landmarks, but you’ll also be competing with hordes of tourists just to see the sites and read a few placards. Even tourists who go above and beyond to book private tours and get off the beaten path might still leave Athens feeling like they barely scratched the surface.

If you’re just passing through on your way to the Greek Islands, maybe that’s not an issue for you.

But if you’ve been dreaming of exploring Athens for a while, then booking a few basic tours and buying a few museum tickets won’t do the job. Worse, you might overspend on a subpar experience, wasting both time and money.

Once again, I’ve got a magical little recommendation for you: book with local tour guides.

Even better, book a tour with Panos, Athens’ top-rated tour guide from ToursByLocals. And just to clarify, this isn’t sponsored content: I’m passionate about recommending tours from local guides, and ToursByLocals does it well. (Maybe you could tell by the name?)

If you’re sick of booking pricey, basic tours and you’ve got an upcoming trip to Athens, here’s what you need to know from one of its most expert, experienced tour guides.

5 tips on visiting Athens from a top-rated tour guide

Tip #1: You need a tour guide with academic qualifications in Athens

Just about anyone can make a profile, get registered, and start offering tours online—but they might be hobbyist guides instead of professional ones.

Expert tour guides like Panos are qualified to show you Athens because they’ve actually gone to school to learn about history, archaeology, and even hospitality. Panos holds a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees in topics that relate specifically to the Mediterranean and Ancient Greek civilization. He also has language certificates in English, French, and German.

On top of that, Panos is a licensed tour guide with the Greek Ministry of Tourism, meaning he’s officially certified to show you the best in Athens.

Here’s my point: general tours in cities as complex and culturally rich as Athens simply won’t show you what’s really going on underneath the surface. You won’t learn or experience anything you couldn’t find online or in a book.

Tip #2: Athens has unofficial archaeological sites, too

Did you know that Athens is dotted with unofficial sites and landmarks that tourists and underqualified tour guides don’t know about?

One of Panos’ favorite parts about offering tours is taking tourists away from the crowds at popular sites to show off other ruins that don’t get as much coverage. Some are even covered in greenery and virtually empty.

Tip #3: Pro guides make the past feel present

Piggybacking on my first point (that your Athens tour guide should have some academic qualifications), Panos is incredibly passionate about his work. He’s not a tour guide out of necessity, but because he loves to dig into how Ancient Greek civilization helped steer humanity and how its influence can still be felt today.

One of Panos’ goals as a tour guide is to show his visitors that, despite how different people from around the world are, we also have a lot in common. Greek civilization still lives on today, and Panos can make direct connections between the historical timeline and modern life. You won’t get that one on a short, basic tour.

Tip #4: The Acropolis and Plaka are barely the start

If you’ve been researching or planning a trip to Athens, you’ve probably looked into visiting the Acropolis and exploring the historic Old Town of Plaka. But one of the most consistent tips on visiting Athens is that you need to explore the city beyond those main attractions.

Panos can take you off the beaten path and away from well-known locations for a more genuine experience that fellow travelers won’t get. In short, you’ll go home with stories and photos that your friends and family didn’t—even if they’ve also been to Athens.

Tip #5: Forget the stereotypes you know from popular media

When I asked Panos what he wished tourists wouldn’t do when visiting Athens, he mentioned avoiding stereotypes. Whatever you’ve learned about Greek culture from popular media, let it go during your time in Athens—this city and its residents aren’t like what you’ve seen in movies or on TV shows.

Fun fact about Athens’ top-rated tour guide: Panos has some far-out destinations on his bucket list

Panos says he’s been lucky to visit many destinations that were high on his bucket list. A few that he hasn’t explored yet are Mongolia, Socotra (an island off the coast of Yemen), Madagascar, Bhutan, and Guatemala.

Check out my other ToursByLocals exclusives on Berlin and Mexico City.

England’s Norwich Castle Reopens After $37 Million Facelift

Over the last five years, East Anglia’s Norwich Castle has been quietly undergoing a serious renovation.

After revamping all five floors of Norwich Castle thanks to funding upwards of $37 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the location has become one of England’s most accessible and dynamic castles.

In fact, it’s the first time that all five floors have been open to the public. That might not sound like a big deal, but the construction of this former prison-castle began in 1067, meaning the inner workings of some floors of Norwich Castle have been closed to the public for almost a millennium.

If you like castles, history, and a few macabre tales, it’s easily one of the coolest day trips you can take from London, so long as you’re willing to spend the night. Here’s what to expect from the newly reopened Norwich Castle.

New exhibits and galleries at Norwich Castle

William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England, ordered the construction of Norwich Castle following the Norman Conquest of England. Despite its large size and grandeur, it was used as a prison (aka a ‘gaol’) up until the late 1800s.

By 1915, Norwich Castle had become a scheduled monument, and was then made a ‘listed building’ in 1954. In English parlance, that means that it’s protected and managed by national entities; currently, it’s managed by Norfolk Museums Service.

Despite its role as a prison, Norwich is also home to many artworks and archaeological finds from the region. In short, visitors won’t be bogged down with dark topics—at least, not for the whole visit.

Norwich Galleries are home to artifacts, natural history specimens, regimental history, and decorative and contemporary art. Currently, there are also four exhibits open to the public, mostly focused on contemporary art, and multiple events and workshops scheduled for the rest of the year.

But the main star of the show is the renovated Castle Keep, which showcases the grounds’ role as a medieval gaol.

Are There Lizard People in Denver Airport? Inside the Denver Airport Conspiracy

Of course, there aren’t any lizard people at Denver International Airport.

At least, not that anyone can prove.

But the Denver Airport conspiracy, which revolves around the idea that there are lizard people roaming the airport’s subterranean tunnels, has been going strong for thirty years. That makes it one of the most enduring travel rumors out there.

And also one of the cheekiest.

Rather than shy away from the rumors, Denver Airport has leveraged its alleged lizard inhabitants as part of its marketing campaigns as early as 2018. Just the other day, I saw an Instagram post from August 3rd that made me laugh out loud.

In short, while there’s zero evidence of roving lizard people in Denver Airport, travelers and airport staff seem to love the idea. It’s definitely a marketing win for the DIA team, too, so long as the Denver Airport conspiracy remains harmless and playful.

But what’s behind these wild rumors? And why have some Americans strung together wild ideas about the airport’s construction and ongoing operations?

Let’s dig in—and let’s leave our doubts at the door. From here on out, we’re stepping into conspiracy territory, and we’re not asking questions. It will be easier that way.

Lizard people in Denver Airport: origins

DENVER, CO – October 20: Airline traveler Kenny Cuyler from Las Vegas takes pictures of pictures of gargoyles statues on display in the Conspiracy Theories Uncovered gallery at Denver International Airport October 20, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Denver International Airport opened its doors in 1995, quickly becoming an important hub in the center of the country. (In 2021 and 2022, DIA became the world’s third busiest airport in the world, just to highlight how busy it is.) One factoid quickly attracted conspiracy attention.

Denver Airport spans a whopping 52 square miles for a total of 33,531 acres. That makes Denver the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere, second only to Saudi Arabia’s Dammam Airport globally.

All that spaces makes it easy to hide lizard people—but why did they build DIA in the first place?

We need to look at the capstone that was laid when the airport was completed. Airports, along with other commercial enterprises, often create a capstone that lists information like the construction date. DIA decided to create a time capsule to be opened in 2094, which was buried beneath the capstone.

But forget the time capsule—we need to zero in on that capstone, which was graciously donated and laid by Denver’s local Masonic lodge.

It ties in well to one of the three dominant theories on how lizard people ended up at DIA. Here they are:

Freemasons constructed DIA in order to conduct their secretive, fraternal operations on its grounds, which may or may not involve lizard people.
The Illuminati might be using it as a base for their dark plots, alongside populations of lizard people.
The New World Order could also be one of the groups working in DIA, where it launches covert operations for global dominion with the help of lizard people.

Denver Airport’s capstone also reads ‘New World Airport Commission’, a shout-out to a group that doesn’t actually exist. Is it a reference to a famous song by a Czech composer? Or is it a nod to the New World Order and its horde of lizard people?

I’ll let you decide.

(A quick note: Freemasons are a real-life fraternal organization and not a conspiracy group, meaning you might know a few Freemasons in your daily life. Growing up, my soccer team used to rent practice space on a Freemason property—so I’d hate to paint a nefarious picture of the group.)

“Blucifer” and other artwork that helped inspire the Denver Airport conspiracy

A 32-foot sculpture commissioned three years before Denver International Airport opened was finally installed in the median of Pena Boulevard leading up to the terminal. (Photo By Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

The capstone is the most damning evidence that the Denver Airport conspiracy might hold weight, but many passengers are more focused on the artwork and exhibits dotting the grounds. They’re… weird, to say the least.

These are the most compelling pieces of art that hint there might be lizard people in Denver Airport:

“Mustang”, aka Blucifer from Luis Jimenez, is a 32-foot-tall blue mustang with glowing red eyes. According to Jimenez, the piece was meant to honor the Wild West spirit. Unfortunately, part of the sculpture fell and tragically killed Jimenez, which has helped keep the DIA conspiracy alive.
“Notre Denver”, two stone gargoyles that loom above the baggage claim area. Are they a callback to the historic gargoyles protecting Notre Dame in Paris? Or are they menacing spirits helmed by the lizard people hiding in the tunnels underground?
“Children of the World Dream of Peace” and “In Peace and Harmony with Nature” from Leo Tanguma are large-scale murals that depict scenes of war, destruction, pollution, death, and gas-mask-wearing soldiers. Are these pieces thought-provoking works of art or depictions of what the Illuminati has planned for our world?

Final food for thought: the underground tunnels

Capstones and stallion sculptures aside, if you’ve invested any time into researching the lizard people at Denver Airport, you’ve probably looked into the underground tunnels. DIA has acknowledged the presence of underground tunnels, which extend to the airport’s borders and house things like the inter-terminal train.

Some underground tunnels are home to offices and other workspaces, meaning they’re open to select airport employees. Also, lizards, if you’re going by conspiracy theories.

According to believers in the DIA conspiracy, one tunnel leads as far as 100 miles toward Colorado Springs’ North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) center. Some also believe it’s the stomping ground of the Freemasons, Illuminati, and New World Order, and their scaly cohorts.

American Express Just Funded 50 Small, Historic Restaurants in the US

Credit card perks are constantly evolving.

For those who like to jet-set, the focus is usually on travel deals. How many points can cardholders earn when they spend abroad? And what can they use those points for during their next vacation? The focus is on value and range of use.

But some credit cards cater to tourists in more roundabout ways.

American Express, for example, just released a list of 50 restaurants that will be added to its Backing Historic Small Restaurants program, which it created in 2020 alongside the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Each restaurant gets $50,000 in grant money to continue operations.

Never heard of the program or its ever-growing list of small, historic restaurants? Don’t worry—it’s for everyone. Though created by American Express, its cardholders don’t have first dibs on reservations or discounts on the final bill. Anyone can explore its list of small, historic restaurants.

And that’s worth exploring for any traveler because supporting local establishments is quickly becoming one of the most important factors in ethical tourism.

Like the Shop Small initiative that American Express launched over a decade ago, it’s all about empowering cardholders to spend their hard-earned money on small businesses. And, via its grant money, it provides these establishments with much-needed funding.

American Express: Backing Historic Small Restaurants

In 2020, American Express teamed up with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which was created by Congress in the late 1940s. Specifically, the program is part of the Trust’s ‘Saving Places’ campaign.

As mentioned above, the goal is to empower cardholders to spend at specific locations that showcase culture, tradition, and—of course—great eats.

So, if you want to eat ethically while also soaking up some of the coolest and most historic local culture on your next trip, you now have 50 new restaurants to check out across the United States. Coupled with previous Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants, American Express has helped fund 180 restaurants around the US, including Puerto Rico.

You can check out this full list and map of small historic restaurants selected to be part of the program from 2021 to present. If you’re a foody who’s always looking for the hidden gem restaurants, I highly recommend perusing the list by searching your destination. There are picks like Route 66 side-of-the-road restaurants to local pizza pubs in rural Kentucky.

9 Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

Imagine the most exotic and ancient site known to humankind—what comes to mind?

I’m guessing the pyramids of Egypt made the list. Not only are they the only sites on the lists of both the Ancient and New Seven Wonders of the World, but they’ve also appeared (and reappeared) in movies, films, books, and more for centuries. Even in the realm of academia, the pyramids loom large.

But what do you actually know about the pyramids of Giza and the vast complex they sit on?

Home to three pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and several temples, cemeteries, and archaeological sites, the Giza Pyramid Complex is one of the world’s most popular bucket list destinations.

It also has a somewhat confusing reputation. Though the pyramids are often a hit, the process of getting to the pyramids, experiencing them, and having fun while doing so is a little tougher.

Plus, what about Ancient Egyptian sites beyond Cairo and Giza? Pyramids can be found across the country, after all.

Turns out, there are a lot of things nobody tells you about visiting the pyramids of Egypt.

If you know someone who’s visited them before, I’m willing to bet that they brought up things like aggressive vendors, confusing taxi fares, and hustle and bustle that’s not for the faint of heart.

Is it true or just a rumor? Do tourists need to prepare for scalpers, crowds, and scammers? And what else do visitors heading to the pyramids of Giza need to know to have a good time?

9 things nobody tells you about visiting the Pyramids of Giza

There’s a new museum and visitor center that has streamlined the whole experience

Tourists at the new Giza pyramids visitors center in Giza, Egypt, on Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Islam Safwat/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

For years, the pyramids of Giza have been open to vendors—and some of these vendors have been extremely aggressive, leading to negative experiences. These are pretty well-known in the travel world; those who finally make the pilgrimage to the pyramids of Giza know to steel themselves.

In response, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism has slowly rolled out new renovations since 2021. These include a café, a visitors center, and improved public transportation. According to recent visitors, it has also greatly minimized the number of vendors and scalpers working at the complex.

So, if you’ve been avoiding visiting the pyramids of Egypt because you don’t like aggressive vendors, know that they’re few and far between. At least, on the actual complex grounds.

Vendors are pushy—there’s no way around it

While you shouldn’t face too many scalpers or aggressive vendors on the Giza Pyramid Complex, they’re a known quantity around Cairo. (Giza is just outside Cairo, so you’ll likely stay in the city as you visit.) They know where wealthier tourists stay, and tend to gather around those sites.

If you’re staying at a budget accommodation, you might face fewer. Regardless, anyone who goes out to the bazaars to shop (and you absolutely should) will notice that vendors are very pushy and direct. Prepare for the hustle and be firm with your nos.

You need to prepare for heat and potential episodes of dizziness

Tunnel entrance to the ancient Egyptian pyramid. A long passage in the pyramid of Giza. (Getty)

I’m sure you’re braced for heat if you’ve been planning on visiting the pyramids of Egypt—but don’t forget that from mid-June to mid-August, temperatures rise to a sweltering level. In other words, you really shouldn’t plan to visit during summer break. Or, if you do, make sure to visit the pyramids early in the morning. Temperatures peak around 5-6 pm.

Additionally, the chambers that you can explore inside the pyramids are much smaller than you might think. Some only have wooden planks as walkways, while others include steep inclines. If you’re prone to dizzy spells, plan ahead of time to take Dramamine or a similar medication.

Air pollution is a problem that impacts views

When I researched polluted tourist destinations last year, I was shocked to learn that Cairo’s air quality fluctuates between moderate levels of healthiness and unhealthy levels. That shouldn’t pose a huge risk to tourists just stopping through, unless you’re prone to respiratory issues.

Instead, I’m pointing it out here because it will affect your view of the pyramids when the air quality is worse. Cairo is known for its thick, gray-hued air, meaning it might affect your experience of the pyramids if the city’s air quality hits unhealthy levels.

A guide is the best way to avoid unpleasant experiences

Camels in Giza Pyramid Complex – A woman in a red turban riding a camel across the thin sand dunes – Cairo, Egypt

Booking an official tour guide for the Giza Pyramid Complex is the best way to get the most out of the experience. First, because vendors won’t bother you if you’re with a guide—or, at least, not as much. Second, the pyramids and the complex are massive, highly complicated, and involve ancient history. In other words, you’ll barely skim the surface if you go it alone.

Women will have a very different experience

Solo women travelers recommend dressing modestly if they want to minimize the number of interactions with strangers on the street. Remember: harassment is an issue all over the world, and a topic that women travelers need to be aware of, no matter where they’re wandering. No need to think poorly of Egypt and its millions of gracious men and women.

But you might want to plan to dress to cover up more, like down to the elbows and knees. Plus, you can carry a scarf with you for added coverage as needed. One last tip: sunglasses can help you avoid making eye contact, which can be seen as an invitation.

Don’t forget about Luxor

Queen Hatshepsut Temple is one of the most spectacular ancient Egyptian monuments in Luxor

The Pyramids of Giza take the lion’s share of attention from international tourists—and for good reason, given their scale and historical significance. But don’t forget about Luxor, an Egyptian city located lower on the Nile. Not only is it one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, but it’s also home to dozens of archaeological sites.

That includes the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Luxor Temple, and (my personal favorites) The Ramesseum and Colossi of Memnon. Keep in mind that you can book totally private tours that take you to all the top locations in Luxor and Cairo.

Ride shares are (usually) better than taxis—and you can book one for the pyramids

Taxis are one of the best places to get scammed in Cairo. If you’re worried about being taken for a long ride and overcharged, just book a ride share. Uber is available in Egypt. Or, even better, hire a private driver as part of your tour for the Giza Pyramid Complex. They might also be available for daily pickups/drop-offs at other locations, too.

Winter is the best time to visit if you’re sensitive to heat

Like I already mentioned, temperatures in Egypt turn sweltering during summer. If you’re sensitive to heat and/or want to spend days slowly exploring Egypt’s greatest structures, go during January or February. The holiday crowds will lessen, and temperatures will drop.

According to New Poll, These Are the Best Hotels for Good Sleep

If you sleep well on vacation, consider it a superpower. As with sleeping on planes, getting good shut-eye during a trip is a tough job—even if you’re normally a good sleeper.

There are dozens of ways to deal with trouble sleeping when traveling, from using apps like Sleep Cycle to recreating your at-home bedtime routine.

But all that hard work planning out how to optimize your nightly sleep schedule on vacation won’t mean much if the bed is uncomfortable, walls are paper-thin, and there’s a weird smell emanating from the window.

Sometimes, the difference between poor sleep and a great night’s rest is where you choose to stay. Unfortunately, according to one Amerisleep survey, travelers who stay in vacation rentals report 35% better sleep than their hotel counterparts.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a hotel chain where catching some Zs is guaranteed.

When it comes to staying at the best hotels for good sleep, the same study from Amerisleep incorporated feedback from over 1,000 Americans about their sleeping patterns at home versus during vacation.

They blame issues like uncomfortable pillows and mattresses, jet lag, loud neighbors, hallway noise, and room-sharing as main pain points. In fact, the study found that one in five travelers would pay more for a room specifically designed to ensure better sleep.

So, how can you set yourself up for a full night’s rest while staying in hotels? Book a room at one of the best hotels for good sleep, according to other sleepy travelers.

These are the hotel chains that come out ahead.

Best hotels for good sleep according to a traveler survey

Hilton Hotels and Resorts

Hilton has multiple properties with rooms, programs, and even sleep experts available. Their Signia by Hilton Atlanta offers rooms that are designed for better rest and relaxation. Additionally, you can book a ‘Sleep Retreat’ at Grand Wailea, one of their Waldorf Astoria properties in Maui.

Marriott Hotels and Resorts

What Marriott lacks in specific sleep programs, it makes up for with excellent attention to detail. Its properties use either foam or inner-spring mattresses, which travelers consistently rank above mattresses at other chains.

Holiday Inn by IHG

Holiday Inn has been working with experts for years to craft a great sleeping experience for years. Back in 2019, IHG even worked with Harvard sleep experts to rebrand the chain’s approach to sleep, adding things like soft LED lighting for night use and Blue Light solutions for the daytime, helping ‘hack’ your body’s circadian rhythm.

Hampton by Hilton

As a Hilton brand, Hampton Inns are also focused on offering guests a comfortable night’s sleep. To do so, they rely on high-quality mattresses from Serta, which uses a proprietary blend of inner coils and foam. If you’re looking for an affordable and reliably comfortable hotel to get a great night’s sleep, know that Hampton Inn has a bit of a cult following amongst travelers who want guaranteed rest.

Courtyard by Marriott

Similar to Hampton Inn, you can expect Marriott’s overarching focus on great sleep to translate well in its Courtyard brand. What’s the secret ingredient? Once again, it comes down to functional, tested mattresses that use the latest in sleep technology and high-quality materials.