Spain's outdoor country is in the north and the mountains, which is the opposite direction from where almost all its visitors go.
Two days in Rome means choosing between the ancient city and the Vatican, and trying to do both properly is the main way people ruin it.
Lisbon's best collections are outside the centre, which is why most visitors leave having seen the tiles and missed everything else.
Tokyo needs almost no guiding, which makes the few group experiences that add something stand out clearly.
Most France itineraries route everything through Paris, which is frequently the slowest and most expensive way to reach where you are going.
A private guide in Bangkok costs less than a group tour in Europe, which changes the calculation about when to hire one.
Check prices for your trip:
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission.