Llama date, Santiago, Chile
Our level of frustration boiled over as we made our way in a convertible down Highway 1 through sunny Southern California. We were not talking. The travel guidebook was tossed to the backseat, its pages flapping in the wind. We took turns convincing each other not to tear the pages out—or our own hair. In an attempt to see the hidden SoCal, we were faced with useless maps, and a myriad of suggestions for lush park picnics armed with organic fruit. With only three days on the West Coast, neither of us wanted to spend time in a hippie, earthy tranquility (which is something we could’ve done easily and cheaply right in our home state).
All we wanted was a new experience, preferably bizarre, eccentric, and weird…but most importantly, local. We wanted a certain kind of uniqueness, something that was nontransferable to the East Coast, while keeping it (mildly) G-rated. A conversation piece: “You’ll only see this in California. You have to go.”
This is how Without Guides was born. If you’re tired of having the same pictures as all your travel-buddy friends, then read on. If you’re ready for more than what you’ve been getting for years with traditional guidebooks—namely, something more young, fun, creative and innovative, and most importantly, with more oomph! stamina (and who wouldn’t want that?)—then this is the site for you.
This is the non-guide nudge to oddities, roadside attractions, and esoteric peculiarities right under your nose and throughout the world—all that can be done in less time than you’d expect. Don’t worry, we’ll throw in the important landmarks, too, just so you don’t miss anything.
Whether it’s the world’s largest light bulb you’re after, a 50-foot woman with visible organs, an evaporated ocean at 18,000 feet above sea level, or anything else in between, you’ll find your next mission here. Whether you’re searching for the perfect Pop-Tarts store, alligator nuggets, a breakfast overlooking the Banzai Pipeline, we’re here to give you what you want. We might even help you realize your dream of becoming an extra in a Bollywood movie. Come experience the world the way that we, the WithoutGuiders, know it.