What Is an Audio Tour?

Answers to the most common questions about self-guided GPS audio tours.

What is an audio tour?

An audio tour is a self-guided experience that uses recorded narration to help you explore a place. Audio tours can guide you through historic sites, downtowns, museums, parks, scenic drives, trails, and other destinations while driving or walking.

How does an audio tour work?

Traditional audio tours require you to check in at a kiosk or join a group. A GPS-guided audio tour works differently. Your phone uses your location to recognize when you have reached a story point, and the audio can begin automatically.

What is a GPS audio tour?

A GPS audio tour uses your phone's GPS location to trigger stories at specific places along a route. The audio plays automatically as you approach points of interest, so you can focus on the experience around you.

Are audio tours self-guided?

Yes. Most audio tours are self-guided, so you can start when you want, move at your own pace, pause, stop, and spend as much time as you'd like at each location.

What kinds of places offer audio tours?

Audio tours can be used for scenic drives, historic downtowns, parks, trails, museums, cultural sites, college campuses, waterways, and more.

Do GPS audio tours work without cell service?

Yes. With TravelStorys, you can download the tour while you have internet access. After that, the tour works offline and audio will play automatically as you explore.

Do you need headphones for an audio tour?

Not necessarily. For walking tours, earbuds or headphones help you hear clearly. For driving tours, audio can be played through your phone or your vehicle's audio system.

Can you take an audio tour from home?

Yes. TravelStorys tours are available through both the mobile app and on the web, so you can enjoy tour content while planning a trip or learning about a destination from home.

Are audio tours free?

It depends on the tour. Many TravelStorys tours are free, while some premium tours are available for purchase. Check the tour listing for details.

What is the difference between an audio tour and a guided tour?

A guided tour is led by a person at a scheduled time. An audio tour is self-guided, giving you the freedom to start when you want, go at your own pace, pause, and explore without a group.

What should you look for in an audio tour app?

Look for GPS-triggered playback, offline access, clear maps, high-quality audio, well-researched stories, and an easy way to discover tours. TravelStorys offers all of this and more.

What is TravelStorys?

TravelStorys is a GPS-guided audio tour app featuring self-guided tours for scenic drives, historic sites, downtowns, trails, parks, and cultural destinations. Tours can be explored on foot, by car, bike, paddle, and more.

Ready to explore?

Download the TravelStorys app and discover tours near you or wherever your adventures take you.

Ready for More People to Hear Your Story?

Join organizations worldwide who trust TravelStorys to create engaging, location-aware audio tours.