Full Circle: Reflections on My Strongest Summer as a Tour Guide

As summer comes to a close, I’ve been thinking back on everything that happened over the past few months. It’s been a season full of growth, challenges, and moments I’ll never forget.

Back in June, I hosted a free walking tour to celebrate the two-year anniversary of starting my business. Two years ago, giving free tours was how this entire journey began, so it felt really special to recreate that moment. This time, I invited people who had been following me on social media for a while, and we spent the day walking around one of my favorite areas on the Buda side. I shared not only history, but also some of the personal and local stories that bring the neighborhood to life. Organizing it wasn’t easy—it came with challenges—but it pushed me, helped me grow, and reminded me why I started all of this in the first place.

As the season went on, my focus shifted toward private guided tours. To be honest, the start of this summer was shaky. I remember talking to restaurant staff, taxi drivers, and even fellow tour guides, and everyone agreed: the numbers just weren’t what they usually are. June and July felt much quieter than in past years, which was strange. But slowly, bookings started to pick up, and before I knew it, my calendar was filling fast.

During those slower stretches, I made the most of the free time—spending it outdoors, catching up with friends, and just enjoying the calm before the busy season kicked in. By July, things really started to move. There were even days when multiple groups wanted tours at the same time, and that’s when I realized: the hard work I’ve put into building my business and creating content over the past year was finally paying off. For that, I’m deeply grateful.

But with the growth came something else too: burnout. Between guiding, managing the Airbnb, and adjusting back from Miami’s time zone, my energy levels dropped. By August, I was completely drained. If you’ve ever been an entrepreneur, you know the feeling—your mind is always working, even when you’re supposed to be resting, and it’s hard to draw the line between work and life. Eventually, I had to listen to my body and mind telling me it was too much.

So I made a choice I’d been putting off for a long time—I took a proper break. I went on vacation for a week, completely offline. I didn’t post on social media, didn’t share updates, didn’t create content. I just lived the experience for myself. And honestly? It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It was the first time in a year that I went five whole days without posting, and it felt liberating. I came back to Budapest refreshed, recharged, and ready to finish the season strong.

The last tours I did this summer were some of the most meaningful ones—showing friends and families around. In those moments, it didn’t even feel like work; it felt like meeting old friends and sharing my city with them. It reminded me of how this all began six years ago, when my Canadian friend came to visit for a week and I showed them around. That’s where my journey as a guide truly started.

All of my tours are meaningful to me, and each one gives me so much as a person. But sometimes, certain experiences touch you in a different way. This summer, I was reminded again and again that guiding isn’t a one-way street—it’s an exchange. All of my guests were amazing, and while they learned from me, I also learned from them. Those shared moments, stories, and connections are what make this work so powerful, and why I continue to love it deeply.

Looking back, this has been my strongest season since becoming a tour guide, and I’m so thankful for everyone who chose me to show them this beautiful place. This summer was a mix of hard work, learning, connection, and rest—and I’ll carry the lessons with me for many years to come.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. Thank you for being part of my journey, for supporting me, and for allowing me to do what I love most. This summer was one I’ll never forget.