Here are the most Frequently Asked Questions by Savannah Walks guests:

1. Where do we park?
First, let us say that Savannah’s Historic District is a vibrant blend of residents and businesses. Georgia’s First City is also the seat of Chatham County government and home to nearly 8,000 students attending Savannah College of Art and Design. Add to that our reputation as The Hostess City (one that is consistently considered a top-ten travel destination), and you’ll discover that parking in Savannah is a competitive sport.

Despite the 3,000 parking meters scattered throughout the Historic District, we recommend that you arrive in the Historic District early enough to allow time to park, grab a cup of coffee, and even use the restroom.

Our best bet is to plan ahead and acquire a Visitor Day Pass. A Visitor Day Pass:

• provides unlimited parking in any City parking garage or lot.
• allows parking overtime at parking meters with time limits greater than one hour.
• is good for 48 hours from the time of purchase.
• costs $8 (as of January 2008).

Passes are available at:

• many hotels and inns.
• the Visitors Center.
• the Parking Services office.

For more information, call Parking Services at (912) 651-6470, or log on to the City’s web site.

2. Should we tip our guides? If so, what is appropriate?
In any service industry, tipping shows appreciation for a job well done, and this extends to tour guides, as well.

Our licensed guides are committed to providing you with the highest quality walking tours available in Savannah, so if you feel they’ve done a fine job, gratuities are always appreciated.

Travelers visiting from other countries may be unaccustomed to the practice of tipping, and often wonder what amount is customary or appropriate. Simply put: it varies widely. Based on information provided by local tour guides, the average minimum gratuity awarded by satisfied guests hovers around $5 (USD) with delighted guests consistently presenting guides with twenty-dollar bills (USD).

In short, tipping:

• reflects customer appreciation for excellent service.
• is greatly appreciated, but never required.

3. How long are the walks?
The Savannah Walks last about an hour and a half, with about a mile or so of walking. The duration may vary depending on the pace of the group and the number of questions, as certain tours often stimulate lively discussion.

We encourage you to:

• wear comfortable walking shoes.
• bring along some water along.
• dress for the weather.

Women experiencing a difficult pregnancy, the elderly, and people who have trouble walking should carefully consider their ability to walk these distances with a group. If you are concerned that you cannot participate because of your health, we are happy to take the time to point out popular attractions for you to visit at your own pace. Just drop on by our ticket office.

4. Is there a discount for taking more than one tour?
Yes. The more you walk, the more you save! Be sure to ask about multiple tour discounts and specials.

5. What about the weather?
Our walking tours depart rain or shine, but there are weather conditions to consider when visiting The Hostess City:

Rain
Light rains rarely last long here in the Coastal Empire, particularly in the summer months. If the weather looks questionable, be sure to bring a raincoat or umbrella.

Heat
In the summer months, the heat index can climb to well over 100° F. We recommend that you stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and sport a broad-brimmed hat, should you visit during the dog days of summer.

Cold
That’s right. Cold.

When 18th century Georgians tried planting grapes in order to compete with Spanish vintners, they discover that the grapes blistered in summer, and the vines withered in winter.

We don’t want you to wither, so we recommend that you bring an extra layer or two, rather than use a heavy winter coat. You’ll be glad you did.

If you prefer not to walk because of the weather, we are happy to reschedule your tour for a later date. We are also willing to refund your money, should you cancel because of the weather. The Savannah Walks reserves the right to cancel tours due to extreme weather conditions, in the interest of public safety.

6. What if I’m not satisfied with a tour? What if it’s not for me?
As one of our guides traditionally says at the end of his tours: “If you like what we do, tell everyone. If there’s something we can do better, talk to me.”

Try as you may, you can’t please everyone all of the time and yes, there are times when our tours fail to meet customer expectations. However, we’re proud of a customer satisfaction approval rating that traditionally hovers around a 97% (based on customer feedback and refunds to dissatisfied guests). If you ever find yourself in a position where you are not satisfied with the service we offer, relax. The Savannah Walks offer a 100% money back guarantee.

To better serve you, we ask that you:

• communicate your concerns, so we can understand your needs.
• present us with details, so we can resolve the issue.
• remember that we want to help you.

We’re happy to work with you and are committed to providing the best possible service in order to make your stay memorable.

7. Are walking tours handicap accessible?
Savannah, founded in 1733, is America’s first planned city. In fact, the City’s famous grid design has changed little since 1852, when the last of the squares was laid out. As such, the cobblestones, high curbs and surprising lack of curb cuts make navigating city streets a challenging affair for those relying on wheelchairs or scooters.

If you rely on wheelchairs or scooters, please, call ahead and make us aware of your needs.

8. Can we bring our dog?
The Savannah Walks management team loves dogs. If you do, too, we ask that you:

• Keep your dog on a leash.
• Be mindful of other guests on the tour.
• Pick up after your dog.

If you forgot a baggie to clean up after your faithful companion, ask us. We’d hate for you to leave something behind on the tour — except kind words, and maybe a tip for your guide.