Most people don’t expect much from a guide.
A bit of knowledge. A few facts. A planned route. Maybe some restaurant tips. That’s about it.
But when you think about it, you’re not looking for facts. You can get those anywhere. You’re looking for something harder to describe, something like connection. You want someone who gets you. Someone who knows how to tune into your rhythm without making you explain every detail.
The strange thing is, we accept the lack of that. We don’t expect to be understood on the road. We prepare ourselves to adapt, to translate, to settle for “good enough.”
But why? Why should feeling seen, really seen, be so rare?
Sometimes, it’s just the little things.
Like someone noticing that you’re quieter today and skipping the museum.
Or realizing you’re more of a “let’s wander and talk” person than a “bullet-point history” person.
Or pausing the day because you found the perfect place to sit, and there’s no need to rush.
That kind of sensitivity isn’t taught in guidebooks. It’s not listed on anyone’s résumé. But it’s everything. It’s what separates a generic day from one that feels like it was made just for you.
Most platforms don’t even try to offer that. They give you filters: by language, by time slot, by price. As if that’s enough to match you with someone you’ll actually want to spend time with. As if all you care about is logistics.
Marv works differently. It helps you connect with people who care about more than showing you around. People who see their role not as tour leaders, but as good company. Listeners. Co-pilots. People who know the city, yes, but more importantly, know how to meet you where you are.