I spent some time on a tour, and as we were leaving, it was so emotional as I felt the guide had taught me so much in the short time we had together, I wanted to give her a hug so badly as I knew I wouldn't see her for a long time however I didn't, due to Shomer Negia. This brings me onto my question. Surely as hugging is so accepted in daily life and culture that it is not breaking Shomer Negia as it isn't inappropriate contact...

The definition of "inappropriate" regarding most topics, obviously changes from country to country. As long as one lives outside of a Jewish State, it's often difficult to understand the Jewish definition of what's appropriate, for everyone is influenced by what we see in the streets and television, where even intimate relations often are just "one-time" physical fun with no deep & lasting bond! When you come to yeshiva in Israel, many things in halacha will make much more sense, for the Torah & her logic & beauty are clearly addressing a Jew living in a Jewish State, in the Jewish Land!