And what does a Travel Guide actually Do?
With many years of experience as a travel guide – here is my personal feeling about what makes a great tour leader and how to become one…
So what do we do as guides?
A travel guide, also known as a tour guide or tour leader, is there to enhance the travel experience for tourists. Having myself been a Travel Guide for many years, I know that it is often thought of as a ‘cushy’ way of seeing the world.
Seeing the world is an obvious perk and the job is exciting. However in my experience it comes secondary to care, knowledge and empathy.
As guides we are there to:
Provide Information:
Guides offer insights into the history, culture, and significance of landmarks, attractions, and destinations visited during the tour. You need to be interested in other cultures and history. Plus, willing to do plenty of research.
Even if you have local guides you will still need to interpret difficult ideas for them, and add your own knowledge in a way your clients will understand.
Navigate:
Guides lead groups through unfamiliar locations, and provide directions and navigate complicated logistics like transportation and accommodations. You should be adapt at using maps, and have a good sense of direction.
Offer Recommendations:
As keen travelers ourselves guides are well placed to suggest activities, restaurants, and local experiences based on our knowledge of the area. You should be able to think about the diverse interests and preferences of travelers.
Ensure Safety:
Good guides prioritize the safety and well-being of their tour group, offering guidance on potential risks, and necessary precautions. They will put their clients health first. For example, I visited China twice before stepping onto the Great Wall due to emergency hospital visits.
Handle Logistics:
The local guides are often simply there to provide specialist local knowledge. The tour guides usually manage logistical aspects of the tour, including scheduling, reservations, ticketing, and coordinating with local vendors and authorities.
Engage and Entertain:
You need to be extrovert and keen raconteur. The best guides keep travelers engaged and entertained with engaging storytelling, anecdotes, and interactive activities. Thus increasing the overall enjoyment of their holiday. In my time as a guide I have acted in a ‘cabaret’ on the Yangtze River, organised bowling and quiz nights, or held talks around the campfire while on overland safari.
Cultural Liaison:
Guides are there as a cultural intermediary. It is often easier to understand and explain a culture from without. So guides often facilitate interactions with locals, bridging language and cultural barriers to promote understanding and respect between travelers and the communities they visit.
Handle Issues:
In case of unexpected situations or emergencies, guides act as a point of contact, offering assistance, problem-solving, and support to ensure a seamless travel experience. This could be anything from arranging a taxi back to the hotel if the guests are tired, to an all night visit to a local hospital.
Not put off yet?
Yes, I’m in! How do I Become a Travel Guide?
From the diverse list above you’ll understand that becoming a travel guide involves a unique combination of education, training, experience, and personal qualities. Although we come from all backgrounds, here’s a general roadmap:
Education:
While formal education is not always required, a degree in tourism, hospitality, history, anthropology, or a related field can be beneficial. You should be interested in world affairs and learning about different cultures. A tourism degree isn’t essential but it provides a solid foundation of knowledge about travel industry practices, cultural understanding, and customer service.
For some kinds of guiding professional qualifications are required e.g specialist city guides, safari guides, photographic etc.
Gain Experience:
Start by gaining experience in the travel industry through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering opportunities. This could involve working at a travel agency, tour company, or at a resort.
However in my experience most of my jobs came about by being in the right place at the right time. There are certain times of year when the holiday firms look to employ for the next season, and if you apply at the right time it is far easier to find work.
Obtain Certifications:
Consider obtaining certifications such as a tour guide license or accreditation from recognized organizations like the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) or the International Tour Management Institute (ITMI). These credentials can enhance your credibility and marketability as a guide.
Develop Language Skills:
Fluency in multiple languages, especially those commonly spoken in popular tourist destinations, can significantly enhance your prospects as a travel guide. English should be one of your languages if you wish to be a worldwide tour guide.
Cultural Knowledge:
Cultivate a deep understanding of the history, customs, traditions, and etiquette of the regions you wish to guide in. Being culturally sensitive and adaptable is essential for connecting with travelers from diverse backgrounds.
Enhance Communication Skills:
Effective communication is crucial. You need to engage with travelers, explain information clearly, and handle various situations professionally. Practice public speaking, storytelling, and interpersonal communication skills.
Travel can put people in stressful situations outside their comfort zones. Therefore you should be good with people and be able to remain calm in difficult situations.
Networking:
Build a strong network within the travel industry by attending industry events, joining professional associations, and connecting with experienced guides and tour operators. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable mentorship.
Gain Practical Experience:
Start leading tours on a smaller scale, perhaps as a freelance guide or through local tour companies. This allows you to gain practical experience, refine your skills, and build a portfolio which is important.
Most tour companies set great store by past experience and proof that you are competent. After all they are trusting you with their valuable customers in a situation where you bear great responsibility. Often very far from the office and several time zones away.
Continuous Learning:
Stay updated on industry trends, destination knowledge, and customer service best practices through continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
Passion and Personality:
Finally, you must be a people person and possess a genuine passion for travel, cultural exploration, and sharing experiences with others. Without a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and charisma you won’t enjoy the challenges of the job and succeed as a travel guide.
Being a Tour Guide is great fun and I loved it, but it is hard work and a job you have to enjoy to be successful at it.
