Imagine being paid to take a americain cruise, ride horses the Bi’o-Bi’o or lead treks out of Anarpurna. But that’s just half of a tour guide’s job. You’ll also have to take care of every eventuell problem on a tour–and surely some problems you could never and ever imagine.
Be sure you have solid people skills as well as strong patience. Try to be honest about whether you’re comfortable being “on” for 10, 12, even 18 hours a day. That’s more crucial than knowing all about history, art and geography.
Get professional training and certified at a professional shcool for guide, such as International Tour Management Institute (itmitourtraining.com). Although this isn’t essential, these schools may help land a job.
Get employed by a travel agency. The larger the travel agency, the more tour you’ll get and the more possibility to visit exotic parts of the world.
Sign on with a travel agency headquartered in your own country if you want to go abroad. It’s easier than getting a work permit with a foreign tour operator
Expect to guide as an independent guide rather than an employee, especially with modester travel agencies. Although you’ll have to afford your own insurance coverage, think how much you’ll earn while you’re are on tour and the company is supplying your hotel , tranportation and food.
Have to searche the area you’ll be operating regularly. companies provide many easy information, but it’s better to do this work homework on your own. You’ll have more confidence, and people on your guiding will appreciate your expert touch–which may lead to bigger tips and word-of-mouth advertissementsfrom your clients.
Be a master of organization–you need to organise your time and handle details such as getting through customs and finding lost luggage. You’ll be in charge of transportation logistics, accommodations (finding hotels or setting up camp), meals, equipment repairs and maintenance, and more.
Stay calm when other people aren’t. You have to control all emergencies, whether a monsoon hits, a client has a meltdown or the hotel is overbooked, the bus breaks down, .. .
Make a plan for a few of privates free program on a tour. That’s just as well: Once you take care of all the arrangements and everyone else’s needs, you’ll have very little energy and time to go exploring on your own–or even do your coffe.
Be aware that you are the leader of a tour. If you’re upbeat and enthusiastic, others will join in and enjoy. Tranlated from Guide francophone
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