Tour Guide
Job Description:Travel guides plan, organise, and conduct long distance travel, tours, and expeditions for individuals and groups.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day will include tasks such as:
- Provide tourists with assistance in obtaining permits and documents such as visas, passports, and health certificates, and in converting currency.
- Pilot airplanes or drive land and water vehicles to transport tourists to activity or tour sites.
- Lead individuals or groups to tour site locations and describe points of interest.
- Pay bills and record checks issued.
- Set up camps, and prepare meals for tour group members.
- Arrange for tour or expedition details such as accommodations, transportation, equipment, and the availability of medical personnel.
- Resolve any problems with itineraries, service, or accommodations.
- Instruct novices in climbing techniques, mountaineering, and wilderness survival, and demonstrate use of hunting, fishing, and climbing equipment.
Skills:
You’ll need:
- an interest and knowledge of history
- knowledge of English language
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- customer service skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be flexible and open to change (adaptable)
- sensitivity and understanding
- a good memory
- organisational skills
Entry Requirements:
There are no set requirements, but it might benefit you to do a Diploma in Travel and Tourism (Level 3 in the UK).
Alternatively, you could do a travel consultant advanced apprenticeship. You could also start as a trainee travel guide and receive on-the-job training from your employer. A good general standard of education will be expected and employers may ask for school qualifications in English and Maths or equivalent. Good geographical knowledge and a second language will also be helpful.
Working Hours and Environment:
You could work at monuments and castles, in a museum, at an art gallery or in parks and gardens.
Your working environment may be physically active, outdoors some of the time and you’ll travel often.
Career Path & Progression:
With training and experience, there may be opportunities to progress into senior roles such as:
- branch or call centre manager
- operations director
- regional director
- managing director
You could also move into other roles in the travel sector, like tour operating.