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How to Start a Career as a Tour Guide

For those who have a special place in their heart for their hometown and the surrounding area, and get great enjoyment from showing friends and family all the amazing sights it has to offer, a career as a travel tour guide could well be the ideal way to turn a pastime into a fruitful career.

The good news is that tour guides get most of their training on the job, which means there aren't many formal education requirements or other standards that must be met before employers will even consider hiring.

Of course, having broad knowledge of local history and attractions is a decided plus and, although usually not necessary, a background in theater or entertainment, or experience in teaching can also help greatly toward getting a first interview.

Part-time or occasional travel gigs also make this an excellent way to supplement a full-time job or as extra income for retirees. That said though, there are some definite skills required to be a good travel guide, the chief one being excellent interpersonal skills.

Tour guides must interact with groups of people, keeping them focused, entertained, and informed. Successful travel guides will also have a great deal of leadership ability. Above all, they must be able to plan and organize trips and outings so that they happen seamlessly.

While a lot of tour guides will operate in places they know well, those with unique skill sets such as wilderness first aid training or experience leading nature expeditions may be able to find seasonal work in areas where these skills are in demand.

Some tour guides work on cruise ships or for tourism companies, private resorts or attractions, or may specialize in ecotourism, lead biking tours, or even work for the government.

The job outlook for travel tour guides is good, with average growth expected for the next ten years. The average earnings for those working in the tour guide industry are about $22,000 - $31,000 a year, not including extra income found in generous tips or gratuities from grateful travelers.

More about tour guide careers around the Web:

Careers in Tourism - Tour Guide - Comprehensive guide with job profile and description including skills, education and responsibilities including insider tips from a working tour guide.

Tourism and Travel Career Guides - UK guide to a career as a tour manager, travel consultant, tour guide and related positions with job descriptions and skill requirements, including related resources to more information becoming a Blue Badge guide.

Tourist Information Officer - Information on finding work as a tour guide in Western Australia with detailed job description, career outlook, average salaries, and related training resources.