tour guide kinds

Types of Tour Guides: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

• 2024-03-07 2024-03-07

Welcome to our beginner’s guide to the different types of tour guides! Whether you are planning to embark on a guided tour or considering a career in tourism, understanding the various types of tour guides can be immensely helpful. In this article, we will explore the main categories of tour guides and gain insights into their roles and responsibilities.

1. Local Tour Guides

Local tour guides are individuals who have an in-depth knowledge of a specific geographic area. They have a wealth of information about the local history, culture, and landmarks. These guides are ideal for exploring a city or region and can provide insider tips and recommendations.

Responsibilities of Local Tour Guides:

• Leading guided tours of specific landmarks, neighborhoods, or attractions
• Providing historical and cultural insights
• Assisting with language translation, if applicable
• Answering questions and providing recommendations

2. Adventure Tour Guides

Adventure tour guides are experts in outdoor activities and adventure sports. They lead groups on thrilling adventures such as hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and more. These guides prioritize safety and possess specialized knowledge regarding the activities they offer.

Responsibilities of Adventure Tour Guides:

• Ensuring the safety of participants during outdoor activities
• Providing instruction and guidance on specific adventure sports
• Sharing information about the surrounding environment
• Preparing and maintaining equipment

3. Museum Tour Guides

If you find history and art fascinating, museum tour guides are the experts you need. They specialize in providing guided tours of museums, offering detailed insights into the exhibits, artists, and historical context. These guides possess a deep understanding of the artworks and artifacts on display.

Responsibilities of Museum Tour Guides:

• Conducting tours of museum exhibits
• Explaining the historical and cultural significance of artworks and artifacts
• Engaging visitors with interesting anecdotes and stories
• Addressing questions and encouraging discussion

4. Tour Directors

Tour directors, also known as tour managers or tour conductors, oversee the overall operations of a tour. They ensure that everything runs smoothly, from transportation and accommodation to scheduling and logistics. Tour directors are responsible for managing the itinerary and ensuring an enjoyable experience for the participants.

Responsibilities of Tour Directors:

• Coordinating transportation, accommodation, and meals during a tour
• Managing the itinerary and ensuring timely departures and arrivals
• Providing information about the destinations and attractions
• Resolving any issues or challenges that arise during the tour

5. Step-on Guides

Step-on guides are hired to assist tour companies or groups visiting a specific location. They provide local expertise and serve as guides while traveling on buses or other modes of transportation.

Responsibilities of Step-on Guides:

• Offering insights about local history and culture during transportation
• Pointing out landmarks and interesting sights along the way
• Coordinating with the driver and tour company
• Answering questions and enhancing the travel experience

No matter which type of tour guide you encounter or aspire to become, it is important to remember that their primary goal is to provide an engaging and enriching experience to their audience. Now that you are familiar with these different types of tour guides, you can choose the one that best suits your interests and embark on a memorable journey or even consider a career in the fascinating world of tourism.

We hope this article has been informative and valuable to you as a beginner. If you have any further questions or would like to share your own experiences with tour guides, feel free to leave a comment below!

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The 10 Types Of Tour Guides: Which One Will You Be?

Posted on Dec 11, 2022 at 09:12 PM

You’re about to embark on a new career. You’ve been doing research and found that many tour guide positions are available in cities worldwide. You love people and want to share your passion for your city, so it seems like a perfect fit!

So what do tour guides do? What kind of skills and training is needed? Let’s explore these questions and more. 

What is a tour guide? 

A tour guide is someone who leads a group on tour.

The term "tour guide" is also sometimes used to describe the person who leads a sightseeing tour of a historic building, site, city, or neighbourhood. A tour guide may be employed by a museum, historical society, or other organisation interested in preserving local history and culture.

Tour guides are often called "docents" or "those who show." In addition, they are sometimes called "tour directors" or "tourist escorts," but these terms also have other meanings.

Tour guides work primarily with tourists and visitors but may also work with locals interested in learning more about their city or town.

Tour guides can be found at museums, historical sites, and other locations that showcase unique elements of local culture. Some tour guides specialise in private individuals or specific groups, while others work with larger groups of tourists worldwide.

There are many steps to becoming a tourism guide; check out the 6 best steps to becoming a professional tour guide .

10 tour guide types, which one are you?

There are many kinds of tour guides around the world; some of the most popular categories of guides include:

1. The professional tour guide

The professional tour guide is the most common type of tour guide, and it's the primary type most people think of when thinking about a tour guide. It's usually a full-time job, but it can also be part-time or a side gig. They typically work with international tourists and are licensed international tourist guides.

2. The private tour guide

A private tour guide accompanies paying clients on tours for a fee but doesn't work full-time in the industry. Instead, they use their time off from work or school to make extra money by giving guided tours to tourists in their city or country. They can offer services based on their timetable as their managers.

3. The academic tour guide

This tour guide works at an educational institution such as a university or an art museum, giving tours to students, teachers, and other community members. Academic tour guides earn additional income by educating visitors and sales commissions on books, maps, and other merchandise sold during tours. They usually have an educational background, study galleries and cultural buildings, and are often fluent in many languages.

4. The freelance tour guide

A freelance traveller gives guided tours to tourists abroad on vacation or business trips. They're adventure lovers who love private cruises to nature and other places.

The most convenient thing about freelance operators is that they're their manager and director, have flexible hours, and can choose which client to take on. 

5. The local tour guide 

A local tour guide or escort works at a tourist attraction , such as an amusement park or zoo. They may also be employed by a travel agency that offers guided tours to visitors. Some local guides work independently and receive payment directly from their customers instead of through an employer.

6- The Traditional Guide: 

The definitive guide is knowledgeable about the destination's history, culture, and sights and delivers a structured, fact-filled tour. They may use a microphone and headset to provide information to the group and incorporate interactive activities or demonstrations to engage the group.

7- The Cultural Guide: 

The cultural guide focuses on the destination's traditions, customs, and way of life and provides an immersive experience for travellers. They may take the group to local markets, homes, or community events to give them a glimpse into the daily life of the people in the area.

8- The Adventure Guide: 

The adventure guide leads active and physically challenging tours, such as hiking, biking, or kayaking. They are knowledgeable about the local terrain and wildlife and may provide instruction and equipment for the activities.

9- The Food and Drink Guide: 

The food and drink guide focuses on the destination's local cuisine and beverage culture. They may take the group to local markets, restaurants, or farms to try the local specialities and learn about the ingredients and techniques used in the area.

10- The Local Guide: 

The local guide is a native of the destination and provides travellers with a personalized and authentic experience. They may share their own stories, experiences, and the area's hidden gems and local secrets.

What kind of skills should a tour guide have?

Tour guides should have a lot of skills. They must have strong communication and social skills to communicate with the tourists and answer their questions about the city or country they visit. 

Tour guides also need to be able to explain things clearly and precisely, so tourists understand what they are seeing. In addition, they should be friendly, helpful and easygoing because they will deal with many different people from different parts of the world.

 They need to be organised, have good management skills and have an eye for detail to plan exciting and fun trips for everyone involved.

They should have good leadership skills because they will often entertain groups of people in busy cities or countries where a lot is happening at once. 

Tour guides must be able to keep everyone together and make sure no one gets lost or separated from the group. To do this effectively, tour guides must be able to think quickly on their feet and come up with solutions if something goes wrong during the trip (like legal trouble or a mix-up with security systems)

If you’re interested in being a tour guide but don’t know where to start, here are some hospitality training courses in London .

Tourist guides play a particular part in every tourism experience ; they add their signature to the social aspect of getting to know a new region. 

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How to create an Online Travel Guide

Helpful tips to understanding and writing various types of travel guides

The Different Types of Travel Guides

The goal of every travel guide is to help potential travelers prepare for their journey and have the best possible trip. A travel guide should be informative, but it can also be interesting or inspiring. Take a closer look at some of the most common types of travel guides as well as the benefits of each.

Destination Travel Guide

A destination travel guide is just what the name suggests: a travel guide that revolves around a specific destination. These guides can cover an entire country, but they can also focus on a specific city or even a small town. A destination travel guide should entice someone to visit that destination, and it should provide readers with specifics about that spot.

A destination travel guide might start by detailing the destination and explaining where it is located or how travelers can get there. Then, it should focus on the main reasons to visit the area. Readers might want to know what the main attractions in the destination are and whether they would appeal to budget travelers, outdoor enthusiasts or sports fans.

A destination guide might also focus on ways to make the most of a trip to that destination . For example, your guide could include details on how expensive the destination is or where the most popular hotels are located. Information about weather, security and transportation are all welcome in a destination guide.

Special Interest Travel Guide

While a destination guide focuses on a specific area and includes as much detail as possible, a special interest travel guide is far more focused. This is a type of niche writing, and it is designed to appeal to a specific demographic. Ultimately, the special interest you focus on is up to you. Some ideas include cuisine, history, architecture, fitness or pets.

Food is a major focus for special interest travel articles. People from around the world love to eat, and travel is often a great way to explore new cuisines and dig into new dishes. A culinary travel guide could include details on up-and-coming restaurants, Michelin-starred eateries and food vendors that tourists wouldn’t typically visit.

Other special interest guides may focus on a specific interest like history, art or architecture. If travelers are heading to Palm Springs specifically for the mid-century modern architecture, what buildings should they visit? If they are in New York City and love history, which museums are the most impressive?

A travel blog might also put an emphasis on pet-friendly travel. There are 77 million pet dogs and 85 million pet cats in the United States, and many of them travel with their owners. Highlighting which hotels, restaurants and attractions are pet-friendly can be valuable to a lot of readers.

Financial Travel Guide

One of the most common reasons why people avoid travel is cost. At the same time, many prospective travelers are eagerly searching for ways to travel more while spending less. For that reason, lots of travel guides specifically focus on the costs related to travel. Many more give readers tips on how to reduce expenses on upcoming trips.

Sometimes, readers just want information. A person who is planning a trip to Europe might want to know the average hotel costs in Paris or whether a hostel in Berlin is affordable. Financial travel guides that offer specific costs for accommodation, transport, food and attractions are incredibly useful.

Another type of financial travel guide will suggest ways to keep costs low on upcoming trips. It may include lists of affordable hostels, discounts on train travel or cheap and accessible grocery stores located in major cities.

Narrative Travel Guide

A narrative travel guide is the story of a singular travel experience. This type of travel blog can be any length, and it can detail any number of experiences. While a narrative travel guide can absolutely be educational, it is also designed to transport readers to a new destination.

A narrative travel guide might tell the story of a family that heads to Asia for an extended trip with young children. The unique challenges of this trip and the events along the way are woven together to become a cohesive narrative. This might inspire readers to take their own journey with children.

Stories can revolve around travel in off-the-beaten-path locations, or it can be an emotional journey. Narratives can discuss exploring a single city over a long weekend, or they can detail a year-long trek through Europe. These articles are less likely to include bullet points since they are more likely to read like short stories.

Side Trip Travel Guide

Many travelers will plan their getaway by booking a flight to a major destination. Their journey may take them to a bustling metropolis like London, New York or Hong Kong. These thrilling cities have a lot to offer, and a standard destination guide can certainly offer plenty of options. However, many visitors want to get away from these hubs and see something a little different for a day or two. That’s why side trip travel guides are growing increasingly popular.

A side trip travel guide can suggest and detail one or more choices for an escape from the main attraction. Visitors to London, for example, could plan a side trip to Brighton for the day. Those who travel to Berlin might take the train to Hamburg to see something new, and visitors to Orlando could see what Tampa has to offer. Offering advice on how to arrange transport for these trips, how long travelers should spend in each destination and the top attractions to include on an itinerary are all great additions to a side trip travel guide.

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How to Create The Perfect Online Travel Guide

Putting together a travel guide can be exciting, but it also takes a lot of work. Since there are so many different types of travel articles out there, it is important to stand out. Offering something unique gives readers a reason to gravitate toward your travel guide above all others. Here are some of the best tips to keep in mind as you create your travel guide.

Decide on the Type of Travel Guide You Want to Write

• Destination travel guide
• Special interest travel guide
• Financial travel guide
• Narrative travel guide
• Side trip travel guide

How to Write a Travel Blog

To know how to write a travel blog, you first need to know what kind of blog you’re writing. Then, you can put together an outline. A destination travel guide might have separate headings pertaining to attractions, accommodations and transport. A narrative travel guide might not have headings at all, and it may be a story told in the first person. Understanding the format of your article will help as you flesh it out and create something that others will truly want to read and share.

Pick an Angle for Your Travel Content

The next step in writing your travel guide is deciding on an angle. This means thinking carefully about who you want to read your work. Although it might be nice to imagine that anyone can find value in a travel guide, the reality is that targeting a specific demographic can have better results .

Think of your target audience. Imagine what kinds of people are in that group. This is known as putting together a buyer persona. As you write the travel guide, try to appeal to this specific kind of person.

If you’re writing to young professionals without children, you’ll want to include lists of higher-end hotels and great nightlife options. If you’re writing to retirees, then off-season trips with a more relaxed pace could be a better option. Targeting your audience in every sentence ensures that the right readers gain value from the final product.  

Be Sure to Include Graphics

Travel guides can be formatted in a number of different ways. However, there are some best practices that will make your content easier to read online. Keep your paragraphs short so that readers can skim through content and find the information most relevant to them. If possible, include bullet points or lists to streamline the content. Adding hyperlinks can direct readers to sources for further information. Above all else, aim to include graphics .

Graphics can break up the content and make your travel guide more visually appealing. Travel is a very visual topic. When individuals plan their trips, they want to see the places they will be visiting, admire the hotel rooms where they might be staying and drool over the food served in the region.

If your travel guide is more informative, adding in charts or infographics might be a smart idea. Visual elements of all varieties keep content interesting and appealing, which in turn keeps more readers on the page for longer.  

Invoke All the Senses

In even the most educational of travel guides, your travel content should tell a story. Whether you’re detailing the cheapest ways to visit Boston or you’re encouraging people to take a day trip to Macau from Hong Kong, your content should inspire them. As you read the guide, does it make you want to hop on the next flight? One way to make your travel guide pop is to invoke all the senses.

This simply means describing the environment using all the senses. How does the air smell while hiking in the Alps? What do you hear while sailing on a gulet boat in Turkey? What does it feel like to cross the busy streets of Tokyo? Some examples of invoking the senses in travel writing can include the following:

• Nothing compared to the sweet taste of the beignets and the bitterness of the chicory coffee. • The chatter of multiple languages swirled around the confines of the train car. • From the lookout point, I could see over the Welsh border and into England. • I followed my nose to the delightful savory smells of the local kebab shop. • The wind picked up as we headed south, and cool raindrops fell onto my bare arms.

All of this language can help readers feel like they are there with you. It turns an ordinary blog post into a guide packed with inspiration and excitement.

Don’t Forget About SEO!

Travel articles should be written with your intended audience in mind. Nonetheless, it is critical to think about how your travel guide will be found. There are three main ways for readers to access content: direct, search and social media. You can send links to your content to email subscribers, and you can post links to your travel guides on your various social media platforms. The third element, search, requires individuals to search for specific terms online, find your content and click on it from the search engine results page.

To appear on that first search engine results page, or SERP, your content should be written with search engine optimization in mind. First and foremost, that means creating high-quality content with the end user in mind. It should be engaging, relevant and optimized to include appropriate keywords (without unnatural keyword stuffing), meta tags and back-end SEO modifications. This will ensure that more people can find your content when they use search engines like Google, Yahoo or Bing.

Keys to Publishing and Promoting Travel Guides

Once your travel guides have been written, it is time to get them in front of readers. Travel guides can’t be effective until they have been read! In today’s world, publishing travel guides typically means digital publishing, which means the content can be viewed on websites and blogs. Promoting this content is key in order to increase traffic, build your reputation and convert readers into subscribers or customers.

Decide Where and How to Publish Your Travel Guides

Often, individuals and businesses who are putting together travel guides already have an idea of where they will be published. Travel guides are a natural fit on a website, and they are also featured on many private and commercial blogs . However, there are still some publishing decisions you’ll need to make.

Some travel guides can be published as single reads. On the other hand, some are so long that they will need to be broken up into manageable segments. This might be a great time to introduce a blog series. You can publish a new blog entry every day or every week, depending on your publishing schedule.

If you have a collection of related travel guides, it might make sense to offer them as a single e-book. An e-book can be sold at a profit, but it can also be offered to individuals who subscribe to email marketing campaigns or who download from your website. An e-book can be a fantastic way to use content more than once and to draw in more traffic, gather email addresses and build your contact list.

Share Your Travel Guides on Social Media

Social media is one of the best strategies to promote your travel guides. Sometimes, businesses fumble with deciding which platform to use. The reality is that if you already have thriving social media platforms, then the ones you have are the best ones to use! The key is connecting with your audience by whatever means possible.

For some companies, a younger audience means utilizing visual social media platforms like Instagram or Snapchat. You might post fantastic photos of your destination along with a link that leads directly to a related travel guide. You can also share links to your travel guides on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Reddit or Google+.

Include Snippets or Full Articles in Marketing Emails

An ideal way to share and promote your travel blog is through email. If you have a contact list made up of inquiries, current customers and past clients, then you’re already halfway there. Crafting an email marketing campaign just means getting your content in more inboxes.

Your marketing emails can include all kinds of topics, but travel articles might be a natural fit. If the travel guide in question is relatively short, you could email the entire version to readers. If it is longer, or if you want more direct traffic to the website, include just a snippet of the text. If readers want to see more, they can follow your links and head to your main page.

A valuable tool in the online travel industry is a subscriber list. This is a group of individuals who have opted in to your emails in order to learn more or snag deals. Be sure not to abuse this subscriber list and to respect those who unsubscribe. When used appropriately, email campaigns can be a fantastic way to increase traffic and brand awareness.

Consider Advertising in Order to Reach a Wider Audience

Ideally, you would be able to promote your travel content without paying a penny. If you want to get even more eyes on your travel guides, however, it may be worth paying for advertising . There are a lot of paid advertising options available, and you can advertise through any number of platforms.

Pay-per-click advertising, or PPC, means that you only pay if a person clicks on your ad and heads to your website. You may pay slightly more for this kind of advertising, but it means you only pay if someone is redirected to your site. The alternative is CPM, or cost-per-thousand advertising. In this format, you pay a set price for every 1,000 impressions on your webpage. This is cheaper per impression, but you need to work hard to ensure that the ad is being seen by the right audience.

You can pay to boost your travel guides in search engines. If someone searches for something related, your content can pop up as a sponsored result at the top of the SERP. You could even pay to occupy permanent real estate on the side or banner of a friendly, related website.

Allow Readers to Share Your Content

Sometimes, the best way to promote your travel guides is to let someone else do all the work. If readers enjoy your content, make sure there are easy and convenient ways for them to share that information with their friends and networks. One effective solution is to include share buttons at the bottom of your travel guides. This makes it possible for readers to post the link to the article on platforms like Facebook or Twitter. With the click of a button, you’ll be reaching new readers and a brand-new audience. Plus, this can be done at no cost to you.

Consider Guest Posting or Hosting as a Way to Promote Your Travel Guides

A popular form of promotion is known as guest posting. There are two ways to encourage guest posting if you have a website or a blog. First, you can be the guest that posts content on other websites. Second, you can host other guest authors who want to promote their content on your page. The best relationships have give and take, which means you do a little of both.

If you are the guest author, you can offer your travel guide content to a third party. If you’re a travel blog, you might partner up with a cooking blog. You could suggest a special interest piece about food in Morocco. Then, your travel piece about Moroccan food will be posted on the cooking website along with links back to your blog. This increases your audience and brings you valuable new connections.

As long as your content is engaging, unique and informative, you should have little trouble connecting with the right audience.

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Portobello Blog

What are the different types of tour guide.

Embarking on a career as a tour guide is like unlocking a treasure chest of opportunities to share stories, unveil hidden gems, and create memorable experiences for eager travellers.

It's a profession that transcends the boundaries of traditional careers, offering a dynamic and captivating journey into the world of exploration and storytelling.

In this article, we'll delve into the diverse and exciting types of tour guides that make this profession not just a job but a thrilling adventure.

Historical Storytellers: The Time-Travel Guides

Ever dreamt of taking a stroll through history? Historical tour guides are the time-travellers of the tourism industry. They weave narratives that transport visitors back in time, breathing life into ancient monuments, historic streets, and legendary landmarks. As a historical storyteller, you get to be the bridge between the past and the present, sharing tales that captivate and educate.

Nature Navigators: Guiding Through the Great Outdoors

For those who have a passion for the great outdoors, becoming a nature guide is an exciting choice. Whether leading hikes through lush forests, exploring serene national parks, or conducting wildlife safaris, nature guides are the custodians of our planet's natural wonders. It's a chance to connect people with the beauty of the Earth, fostering a deep appreciation for the environment.

Urban Explorers: Navigating Cityscapes with City Guides

City guides are urban adventurers, navigating bustling streets and vibrant neighbourhoods with a contagious enthusiasm for city life. From historical city tours to culinary escapades, these guides unravel the unique stories, flavours, and cultures that define each city. Becoming a city guide means showcasing the heartbeat of a metropolis, making every tour an urban exploration.

Art Aficionados: Guiding Through Cultural Masterpieces

If you have an art appreciation, becoming an art guide allows you to share your passion with others. Guiding through museums, galleries, and cultural exhibitions, art guides unveil the beauty and significance of masterpieces. It's an opportunity to ignite a love for creativity and contribute to the cultural enrichment of your audience.

Adventure Architects: Crafting Thrilling Experiences

Adventure guides are the architects of excitement, curating thrilling experiences for adrenaline-seeking travellers. From leading white-water rafting trips to organising mountain treks, these guides infuse the spirit of adventure into every journey. Becoming an adventure guide means transforming vacations into exhilarating escapades.

Culinary Connoisseurs: Guiding Through Gastronomic Delights:

Foodies unite! Culinary guides lead travellers on delectable journeys through the world of flavours. From street food markets to gourmet restaurants, these guides are the connoisseurs of local cuisine. Becoming a culinary guide means indulging in the joy of sharing culinary secrets and turning every meal into a memorable experience.

Becoming a tour guide is not just a job; it's an invitation to be a storyteller, an explorer, and a curator of unforgettable experiences.

Whether you're unravelling the mysteries of history, navigating the wonders of nature, or savouring the richness of different cultures, each type of tour guide contributes to the tapestry of travel.

So, if you're ready for a career that combines passion with profession, consider the opportunities waiting for you as a tour guide – where every day is a new adventure!

If you are interested in a recognised Tour Guide qualification, or have any questions you can  book a consultation call  with our expert advisor Brandon McLean, email  [email protected]  or call  01 892 0035 . 

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Types of Tour Guides: Exploring the Diversity

Welcome to PlanTrips.net, where we unravel the fascinating world of travel and adventure! In this blog post, we delve into the realm of tour guides and showcase the different types of tour guides you may …

Written by: Johny D.

Published on: July 7, 2023

Welcome to PlanTrips.net , where we unravel the fascinating world of travel and adventure! In this blog post, we delve into the realm of tour guides and showcase the different types of tour guides you may encounter during your travels.

These knowledgeable individuals are dedicated to making your journey extraordinary, offering unique insights and captivating stories that breathe life into your destination. Join us as we embark on a journey through the different types of tour guides that cater to various interests and preferences.

Who Are Tour Guides?

Tour guides are individuals who provide guided tours and information to travelers and visitors at various destinations. They are experts in their respective fields, possessing knowledge about the history, culture, landmarks, attractions, and other relevant aspects of the places they guide visitors through. Tour guides play a crucial role in enhancing the travel experience by sharing insights, providing context, and creating memorable interactions with the destination.

To be effective in their role, tour guides typically possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They must be able to engage and connect with diverse groups of travelers, adapting their presentation style to cater to different audiences. They are responsible for conveying information in an engaging and informative manner, ensuring that visitors have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the places they visit.

Tour guides often undergo training and acquire the necessary qualifications to perform their duties. This may involve studying relevant subjects, obtaining certifications, and continuously updating their knowledge about the destinations they guide. Additionally, guides may possess additional skills such as language proficiency, first aid training, or specialized expertise in a particular area.

Types of Tour Guides

There are several types of tour guides, each catering to different interests and preferences. While the exact categorization may vary, here are some common types of tour guides:

1. City Guide: Unveiling Urban Treasures

When exploring a new city, there’s no better companion than a city guide. Whether on foot, bicycle, or bus, these guides possess an intimate knowledge of their urban domain.

They go beyond what guidebooks can provide, enriching your experience with insider information, local anecdotes, and lesser-known highlights. Immerse yourself in the culture, history, and vibrant atmosphere as your city guide brings the destination alive before your eyes.

2. Historical Guide: Stepping into the Past

For those with a penchant for history, a historical guide is an invaluable asset. These guides lead you to areas of historical importance, such as battle sites, Roman ruins, medieval cathedrals, and ancient structures.

By weaving together the stories of the past, they breathe vibrancy and liveliness into these historic sites. Delve into the larger context and uncover intriguing historical tidbits that shed light on the present.

3. Museum Curation Guide: Art and Artifacts

Come Alive Museums and art galleries become infinitely more captivating with a knowledgeable guide by your side. Museum curation guides are experts at providing background information on artifacts and artworks, curating the finest displays to fuel your curiosity and appreciation.

Their valuable insights and ability to answer questions transform your visit into an enlightening and immersive experience.

4. Nature Guide: Embracing the Great Outdoors

For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, a nature guide is the perfect companion. These guides specialize in leading groups through natural landscapes, sharing their knowledge of local wildlife, geology, and the prehistoric life that once thrived in the area.

Whether it’s a leisurely nature hike or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, these guides ensure an active and immersive experience, creating unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.

5. Specialized Guides: Unconventional Paths Await

Beyond the common types of tour guides, a world of specialized guiding awaits. This realm is particularly open to those who choose the freelance route. Specialized tour guides have found success by imparting knowledge on unique subjects and themes.

From afternoon tea tours and paranormal expeditions to crime and murder tours, pub crawls, and cemetery explorations, these guides cater to niche interests. Drawing inspiration from your city’s notable figures, history, and unique offerings, these tours ignite creativity and enable you to explore your passion in new and exciting ways.

Some other types of tour guides: 

• Adventure Guides: Adventure guides specialize in leading tours that involve outdoor activities and adventure sports such as hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and more.
• Cultural Guides: Cultural guides focus on immersing visitors in the local traditions, customs, arts, and cuisine of a particular region or community.
• Wildlife Guides: These guides are knowledgeable about wildlife and lead tours to observe and learn about different animal species in their natural habitats.
• Archaeological Guides: Archaeological guides specialize in leading tours to ancient sites, explaining the history and significance of archaeological discoveries.
• Food and Culinary Guides: Food and culinary guides offer tours that focus on local gastronomy, taking visitors to iconic restaurants, markets, and food-related landmarks.
• Wine and Beverage Guides: Wine and beverage guides lead tours to vineyards, wineries, breweries, and distilleries, providing insights into the production processes and conducting tastings.
• Photography Guides: Photography guides accompany groups, offering guidance on capturing the best shots and highlighting picturesque locations.
• Art Guides: Art guides specialize in leading tours of museums, galleries, and public art installations, providing interpretation and insights into various artistic movements and works.
• Sustainable or Eco-tourism Guides: These guides focus on promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices, highlighting eco-friendly destinations and activities.

Conclusion:

As you embark on your next adventure, keep in mind the multitude of tour guides available to enhance your travel experience. City guides, historical guides, museum curation guides, nature guides, and specialized guides each bring their own expertise and passion to the table.

Choose the type that resonates with your interests and embark on a journey that goes beyond the surface, unveiling hidden gems and weaving stories that will stay with you long after your trip ends. Happy exploring!

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How to look for the qualities of an effective tour guide operator when hiring

By Kevin Tjoe — 24 Jun 2018

amadeus   tips   tour guide   tour operator

Updated June 2022 – Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like giving up on hiring your next tour guide. When you on-board new hires, you’re hit with the realization that they’re just not a good fit, killing any sense of confidence you had about finding the best person for the job. It’s daunting enough finding a new hire – never mind going through the on-boarding process all over again when it doesn’t work out.

Well, there’s good news: selecting your next tour guide role doesn’t have to be that hard. With the right set of criteria of tour guide skills at your disposal, you could easily find the best tour guide for your business, all without the hassle that comes with having it not work out.

Wondering what personality traits do tour guides have that will reveal their future success or failure? To help you answer this, we’ve outlined 10 important qualities of a good tour guide. 

With these tour guide characteristics tips, you’ll know exactly what makes a good tour guide and have the proper tools in place to hire someone who will exceed customer expectations and customer satisfaction. 

1.  Enthusiasm

One of the most fundamental tour guide characteristics is enthusiasm.

Customers can tell if a tour guide doesn’t want to be there. Considering that nobody wants to feel like their presence is a nuisance, it is impossible to provide customers with a fun and engaging tour if it’s obvious that their guide would prefer to be at home.

On the other hand, enthusiasm is contagious. If a customer notices that their tour guide is as excited to be there as they are, they’ll feel a lot more satisfied with their overall experience. Enthusiasm fosters an authentic connection between the tour guide and customers. It’s also the backdrop of all of the other essential characteristics of a good tour guide. An enthusiastic tour guide will be not only willing but excited to grow their skills and engage with the customers.

2.  Organization and punctuality

Besides dressing themselves well, this involves setting expectations prior to the tour – informing customers of location, time, and length of tour, what they need to bring, and any rules or special considerations (if your online booking system doesn’t automate this for you). Your tour guide needs to have organisational skills to be able to run through the structure for each tour in advance.

Ultimately, one of the key characteristics of a good tour guide is effective time management skills and punctuality. They shouldn’t make customers wait for them, and they should end the tour on time.

How punctual are they when it comes to their appointments with you during the interview process? This is a good indicator of how they will be when running your tours.

The speed with which they speak and move the tour along should also be just right – it can’t be too fast or too slow. You don’t want your customers to get bored or feel rushed through certain parts of the tour.

3.  Prepared for anything

A good tour guide is adept at improvising, no matter whether it’s responding to hiccups in the tour’s timing, unexpected customer questions, or responding to crises. It’s key that your tour guides are capable of efficiently detecting and responding to any crisis, no matter how big or small. They should also have a comprehensive understanding of your company’s tour guide insurance policies and how this may relate to their work.

Unexpected situations can crop up where medical assistance is needed. Every guide should know First Aid and carry the appropriate equipment. Can your candidate attend to the injured using this equipment? If not, are they willing to attend First Aid training prior to starting?

4.  Can read the room

A good tour guide will take the initiative to learn about customers on the tour, then include universally relevant information to tailor the examples they use to make it more personal. They need to be aware of who they’re speaking to, the audience needs to see that your tour guide engages with all the attendees.

5.  An engaging storyteller

Obviously, you don’t want people to become disinterested whilst on your tour. Your guide’s personality is a huge part of that. Can they make the tour more interactive? They should be able to invite questions and use demonstrations to help tourists to learn by themselves. 

One of the most essential qualities of a good tour guide is a great customer service experience and the ability to hold good conversations. It’s also important that they have a passion for travel as this will keep the audience interested and engaged .

Make sure that they themselves are interested in the subject matter, because they need to be enthusiastic about what they’re saying.

6 .  Knows their stuff

Another one of the most important characteristics of a tour guide is their ability to retain information.

Your guide must be able to recite facts from memory and be clear in delivering them. Facts have to be accurate – otherwise, they should be able to say they aren’t sure and get back to the customer asking.

Of course, you can’t expect your tour guide to know everything from day one. But hiring a tour guide who demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning and has clearly researched your tour company prior to their job interview, is key to ensuring that your staff are committed to learning and understanding the tours they provide.

7. Multilingual

While it may not be a necessity, speaking multiple languages is an excellent and particularly useful quality of a good tour guide. A multilingual tour guide will dramatically broaden your target audience and help welcome people from varying backgrounds to your tour.

A tour guide doesn’t need to be fluent in dozens of languages for their lingual skills to be handy. All tour guides should at least have a conversational grasp of commonly encountered languages. This knowledge becomes extremely useful if someone has an emergency.

8.  Leadership and initiative

Since they’re managing a group of people, the ability to have a certain level of authority is crucial. Tour guides must be able to lead a group of people without being condescending, snobby, or aggressive. If something unexpected happens on the tour, a good tour guide will be able to take charge in an assertive manner to ensure that all customers receive the right directions.

9.  A good sense of humor

Whilst they don’t have to be total comedians, tour guides need to be quick witted so they can throw in friendly jokes or light banter with the customers. Again, it’s not a stand-up routine, so they should also know when to be quiet. You can gauge this aspect of their personality when they interview for the job.

10. Willingness to learn

 A key part of your tour should be collecting feedback and using it to make it better. Your tour guides should be open to change based on customer criticism – without taking it too personally.

Of course, the ideal tour guide will look differently for each tour operator company as some traits are necessary for certain activities but not others. However, there are certain qualities of a good tour guide that transcend time and place: enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, leadership skills, and punctuality.

Now that you’ve found what makes a good tour guide, it’s time to ensure that your newly hired tour guides are given the right tools they need to succeed.

Rezdy’s all-in-one online booking software simplifies the management of your tour company so you can ensure that your customers receive a satisfying experience. Curious to see how Rezdy can help your tour guides succeeds? Start a  FREE 21-day trial  or  book a demo so you can  experience first-hand the benefits of automated activity booking websites.

If you enjoyed this article then make sure to follow the  Rezdy blog . There are a lot of marketing tools and tour operator tips designed with businesses like yours in mind.

Start your free trial today

Enjoy 21 days to take a look around and see if we are a good fit for your business.

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CAREER PATHWAYS

Looking for the perfect job? Explore our Career Guides!

How to Become a Tour Guide

By Alyciah Beavers

Published: February 28, 2024

If you’ve been wondering how to embark on a fulfilling journey as a tour guide, this article is your roadmap to a career that lets you explore the world while sharing its wonders with others. Here, we discuss the role of a tour guide, how to become one, and some of the tour guide skills you should possess. Plus, we’ll delve into what the tour guide salary is like, helping you make an informed decision about this exciting profession.

Career Summary

Tour guide salary.

Are you wondering how much a tour guide earns in the United States? Well, the average tour guide salary is $40K per year. However, there is an estimated addition of $18K each year in bonuses, commissions, profit sharing, and tour guide tips from clients.

According to Glassdoor , here is the breakdown per each level:

• Entry Salary (US$45k)
• Median Salary (US$59k)
• Executive Salary (US$79k)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average wage in the US is $61,900, meaning that tour guide salary falls behind the national average of other occupations.

What does a Tour Guide do?

A tour guide, also called a tour leader or local guide, plays a considerable role in promoting and preserving a town, city, organization, or country’s historical and cultural heritage. These are certified professionals licensed to lead other people on trips and tours while providing an informative, educational, and enjoyable experience.

Tour Guide Career Progression

• Entry-Level Tour Guide :  Leading basic tours, assisting with logistics, and providing introductory information to tourists.
• Tour Guide :  Leading a variety of tours, providing in-depth information, and ensuring an enjoyable experience for tourists.
• Senior Tour Guide : Taking on more complex and specialized tours, training and supervising junior guides, and often acting as a point of contact for clients.
• Specialized Tour Guide : Specialized tour guides focus on specific niches or interests within the industry, such as history, art, adventure, wildlife, or culinary tours.
• Tour Manager : They oversee the logistics and operations of multiple tours and ensure that all aspects of a tour, including transportation, accommodations, and activities, run smoothly.
• Tour Company Owner or CEO : At the highest level, a tour company’s executive director oversees the entire business. They set the company’s vision, strategy, and direction, manage financial aspects, and make critical decisions impacting its growth and success.

The Pros and Cons of Working as a Tour Guide

• You will live your dream and share your exploration and traveling passion with others.
• It is an opportunity to interact and relate with people from diverse walks of life and learn about different cultures.
• You are constantly learning about the history, culture, and geography of the places you guide.
• It is an opportunity to assist people in having memorable experiences and creating lasting memories.
• Tour guides may have to give the same tour multiple times daily, leading to repetition and potential monotony.
• Career growth and advancement opportunities may be limited for tour guides, as it’s often a front-line, customer-facing role.
• Sometimes, tour guides must work in various weather conditions, which can be uncomfortable and challenging.
• Guides may need to work with tourists who speak different languages, creating communication challenges.

Useful Tour Guide Skills to Have

• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Public speaking Skills
• Storytelling Skills
• Multilingual Skills

Popular Tour Guide Specialties

• Historical and Cultural Tours
• Culinary Tours
• Wildlife and Eco-Tours
• Religious and Spiritual Tours

Do I Need A Degree To Become A Tour Guide?

You only need a high school diploma to become a tour guide. However, different tour guide jobs need a degree. For example, to become a tour guide in a museum, you might require a degree in history-related fields.

Here are some key points to consider in determining whether to get a degree or not:

• Location and Regulations : The requirements for becoming a tour guide can vary by country and region. Some places may have specific regulations or licensing requirements for tour guides, which may or may not include the need for a degree. It’s essential to research the rules in your specific area.
• Type of Tours : The tours you want to guide can also influence the educational requirements. For example, leading historical or cultural tours may require more specialized knowledge and may be more likely to necessitate a degree in history , art, or a related field.
• Tour Company or Organization : Some tour companies or organizations may have specific requirements. Some may prioritize experience, personality, and local knowledge over formal education, while others may prefer candidates with relevant degrees or certifications.
• Tourist Demands : Understanding the needs and interests of the tourists you plan to guide is crucial. Some tourists may prefer guides with in-depth knowledge, which a degree can provide, while others may prioritize guides that offer a unique and engaging experience.
• Language Skills: Fluency in one or more languages can be a valuable asset for a tour guide. Language proficiency may sometimes be more important than a formal degree.
• Local Knowledge : For tours in a specific location, deep local knowledge, history, and cultural insights are often precious. This kind of expertise doesn’t necessarily require a formal degree.

What are the Benefits of Getting a Degree in Tourism?

Getting a degree in tourism can be important for several reasons, depending on your career goals and the specific context of the tourism industry in your region.

Here are some reasons why obtaining a degree in tourism can be beneficial:

• Knowledge and Expertise : A degree in tourism provides a comprehensive understanding of the local culture, history, geography, and other relevant information about the destinations you’ll be guiding people through. This knowledge can enhance the quality of your tours and make you a more informative and engaging guide.
• Professionalism : A degree can help you develop the tour guide skills and professionalism required to excel in the field. You’ll learn about customer service, communication, and safety protocols, which can enhance the overall experience for tourists and ensure their safety.
• Legal and Regulatory Requirements : Tour guides must be licensed or certified in many places, and a degree in tourism can help you meet these regulatory requirements. It can also provide a strong foundation for passing required exams or assessments.
• Career Advancement : A degree can open up more career opportunities within the tourism industry. For example, you might qualify for higher-paying positions, such as managing a team of guides or working as a travel consultant or planner.
• Networking : While pursuing a degree, you’ll have the opportunity to network with other students, professors, and industry professionals.
• Global Perspective : Some tour guide programs cover international tourism, which can be especially valuable for working in a worldwide or cross-cultural context. It can help you understand the needs and expectations of tourists from diverse backgrounds.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Degree In Tourism?

The time it takes to earn a degree in tourism can vary depending on several factors, including the degree level and whether you’re pursuing the degree full-time or part-time.

Here’s a general overview of the different types of degrees in tourism and their durations:

• Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism : It takes at least two weeks to complete a certificate in tourism and hospitality, where you will also get on-site training.
• Associate’s Degree : An associate’s degree in tourism or a related field takes around two years of full-time study. You will find these programs at community colleges or vocational schools.
• Bachelor’s Degree : A bachelor’s degree in tourism or hospitality management takes about 3 to 4 years of full-time study. The exact duration can vary by country and specific program requirements.
• Master’s Degree: A master’s degree in tourism or a related field usually takes 1 to 2 years of full-time study after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Some programs may offer accelerated options, and the duration may also depend on the specific master’s program.

How Much Does It Cost To Study Hospitality And Tourism At University?

The cost of studying Hospitality and Tourism at a university can vary widely depending on several factors, including the region where you choose to study, the specific university or college you attend, your residency status, and the level of the program, whether undergraduate or postgraduate.

On average, public colleges charge $9,300 per year for in-state students, whereas out-of-state students pay $26,400 for a bachelor’s degree . 

Here are factors that can influence the cost:

• Location : Tuition fees can vary significantly from one state to another. 
• University : The reputation and ranking of the university can impact tuition costs. More prestigious universities may charge higher tuition fees.
• Degree Level : Undergraduate programs are typically less expensive than postgraduate programs such as a master’s program.
• Duration of Program : Longer programs will cost more than shorter ones.
• Additional Costs : Consider other expenses, such as housing, textbooks, transportation, and living costs, when calculating the total cost of your education.
• Scholarships and Financial Aid : Many universities offer scholarships and financial aid to help students offset the cost of their education.

Can I Become A Tour Guide Through Online Education?

Are you researching how to become a tour guide and wondering if you can study online? Yes, you can . And, it is cheaper to study online to become a tour guide.

Here’s a general outline of the steps involved in becoming a tour guide and where online education can fit in:

• Research and Familiarization : Start by gaining in-depth knowledge about the area where you wish to become a tour guide. This may involve online research, reading books, and watching documentaries or online courses related to the region’s history, culture, and geography.
• Formal Education : Many universities and colleges offer online degrees or certificates in tourism , hospitality, history, or cultural studies, which can provide you with a strong educational foundation. 
• Customer Service and Soft Skills : Effective communication, people skills, and customer service are crucial for tour guides. You can improve these skills through online courses, workshops, and books on customer service and interpersonal communication.

What Are Some Web Resources To Learn Skills To Become A Tour Guide?

Here are some web resources to help you develop the necessary tour guide skills and knowledge related to tourism and hospitality:

• National Tour Association (NTA) : The NTA provides resources, education, and networking opportunities for tour professionals. Their website offers webinars, articles, and publications on tour guiding and tourism.
• International Tour Management Institute (ITMI): ITMI offers online courses and resources for tour guides and directors. They cover various aspects of tour management, from group dynamics to destination knowledge.
• Tourism e-Lab : This e-learning platform offers a wide range of online courses related to tourism and hospitality. Courses cover tour guiding, travel management, and customer service.
• World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) : The WFTGA website provides information about professional tour guiding standards, international tour guiding events, and educational opportunities.
• Tourism and Hospitality Schools’ Websites : Many universities and colleges with programs in tourism and hospitality offer free resources, such as lecture notes and presentations, on their websites. These resources can help gain a more in-depth understanding of the field.
• Forums and Online Communities : Joining forums and communities of tour guides can be a great way to learn from experienced guides, exchange tour guide tips, and get advice. Look for platforms like TripAdvisor’s forums forums or dedicated tour guide forums.

Practical Experience

What are internship opportunities for a tour guide.

Internship opportunities for a tour guide can be a great way to gain practical experience and develop the skills necessary for a career in tourism and hospitality.

Here are some internship opportunities that can help you on your path to becoming a tour guide:

• Tour Companies : Many tour companies offer internships for individuals interested in becoming tour guides. These internships may involve shadowing experienced guides, learning about different tour routes, and assisting with tour logistics.
• Museums and Cultural Institutions : Museums and cultural institutions often offer internships related to guided tours. These internships may involve researching and developing tour content, leading tours, and interacting with visitors.
• National and State Parks : If you’re interested in nature and outdoor activities, consider internships at national and state parks. These opportunities can provide you with experience in guiding hikes, wildlife tours, and educational programs.
• Historical Sites : Historical sites and landmarks often employ tour guides. Interning at such locations can give you hands-on experience sharing historical and cultural information with visitors.
• Travel Agencies : Some travel agencies offer internships that involve assisting clients with tour bookings, creating itineraries, and learning about various travel destinations.
• Cruise Lines : If you’re interested in working as a tour guide on cruise ships, consider internships with cruise lines. These internships may involve assisting with onboard tours and excursions.
• Hospitality Industry : Some internships in the hospitality industry can also be relevant for tour guides. Working at hotels, resorts, or hostels can help you gain customer service and guest interaction skills.

What Skills Will I Learn as a Tour Guide?

Here are some of the critical skills you’ll develop as a tour guide:

• Knowledge of the Destination : A tour guide must have in-depth knowledge about the location they are guiding in. This includes historical, cultural, and geographical information and up-to-date information on local events and attractions.
• Communication Skills : Effective communication is crucial. You need to convey information clearly and engagingly to your clients. This includes public speaking, storytelling, and interpersonal communication.
• Adaptability : Tour guides must be flexible and adapt to unexpected changes or challenges during tours, such as weather, transportation issues, or last-minute schedule changes.
• Leadership : You will lead a group, manage their behavior, and ensure they follow the tour’s rules and guidelines.
• Time Management : Tours often have tight schedules, so keeping the group on time and track is crucial.
• Safety Awareness : Ensuring the safety of your clients is paramount. You need to be trained in first aid and emergency procedures and understand the local safety regulations well.
• Cultural Sensitivity : Be aware of cultural norms and differences to respect the traditions and customs of your clients, especially in a multicultural environment.
• Navigation : Familiarity with the area’s layout and understanding of maps and GPS systems are valuable for navigating destinations.
• Storytelling : Being able to tell engaging and informative stories about the location’s history, culture, and landmarks can make the tour more enjoyable and memorable for your clients.
• Knowledge of Tour Logistics : Understanding the logistics of organizing and conducting tours, such as transportation, entrance fees, permits, and other administrative tasks.
• Conflict Resolution : Dealing with client disputes or conflicts within the group diplomatically and effectively is an important skill.
• Technology: Proficiency with technology, including audio equipment, multimedia presentations, and mobile apps, helps guide the tourists, thus enhancing the tour experience.

What is the Work-Life Balance of a Tour Guide?

A tour guide’s work-life balance can vary depending on several factors, including the type of tours they lead, their company, their experience, and their personal preferences.

Here are some key considerations:

• Seasonality : Tour guides often work in a seasonal industry. Summer seasons and holidays, for instance, have long, busy workdays with limited time off. In contrast, during the off-season, they may have more flexibility and free time.
• Hours of Operation : Some tours, like day tours or city tours, have regular working hours, while others, like multi-day or specialized tours, may require irregular or longer hours. Evening and weekend work is common in the industry.
• Flexibility : Independent tour guides may have more control over their schedules and can better manage their work-life balance. On the other hand, guides employed by larger tour companies may have less flexibility and be subject to fixed plans.
• Physical Demands : Tour guiding can be physically demanding, as guides often spend long hours on their feet and may need to keep up with a fast-paced itinerary. This can impact their work-life balance and overall well-being.
• Personal Preferences : Some tour guides may prefer a more flexible, on-the-go lifestyle, while others may value a more structured work schedule. The balance between work and personal life can vary based on individual preferences.
• Time Off : Tour guides work when others have time off, such as weekends and holidays. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, as it allows them to meet tourists during these high-demand periods but can limit their leisure time.
• Burnout : The nature of the job, with its long hours, repetitive information delivery, and the need to cater to tourists’ needs, can lead to burnout if not appropriately managed.

What’s the Career Outlook for Tour Guides?

According to BLS, the projected employment outlook for a tour guide will change drastically from 2022 to 2032, with 4,300 new jobs each year and an 8% growth in this industry.

However, the career outlook for tour guides depends on the location, the type of tours offered, and economic conditions. 

What Are The Job Opportunities Of A Tour Guide?

Job opportunities for tour guides can vary depending on their location, specialization, and skills.

Here are some common job opportunities for tour guides:

• City Tour Guide : City tour guides lead tourists on tours of urban areas, providing historical, cultural, and architectural information about the city’s landmarks, neighborhoods, and attractions.
• Museum Tour Guide : Tour guides work in museums and art galleries, offering explanations and insights about the exhibits and artifacts.
• Nature and Adventure Tour Guide : These guides lead outdoor tours, such as hiking, wildlife safaris, or adventure activities like rafting or zip-lining. They share their knowledge about local flora, fauna, and outdoor experiences.
• Cultural Tour Guide : Tour guides showcase a region’s local culture, traditions, and customs. They often lead tours to festivals, historical sites, and cultural events.
• Wine Tour Guide : Wine tour guides work in vineyards and wineries, leading tours that include wine tastings and education about the winemaking process.
• Food Tour Guide : Food tour guides introduce tourists to local culinary delights, taking them to restaurants, markets, and food-related events to sample regional dishes.
• Historic Tour Guide : Historic tour guides specialize in providing insights into the history of a particular location or landmark. They may lead tours of historical sites, battlefields, or architectural wonders.
• Educational Tour Guide : Educational tour guides work with school groups or educational institutions, providing informative tours focused on history, science, or culture.
• Cruise Ship Tour Guide : Cruise ship tour guides organize and lead shore excursions for cruise passengers at various ports of call.
• Language-Specific Tour Guide : If you are proficient in a foreign language, you can be a language-specific tour guide for tourists who speak your language. This is especially valuable in regions popular with international tourists.
• Private Tour Guide: Some tour guides offer private tours tailored to the specific interests of individual or small groups of travelers.
• Virtual Tour Guide : With the rise of virtual tourism and online experiences, there is a growing demand for virtual tour guides who lead tours via video conferencing or virtual reality platforms.

What Type of Organizations Hire a Tour Guide?

The type of companies or organizations that hire tour guides can vary based on the tours’ nature and the guiding services’ specific focus.

Here are some examples:

• Tour Operators
• Travel Agencies
• Museums and Cultural Institutions
• National and State Parks
• Cruise Lines
• Historical Sites and Landmarks
• Zoos and Aquariums
• Adventure and Eco-Tourism Companies
• Walking and Segway Tour Companies
• Bus and Trolley Tour Companies
• Language Schools
• Event and Conference Organizers
• Educational Institutions

Should I become a Tour Guide?

Looking at all the information we have discussed above, becoming a tour guide will help you develop new skills such as adaptability and communication skills. There is a chance to grow and move from entry-level to CEO based on your specialty.

However, the annual average wage is relatively lower than other occupations, which might challenge some. Therefore, look at your skills, passion, and lifetime goals to determine if the career works for you.

Careers Related to Tour Guide

• Customer Service Representative
• Event Planner
• Travel Agent

About the Author

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What is a UX Designer and How to Become One

What is a machine learning engineer and how to become one, what is a ui designer and how to become one, what is an seo specialist and how to become one, what is a recruiter and how to become one, what is a project manager and how to become one, what is a front-end developer and how to become one, what is a product manager and how to become one.

5 Different Types of Travel Guides & How to Create Them

Travel guides are awesome and the people who make these are the same. It takes a lot of talent, a lot of passion and love to make a very good travel guide.

People think that making a travel guide is easy to make, but the reality is different. It is easy to purchase a ticket and book a place to stay somewhere in the world but writing and conjuring the things you saw and felt takes some talent and some skill. Some of you will argue that the travel guides or those who write them are not all professional writers, and you would be right. But what you don’t know is that these people have other skills that make them so successful.

Writers must have fundamental writing skills, and everything beyond that is pure heart and passion. This is why some travel books are superior to others. Some authors are better than others, which is why we will discuss the many sorts of travel guides and how to effectively create them today. If you want to learn everything there is to know about something and get a decent trip guide, here is the place to go.

1. Particular destination

These are probably the most famous travel guides out there. You see them all the time and these are tied to a particular destination , a whole country, city or a small town. These are usually written in a way to make you want to go there and visit with some explanation on what you may find there and what you may see during your trip. If you want things a bit simplified, this is your general travel guide, without many details that describe the ways and means to get to a certain place, with some broad information about things you might want to see and experience. In these types of guides, you can also find info regarding pricing, weather, locations of best hotels, foods and bars, and all of that, again, without much going into details.

2. Special interests

These travel guides are specific in a way that they will hold on to one particular interest and go in-depth regarding it. When it comes to travel interests, they are all different and you can choose interests like food, art, history, animals and pets and so on. It is a travel guide that is very narrow and that will appeal only to certain people. A few examples of such travel guides are the ones regarding food. There are plenty of those around in both written and vlog form. You go around the world looking for the best, exotic and maybe a bit risky types of food and you either video these or write about them. Another example is history or artefact hunting travel guides. Following the history of our world, you can easily make a travel guide focus on historic places, battles, monuments and other things or you can take that as an artefact hunting one as well. Other examples would include travel guides that are about animals with exotic pets or exotic wildlife in question and where and how to find them.

3. Financial guides

Most individuals avoid traveling owing to various constraints, and one of the most significant constraints, aside from the latest epidemic, is money or financials. A travel guide that showcases all of the places that are affordable or cheap is the one that is swiftly breaking through in all regions of the world. No matter who you are or how much money you have, you will always be interested in a new, cheaper place. These travel suggestions are also geared toward families, with longer stays at reasonable costs and destinations that are family and kid-friendly. There are several places in these that feature things like theme parks, aqua parks, circus acts, and other such things. These authors frequently describe hotels, pubs, and grills in great detail so that you know what kind of price you can anticipate and where you can get it.

4. Narrative guides

This is a travel guide with a tale attached, as the name implies. It is a trip guide to a certain location that covers everything from the time the writer decides to go until they return home. These are regarded story guides and are frequently quite engaging. The audience reading or viewing this sort of travel guide wants to see everything from fuss and troubles at the airport to issues with the lodging, which is why demand in these guides is rising. They want to witness and note all of the obstacles, or lack thereof, along the route in case they have the same experience. The standard travel guides are OK and fine, but there is something to detail regarding the preparation, the trip, the rental services and all other things you as the one that will go there might experience for yourself.

5. Side trips

Another excellent travel guide that is gaining popularity. Most of us plan a large trip and intend to visit a popular main location. A side trip travel guide provides you with a side place to visit if you become weary of huge cities or popular tourist spots . We all want to see some bustle, lights, music, and a sea of people, but after a day or two, most of us become weary of it. This is where these side trip guides come in, since they advise you about a spot nearby or within driving distance that you can visit for a whole day and have fun. See something you haven’t planned or visit a place you otherwise never would.

As you can see there are several types of travel guides and which one you chose is totally up to you and your audience. You may write for a certain niche you may write for everyone, whatever fits into your passion and your selected audience will be the guide you should pick and focus on. This will ensure that you make the best and most viewed or read out there. Best of luck and safe travels!

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Senior Photo Editor Dan Westergren snapped this photo of his tour guide as they neared the top of Mont Blanc in the Alps. "If one of you falls off," the guide said, "the other two have to jump in the opposite direction."

10 Great Tour Guides

From Traveler Magazine's 2011 Tours of a Lifetime

• Roberto Strippoli A native of Puglia, Strippoli is a font of Italian history. In the off-season, he focuses on his culinary and sommelier studies. He is a multisport guide for Backroads . "A favorite spot is the little 14th-century Cetrella church going up from Anacapri to Monte Solaro. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture with balconies that face the Gulf of Naples, and guests just love it. The view, the nature, the colors—that’s the essence of the Amalfi coast . It’s a great example of integration of architecture and landscape. And it demonstrates how clever those Christian mystics and hermits really were."
• Kennedy Omwenga A safari director for Micato Safaris, Omwenga grew up tending goats in the western highlands of Kenya , where he returns at times to serve as a Kisii tribal chief. "My hope is for guests to connect with the local people so that they can understand the diversity of our cultures and appreciate how different our lives are compared to most Americans’ lives. At the same time, I show that we’re more alike than they may think. We all hope for a better future for our children, for a cleaner planet, and for peace. Also, many travelers are surprised to learn that some Kisii people have Facebook pages, even though they still live in the traditional way."
• Nic Polenakis Polenakis, an independent guide for Africa Adventure Company , was born in Zimbabwe and is specially trained to lead walking safaris. "I often sit for hours in anticipation of a kill and will analyze and investigate every fresh leopard track, rhino dung midden, steaming elephant dropping, buffalo wallow, lion roar, or any clue to the whereabouts of the animals. However, I just as passionately explain African culture and history, seek birds, insects, and reptiles; identify trees, grasses, and shrubs; and discuss everything else to do with conservation and ecotourism. To me it’s all about revealing the big picture and not necessarily only the Big Five."
• Alfredo and Joaquin Meneses Alfredo, an independent guide in Ecuador for Southern Explorations and other outfitters, is an expert kayaker, completing more than 50 river descents. Joaquin often joins his father on family itineraries. "One of our guides dislocated a shoulder on the Jatunyacu River. It looked bad. Suddenly an Indian woman appeared as if from nowhere. She picked up a stone, smashed some plants, and rubbed them on him, then took his arm, and with the most gentle movement, put it back in place. This is the kind of thing we see in the jungle. Joaquin: I make friends with the kids on the trip and show them things my dad taught me."
• Peter Hillary Hillary, an expedition leader and expert for National Geographic 
Expeditions , first climbed Mount Everest in 1990, 37 years after his father, Edmund, made the first ascent with Tenzing Norgay. "I have a genuine love for the journeys upon which I am embarking and I get pleasure out of sharing it with other people. My favorites are unquestionably the Himalaya (they’re almost like a second home) and Antarctica. They are contrasting worlds, one brimming with life and people and the other an ice-age wilderness."
• Lel Tone Tone grew up in Switzerland and began skiing in the Alps when she was just two years old. She is a heli-skiing guide in Alaska for EpicQuest . "Alaska is immense and beautiful. Often this combination is overwhelming and intimidating. Over the years, I’ve found it’s important to be all guide and part counselor. It is important to be aware and have compassion. There is nothing better than seeing the joy in a smile of someone who just skied a line they thought they couldn’t or pushed through fears or lack of confidence, something that brought them to the edge of their comfort zone."
• Annie Dowling A cultural guide in India and China for Tauck , Dowling once worked with refugees in Asia. "In China, I get the guests up early so we are the first ones into Pit Number 1 at the Museum of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. We stand in absolute quiet with the figures offering mute testimony to Emperor Qin’s megalomania. In India, I love taking guests to Varanasi. Picture the evening ceremonies: the drama at the Manikarnika cremation ground, the faithful bathing and worshipping the sun, the golden light on the stone mansions along the ghats. It’s colorful, magical, and soul-stirring."
• Monica and Maria 
Elena Malpezzi Price The siblings grew up in the bike touring business and bought Experience Plus! Bicycle Tours from their parents. Some guests aren’t comfortable talking to strangers, especially if they don’t speak the same language. I love to be the catalyst in connecting guests with locals in Italy . Ultimately, the more we all communicate, the more we understand about the world. Maria Elena: It’s important to be intuitive to people’s needs and know how to juggle the individual and the group experience, so guests can relax while being encouraged to join in the fun and camaraderie.
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How to become a tour guide

Is becoming a tour guide right for me.

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Still unsure if becoming a tour guide is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a tour guide or another similar career!

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

How to become a Tour Guide

Becoming a tour guide involves a combination of education, training, and practical experience. Here is a detailed guide on how to pursue a career as a tour guide:

• Obtain a High School Diploma: Start by completing your high school education or its equivalent. A strong foundation in subjects such as history, geography, languages, and communication will be beneficial in your future career as a tour guide.
• Choose a Specialization: Decide on the type of tours you are interested in guiding. Consider whether you prefer city tours, nature and wildlife tours, historical tours, or any other niche area. This will help you focus your training and develop expertise in your chosen field.
• Acquire Relevant Education: While not always a requirement, pursuing a degree or certificate can enhance your knowledge and credibility as a tour guide. Look for degree programs in areas such as travel and tourism management , cultural studies , or history .
• Gain Local Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the destinations you wish to guide tours in. Learn about the local history, landmarks, cultural traditions, and attractions. Explore museums, historical sites, and natural areas to deepen your understanding of the area's offerings.
• Develop Language Skills: If you plan to guide tours in a foreign country or cater to international tourists, it's beneficial to acquire proficiency in one or more foreign languages. This will enable you to communicate effectively and cater to a wider range of visitors.
• Obtain Relevant Licenses and Certifications: Check the requirements of the destination or country where you intend to work as a tour guide. Some locations may require you to obtain specific licenses or certifications to operate legally. Research and complete the necessary training or examinations to meet the requirements.
• Gain Practical Experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in the tourism industry. Consider working part-time or as an intern with local tour operators, travel agencies, or visitor centers. This will provide valuable hands-on experience and help you develop your skills in guiding and managing groups.
• Enhance Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential for a tour guide. Work on developing your public speaking, storytelling, and customer service skills. Practice engaging with different types of people and adapting your communication style to suit diverse audiences.
• Join Professional Associations: Consider joining professional associations or organizations for tour guides. These groups provide networking opportunities, access to industry resources, and professional development workshops or seminars.
• Continuously Update Your Knowledge: Stay updated on the latest developments, trends, and attractions in the destinations you guide tours in. Regularly research and read about new historical discoveries, cultural events, or changes in tourist regulations to provide accurate and up-to-date information to your clients.
• Market Yourself: Create a professional portfolio or resume highlighting your qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise. Establish an online presence through a website or social media platforms, showcasing your skills and providing information about the tours you offer.
• Start Guiding: Once you feel confident and ready, start offering your services as a tour guide. You can join an established tour company or operate independently. Consider offering free or discounted tours initially to gain testimonials and build a client base.

Associations and Organizations There are several associations and organizations dedicated to the professional development and support of tour guides. These associations offer resources, networking opportunities, training programs, and advocacy for tour guides. Here are some prominent associations and organizations for tour guides:

• World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA): The WFTGA is an international federation that represents tour guide associations from around the world. It provides a platform for networking, professional development, and advocacy for tour guides. The WFTGA organizes conferences, training programs, and certifications for tour guides.
• National Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (NFTGA): The NFTGA is the umbrella organization representing various national tour guide associations. It aims to promote the profession of tour guiding and provide a forum for sharing best practices and professional development opportunities among member associations.
• International Association of Tour Managers (IATM): The IATM is a professional association for tour managers and guides. It offers resources, training programs, and networking opportunities to support the professional growth of tour managers and guides worldwide.
• Professional Tour Guide Associations: Many countries have their own national or regional tour guide associations that provide support, resources, and training for local tour guides. Examples include the National Tour Association (NTA) in the United States, the Guild of Registered Tourist Guides in the United Kingdom, and the Japan Guide Association (JGA) in Japan.
• World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations - Americas (WFTGA Americas): WFTGA Americas is a regional federation representing tour guide associations in the Americas. It focuses on promoting professional standards, fostering cooperation among member associations, and providing educational opportunities for tour guides in the region.
• Cultural and Heritage Interpretation Associations: There are associations that focus on interpretation and education in cultural and heritage sites. These associations provide resources, training, and networking opportunities for tour guides working in museums, parks, historical sites, and other cultural and natural heritage settings. Examples include the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) and Interpretation Canada.
• Destination-Specific Associations: Some destinations have their own tour guide associations that cater to the needs of local tour guides. These associations often collaborate with tourism boards, industry stakeholders, and government agencies to support the professional development and recognition of tour guides. Examples include the Association of Professional Tourist Guides and Tour Escorts of Italy (APIT) and the Cape Tourist Guides Association (CTGA) in South Africa.

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13 Tips To Be a Better Tour Guide

Being a tour guide is a fun, exciting, and rewarding job. You spend your days sharing your knowledge and chatting with guests. 

While you will improve your skills naturally with every tour you provide, there are some things you can to more proactive build your skills. 

In this post, we’re sharing 13 tips to help you be a better tour guide, including: 

What Are the Key Job Responsibilities for a Tour Guide?

Tour guides have to manage various responsibilities throughout their day to provide memorable experiences for guests. Successful tour guides enjoy working with people, are excellent storytellers, and solve problems independently. 

Tour guides have to manage multiple responsibilities throughout their day, including:

• Greeting visitors and interacting with them before the start of the tour
• Letting participants know about the tour’s itinerary and rules
• Planning and managing the itinerary 
• Learning and memorizing interesting details and facts and turning them into stories 
• Having a strong understanding of your tour’s layout and location 
• Setting up and maintain equipment before the start of a tour if necessary
• Being prepared in case of an emergency
• Ensuring guests remain safe and follow all proper protocols  

13 Top Tips To Be a Better Tour Guide

Successful tour guides continuously build and improve their skills throughout their careers to provide memorable and engaging experiences. Learning new information and skills also helps keep the tours and experiences you deliver engaging and fresh for you. Your enthusiasm and enjoyment will show to guests and help capture their attention.

So whether you’re just starting out as a tour guide or have been working in the field for a while, here are 13 ways you can continue to build your skills as a tour guide. 

1. Skip lengthy introductions or setups at the beginning of the tour

Introductions to the tour and a review of rules can help provide structure and context for your guests. That said, you don’t want the introduction information to go on so long that you lose your guests’ attention. 

When planning what to say at the start of the tour, look for ways to provide the necessary information while keeping guests engaged and maintaining their enthusiasm for the tour or activity.  

Depending on the type of tour you provide, you may have to first cover safety measures before moving visitors to a location, so use your judgment. If you’re unsure whether your introduction is too long, consider asking a fellow guide to listen to your opening. They can provide you with feedback on what it’s like from a visitor’s perspective.

2. Bring information to life through a story

People love stories. Your guests are more likely to remember, understand, and appreciate the information you share when you can tell it through a story. The stories can be historical or contemporary. This strategy increases the likelihood that guests will ask questions and engage with you, making the experience more fun for everyone.

You don’t have to tell everything as a story, but sprinkle them in throughout the tour to maintain everyone’s attention. If you feel uncomfortable telling stories, you can build your storytelling skills. You can listen to audiobooks or podcasts of famous or popular storytellers or take a public speaking course.

3. Face guests when sharing information

When you’re discussing something, it’s natural to point and look at the object. As a tour guide, you’ll engage your audience better by facing them. This strategy allows them to see your gestures and hear you better. 

You can teach yourself to turn toward the group. To help learn this habit, consider identifying one person in the group that you will look at when you first start talking. To ensure the whole group feels engaged, be sure to move your gaze to other visitors soon after you start talking.

This strategy provides you with a consistent cue to help you develop the habit of turning towards the group when you start talking. After a while, you’ll naturally turn toward the group when you’re giving your tours. 

4. You don’t have to know everything

As a tour guide, you purposefully try to learn everything you can about the locations on your tour. That said, you don’t have to know everything. You may have a guest who has unique expertise or insider’s experience. Let them share with the group. Everyone will have a richer experience, and you can potentially incorporate this information into future tours. 

5. Avoid exaggerating information

You want your tours exciting and engaging, but you also want to be known as a credible and knowledgeable expert. Therefore, resist the urge to exaggerate information. Your guests won’t trust what you say or recommend the tour if they discover you’ve provided inaccurate details or facts. 

Sometimes exaggeration can sneak in when telling stories, so make sure your stories are based on facts and verifiable information. 

6. Provide anecdotes when possible

Telling personal anecdotes can provide a special touch and experience for your guests. These can make the tour more engaging and help you connect with visitors. 

While you can plan ahead of time what anecdotes you will tell, being able to spontaneously provide anecdotes and insights tailored to the group can help enhance the overall experience. You can take a local improv class to help practice this skill.

7. Be punctual (and ideally early)

When people are on vacation, they often have carefully orchestrated plans. If one part starts late or goes too long, they may miss another planned opportunity. Your guests will appreciate you starting and ending your tours on time. Being punctual will help build their confidence in you as a professional and expert. 

When it’s possible, try to arrive early for tours. This strategy will give you time to get to know participants before the tour starts. This strategy helps you build rapport and start learning what types of information they want so you can tailor the experience to their needs. You’ll also be able to answer any questions people have about the area before the tour begins. 

8. Be attentive to guests’ needs 

Being attentive to your guests’ needs is about more than just guiding them from one point to another. It’s about creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience. For instance, if you notice guests looking tired, suggest a short break or a slower pace. If a particular topic sparks interest, consider diving deeper into that subject. This adaptability shows that you’re not just following a script but are genuinely committed to providing a fulfilling experience.

Moreover, being attentive means being prepared to answer questions or provide solutions to unexpected issues. Whether it’s a question about local dining options or needing assistance with accessibility, your readiness to help can significantly enhance guest experience. 

9. Be passionate 

Your enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter are infectious and can enhance the tour experience. When you speak about the history, culture, or landmarks with genuine excitement, it engages your guests and makes the information more compelling. This enthusiasm can transform an effective tour guide into a truly 5-star tour guide.  

However, it’s important to balance your enthusiasm with the ability to read your audience. Some guests may prefer a more subdued approach, while others might enjoy high energy. Tailoring your enthusiasm to suit the group’s dynamics is key. 

10. Use humor 

A well-timed joke or a witty remark can lighten the mood and enhance the overall experience. It helps in breaking the ice and making even the most difficult customers feel more comfortable. However, it’s crucial to exercise guest discretion. Tailor your humor to the audience and avoid jokes that could be misunderstood or that touch on sensitive topics. The goal is to add a light-hearted touch to your tour, not to make anyone uncomfortable. 

11. Offer personal recommendations

Take a nod from hotel concierges by offering personal recommendations towards the end of the tour. This adds a special touch to the experience. Sharing your favorite local spots, eateries, or hidden gems provide guests with insider knowledge they might not find in guidebooks. These recommendations should be tailored to the interests of the group and can range from the best places to catch a sunset, to a local café known for its specialty dishes.

12. Invite feedback and follow-up

Inviting feedback at the end of the tour is a great way to show that you value your guests’ opinions and are committed to improving your service. Encourage them to share their thoughts and suggestions. This feedback can be invaluable in refining your tours and making them more enjoyable for future guests.

Additionally, offering to stay in touch for any further questions or recommendations can leave a positive lasting impression. It shows that you’re not just interested in providing a service but are genuinely invested in their experience. This openness to feedback and follow-up can lead to more positive reviews and recommendations, which are essential for a successful tour guiding career.

13. End with a memorable conclusion

Summarize the key points of the tour and leave your guests with a final thought, story, or anecdote that encapsulates the essence of the experience. This could be a poignant story, a surprising fact, or a humorous observation. A strong conclusion ties the entire tour together and gives your guests something to remember and talk about long after the tour has ended.

Moreover, a memorable conclusion is an opportunity to not only thank your guests, but it gives you an easy opportunity to ask for a review. This can not only increase the chance that you’ll get a nice tip but you can also wind up with more customers from the 5-star reviews they leave.  

In sum, being a tour guide is a fun and interesting job that allows you to interact with various people. Like many professions, the more you practice and work on building your skills, the better everyone’s experience, including yourself.  

Incorporating these strategies and tips can help you elevate your tour from good to great, making your visitors more likely to tell others about your tours.

Pro Tip: Not a customer but interested in checking out Xola? Explore all of the features including guide management.

Writer Jessica Malnik

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How to Become a Tour Guide

Last Updated: August 6, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Angela Rice . Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 535,912 times.

Being a tour guide can be a great career option for people who love to travel, enjoy being in front of a crowd, and are masters of multitasking. If that’s you, then start looking for job opportunities online and in your area. You can improve your chances of getting hired by becoming professionally certified or getting a degree. Once you’ve found a job, be ready to meet the challenges of this fun and unique but sometimes hectic position.

Looking for Opportunities

• To get started, enter something like “Be a tour guide on a cruise ship to the Caribbean” into your favorite search engine. You can then browse through tour guiding jobs with different companies, job requirements, and salaries.

• You may need to space these tours out, as some could get expensive. Budget in one tour every two weeks or so. While you’re looking for jobs, go on tours instead of going out to eat or doing other fun activities.
• Invite friends and family to take tours with you. They’ll be able to share their likes and dislikes with you, which will help you be a better guide once you find a job.

• For more information and to find a list of associations located around the world, visit: http://www.beabetterguide.com/tour-guide-associations/ .

• Be aware that travel agents may tell you they love a certain company if the two are in a partnership together, even if they know the company has some issues. Be sure to do your own research by going online or visiting the company’s offices.

• You can also look online to see if the companies have open jobs, as many will list these positions on their websites.
• If you’re hoping to become a tour guide to travel, this might not be your favorite option. Remember that doing work locally can help you build your resume and gain experience while staying in your comfort zone. You can always keep looking for travel-oriented jobs while you’re working!

Getting Hired

• You can also look online to find details about the test, study guides, and registration information. Enter something like “Professional licensing examination for sightseeing guides in New York City” to find everything you need to prepare for and take the test.
• Take the exam seriously. If you fail, you’ll need to pay the fee again!

• Be sure to register for courses meant for tour guides rather than tour directors. Tour directors are responsible for logistics and management, while guides lead groups and provide narration about places the group visits.
• These programs are great for meeting people in the field. Your teachers, in particular, could connect you with people they know are looking for guides.

• Be sure you have the time and money to dedicate to the classes. If you’re currently working a full-time job, look into taking night classes.

• Most reputable companies will run a background check before hiring you.
• If they like your application, most companies will contact you for one to two follow-up interviews before hiring you.

• These questions could be things like, “What would you do if the bus broke down?” or “What makes you excited to be a tour guide with us?”

Meeting the Challenges

• You may want to schedule alone time during your days off to balance out your work schedule.

• Attendees will ask you questions that may be slightly off-topic. Knowing these answers will impress your audience and make you a better guide.
• If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so. Tell your audience you’re not sure, but that you’d love to know the answer and will be looking for it as soon as you can.

• You can always contact your company for assistance in these situations, but you’ll need to keep a cool head. You’re the leader of the group when you’re out on a tour, and they’ll look to you for guidance.

• This might be hard if you’re leading groups in beautiful and relaxing locations, but stay strong! You’re getting paid for this work.

• You also need to make sure that you and your group respects the environment you’re visiting. You’ll be responsible for enforcing the rules.
• Always face your audience when giving tours. [14] X Research source

Community Q&A

• If you are looking for a job in a country that has an official language you do not speak, you should learn the language by signing up for a course or using language learning software. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Take a training course on first aid and CPR. Depending on the job you land, this may not be necessary, but as a tour guide, you will need to know what to do in emergency situations. It’ll also look good on your resume. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Be aware that while you may be working in a vacation spot, you are not on vacation yourself. The majority of your time will be spent working. Thanks Helpful 40 Not Helpful 9
• As a tour guide, you may be working long hours. Your job may be in an exciting location, but you must make sure you are capable of working a difficult schedule. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
• Be aware that many tour guide jobs are seasonal. This may mean you will not have consistent work in one location. However, if you don't mind traveling, you can always travel back and forth between hemispheres. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/linguistics-careers/how-to-become-a-tour-guide
• ↑ https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/how-to-become-a-tour-guide
• ↑ http://www.beabetterguide.com/tour-guide-associations/
• ↑ http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2013/01/22/so-you-want-to-be-a-tour-guide-afitz/
• ↑ http://www.besthospitalitydegrees.com/how-to-become-a-tour-guide/
• ↑ http://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Become_a_Professional_Tour_Guide.html
• ↑ https://savingplaces.org/stories/10-tuesday-tips-good-tour-guide#.WV-TudPytol

About This Article

If you want to become a tour guide, you should research opportunities in your area by searching online and visiting attractions where you might want to work. Depending on your city, you may need to pass an exam, so check out tour guide associations’ websites and search online to see if there are licensure requirements. If you can, take classes relevant to your field or class, or even pursue a degree in hospitality and tourism. If you can't go to school, apply to tour guide jobs that provide training. For more information about the application process and what you can expect as a tour guide, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips

TourRadar has collected the best Fully Guided trips. There are 31218 adventures to choose from, visiting 198 different countries. Tours range in length between one day in length, and 147 days.

250+ Fully Guided trips with 257,105 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

5 Days Private Golden Triangle India tour from New Delhi

I have booked a Golden triangle tour of India for my self and 5 other friends from 3-7 March(5 days).. from the start of the booking to the end of our trip all was well organised and very efficiently managed. We had a very good driver Mr Yasmin for the all trip,who couldn’t do enough to be helpful and attentive,we had 4 tour guides in all,and all of them very helpful and professional..The tour company that organised the actual tour in India was based I think in Agra.. the in charge person I think was Ahil and always available for resolving any questions.Will be using tourradar in the future as I know they do tours all over the world..a 5 star experience..Thank you..Vincenzo

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Cambodia to Vietnam: Night Markets & Noodle-Making

Amazing experience that gave me the opportunity to visit a lot of wonderful places in a short time. The group was super fun and the guide, Sarou, was the best!

7 Day Cusco Travel Package: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain.

Waldir was amazing in coordinating the tour, and I really enjoyed Peru! Thumbs up to the team :)

• River Cruise

Nile Jewel - 5* Cruise

A truly amazing experience better than I thought. Meena the guide was excellent and his history of Egypt was mind blowing.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

5 Day Cusco Travel Package: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Maras Moray.

Good trip. Terrible communication

Wanderlands Bali & Lombok - 13 Days

The tour in bali with Wonderlands was a great experience. We saw so many different parts of Bali and got to know the culture of Indonesian people. My favourite day of the tour was definitely the day trip to Nusa Penida because it started with snorkeling and we also saw many popular places of the Island. Another highlight was the surfing lesson because it was very fun to learn something new. One reason why the tour was perfect is that our group leader Stacia always informed us about what‘s going on on the next day. She was always in a good mood and it felt like she is part of the group as a friend. All in all I would definitely recommend the tour and I would wish to do another one with Wonderlands too.

• €145 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Coach / Bus

3 Day Isle of Skye

🇫🇷Ce tour avec notre guide, Branka, était absolument génial ! Elle nous a raconté toutes sortes d'histoires sur l'Écosse, des mythes aux légendes, et c'était vraiment captivant. Et vous savez quoi ? Branka a une sorte de magie : si vous imaginez vos rêves dans votre tête, elle les rend réalité ! Nous avons manifesté du beau temps, et nous l'avons eu tout le long du voyage. Et c'est fou, mais Branka connaît bien Steve le chercheur du Loch Ness ! Notre rencontre avec lui était vraiment incroyable ! On s'est vraiment pris au jeu et on a passé trois jours de pur bonheur et de joie. Je recommande vivement cette expérience à tous ceux qui veulent découvrir l'Écosse de manière authentique et magique ! Et les paysages en valent vraiment le coup : à peine une heure après Édimbourg, vous ne cessez plus de sortir votre appareil photo et de photographier tout ce que vos yeux admirent. 🇬🇧This tour with our guide, Branka, was absolutely amazing! She told us all stories about Scotland, from myths to legends, and it was really captivating. And you know what? Branka has a kind of magic: if you imagine your dreams in your head, she makes them come true! We manifested the good weather, and we had it throughout the trip. And it's crazy, but Branka knows Steve the hunter from Loch Ness! Our encounter with him was truly incredible! We really got into the game and spent three days of pure happiness and joy. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to discover Scotland in an authentic and magical way! And the landscapes are really worth it: just an hour after Edinburgh, you can't stop taking out your camera and photographing everything your eyes admire.

6 Day - Around Iceland Adventure

Adolf is an amazing guide. Couldn't have had a better time if I tried! Amazing country and I will be back!

• Sightseeing

Bali Bucket List Original 10 Day Tour

This tour is perfect for anyone wanting to explore Bali in a safe and fun way! Everything is arranged for you, so you can sit back and relax. There is a perfect mix or arranged activities and free time to enjoy extra things you’d like to see! All the hotels were really nice and the areas we stayed in were brilliant. This trip did not disappoint at all… it was perfect <3

• €55 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Everest Base Camp Trekking

The Everest Base Camp trek with Sherpa Expedition was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that exceeded all expectations. Our Sherpa guide and porter were not just knowledgeable and professional, but also warm and friendly, making the journey feel like a true adventure with friends. The trek to Everest Base Camp offered unparalleled views of the world's highest peaks, along with stunning landscapes that left me in awe at every turn. The guidance and support provided by our Sherpa guide were invaluable, ensuring our safety and comfort throughout the trek. The professionalism and expertise of the Sherpa Expedition team were evident in every aspect of the journey, from the well-planned itinerary to the top-notch accommodations and logistics. The team's dedication to making sure we had an unforgettable experience was truly commendable. I cannot recommend the Everest Base Camp trek with Sherpa Expedition highly enough. It was a well-organized, seamless adventure that allowed me to immerse myself in the beauty of the Himalayas while feeling supported and cared for every step of the way. Thank you to our Sherpa guide, porter, and the entire team for making this trek an unforgettable and life-changing experience.

Wanderlands Philippines - 12 Days

i did the 12-day group trip to the philippines. It was a great programme. It was a very nice group with people from different countries. Our guide Jastwan did a great job and showed us the best places! I can only recommend this trip!

INCA ADVENTURES - 7 Days (Lima and Cusco) with Domestic Flights

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Leonard Ms. Roxiana(Lima), Mr. Daniel(Inca), Mr. Percy( Cusco), Mr. Alex (rainbow mountain) and all the drivers for orchestrating such a flawless trip. This journey has been unlike any other I've experienced, thanks to the impeccable execution and attention to detail provided by both of you. Your daily updates and prompt responses truly set the standard for customer service. Each of our tour guides was a consummate professional, ensuring our well-being and going above and beyond to accommodate any anything we encountered or wanted to explore. This trip has truly been worth every penny spent. From the moment of our arrival to our departure, we were impeccably cared for. Thank you once again for an unforgettable experience!

Golden Triangle Tour - 3 Days

Our Golden Triangle tour has been very nice. Our guide Aijaz has been really helpful and very accommodating especially with our young children. We had a really lovely and enjoyable time.

Morocco 7 Days Tour From Casablanca

This tour is fast paced and covers a lot of ground. The ruins were way cooler than I expected. Fes and Marrakech were also amazing. Casablanca was not great for me (except for the grand mosque which is stunning) -- but the guide did his absolute best to take us to interesting places there too. One thing I really appreciated about our guide -Khalid was that he took us to some non-touristy places so we got a better sense of the "real" Morocco. The highlight of this tour for me was our driver - Moncif - he was so positive and enthusiastic. He routinely went above and beyond and made himself available to help us/drive us at any time. It was rough on them to find us places to eat because it was Ramadan but they truly went above and beyond. On my tour there was an elderly couple with us and Moncif had so much patience and genuine compassion with them. He is a gem, Overall though, I'm very thankful for this experience and would absolutely book with this company again!

India's Bestseller - 5 Day Golden Triangle - Delhi, Agra & Jaipur (Guaranteed Departure)

Pros: - Competitive pricing of the tour, especially considering that it is a private tour - The hotels were all decent for the price, and I really enjoyed the breakfast buffets - I liked the structure of the tour, with all the key highlights of the Golden Triangle - The guide in Agra was good - The guide in Jaipur Himmat Singh was great, he gave me a lot of information and background knowledge on the visited sites, and was very friendly. He also helped me to find a good place to purchase perfume and really adapted the tour to my wishes - The driver Subhash was very kind and caring Cons: - The Delhi tour guide Pradhyuman Singh was not honest and made me feel uncomfortable. He made me pay the bicycle tour 500 rupees (should probably have been 5-10 times less). I knew it wasn't right and protested, but he kept repeating 500 and I didn't have a choice because I couldn't go anywhere else otherwise. Only after I paid he said that it was including a "tip" and that it was "as I wished" but on the moment I had no choice. I complained and clearly said I will not pay anything anymore if I'm not warned before. During the entire tour he kept repeating that he collects currencies from counties and absolutely wanted to "see" Swiss francs, implyingt that he wanted me to give him a Swiss banknote. Although I initially wanted to give a tip of 500 rupees, I told him he could have a CHF 10 note instead as a tip, which is approximately 1000 rupees, because he wouldn't stop talking about it. He then seemed unhappy and said that I have to tip 2000 rupees per guide. I said that it was way too much, but he kept insisting that it was always that amount, that everyone paid this amount, and that otherwise he barely gets any money to live. I tried to argue but eventually felt obliged to give the money - Irresponsive tour operator on the forced tipping issue: I contacted both the tour operator as well as Tourradar to ask for help on the problem encountered with the Delhi tour guide directly on the first evening. The tour operator never answered my message - In some places (Delhi mainly) I felt like I was always pushed to buy things, donate money, tip, overpay etc.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours

The trip was very well organised and covered all the major tourist attractions. The tour was at a good pace and we didn’t spend to long in each place.

Awesome trip. You will get to see so many great places and it's a huge relief to not be having to take care of the whole itinerary yourself. Everything is taken care of. Our tour guide Minh was an amazing guide and he was handling every situation like a pro. He gave us exceptionally detailed information which helped a lot in a tour where there is tons of traveling. Thank you so much for the experience! :)

Everything about this tour was well thought out and executed. The communication between the company and us was the perfect amount. I would recommend this tour to everybody who is looking to see as much in Cusco as possible in a week. I only suggest you moderately active because it is a lot of walking.

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Passing Thru Travel

Ultimate Cancún Adventure: Your 15-Step Guide to Mexico’s Coastal Gem

Posted: February 29, 2024 | Last updated: February 29, 2024

Cancún, Mexico’s vibrant coastal city, is a destination where ancient history meets modern luxury and natural beauty. Known for its stunning Caribbean beaches, rich Mayan heritage, and dynamic nightlife, Cancún caters to all kinds of travelers. From the adventurous soul seeking to explore underwater wonders to the history enthusiast intrigued by ancient civilizations, this city has something for everyone. This guide will take you through the best of Cancún, offering tips to make your visit truly unforgettable.

1. Stunning Beaches of Cancún

The beaches in Cancún are the city’s crowning glory, boasting powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Playa Delfines is known for its serene beauty and is a great spot for surfing. Playa Tortugas offers calm waters and plenty of amenities for a more family-friendly beach day. Each beach has its unique charm and offers various activities, from jet-skiing to simply lounging under the sun.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the beaches early in the morning to avoid the crowds and experience a tranquil sunrise.

How To Get There: Most beaches in Cancún are easily accessible by bus or taxi from the hotel zone.

Best Time To Travel: The best time to visit the beaches is from December to April, when the weather is sunny and less humid.

2. Underwater Museum (MUSA)

The Cancún Underwater Museum (MUSA) offers a unique blend of art and marine life. This underwater spectacle features over 500 sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor and other artists, all designed to promote coral life. Diving or snorkeling around these life-size statues is a surreal experience, giving you a glimpse into a fascinating underwater world.

Insider’s Tip: Opt for a glass-bottom boat tour if you’re not keen on diving or snorkeling.

How To Get There: MUSA can be accessed by boat from Cancún’s hotel zone. Most tours to the museum include transportation.

Best Time To Travel: Visit between May and September for the best underwater visibility.

3. Exploring Mayan Ruins: Chichen Itza and Tulum

No trip to Cancún is complete without exploring the nearby Mayan ruins. Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the World’s New Seven Wonders, is just a couple of hours away. Here, the iconic El Castillo pyramid takes center stage. Closer to Cancún, the Tulum ruins offer a breathtaking mix of history and natural beauty, with structures perched atop cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Insider’s Tip: Hire a certified guide at the sites to gain deeper insight into Mayan history and culture.

How To Get There: Organized tours are available from Cancún, or you can drive or take a bus to both sites.

Best Time To Travel: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

4. Cenote Diving and Swimming

Cenotes, natural freshwater sinkholes, are quintessential to the Yucatan Peninsula. These geological formations offer a unique swimming, snorkeling, or diving experience. Some of the most famous cenotes near Cancún include Cenote Dos Ojos, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning rock formations, and Gran Cenote, perfect for families and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Insider’s Tip: Bring biodegradable sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem of the cenotes.

How To Get There: Cenotes are accessible by car or organized tours from Cancún.

Best Time To Travel: Visit cenotes year-round, but they’re particularly refreshing during the hot summer months.

5. Isla Mujeres Day Trip

Just a short ferry ride from Cancún, Isla Mujeres is a must-visit for a tranquil escape. This small island offers beautiful beaches, such as Playa Norte, and the chance to explore the island on a golf cart. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Turtle Farm or snorkel in the vibrant waters of the MUSA.

Insider’s Tip: Rent a golf cart early in the day for more time to explore the island at your own pace.

How To Get There: Ferries to Isla Mujeres depart regularly from Cancún’s hotel zone.

Best Time To Travel: The island is beautiful year-round, but the peak season is from December to April for ideal weather conditions.

6. Discovering the Local Cuisine

Cancún’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional Mexican flavors and international cuisine. Be sure to try local specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) and fresh seafood dishes. Visit Mercado 28 for an authentic market experience or dine in one of the many restaurants in the hotel zone for a more upscale experience.

Insider’s Tip: Explore downtown Cancún for more authentic and budget-friendly dining options.

How To Get There: Mercado 28 and other local eateries are accessible by bus or taxi from the hotel zone.

Best Time To Travel: Year-round, but the less crowded months outside peak tourist season offer a more authentic dining experience.

7. Luxury Shopping and Vibrant Nightlife

Cancún is not just about natural beauty; it’s also a hub for luxury shopping and vibrant nightlife. La Isla Shopping Village offers a range of international and local brands, while Kukulcan Plaza is home to luxury boutiques. As the sun sets, Cancún’s famous nightlife comes alive, with clubs like Coco Bongo and Mandala offering unforgettable experiences.

Insider’s Tip: Look for nightlife packages or club tours to enjoy multiple venues in one night.

How To Get There: The shopping malls and clubs are mainly located in the hotel zone, easily accessible by bus or taxi.

Best Time To Travel: Visit during the spring break season for the most vibrant nightlife, though Cancún is lively year-round.

8. Nature Reserves and Eco-Parks

For nature enthusiasts, Cancún offers access to stunning eco-parks and reserves. Xcaret and Xel-Há are popular eco-parks where you can snorkel, swim in underground rivers, and observe a variety of wildlife. For a quieter experience, visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering untouched landscapes and abundant biodiversity.

Insider’s Tip: Book eco-park tickets in advance online for potential discounts and to avoid long queues.

How To Get There: Organized tours to these parks often include transportation from Cancún.

Best Time To Travel: Avoid peak holiday seasons to enjoy a more serene experience in these natural settings.

9. Cancún’s Interactive Aquarium

The Interactive Aquarium in Cancún offers an up-close experience with marine life, including opportunities to swim with dolphins and feed sharks. It’s an educational and fun experience for all ages, showcasing a variety of aquatic species and conservation efforts.

Insider’s Tip : Consider the dolphin swim experience for a memorable interaction with these intelligent creatures.

How To Get There: The aquarium is located in La Isla Shopping Village in the hotel zone.

Best Time To Travel: Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.

10. Golfing in Paradise

Cancún and its surrounding area offer some of the most scenic golf courses in the Caribbean. With courses designed by renowned architects like Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, golfers of all levels can enjoy a round in spectacular settings.

Insider’s Tip: Check for twilight rates for a more budget-friendly golfing experience.

How To Get There: Most golf courses are located within a short drive from the hotel zone.

Best Time To Travel: Golfing is excellent year-round, but the cooler months from November to April offer the most comfortable conditions.

11. Day Trips to Holbox Island

Holbox Island, a serene paradise located north of Cancún, is a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Known for its sandy streets and colorful murals, the island offers a laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and the chance to see flamingos and whale sharks (seasonally).

Insider’s Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the small island and discover its hidden gems.

How To Get There: Take a bus or drive to Chiquila, followed by a ferry to Holbox Island.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from June to September for the chance to swim with whale sharks.

12. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

The waters around Cancún are a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. Explore the Great Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, home to a dazzling array of marine life. From shallow reefs to deeper shipwrecks, beginners and experienced divers can find suitable dive sites . Snorkeling is also popular, with many accessible spots right off the beach or a short boat ride away. The clear Caribbean waters offer excellent visibility, making it a memorable experience for all underwater enthusiasts.

Insider’s Tip: For an extraordinary diving experience, explore the underwater caves (cenotes) just a short drive from Cancún.

How To Get There: Dive shops and tour operators offering scuba diving and snorkeling trips are located throughout Cancún, especially in the hotel zone.

Best Time To Travel: The best diving conditions are from May to September, but snorkeling can be enjoyed year-round.

13. Spa and Wellness Retreats

Cancún is not just about adventure and nightlife; it’s also a haven for relaxation and wellness. The city and its surroundings boast numerous spa resorts offering a wide range of treatments inspired by ancient Mayan practices and modern wellness techniques. From beachfront massages to hydrotherapy and holistic treatments, there’s no shortage of options for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Insider’s Tip: Look for spa packages that include additional amenities like access to private beach areas or hydrotherapy pools for a more indulgent experience.

How To Get There: Most luxury hotels and resorts in Cancún offer spa services; many are in the hotel zone.

Best Time To Travel: Spa retreats can be enjoyed year-round, but the shoulder seasons offer a more tranquil experience.

14. Adventure Sports and Activities

For adrenaline junkies, Cancún offers a plethora of adventure sports and activities. Try zip-lining through the jungle, parasailing over the Caribbean Sea, or taking an ATV tour through the Mayan wilderness. These activities provide a thrilling way to experience Cancún’s natural landscapes and are suitable for all levels of adventure seekers.

Insider’s Tip: To ensure availability, book adventure tours in advance, especially during peak season .

How To Get There: Adventure tours usually include pick-up and drop-off from major hotels in Cancún.

Best Time To Travel: The dry season from December to April offers the best conditions for most outdoor adventure activities.

15. Cultural Experiences and Workshops

Beyond its beaches and nightlife, Cancún offers a range of cultural experiences and workshops. Participate in cooking classes to learn how to make authentic Mexican cuisine, or join a local artisan workshop to understand traditional crafts. These experiences provide a deeper insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region and are a great way to connect with locals.

Insider’s Tip: Visit local markets with a guide to learn about indigenous ingredients and culinary traditions.

How To Get There: Cultural experiences and workshops can be found throughout Cancún, particularly in downtown areas.

Best Time To Travel: Cultural experiences can be enjoyed year-round, but the off-peak season offers a more authentic and less crowded experience.

The Bottom Line

Cancún is a destination where every traveler can find something to love. Whether you’re drawn to its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, or adventure-filled activities, Cancún promises an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip with these tips to fully embrace all this coastal paradise has to offer.

Remember, Cancún is more than a tourist destination; it’s a gateway to experiences that can enrich your understanding of Mexico’s culture and natural beauty. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to discover the many facets of Cancún.

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The post Ultimate Cancún Adventure: Your 15-Step Guide to Mexico’s Coastal Gem republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Luis Alfonso Amaya Padron.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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The beginner’s guide to frequent flyer programs: How to earn, redeem and maximize airline miles

Fortune Recommends™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.  

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.  

Booking flights with airline miles can be intoxicating—it allows you to experience travel you may not otherwise be willing or able to shell out the cash to do.  Award travel can open up the door to nearly unlimited opportunities, but it takes some understanding to learn how to maximize both earning and redeem airline miles. One of the key ways to earn airline miles is through responsible use of the right credit card. Our guide will walk through what you need to know.

What are airline miles?

Airline miles are a rewards currency you can earn after joining an airline’s loyalty program. For example, American Airlines operates the AAdvantage program and United Airlines operates the MileagePlus program. Miles in this usage is essentially another term for “points,” as earning and redeeming miles really isn’t tied to the mile as a physical measurement of distance. 

These miles can typically be redeemed for a variety of options, but using them to book flights on the airline you earned them with (or partners in the same alliance) usually nets the best value.

Pros and cons of earning airline miles with credit cards

• Can help you reach flights otherwise out of reach
• Rewards loyalty to specific airlines
• Some cards offer perks such as a free checked bag
• Not as versatile as flexible rewards
• Requires effort to maximize

Types of airline credit card miles

There are many multiple types of credit card rewards that you can redeem for air travel. But they primarily fall under two categories: airline miles and flexible points.

One distinction between airline miles and flexible points is where the rewards accrue. A card like the United SM Explorer Card deposits the miles you earn via spending on the card directly into your linked United Airlines MileagePlus account. In other words, the miles don’t “live” on your card. Even if you were to close your airline card, you wouldn’t lose the miles (though an expiration date may apply depending on the terms of the specific airline’s loyalty program). 

Below are some examples of airline miles from popular U.S.-based airlines:

• Alaska Airlines MileagePlan miles
• American Airlines AAdvantage miles
• Delta SkyMiles
• Frontier Miles
• Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
• JetBlue TrueBlue points
• Southwest Rapid Rewards points
• Spirit Airlines Free Spirit points
• United Airlines MileagePlus miles

Importantly, you can redeem your miles for flights on more than just the airline with which you are collecting rewards. You can book flights with its airline alliance partners, too. For instance, United Airlines is part of the Star Alliance, so a United Airlines miles collector can book flights on Air Canada, SWISS, Singapore Airlines, and more through the United website. You can get to just about anywhere in the world with most airline rewards currencies. More on this later.

A potential downside of airline cards are that the rewards can typically only be redeemed with the airline for flights or upgrades. There isn’t an option to use your rewards for cash back. Some popular flexible credit card points give you an option to cash out your points—and while we typically recommend using your rewards for travel, having a backup option can be nice.

Airline miles vs. flexible travel rewards

With flexible travel rewards credit cards, the rewards collect on your card until you redeem them. You’ll typically either transfer your points to an airline or hotel partner and then book travel directly, or use your points to book travel through the issuer’s portal. Examples of flexible rewards programs include:

• American Express Membership Rewards® points
• Bilt Rewards
• Capital One Miles
• Chase Travel℠ 
• Citi ThankYou points

Flexible rewards allow you to use your rewards to directly book flights on a variety of airlines, depending on who the issuer partners with. For example, Chase has 11 airline partners you can transfer your rewards to at a 1:1 ratio, which means if you have 20,000 Chase Ultimate Reward points you can transfer them into your Air Canada Aeroplan account resulting in 20,000 Aeroplan miles. This can be an excellent way to maximize the value of your rewards. 

Here’s how. Let’s say you wanted to fly from Toronto to Dallas in early June 2024. The cash price for a business class ticket is $787 on Air Canada’s website at the time of this writing. But paying for it with points would cost just 35,000 Aeroplan points. If you own a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, redeeming those points for cash back is worth a penny a point. But transferring 35,000 Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to the Aeroplan program to redeem for that business class ticket nets you a value of nearly 2 cents per point taking taxes and fees into account. 

A downside to using a flexible travel rewards card rather than an airline card is that you won’t get airline-specific perks such as a free checked bag or priority boarding.

How to earn airline miles

Here’s a look at some of the most effective ways to earn airline miles on purchases you’d need to make anyway. 

Sign up for a co-branded credit card

A co-branded airline credit card is one that contains the name of an airline (e.g. the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card ). Similar to a store credit card, a co-branded airline credit card will offer benefits that are specific to that brand. This could mean free checked bags, preferred boarding, discounts on in-flight food and beverages, and more.

An American Airlines earns AAdvantage miles, a United Airlines credit card earns United MileagePlus miles, and so on. The exact earning structure will vary by card, so make sure you opt for a card that fits your lifestyle well. For example, foodies who travel frequently will appreciate the United Explorer Card’s rewards structure, with 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays booked directly, 1 mile per dollar on other purchases. 

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page  

United SM Explorer Card

Intro bonus.

Rewards Rates

• 2x 2x miles on dining (including eligible delivery services), hotel stays, and United® purchases (including tickets, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, Economy Plus® and more)
• 1x 1x miles on all other purchases
• Free first checked bag benefit.
• Expanded award availability on United Saver flights.
• No foreign transaction fee.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $95) annual fee
• Subject to Chase 5/24 rule.
• United perks: 25% back on in-flight purchases checked bag benefit, expanded Saver award ticket availability
• Travel perks: TSA/Global Entry credit, trip cancellation and interruption protection
• Foreign transaction fee: None

Open a flexible travel rewards card with airline transfer partners

If you don’t need the benefits that come with an airline-specific card—for example, maybe you travel light with just a carry-on and a personal item so a free checked bag isn’t much use to you—perhaps you’d prefer a flexible travel card that lets you transfer points to whichever airline partner you find the best deal on.

When using a flexible travel card, it will behoove you to learn how to leverage airline alliances. You might not always be able to transfer your points directly to the airline you’d like to book a flight with, but if you can transfer them to a partner and book through that partner’s website, you’ll substantially extend your travel reach.  For example, maybe you’re able to transfer rewards from the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card to British Airways then book a ticket through British Airways on an American Airlines-operated flight. Or perhaps you transfer your Capital One Miles to Virgin Atlantic, then book a flight on Delta through Virgin. Just beware such partner seating may be in limited supply, so find the flight you want through the partner airline (British Airways or Virgin in the above examples) before transferring your points.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• 10X 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X 2x miles on everyday purchases
• Annual $300 travel credit and 10,000 Miles upon card anniversary make up for the annual fee
• Airport lounge access
• Capital One Miles require effort to maximize
• Limited cash redemption options

Other benefits

• Travel protections including car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection
• Consumer protections including extended warranty and return protection

Earn welcome bonuses

The fastest way to earn airline miles (and flexible points, for that matter) is typically through credit card welcome bonuses. You could potentially earn thousands of dollars worth of travel from a single offer—and there are scores of different options.

For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card comes with 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. This is likely enough to get you to London and back, particularly if your dates are flexible and you utilize Delta’s award deals page . Plus, the SkyMiles Reserve offers a “TakeOff 15” benefit, where award tickets on Delta cost cardholders 15% fewer miles to redeem. 

Keep in mind that to earn a welcome bonus, you’ll usually need to meet a minimum spending requirement within a specific amount of time. Make sure that you’re able to complete the spending requirement on a potential new card before you open it—or you could forfeit a great opportunity. 

Also beware that applying for too much new credit in a short period of time can signal to issuers that you’re desperate for credit, so be strategic when it comes to applying for new cards to earn welcome bonuses. 

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page  

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

See Rates and Fees

Intro Bonus

Reward Rates

• 3x Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases
• 1x Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
• Premium benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free and access to the Delta Sky Club
• Companion certificate good for a round trip domestic Main Cabin, Comfort+ or First Class flight each year upon renewal of your card
• Access to Centurion Lounge network
• High annual fee
• Access to Delta Sky Club limited to 15 passes a year after February 2025
• Base earnings rate is low compared to other cards
• 15% discount on Delta award flights
• Travel protections including accident insurance, rental car coverage, trip cancellation and delay insurance
• Consumer protections including cell phone insurance, extended warranty, purchase and return protection

Shop through online portals

Many airlines also operate their own proprietary shopping portals which will award bonus miles for purchases you planned to make anyway. through the airline portal’s link, your purchases will be tracked and bonuses accordingly.

You could potentially receive over 5 miles per dollar at popular merchants such as Dell, Best Buy, Home Depot, and more. These bonus miles are in addition to the credit card rewards you’ll earn for spending.

How to redeem airline miles for travel

The process of redeeming airline miles is easy. The challenge can be finding ways to squeeze every last drop of value from them.

The main way to use your airline miles for flights is through that respective airline’s website (or mobile app). You’ll notice before you search for flights an option to view prices in money or miles. Select miles to see if you’ve got enough awards for your desired itinerary.

Airlines have different methods for pricing their award flights. Some examine the distance you fly, others charge according to the cash value of the ticket, and still others use something called dynamic award pricing—which is where the number of points required to book a flight rises and falls with demand. In that last case, peak flight times such as Thanksgiving will require more points than a less-frequently traveled time.

Maximizing your airline miles

The world of award travel can feel complicated at first. Each airline comes with its own tricks and sweet spots. Here are six principles to guide you as you earn and redeem miles with your airline credit card.

Always enter your frequent flyer number

Every time you purchase a ticket, you should enter your airline loyalty number to earn miles for your flight. If you don’t have a loyalty account with the specific airline you’re flying, it’s free to sign up and takes just a few minutes.

Compare the cash price of your ticket

Just because you can cover your flight with miles doesn’t necessarily mean you should. This is an oversimplification, but you should generally aim to get over 1 cent in value per airline mile. 

Most airline miles tend to offer a consistent value between 1.2 and 1.5 cents each to savvy travelers, but can be worth significantly more in some cases. As mentioned  earlier, not all airlines price their award flights based on the cash value of the ticket. A flight to Europe may cost $250 one day and $500 the next—but its award price may be 30,000 miles for both dates.

Divide the cash cost of the airline ticket by the number of miles you’re using and then multiply the result by 100 to find how many cents per mile you’re getting. If it’s under 1 cent, it’s generally not a good deal. If you’re only getting a penny (or less) in value, you’d likely be better off paying cash for the flight, earning miles on that purchase and if possible using your rewards to take a statement credit to offset the cost of the flight.

Remember to take any taxes or fees out of the cash price when doing for value. For instance, If a ticket costs $400 and the miles price is 20,000 plus $100 in fees, the net value of the ticket in miles is actually $300. So you are actually getting 1.5 cents in value per mile, not 2 cents. 

Be flexible with dates

Flexibility with your travel dates is key to getting a solid value for your airline miles. If you can only travel during the holiday season, award seats are likely going to be either expensive or sold out. But if you’re able to look at the price calendar and let the deals or lower prices guide your travel, it’s possible to get much greater value for your rewards.

Be flexible with your origin and destination airports

Consider award flight deals from major U.S. hubs that don’t exist from smaller airports. If you’re willing to first fly from your home airport to an international gateway hub, you could potentially save a lot. For example, a flight from Newark to Paris might be tens of thousands of miles cheaper than a flight from Rochester to Paris.

You should also research the prices of airports near your destination. The inconvenience of an extra stopover could yield enormous savings. For example, if you want to visit London, take a look at award prices to Edinburgh, Dublin, Paris, and other major European airports nearby. If the prices are dramatically lower, you might be able to simply book your flight to one of these cities and then hop on an inexpensive flight to your actual destination. You can often fly within Europe for around $30 on a low-cost airline.

Book in a premium cabin

You’ll generally get the highest value for your rewards by booking in international business class or first class. These seats tend to cost many thousands of dollars and come with lie-flat seats, free alcohol, extensive dine-on-demand menus, and even pajamas.

Be honest with yourself about how much worth you personally place on more luxurious flights. If the perks of flying business or first class are something you’d like to enjoy, miles can help you attain that. But if you just care about getting from point A to point B, it’s probably not worth spending more miles in total just to feel like the math shows a higher cent-per-mile valuation.

There’s a difference between “value” and “savings.” While your miles can earn you a $7,000 first class seat, it’s not really the same as saving $7,000 unless you would have otherwise paid that money for your flight.

Diversify your miles

It’s a good idea to earn more than one type of airline miles. Sometimes one airline may charge exorbitant rates while another may offer rock-bottom prices. It’s always good to give yourself options.

You can achieve this by owning credit cards from different airlines. You can also open flexible travel cards with transferable points, such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which empowers cardholders to transfer rewards to numerous airline loyalty programs.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• 5x Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x Earn 2x miles on every purchase
• Flexible travel rewards
• No foreign transaction fee
• Maximizing Capital One Miles requires a learning curve
• Cash redemption value is limited
• The Venture offers travel accident insurance, rental car coverage, extended warranty protection, exclusive access to events through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment

Use award search websites

Award sites automate much of the legwork when hunting for the best miles value for a flight.  Sites like point.me, Award Nexus, seats.aero and AwardHacker allow you to search for availability across a large range of global airlines and transfer points to the program that gives the best value for your miles. Some of these services charge a fee, but they can be an invaluable tool for frequent flyers.

How to choose the best airline credit card for you

Choosing the right airline credit card isn’t as difficult as it might seem. Consider the following when trying to narrow down your selection::

• Does the airline serve your home airport? If you’re opening an airline credit card, be sure that the miles aren’t a hassle to use. Airlines don’t fly to every airport, after all.
• Does the airline or one of its partners travel where you want to go? If your dream is to visit Asia, a Southwest Airlines card may not help you. 
• Can you achieve the welcome bonus minimum spending requirement? Again, welcome bonuses are a shortcut to earning enough miles for a flight. If you can’t realistically meet the spending requirement to earn a new card’s welcome bonus, you’re leaving miles on the table. But don’t make expenses outside your budget just to lock in a welcome offer, either. Look for a card with an offer that fits your budget and your life.
• Does the rewards structure on the card complement your spending patterns? Airline credit cards come with varying bonus categories for spending. Find one that offers bonus points in the areas where you typically spend.
• Does the airline credit card deliver benefits you’ll actually use? Airline credit cards can offer perks like companion certificates, airport lounge access, free checked bags and more. If you can’t use your prospective card’s benefits, it’s probably not a good fit for your needs. Economy-minded travelers may not find it worthwhile to pay for a premium credit card with lounge access, but business travelers who need to work while on the go might. 
• Is the annual fee worth it? Don’t let an annual fee scare you off. If the card comes with valuable perks you know you can use, it can be worth the price tag.

The takeaway 

Using airline credit cards to earn miles and then booking award travel can help you go places you thought were only a distant dream. Just make sure you’re not taking on debt you can’t repay with the goal of earning rewards—incurring interest charges will wipe out any value you get from rewards pretty quickly.

If you’re ready to take the next step in learning about what you can do with award travel, consider the cards on our list of best credit cards for travel and see if one might help you achieve your next vacation.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

Guide to airline credit cards

12 best credit cards for airline miles in april 2024, flying high or wandering far: airline credit cards vs. travel credit cards, fly higher: 8 ways to get free flight upgrades, 5 ways savvy travelers score a free first-class seat upgrade—and why you should give it a try, how to get delta sky priority status (and why you should want it), 4 tips to being in one of the first american airlines boarding groups, the southwest companion pass can save you thousands—here's what you need to know, 6 ways to board sooner with the new united airlines boarding process, best credit cards for flying delta air lines in april 2024, best american airlines credit cards of april 2024, best southwest airlines credit cards of april 2024, delta amex credit cards are changing: better companion benefits, higher annual fees and more. here's what you need to know, delta skymiles® platinum american express card review: a mid-tier card with a valuable companion certificate, how to beat southwest’s first-come-first-served boarding process, southwest rapid rewards priority credit card: enjoy a $75 annual southwest credit, southwest premier card review: solid card for southwest loyalists, southwest rapid rewards plus review: entry level card for occasional southwest travelers, citi aadvantage platinum card review: if goldilocks could choose a card for aa rewards, this one would be just right, citi® / aadvantage® executive world elite mastercard® review:  luxury travel perks at a steep price, jetblue plus card review: valuable benefits with a modest annual fee, united explorer card: packed with perks that outweigh the annual fee, last day welcome offer for chase southwest cards includes companion pass for a year, capital one venture, venture x and spark cards double down on vacation rentals, the beginner's guide to frequent flyer programs: how to earn, redeem and maximize airline miles, best united airlines credit cards of april 2024.

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Perak drawing up development guidelines at cave, hillside temples

Tuesday, 16 Apr 2024

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IPOH: Perak will be drawing up development guidelines at cave or hillside temples, says Perak state executive council member Sandrea Ng Shy Ching.

The state housing and local government committee chairman said the guidelines and standard operating procedure would ensure everything is in order before any development project is approved.

She said guidelines would require all cave temple committees and operators to engage professional consultants to do a comprehensive technical report and develop a mitigation plan to ensure safety.

"In fact, we are doing that for one cave temple as a pilot project. If that is successful, we will apply it to all similar places.

"Is extremely unfortunate that the accident at the Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village happened before the guidelines were enforced," she said when contacted on Tuesday (April 16).

Ng said the state government had expanded the existing committee for houses of worship located in Perak cave areas to include foothills as well.

She said the committee met on Monday (April 15) to discuss the cultural village issue and a report would be forwarded to the state executive council for further action.

"The state government is aware of the long-existing controversy over the operation of the cultural village and the concerns raised by residents.

"That is why the state government put a stop to plans by the Ipoh City Council to build an alternative road and other sports, tourism, commercial activities in the area.

"We know all activities at limestone and hillside areas need a comprehensive study to ensure it is safe," she said.

Ng was responding to residents of Taman Saikat who are urging Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad to scrutinise tourism and commercial activities at the foot of some limestone hills.

The residents association (RA) said they had written numerous letters to the Ipoh City Council and even approached their assemblyman, MP and other politicians to put a stop to activities by the cultural village operator as they feared a tragedy would happen, but without success.

On April 8, a man from Pangkor who was visiting the cultural village was killed by a falling rock.

Tags / Keywords: Ipoh , Perak , Taman Saikat , Residents Association , Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village , Death , Sandrea Ng Shy Ching , Housing and Local Government Committee

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