Getting a Tour Guide Job

The first thing you should know about getting a land tour job is that there are all sorts of tour guide jobs available. In fact, there are over 600 tour groups in the United States.

That includes both large and small organizations that work both locally and globally. Tour jobs allow for all sorts of freedom and independence. By the way, if you’re more interested in hunting and fishing oriented gigs then check out the guide jobs section of SummerJobFinder.

Once you decide the type of job that you want, you’ll have to start applying.


When you apply, they are going to look for some specific things – most importantly that you are a people person. To be a successful guide, you’ll need to be able to deal with all sorts of personalities at all hours, even when you don’t want to. You’ll also have to be incredibly organized. You’ll be scheduling transportation, lodging, and dining for huge groups of people. It’s also nice to be bilingual, as many tourists may not speak English. Travel experience is a bonus too.

Prior tour experience is helpful, but not mandatory. A degree in tourism isn’t necessary either. But if you are personable and have life experiences you may be the perfect tour guide, who can make sure the clients learn, enjoy, and will recommend your tour company to their friends. That’s huge.

A good way to make sure your application stands out is to attend tour guide training school. There are schools across the country and even online that will help certify you to high-quality tour guiding standards. It will show your employers that you are dedicated about tour guiding and serious about your job.

Once you’re ready to apply, make sure you apply to a job that you’ll enjoy. If you enjoy what you are doing, you’re much more likely to do a stellar job. Research the company and know what the job entails. Almost every reputable tour guide company will then require an interview so they can get to know you, and make sure you’re a tour guide that they can count on.

At your interview you can discuss your pay.

You can figure on a daily pay of around $50 to $150 depending on tips. If it seems a bit lower than you expected, remember that some guide job provide cheap or free travel and free or discounted room and board. The better you are as a guide the more tips and perks will come your way. You’ll also meet some incredible people and see some sweet things. When you look at it that way, you’re actually making pretty good money for having fun.

Working as a tour guide is awesome and once you start you may not be able to go back to the 9 to 5 grind. But that’s okay because you’ll be making good money, meeting interesting people, and traveling the world on someone else’s coin.

 

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