Being a tour guide is a great career choice for people who love to travel, enjoy being in front of a crowd, and are masters of multitasking.Look for job opportunities online and in your area if you are that person.You can get a degree if you want to improve your chances of being hired.Be prepared to meet the challenges of this fun and unique position once you have found a job.There are desert tours in theahara Desert Kingdom.
Step 1: There are a variety of job postings online.
Tour guides work at parks, historic homes, sightseeing companies, cruise ships, and many other locations.Take into account where you would most like to work.To narrow your search, look for those types of jobs.You can get started by entering "Be a tour guide on a cruise ship to the Caribbean" into your favorite search engine.You can find tour guiding jobs with different requirements.
Step 2: You can take tours to see what you like.
You have to attend a variety of tours in order to decide where you want to work.Go to museums and historic homes in your area and book a tour on a sightseeing bus.There are pros and cons to different tour guide jobs.Some tours could get expensive, so you may need to space them out.You have to budget in one tour every two weeks.If you want to find a job, go on tours instead of going out to eat.You can invite your friends and family to tour with you.You will be a better guide once you find a job if they share their likes and dislikes with you.
Step 3: You can record your thoughts on different tours.
You should bring a notebook with you on tours to keep track of your thoughts.If you are weighing different job offers, you can refer back to these notes.The notes can be used to develop your own tour guiding style.
Step 4: Tour guide associations have websites.
Tour guides can be found in many cities, countries, and regions.Tour guiding is a positive aspect of international tourism and these organizations help guides advance their careers.They can help you find educational opportunities and point you in the right direction of job openings.To find a list of associations located around the world, visit: http://www.beabetterguide.com/tour-guide-associations/.
Step 5: Pick up a brochure at your travel agency.
Travel agencies can partner with sightseeing companies for advertising.They should ask which companies they recommend to their clients the most often.You can ask about openings by using the information in the brochure.Travel agents may tell you they love a company even if they know the company has some issues.Go online or visit the company's offices to do your own research.
Step 6: Inquire about major sightseeing companies in your area.
If you live in a big city or a larger town, there are probably sightseeing companies nearby.You can get in touch with these companies by email or phone.If you want to become a guide, these local opportunities are a great place to start.Many companies will list open jobs on their websites, so you can check that out.This might not be the best option for you if you want to become a tour guide.Staying in your comfort zone and doing work locally can help you build your resume and gain experience.While you are working, you can always look for travel-oriented jobs.
Step 7: If you need to take exams in your area, pass them.
Tour guides have to pass exams in order to lead groups.You may be required to pass this exam before you apply for a job.Search online to find out if your area requires you to take a licensing exam and pay the necessary fees.Information about the test, study guides and registration can be found online.You can find everything you need to take the professional licensing examination for sightseeing guides in New York City by entering something like that.Don't take the exam lightly.You will have to pay the fee again if you fail.
Step 8: Gain experience and contacts with training.
The International Guide Academy in Denver, Colorado offers classes to professionalize guides.Public speaking, tourism and travel industry terminology, leadership and teamwork, and other skills are taught in these classes.When you finish their programs, they will give you a certification.You should register for courses for tour guides rather than tour directors.Tour directors are in charge of logistics and management, while guides lead groups and provide narration.Meeting people in the field is what these programs are great for.Your teachers could connect you with people who are looking for guides.
Step 9: You can take classes in fields that are relevant to you.
You can check out the course listings if you live near a community college.Register if there are offerings in linguistics, leadership, and/or tourism.You can improve your resume and get a job as a guide by taking these courses.It's important that you have the time and money to dedicate to the classes.Take night classes if you are currently working a full-time job.
Step 10: If you can afford it, you should get a degree in tourism.
While a degree like this won't guarantee you a job as a guide, it will show your potential employers that you have some basic skills in the field.If you are currently a college or university student and you want to become a guide, this could be a great degree option for you.
Step 11: Apply online or in person.
Once you have chosen a few companies that you would like to work for, fill out their applications by going online or picking up a paper application from the company.You will need to give your contact information, employment history, a few good references, and a resume.Before hiring you, most companies will run a background check.Most companies will contact you for follow-up interviews if they like your application.
Step 12: You should be prepared to answer tailored application questions.
If you want to be a tour guide, you need to show that you are ready.To see how you handle crises, to check if your personality is right for guiding, and to make sure you are excited to be a tour guide are some of the questions they may ask.What if the bus broke down or what makes you excited to be a tour guide?
Step 13: Accept the best offer.
If you get a lot of offers, make a pros and cons list.Take into account the locations, work hours, and salaries.Go for the job that provides the best balance of fun and practicality.
Step 14: Be around people when you work.
Being a tour guide is about being a people person.Prepare to answer questions constantly, handle difficult people, and herd groups of people around interesting sites and locations.When you are on the job, you need to be cheerful and upbeat.To balance out your work schedule, you may want to schedule alone time during your days off.
Step 15: A good guide should be able to absorb and memorize a lot of information.
You should give people interesting facts about the places you visit.Take time to learn about those places.You can get information from your company, the library and online.Some questions may be off topic.You will be a better guide if you know these answers.Say so if you don't know the answer.Tell your audience that you want to know the answer and that they will be looking for it as soon as possible.
Step 16: When something goes wrong, act fast.
There is a lot of opportunity for crisis when you are coordinating people, travel plans, and site visits.If someone gets sick, your tour bus breaks, or a park closes for the day, don't worry.It is your job to think on your feet and deal with situations as they arise.You can always get assistance from your company, but you need to keep a cool head.You are the leader of the group and they will look to you for guidance.
Step 17: Be prepared to work from home.
Being hired as a temporary worker is one of the hardest aspects of being a tour guide.If you live in a country that provides health insurance through employers, you may need to coordinate getting private insurance on your own.You need to keep employment and tax records.
Step 18: When leading a group, put your needs last.
You are at work when your group is on vacation.Do everything you can to make the group happy and safe.When you're on the clock, stay focused on them.If you are leading groups in beautiful and relaxing locations, stay strong!You are getting paid for your work.
Step 19: Understand the physical requirements.
Being a tour guide requires you to be on your feet most of the time.You have to be fit and healthy to keep up with this work life.
Step 20: You should tell facts that are interesting to your audience.
Tell stories to keep your tours interesting.A list of names, dates and events is not enough.Give your audience something to talk about by narrating short stories at different spots along the tour.It is important that you and your group respect the environment you are visiting.You will be responsible for following the rules.When giving tours, always face your audience.