Tour and Travel Guides

Education

Tour and travel guides usually need a high school diploma or the equivalent, although entry requirements may vary. High school students interested in becoming a tour or travel guide may benefit from taking classes such as history, art, or foreign languages.

Some tour and travel guides choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Although there is no standard degree program , common fields of degree include business, education, and fine and performing arts. Fluency in more than one language may be useful for tour and travel guides.

Training

Tour and travel guides typically receive on-the-job training after they are hired. Training may include studying tour materials or leading practice tours with an experienced guide.

Licenses, certifications & registrations

Tour and travel guides in some locations, such as New York City and Washington, D.C., may need a locally issued license. Obtaining a license might require passing an exam, a background check, and paying a fee. Contact your city or town licensing agency

Guides who lead hunting, fishing, or recreational trips may need a state-issued license.

Cruise directors must have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to work onboard the ship.

Some tour and travel guides need to have a valid driver’s license or a commercial driver’s license (CDL) if they drive for bus tours. Information on CDL requirements is available from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

While not required, certification may show competence and proficiency in the field.

Important qualities

Adaptability. Tour and travel guides must be able to handle changing environments and situations while leading their groups. For those who work outdoors, adjusting their plans for changing weather conditions is an important part of their work.

Customer-service skills. Tour and travel guides must be courteous and helpful when answering clients’ questions and responding to their needs.

Detail oriented. Tour and travel guides share large amounts of detailed information with clients on tours. They also must pay close attention to the specific aspects involved with leading group travel, such as arranging dining plans and coordinating itineraries.

Interpersonal skills. Tour and travel guides should be empathetic, engaging, and friendly to develop a good rapport with the individuals and groups that they lead.

Speaking and listening skills. Tour and travel guides must be comfortable addressing and interacting with both large and small groups of people in a variety of environments.