Travel guides need to have a variety of skills. These include being a good storyteller and being curious about new things in their city. Some also need to be bilingual and have good customer service skills. Depending on the type of tour that you plan to lead, you may also need specialized skills or a related degree. However, many employers will train you on-the-job.
Become a good storyteller
One of the most important skills for a travel guide is storytelling. A good storyteller should be versatile, and he should learn to adapt his style to different situations. While the first few stories that you make should be true, you may also need to experiment and tell your stories in different genres.
A good storyteller creates a sense of involvement in the audience. He uses characters that can relate to the listener. He can also use music to add gravitas to his story. This will help the audience relate to the story. In addition, good storytellers use body language to engage their audience.
You can improve your storytelling skills by attending storytelling conferences and festivals. These are organized by storytelling groups all over the country. By attending these events, you can learn about storytelling and share your own stories. Moreover, you will also have the opportunity to hear other stories that inspire you. These stories will also give you ideas for new stories.
A good storyteller must understand the psychology of his audience. He must have a character who has a goal and has to overcome an obstacle. In addition, a good storyteller must be able to read the audience and adjust accordingly. He must know what to expect from the audience and how to pacing his stories.
A good storyteller should also have a good web presence. This could be through social media accounts, but it is best to develop your web presence by contracting your own web domain. Having your own website gives you control over how you present your stories, unlike with social media sites, which only allow you to have limited control over the look and feel of your content. You should also have a bio and contact information on your web site.
You can learn storytelling through online courses. For example, Open Loop is a storytelling course designed for bloggers. It costs just $99 and includes 8 weekly lessons. Moreover, you can access the program wherever you have an internet connection.
Be curious about new things in your city
Being curious about new things in your city is an excellent skill to develop as a travel guide. You should be willing to do things that you would not normally do, and be open to being kind to strangers. A travel guide can also help promote local businesses. Most large cities have a tourism office where you can get ideas for things to do.
Curious travelers look for something that raises questions, doubts, and why. They might wonder what a particular monument means to a city, society, or themselves. These travelers are likely to be the best guides. They’ll have a wealth of knowledge and insights to share with visitors.
Have a university degree
A travel guide is a person who leads groups of tourists around a destination. The job requires a wide range of skills, including customer service, communication, reading body language, and improvisation. Guides also need to be punctual and have a good knowledge of the history of the locations they will be visiting.
If you want to become a travel guide, a university degree can help you achieve your dreams. While it is not mandatory, it can help you gain more experience, which could lead to higher pay and a more prominent position within a tour company. In addition, a university degree looks great on a resume.
The International Tour Management Institute is a reputable training organization. It offers a two-week training package and annual symposiums. The qualifications for becoming a travel guide vary by region. Some require university degrees, while others require only a high school diploma or some other kind of experience. Many guide jobs are transitional, so having a university degree is not mandatory.
In addition to a university degree, a travel guide must also have on-the-job experience. The job involves answering customer inquiries, organizing tours, and managing logistics. Besides, this job requires excellent interpersonal skills, organization skills, and a good eye for detail.
A bachelor’s degree in tourism or a related field can lead to a successful career as a travel guide. The degree can give you direct retail experience, as well as training in customer service, operations, and basic office management. It can also help you become a step-on tour guide or tour manager.
If you are an ambitious person who enjoys travel and adventure, becoming a tour guide might be the perfect job for you. As a tour guide, you’ll have the opportunity to travel around the world while working twelve hours a day. The industry is booming and there are plenty of opportunities to find a job in a city you love.
Most tour guides hold a bachelor’s degree, although the requirements vary between different types of guide. Those who work as museum or eco-tour guides usually have a bachelor’s degree in history or environmental studies. There are also training programs offered by various tourist guide associations. These programs are usually led by current tour guides and focus on industry knowledge and tour itinerary design. However, a good guide should also have a good knowledge of the area they’ll be covering and be able to answer specific questions about locations, artifacts, amenities, and history. A good guide should also have good communication skills.
Have experience on the job
If you are interested in becoming a travel guide, you will need some experience. Travel guides must be flexible, able to read body language and be able to respond to unexpected situations. In addition, they must be organized and on time. They must also be knowledgeable about the locations they’re guiding, as many tourists will notice if a guide doesn’t appear to be enthusiastic and engaged.
Tour guides wear many hats. Some are accountants, therapists, historians, event managers, conflict resolution managers, and tax and currency experts. Some also have extensive experience as a public speaker. In addition to experience, some companies will require a guide to obtain certification in a certain core competency area.
Some tour guide companies list available positions on their websites. Some of these jobs are local and are perfect for building up experience and a resume. Moreover, you can search for a tour guide test online to prepare yourself for the exam. For those who wish to specialize in a particular destination, they can work for a wholesale tour company. Still, others pursue careers as travel writers and report on exotic destinations. Some even go on to work in the corporate world.
