Frequently Asked Questions on Tour Guiding
All your questions about tour guiding answered here.
1. What does a Tour Director do?
A Tour Director is responsible for a number of different things. First, they are expected to provide commentary on the area that the tour travels through. The other major part of the job is reconfirming every meal, boat cruise, hotel stay and activity that the group does. Aside from this, a Tour Director may play the role of host, psychologist, parent, nurse and teacher.
2. I want to conduct tours overseas; must I have visited the country before?
No, when traveling overseas you will be assisted by local guides who know the area well. When overseas your job is to liaise between the passengers and the local tour operator. TGT prepares you to work anywhere in the world. If you prepare properly, no one need know it is your first time.
3. Do I need to speak a second language?
No. There are enough English-speaking tourists around the world to keep you employed. The ability to speak a foreign language is an asset but not a necessity.
4. How much free time will I have on tour?
Tour days vary in length. Some days are long with quite a few hours spent driving, others are short with free time provided for the passengers to shop or sightsee on their own. If the passengers are free so is the Tour Director. Typically while conducting an 8-day tour you will have 3 nights, 2 afternoons and possibly one morning free. It is important to remember, however, that you are working and always on call.
5. How often is a Tour Director away on a trip?
A Tour Director can choose to work part-time or full-time. Most trips are 4 – 16 days long but there are exceptions to this rule. Often a Tour Director will work seasonally. This means in the summer they conduct several tours then take the winter off, or they may work in warmer climes during the winter. How much time spent away on trips is really up to the individual.
6. How much money does a Tour Director make?
A Tour Director is paid in three ways. On an 8-day tour with 40 passengers, pay would range from $2,000 to $3,000. Salary is usually around $100 per day, commissions can vary from $25 - $100 per day and gratuities approximately $1,200 for the duration.
7. Why take the TGT certification?
Ongoing professional development is vital to any career. Learning to be an efficient Tour Director puts you a step ahead of your peers. The cost of the course can easily be recovered in just one tour; a small price to pay for the ongoing support that TGT provides. We assist you in finding employment, creating the perfect tour and working with your employer. Here is a list of some of the companies that have hired TGT graduates: Great Canadian Coach, GAP Adventures, Contiki, EF Explore America, Jonview Canada Inc, Globus & Cosmos, and Trafalgar Tours.
8. May I come on a training tour (to observe)?
Yes, please do! We are always looking for “passengers” for our training courses. In order to simulate a coach tour for our trainees we need passengers on our coach. For detailed information on dates, payment and destinations please Contact Us.
9. What age groups go on tours?
Different Tour Operators cater to different age groups. A tour passenger could be any age from a young student traveling with their school to a senior citizen with their religious group. TGT will assist you in finding the Tour Operator that fits the age group you would like to work with.
10. Does it matter where I live?
Typically, your employer will pay your travel from your home to the starting point of your tour and back so, it does not matter where you live. If you live close to an international airport, this allows you a greater opportunity to choose whom you work for.
11. May I sit in on a class to observe?
Yes, please Contact Us directly for dates and times.
12. May I speak with one of your graduates?
Yes! We have several graduates that have authorized us to share their contact information with you. They would be happy to share their experience with you. Please Contact Us for details.
