GUIDE..../def. 1. to shows points of interest 2. to explain meaning
1. What is the difference between Tour Manager, Director, Guide, and Leader?
There are many different terms for someone who leads a group. Typically if you are working locally you are a “guide”, over the road on a coach is a “director” or “manager” and overseas work is a “leader”.
2. What does a Tour Guide/Director/Manager do?
A Tour Guide answers all the questions that a tourist comes up with – from the history of the area to what time breakfast is served at the hotel. They are also expected to provide commentary on the area that the tour travels through, reconfirm every meal, boat cruise, hotel stay and activity that the group does. Aside from this, they may play the role of host, psychologist, parent, nurse and teacher.
3. I want to lead 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.
4. 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.
5. How much free time will I have on when leading tours?
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 guide. Typically while conducting an 8-day tour you will have a few nights, and an afternoon or morning free. It is important to remember, however, that you are working and always on call.
6. 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. 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.
7. How much money can a guide make?
Guides are paid in three ways. On a seven-day tour with 40 passengers, pay could range from $2,000 to $3,500. Salary is usually around $100 per day, commissions can vary from $25 - $100 per day and gratuities might be $1,400 for the duration.
8. What is the age of a typical guide)?
Any age! Really! Young people tend to work with young groups and more mature people tend to work with the older groups.
9. 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.
10. May I speak with one of your graduates?
Yes! They would be happy to share their experience with you. Please send us your course registration and we will have someone contact you.
11. What qualifications do your teachers hold?
Teachers working at TGT are required to hold a certification in teaching. All teachers are required to have had 200 nights on the road directing tours and currently active in touring. Regardless of their training our teachers are there to provide all the tour guide answers!
