HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE
HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Your chance to work all over the world! My Tour Guide Course will tell you everything you need to know about tour guiding, tour directing, tour managing and tour leading. This no nonsense advice will help you do well at interview, get a job, and do it successfully so you are invited back time and time again to lead, manage, and direct tours in countries you have dreamed of seeing. You have made the right start by purchasing this e-book, which will start you off by giving you invaluable advice about many aspects of the job and how to do well at interviews. You can also register for my Tour Guide Course, at the end of which you will get a certificate demonstrating the knowledge you have acquired to do the job well. Is this job for you? Do you: enjoy the journey as much as the destination? have a genuine like of other people? enjoy sharing your knowledge with others? Do you like: planning, list making? inspiring people? getting into action? being the boss, in charge, the leader? 'performing', being witty, showing off a bit? getting to know new people? discovering new, maybe far flung, places? world music? dealing with challenges? travelling alone? Are you: enthusiastic about new experiences? good at making decisions quickly? not challenged by asking for help and advice? interested in different cultures? not afraid of flying? keen to learn new languages? If you can tick more than ten of these, get ready to go – your first, most important part of the journey – the first step- starts now! “Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe My journey to this wonderful job The route I took started with a love of languages, and my hobbies were outdoor activities like swimming and hiking. I did my life saving qualification before my first aid. My first job was in personnel - getting to know people, developing communication skills and helping others to increase their self confidence. After a few years I went into teaching, determined to make information interesting so my students wouldn't be bored at school like I was! I had to keep records which was invaluable experience, if not my strongest skill. My next role was in management coaching - inspiring people, developing their assertiveness skills, and encouraging their personal development. I was lucky enough to be able to spend a year travelling independently and haven't stopped since. I had to plan and deal with unexpected situations, and my courage was often stretched. I was hooked, and after a period of retraining myself in the travel industry (first as an airline ticketing clerk, then as a travel agent), I stumbled across the job of my dreams: an adventure tour leader, and this is what I want to make available for you! So, how about you? The good news: adventure tour operators are always recruiting! Most tour leaders usually only work for a couple of years before they move on, either to settle down or because they have simply ‘burned out’. The bad news: the job is very demanding. It can be stressful; it is certainly lonely. Job application procedures: after completing an application form, which can usually be obtained from the tour operator’s website (read any published guidelines before completing it), you may be invited for interview. At the interview you will surely be asked how you would cope in certain situations, to see if you can think ‘on your feet’ – an important aspect of the job. If successful at interview you may then spend some time (from a day to two weeks) training. This may include ‘shadowing’ an experienced tour leader. Background and experience: some tour operators stipulate certain qualifications and/or experience. Overland truck companies require you to have a suitable driving licence and possibly also a mechanical qualification. Other tour operators need their leaders to be able to speak the language of the region/s they specialise in. Others still, e.g. bird watching tour specialists, require their leaders to have knowledge of their particular field. Mostly though, tour leaders need to be resourceful and bright, with good communication skills, regardless of their age or background. www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE One: Why be a Tour Guide? Work as a tour leader, tour manager, tour director – it doesn’t matter what the title is – the job is pretty much the same all over the world! A tour guide’s duties will vary according to the type of tour company employing you. For example if you work for an overlanding (what’s this?***) tour operator you may have to drive the vehicle, carry out vehicle maintenance, cook on a camp stove….. If you work as a tour director for a coach tour company you will probably have to do narrations en route, organise seating, answer lots of questions….. *** Overlanding is travelling with a group on a specially designed vehicle over often rough terrain. It usually involves eating al fresco, camping in camp sites or ‘bush camping’ where no facilities are available, where you sleep under the stars. It may be in the silence of the desert or among the cacophony of noise in the jungle…..you are close to nature! Whatever type of job you have in this field, you get to work with people when they are happy – most people don’t go on holiday to be in a bad mood, or complain. It’s lots of fun! The job is never boring. You get to solve problems, think on your feet, and be inventive. You may encounter danger; you’ll certainly encounter the unexpected. You get to travel free, and even get paid for it. You meet all sorts of interesting people, from all over the world. Some you get to work with, some will be your clients Here’s what some tour guides have said about their job: ‘.....challenging, painful, thrilling, inspiring, exhausting …’ ‘…..the most exciting, fun, scary, off-the-wall job I’ve ever had…’ ‘….the best job in the universe…’ My Tour Guide Course Training Manual will teach you everything you need to know to do well at interviews and get a job as a tour guide, tour director or tour manager. Working as a tour leader is demanding and the better prepared you are, the more you’ll enjoy your work and the happier your clients will be, not to mention safer, and more likely to travel again with your company! Make friends with people of all nationalities and backgrounds Learn about other countries and cultures Learn new languages or improve your foreign language skills Be aware of: Long hours, no fixed routine. You are on duty 24/7! Some expense – not all meals will be covered and alcohol won’t be! Long periods away from home Repeating the same itinerary several times Often the time you spend doing a reconnaissance (what’s this?***) of a destination will be unpaid Work can be seasonal with no guarantee of further contracts You may be self-employed, with no job security or redundancy pay You must be fit and healthy – there’s no one to take over from you on tour (but in the case of serious illness the company will usually send out a replacement leader/guide) ***A reconnaissance (French) is a pre-tour visit to a destination to get to know it, make contact with local hotel personnel/guides/agents, seek out restaurants suitable for groups, and make yourself known. If there are any walks or cycle rides on the tour itinerary, now is the time to do them yourself, making notes of difficulty, any hazards, duration, optional alternative routes, and so on. There is no substitute for your own knowledge of a destination or walking route; even other tour leader’s notes are not always reliable (circumstances / staff may have changed, paths disappeared…) Do a sketch map of every route – you may not remember them all! ****** Photo 1: Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an, China Photo 2: make new friends - Tibet www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Two The interview Be great at your tour guide interview…get a job as a tour guide…tour director’s guide to interviewing well…tour managers – give a great interview! The headings on your application form will give you an idea of what your future employer wants to find out about you, and the list below is quite comprehensive and you should be prepared to be asked about all of the following: Name, marital status, age and address Level of education, any examinations passed Other qualifications State of health and fitness, previous illnesses, current health issues, medical conditions Driving experience/licences held (esp. heavy goods vehicle/public transport licence) Your referees Relevant previous employment Availability Passport details – number of blank pages, Israel visits? Travel experience in detail – where, duration, type of visit, transport, purpose, independent or organised Group leadership experience Tour leader qualities, skills and experience Responsibilities – e.g. other people’s money/safety Personal qualities – e.g. experience of working erratic hours, alone, ‘on call’, without breaks, in teams, etc Why you want to be a tour guide/lead tours Organising others, activities Camping, camp cooking, meal planning, shopping and preparation Public speaking – with or without microphone Riding animals (camels, horses, donkeys, yaks) White water rafting, canoeing, snorkelling, diving, sailing Climbing mountains, trekking, orienteering, walking on cliff edges, enclosed spaces e.g. caves Contact with animals – spiders, snakes, scorpions, sharks, big game, rats, cockroaches Coping in hostile crowds Flying, ferries – do you suffer from travel sickness? any fears? General knowledge of countries, politics, world geography, ancient history, Arab world, religions, classics Influences: favourite book/film/music Who in the whole of history would you want to spend 24 hours with and why? Interests/hobbies/clubs/sports/professional bodies/charities Book keeping experience Three adjectives to describe your best/worst qualities Temper loss – when, why Other people’s irritating behaviours What type of travel appeals to you most? Able to lead a 5 day trek with sickness and diarrhoea? How would you modify your behaviour in the Middle East? What aspect of the job are you looking forward to the most? Is this a career choice/lifestyle choice/means to an end? What experience has had the biggest impact on your personal development? Languages: fluent/native speaker; conversational; street level; a few words First aid/ lifesaving qualifications held You may then be asked problem solving questions, and be given various scenarios in which you have to decide what to do. Often there is no one single ‘correct’ answer – you are being tested on your ability to ‘think on your feet’, under pressure. Interview preparation Although you may never be asked about the following, it pays to know how you would respond 1 Know yourself a) What are your priorities? (e.g. making a difference, learning new skills, seeing the world….) b) What are your strengths and weaknesses? c) What are your interests (not only ‘hobbies’ but what you want for your life 2. Know your potential employers a) What type of tours do they specialise in? b) What type of clients do they have/ what are their clients looking for? c) What are their long and short term aims? d) What are their priorities (e.g. sustainable tourism, profit, reputation……..) 3. Know the job a) What vacation time will you have? Will it be paid or unpaid? b) Will you be offered discounted tours? c) What are the benefits? The drawbacks? (e.g. free travel, long hours…) d) What skills will you need? e) What qualifications will you need? (e.g. first aid, lifesaving, mountain guiding certificate…) You can of course ask questions about section 3 during the interview if you haven’t found out the answers elsewhere, but far better to ask ‘checking’ questions (e.g. is it true that I will…..?) to show you have developed some research skills Study their website, recent press releases, other job vacancies in the organisation, who their competitors are Match the job description to yourself e.g. if it stipulates ‘hard worker’, tell them about the time/s you have given your all Anticipate questions. Below are some sample popular interview questions a) Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? b) What would make you feel most proud about doing this job? c) Tell me about how you’ve dealt with unpleasant situations d) How has your approach to work changed over the last two years? e) In this job you will sometimes be acting the role of nurse, counsellor or teacher. How are you prepared for this? f) Tell me about an unpopular decision you’ve had to make in your life g) Why should we employ you? Before your interview: Research the company and its policies (e.g. on responsible travel) Anticipate questions: what do you think they’ll want to know about you and your experience? Choose clean, comfortable clothes – have them ready the day before Make sure you look your best – it will give you confidence Make sure you know how to get there – do a reconnaissance and make a note of the time it takes Arrive early; give yourself time to relax Be prepared to improvise – some companies like to throw in a surprise to see how you react – like a third party barging in to shout at the interviewer, trying to bring you into an argument. Always stay calm and request more information before making any decisions – don’t be rushed into an answer you’ll regret During your interview: Be aware of your body position. Your body language says far more about you than your words. Sit up straight, don’t slouch. Keep still, don’t fidget. Look at the interviewer – look at the bridge of his/her nose rather than stare into the eyes. Lean forward to show interest, and back to show you’re thinking. Smile - naturally - keep thinking what an opportunity this is and how much fun you’re going to have. Stay positive – this job has your name on it! Ask questions Don’t interrupt Recap any points you are not sure of by repeating them back to the interviewer Photo: Tibetan monastery www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Three: Getting a job as a tour guide Here’s what some tour operating companies say they are looking for in a tour manager or tour director The qualities of a good tour leader Communication skills (especially listening and public speaking) Aware of safety issues Patience Tolerance Humour Genuine liking of people Positive attitude (especially in the face of setbacks) Enquiring mind Open mind Travel experience, especially independent Experience with the public Calmness under pressure Ability to deal with the unforeseen Quick thinking Adaptability Planning skills Courage Diligence Enthusiasm Awareness of cultural differences Destination knowledge Adventurous Dynamic Flexible Reliable Lateral thinking Language skills Environmental know how Awareness of responsible travel issues Leadership skills (school, college/university, career, interest groups) Do you have some of these qualities? Then this job could be for you! Let us help you Get the job Do it well Get paid more Get more out of your work Photo: Everest – nearly there! Read this e-book then register for my Tour Guide Course on my website: www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Four : Tips for Tour Guides What employers are looking for in a tour guide People handling skills: 1. Confidence. You need to inspire confidence and command authority, which means being confident yourself. 2. 3. 4. 5. Enthusiasm. You have a great job- enjoy it. Sensitivity. You must also be sensitive to peoples’ needs. Responsiveness. Respond to requests and worries promptly. Calmness. Don’t get flustered or panic. Refer problems you don’t know how to deal with to the office, don’t react out of nerves 6. When dealing with local agents, guides, drivers, hotel or campsite personnel, be friendly but remain in control. 7. Develop an easy working relationship with everyone – balance friendliness with firmness 8. Sociability. You have to socialise with everyone in your group, regardless of background, age and experience. Spend an equal amount of time with everybody, don’t have favourites. Never get drunk on tour – by all means party with the group but know your limits with alcohol and don’t exceed them. Remember you are responsible for their safety and well being. Organisational ability: 1. Plan ahead. Double check times, places, names, contact numbers, reservations 2. Research your destination and anticipate potential difficulties. Always have a back up plan in case of emergency or last minute changes. 3. Approach situations and problems logically – don’t let emotion influence you. 4. Make notes or lists – don’t rely on your memory; it may fail you under pressure Appropriate appearance: 1. Dress according to the style of the tour company. Coach tour directors usually wear smarter clothes than adventure tour guides, but no tour leaders should be unkempt or unwashed. 2. When dealing with local officials, dress more formally. This doesn’t mean wearing a suit, but trousers might be a better choice than shorts, and a (non iron) shirt rather than a T shirt. Problem solving skills: 1. Read up about solutions to as many scenarios as possible – new situations are always arising and the more you are familiar with, the better. 2. Tell everyone what you are going to do, then do it. Don’t change your mind. Don’t invite comments about your decisions. The responsibility is yours; you can’t share it. Public speaking skills: 1. Keep information brief. Speak with authority. Never waffle – be direct. 2. Practice at home – replace ‘um’ and ‘er’ with a pause. 3. Tell your audience how long you are going to talk for, and stick to it. 4. Speak clearly and audibly. Enunciate carefully. Check that everyone can hear. Repeat important information to sum up at the end of your talk Ability to handle officialdom: 1. Take all situations seriously. 2. Show respect. Don’t squirm or be obsequious, but don’t be condescending or superior Information skills: 1. Write clear, concise tour reports (see chapter 5) 2. Check you have included everything required. Sign and date the report, noting down who should receive a copy. Qualities of a good tour leader: Don’t try to impress Develop a blend of optimistic cynicism, of low expectations and high anticipations Be determined to get the best from everything rather than of everything Develop a sense of responsibility – the buck stops with you Aim to inspire others to do what they’ve always dreamed of doing but never dared Be supportive Retain a sense of fun, lightness and ease around others’ participation Be a ‘stand’ for them to get the most from their travels Know when to back off if people get uncomfortable Share what you’ve learned and respect what others want Priorities for a successful tour: 1. Safety. Without compromise, your group’s personal safety must come first 2. Fun. Your group should enjoy whatever they’re doing. Life’s too short… 3. Education. If your group can expand as people and learn from their experiences, their lives become richer, they’ll have more to offer others, and they’ll feel fulfilled All of the above apply to you, the leader, as well! Photo: Kathmandu street scene www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Five: Tour Manager Responsibilities Rafting trip near Pokhara, Nepal All of these are covered in my Tour Guide Course: Knowing the destination Pre-tour research Introductory briefings Daily briefings Dealing with local operators Working with local guides Destination difficulties Food Transport Accommodation Feedback to employer – writing tour reports Selling other tours Acting as a representative of the tour company Arriving at reception Airport / ferry rail journey procedures Reporting to employer Dealing with money Tour accounts Changes to itinerary Changes of accommodation Changes of ownership Visiting hotels On site research for employer Keeping a journal Legal aspects Liaising with employer Liaising with local agents Examples: Writing a good tour report – your employer will tell you what to include, but it’s up to you to be concise and clear. Whenever you’re writing, remember to think about the reader. Ask yourself ‘would I understand this if it had been written if it was written by someone else?’ And don’t forget to include all the essential information: who, what, why, when, where, how….. Liaising with your employer – if you connect by email, phone or fax, keep to the minimum number of words. Use abbreviations but make sure they are industry standard (e.g. ‘pax’) and intelligible. There’s usually no need to give pax’ first names, for example, unless two or more share a family name. If using the telephone, the shorter the message, the less time it takes, and time is money when you’re making a long distance call! Nowadays many operators use mobile phones and/or email, but in several countries these are not available so be prepared! Even when email is available it may take a long time to connect and communications are often ‘timed out’. In these countries fax is sometimes the most reliable, if not very convenient. Bhaktapur, Nepal www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Six : X Factor tour guide qualities X Factor talent tips for tour guides! Get work as a tour guide and see the world. Learn from an insider’s tips – be a great tour director and get well-paid tour leading jobs. Be a cut above the rest… ‘go the extra mile’…increase your gratuities and tips…..exceed expectations and earn more For example fill out departure cards for each member of the group and hand out before they leave. They will appreciate not having to do this mundane and time-consuming task themselves. You can pick up a pile of these cards at the airport while waiting for your group to arrive make a note of any hobbies and interests and keep these in mind when you plan any excursions. Artists often appreciate an opportunity to sketch interesting buildings, people or scenery – choose rendezvous points accordingly and advise them in advance gourmets and ‘bon viveurs’ appreciate being told of especially good restaurants offering local specialities or fine wines – give them the opportunity to visit these teachers and families may want to see local schools – arrange visits if possible find out about any local football, rugby or similar sports fixtures. Sports fans will appreciate having the opportunity to see local games find out about local craft exhibitions, factories, workshops and museums. Not everyone is interested in big museums but may appreciate a visit to a small, specialist exhibition or factory try to arrange at least one evening where the whole group can eat together. Usually a ‘last supper’ is a good idea, but try to have a get together early on in the tour so people can mix and get to know each other. This is particularly valuable for solo travellers. Many hotels offer a ‘welcome’ drink on arrival – ask in your first hotel remember that for some travellers this could be the first time they are in unfamiliar territory. Check they know where the nearest chemist, bank, ATM or money exchange, church and food store is. Be on hand to translate or at least advise them on how to ask for what they need Photo: making new friends in Tibet www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Seven: Extracts from the diary of a tour guide To give you an idea of what the first day of a new tour might be like, here’s this extract from one of my tour journals: Day 1 Air China at LHR would not check my bag all the way to HK. Turned out to be a blessing in disguise as flight delayed so I wouldn’t have been there to collect it. Boarded on time, then spent 3 hours sitting in cabin before take off! No explanation given! (“There are take off formalities, thank you for corporation”) Not an auspicious start…..also only a thimbleful of red wine with meal. Am not impressed. Read thro’ manifest – family A arriving ahead of group - independent transfer. Day 2 Missed connection due to late arrival. Had to go through immigration again as HK considered international departure even tho’ now part of China Arrived HK. E23 bus to hotel; fare should have been 18HKD but as driver had no change didn’t have to pay (let other passengers on free too, maybe he was having altruistic day). Previous GL’s directions not clear from bus stop. You cannot cross the road where bus drops you, you have to walk to nearest crossing and find way from there. Not sure how I found it… Day 3 Very misty weather, rain forecast, hardest bed in the world. Phoned local agents. Confirmed transfer arrangements, they pay cost. Asked about distance from bus stop to hotel in Guangzhou - bus stops outside hotel, hooray! Did recce of orientation walk - might be a bit long for kids. Met family A in foyer, they seem happy. Set off on bus around 17.00 for airport to meet group. Flight delayed 25 minutes, pax all arrived after okay flight. They had found the transit at PEK a bit confusing, with all the form filling…Money changed, ATM etc., bought water. Arranged 09.45 dep time to walk to Guangzhou bus stop day after tomorrow. Day 4 08.30 – 09.15 Briefing in hotel meeting room. Manifest info, checked visas etc…One family has child on mother’s passport - told okay in UK. I have doubts. Went for Dim Sum breakfast at resto opposite hotel to LHS. 21 HKD each, plenty, incl tea/ cokes, approx 1 hour to serve/eat. Great fun. Did walk, left pax at Peak tram station. Bought durian fruit & lychees en route. Pointed out good Chinese Store near Star Ferry for shopping (see manual update) Met group 19.00 foyer. Walked through night markets in Temple Street to dinner Golden Sea Harbour resto.63 HKD each, good, noodles/rice with various meats. Pax had good day, most stayed on Peak, had medium priced lunch up there, did shopping. Gave demonstration of how to pee in squat toilet keeping feet dry ….did briefing for morning info., pax went shopping. Pax A asked me to book taxi to take bags to bus stop.. seems good idea. Arranged wake up calls. NB: LHR = London Heathrow airport Manifest = what some tour companies call the rooming list/ passenger list, with details of their flights, passport information and so on Independent transfer = passengers not taking the group coach from airport to hotel GL = group leader HK = Hong Kong HKD = Hong Kong dollars, the local currency PEK = Beijing airport Recce = reconnaissance, a trial visit to familiarise yourself with a place Dep = departure Pax = the group, the clients ATM = automatic telling machine – a cash dispensing machine (‘hole in the wall’) Resto = restaurant Manual = the tour leader’s ‘bible’ containing all the necessary information for the tour Photo: Scrambled eggs camp-style www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Eight : Tour guide’s essential kit Here’s what I would take with me on all my tours: Sellotape for sealing poor quality envelopes in less developed countries Scissors Blutack for putting up notices Pens, including coloured Stapler Tippex Notepaper/notebook Whistle Compass Padlock Torch and head torch First aid book First aid kit Dice Playing cards Highlighter pens Pencils Eraser Sharpener Knife with tools (e.g. Swiss Army) Batteries Receipt book Binoculars Envelopes (for local payments, tips, receipts) Money belt and secure money storage ‘safe’ Adapter plug for electrical equipment like battery charger/travel hair drier/shaver Mobile phone with charger Photos: leisure activities, luxury cruise style! About to fly - parasailing www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Nine: Duties of a tour guide Your Tour Guide Training course includes sections on these aspects of your tour director job: Confirm hotel rooms booked and available for arrival Arrange airport/harbour transfers Organise first meal Meet and greet group Give brief welcome talk on transport Hotel check in Meet group for introductory briefing Accompany to first meal Give daily briefing Accompany on excursion Lead walk Arrange meals Complete daily reports and other tour documents Complete accounts sheets, file receipts Deal with any emergencies or problems Arrange accommodation check out Reconfirm flights Arrange return transfers Distribute evaluation forms Fill in departure cards and distribute Accompany to airport/harbour Fill in tour report NB Selling other tours Sometimes you are expected to sell other tours to your group, sometimes it’s left to you, and you may be paid commission or given a bonus Hiking in Canada Rafting in Nepal USA cowboy camp, Utah www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Ten: Pre-tour research Before setting off on tour there’s a lot to prepare for the benefit of the efficient running of the tour and for your group’s enjoyment. A good place to start is the tour brochure. Know the tour code, duration and itinerary. If the company produces a trip dossier or tour booklet, study it carefully. This tells you what information the clients have. Read the tour manual/notes provided by the operator carefully. Don’t leave this until you arrive – you may miss something vital that needs to be said or done on arrival. Make sure you know the company’s client profile (age group, nationality, sex, marital status, economic status, experience) Do your destination research before the tour starts. Sometimes this may have to be while you are travelling to meet your group, so go prepared with guide books, maps, internet search devices, tour notes/manuals. Look at the rooming list and get acquainted with your group’s age range, marital status and so on. www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Eleven: Meeting your group for the first time You are probably the first contact your group has with the tour company you work for. First impressions are very, very important. No matter how tired or overwhelmed you might feel (the flight might be late, you may have just run round from departures after waving goodbye to another group, you may have paperwork to do before you can relax / go to bed….), their holiday begins now, and they may well be nervous, tired or tetchy. This is the time when they will be most critical – so make sure you, as Tour Director, inspire confidence. In your mind, step over to where they are: in the hands of a complete stranger, in an unknown place, maybe fearful that you are inexperienced. If it’s been a long journey or it’s late, acknowledge their tiredness and reassure them you will keep arrival procedures to a minimum. Welcome them and introduce yourself by giving your first name. Tell them you are going to do your very best to make sure they have a fabulous holiday. They want to know that you’re experienced and capable. If you’re new to the tour leader job don’t tell them now! What to do when you’re new to the job and you get asked how many tours you’ve directed: If they ask you how many tours you’ve led give a non-committal reply like ‘a few’ – smiling as you say it - and move quickly on to share what great tour management training all the company’s tour guides have, how well they prepare their group leaders, and how supportive the highly experienced office staff are. Photos: Jetski, Haiti; Near camp, Western Australia ‘Bird on Stick’ snack, Yangste River, China www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Twelve: Introductory briefing Take with you Map/s Forms Spare pens Copy of sheet used for notices (so they can recognise it when they see it on hotel notice boards/reception desks) Ask the group to bring with them Tickets Vouchers, any local payment/ food kitty money Insurance details Pen Passport 1. Welcome and state your name clearly at least twice (spell if necessary) 2. Stress the importance of this administration time and promise to make it as brief as possible 3. Explain your role (not a specialist mountain/city/river guide – there to oversee whole tour, deal with problems): overall liaison with everyone involved in the tour (say you’ll do your very best to make sure everyone has a good holiday) 4. Show/explain the tour itinerary using the map. Reassure them there will be stops on long road journeys 5. Run through general health issues: drinking water (usually safe but different bacteria mix so don’t want to waste first few days being ill while adapting to it); avoid eating salads and hotel buffets – freshly cooked hot street food usually okay, as is fruit that can be peeled; sun protection. You should carry spare rehydration salts and a first aid kit – make sure the group know this 6. Advise on clothing – you will tell them when they need boots, when and where shorts, skimpy tops are okay and when not, where to find clothing shops 7. Advise on food – what to expect, whether breakfast is included. Ask if there are any vegetarians or special diets (in case the office have missed this out) 8. Run through safety issues: carry only small amounts of money, leave valuables in hotel safes in rooms or at reception; beware of money changing touts; advise of any known scams; advise never to go anywhere alone without telling someone else (you if possible) when and where 9. Advice costs of any optional excursions and give a brief description – details nearer the time (not now) 10. Advise to carry toilet roll or tissue, sun cream, sunglasses, a hat, water bottle, camera and spare film/batteries, wet wipes, hand cleansing gel, repellent, bite relief 11. Show notice paper and explain when and where to look for them (but never rely on the group looking for these themselves – it is your responsibility to advise verbally of any changes) 12. Collect any money, tickets, vouchers, passports, manifest forms and so on needed by you at this stage. If you have a tips kitty, explain how it works 13. Remind the group that punctuality is necessary, not optional – explain the overall accumulated loss of holiday time if have to wait 10 minutes every rendezvous time 14. Run through today/tonight’s activities, timings, options 15. Briefly describe tomorrow’s activities, timings, options (reassure them you will do this again in the morning or on a notice) 16. Give out hotel cards if you didn’t do it on arrival at reception 17. Explain the rooming policy (any rotation of single rooms, requests for changes, company policy on sharing) 18. Explain the role of local guides and the differences between their roles and yours 19. Explain baggage policy (carry own? leave outside room door?) 20. Explain hotel’s washing policy? Is it permitted in rooms or is there a laundry service? 21. Point out any time differences/ dialling codes 22. Any questions? Explain that if there are any problems they must tell you – that you can’t fix what you don’t know about, that it’s better to talk than to complain. You are there to help them enjoy themselves. On departure: 1. Remind the group to return hotel room keys (do this on departure before leaving the reception area) 2. All washing collected and paid for before departure? 3. Make sure you have returned all passports/visas, tickets, and made any photocopies needed On first journey Give a brief talk about the local history, geography, culture if you have no guide with you. Explain that guides have in depth local knowledge of their own country; you have overall knowledge of several. Remind them to remove any sharp objects (and sometimes, alcohol) from hand luggage. Point out nearest pharmacies/ food shops Dancing with Dong people, China Glacier lake, Canada Lion cub, Zimbabwe www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Thirteen: Communication skills When addressing the whole group for the first time you’ll probably feel nervous. The following tips will help you – remember, preparation is all! Speaking skills 1. Try not to use phrases like ‘to be honest …’ or ‘this may seem stupid, but..’ 2. Start off with a strong, welcoming greeting such as ‘ Ladies and gentlemen, I’m delighted to meet you and I’m looking forward to spending the next…(days, weeks)…with you’ 3. When you need to pause, avoid ‘um’, ‘er,’ and the like. You want to sound confident, knowledgeable and credible. Replace filler words like ‘so,’ with a pause. You’ll still buy yourself some time but your audience will think you are pausing for effect. This also gives them time to absorb what you’re saying 4. Connect eyes with one individual for a complete sentence, take a moment to move your eyes away and on to the next person. Only speak when you see your listener’s eyes and pause when you look away. A useful trick is to rest your eyes just above the bridge of their nose so that you’re not staring directly at them, but still engaging with them. 5. Your voice needs to reach everyone in your group. Imagine you are projecting it to the person at the very back – everyone needs to be able to hear you clearly. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being inaudible, aim for a 7 or 8 when speaking to a large group. Aim for 4 or 5 with a small group. You don’t want to be shouting, either! 6. Don’t fidget with your hands, rings, watch, pen - anything. Holding your hands behind your back or in front is a bit too stiff and not very comfortable. I recommend using your hands to help you. Use gestures such as holding your palms upwards at waist or chest height, holding your fingertips together at the nails then opening outwards like a flower blossoming, interlacing your fingers then pulling them apart. Gestures like this add energy to your talk and hold your listeners’ attention, as well as helping divert your nerves! Add variety by relaxing your arms back to your sides after each gesture. Don’t overdo it – you want to be able to think about what you’re saying, not what your next move is! 7. Get to the point. If your listeners are fidgeting and looked bored, they probably are! Focus on their needs – what they need to know, and forget about yourself and what you look like. Listening skills Your role as Tour Guide is a service role. Keep this in mind in your communication with your group – usually, when we ‘listen’ to others, we’re not really listening – we’re thinking about what we are going to say next; or we are wondering what they think of us, or making some kind of judgement about them. It’s normal human behaviour. Try to forget who you are and think instead about your role – to support the people in your group in getting the most out of their holiday. This simple technique can change the way you listen to others, and give you the edge when it comes to being of service. You’ll be more likely to remember what they like or dislike as individuals, which in turn will help you make their holiday special – they’ll feel cared for and respected. And you’ll get a happier group, better feedback to the office, and better tips! Christina lake, Canada Buddha Water cave, China Grand Canyon Hike www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Fourteen: Ten top tips for tour guides 1# Know your employer’s procedures As a tour leader or tour manager you will probably work for more than one company in your career. Make sure you know what your current employer’s procedures are 2# Research your destinations Make sure you know about local festivals, customs, dress code, dialects, food and drink. As tour director you can make a holiday sensational! 3# Be prepared to think on your feet The most challenging aspect of the job! Think about what you would do in various scenarios (accidents, breakdowns, illness).Take advantage of my tour guide course and learn what to do in tricky situations. 4# Remember, you are in a customer service role You are playing the role of representative of your employer, of leader. You are there to support and encourage your group and to do your utmost to ensure they have a great holiday, and to deliver what your employer has promised 5# Plan ahead – meticulously Your employer will usually provide you with notes, a manual, a booklet or other document outlining what you need to know to run each individual tour. Study it carefully. Everything you need to find out about is in my tour guide course 6# Keep safety in mind, always Your tour operating company is legally obliged to give due care and attention to your group 7# Be aware of cultural and personality differences Know your group, know your destination and the people there. As a tourist guide you’ll be working with people from all over the world – in my tour guide course you will learn about cultural differences at work 8# Stay calm Your group need to have confidence in you, to feel secure that you are experienced 9# Be enthusiastic Your group is here to have a great holiday. No matter how low you feel, put it to one side and remember your role – to be an inspiration 10# Always have a back up plan Things may not go according to plan – the bus may be cancelled, the bridge washed away, your guide is sick…so make sure you have an alternative to offer. ‘Elephant washing’, Nepal Hard at work in Las Vegas www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Fifteen: An example day in the life of a camping tour guide Near camp, Western Australia 06.30 get up, pack bag, take tent down & stow on tour bus. Check driver awake. Shower. Check breakfast team has started preparing food and kettle is on. Supervise loading tents onto bus, check everyone is awake and on the move. Eat breakfast. Check washing up is being done by today’s team. Go to campsite office and pay for pitch. Look around site and kitchen for any items left behind. Board the bus. Do a head count on the bus before telling the driver to move off. Pick up tour bus microphone and wish everyone good morning; thank breakfast team for meal. Tell group where you are going, roughly how long it will take, any stops en route and anything special to look out for. Check everyone is feeling okay – if anyone unwell make space for them to lie down and ask if they need a doctor. Sit down and complete any tour documents, expenses sheet and so on. Describe any optional activities and/or evening restaurant outing and collect money. Make sure everyone has enough water. When about 15 kilometres from destination give a short briefing about the next site, its facilities and nearby places of interest. Point out toilets, shower/wash block, laundry, kitchen, camp office, take away/restaurant, bar. Point out nearby features (beach, lake, woods, hills). Make sure driver has enough fuel for the next day. On arrival at the site check in at reception, check on opening times of facilities and any site rules to pass on to group. Ask group to unload the bus and put up tents Phone local guide for next day’s excursion – arrange time and place to meet. Check on anyone unwell. If going out on evening excursion give short briefing about suitable clothing, what to expect. Remind group to take cameras and related equipment. Repeat time and place for meeting. Give anyone not going on excursion the names of restaurants and directions on how to get there, or food shops/other eating options. Before everyone goes their own way make sure everyone knows the next day’s departure time. Go to reception to liaise with camp staff, find out if there are any nearby festivals, shows and so on. Set up your own tent. Get ready for night out with group. On your return read through your notes for tomorrow, write up your daily report and note any reminders for the group/yourself. With Prince Leonard, Hutt River Province, Western Australia www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Sixteen: Travel light! Everest Base Camp Do take: Light, durable clothing: Shirts with zip-off sleeves at elbow and armpit, and side zips Zip off trousers – both at knees and calves Underwear Two sets of each item above is enough (one to wear, one to wash), apart from a couple of extra pairs of socks (comfortable thick ones don’t usually dry quickly) Make sure underwear can be washed and dried overnight at room temperature Lightweight wash bag that can be hung up Travel towels – one large, one medium Boots (wear boots to travel in rather than making your bag heavy with them inside) Comfortable walking shoes and/or sandals One ‘evening’ outfit – for women, a long sleeved top (mosquitoes come out at dusk) with high neck and long skirt or light weight trousers; for men, lightweight trousers, long sleeved shirt Light weight fleece Breathable waterproof (preferably one which compresses small) which covers head to ankles (water dripping onto your knees can be very uncomfortable) Casual outfit: T shirt, shorts Scarf, hat and/or bandana Gadgets: camera, adapter plug, ziplock packing bags, head torch (invaluable), waterproof liner for back pack, waterproof packing bag for wet washing, compact personal medical kit, padlock, travel alarm clock (don’t rely on your mobile cell phone – it may not work or you might forget to recharge it), phone and camera chargers, travel washing line Toothbrush, dental floss or wood sticks Playing cards, book/s, travel guides, all tour documents, phrase book if you don’t know the local language, small notebook to carry in hand baggage with pen – in it write down important telephone numbers in case you mobile doesn’t work or the battery doesn’t charge, small photos of loved ones (you may feel lonely and homesick, though not for long – you’ll be too busy!), your personal music player loaded with your favourites Passport – with plenty of blank pages, in date for at least a month after the tour ends, with all necessary visas, health insurance (may be provided by your employer – check) document with emergency contact numbers. Leave a photocopy of your passport with family or trustworthy neighbour, and take a copy with you Currency – enough for first 24 hours Sunscreen, repellent, after bite gel, sunglasses (and spare pair), prescription glasses and spare pair, copy of all medication prescriptions including eyes, water sterilising tablets Good quality, durable water bottle Possibly sleeping bag if camping or in places where hygiene standards aren’t reliable Tour Leader’s essential kit (see chapter 8) Now you see why you won’t have much room for clothes! Don’t take valuable jewellery or watches (buy a cheap -but reliable - one for duration of tour), anything of personal value real leather bags (they attract thieves) anything made of glass or in heavy packaging large bottles or pots of toiletries – you can buy most things on location (and usually cheaper) But take enough for your comfort for the first few days as you may not have time to shop straight away. Whatever you can fit into the hand luggage liquids allowance will be enough for two days electric razors or other electric items (the voltage may be different, the power point a different shape). Battery operated is fine but take enough batteries in case you can’t find the right ones on location Don’t forget to make arrangements for your pets tell your credit card company where you’re going (or your card may be declined) call Head Office for last minute instructions/updates Hang gliding over Rio de Janeiro www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Seventeen: What you’ll be doing while you’re away Here are the main headings you’ll find in most tour guide job descriptions Liaise with local operators – transport, restaurants, hotels, attractions Book transfers to & from airports/ferries/train stations etc Check hotel rooms/ standard of coaches, etc Explain safety procedures Organise excursions – book, collect money Liaise with Head Office Write reports & keep accounts records/receipts Give daily briefings – what to do, what to take, money needed, meals Give talks about destination – wildlife, culture, history, geography, etc Deal with any problems/emergencies Sounds simple, doesn’t it?! You could be in a foreign country or just down the road from your home – depending on what type of tour guide job you have. My material is designed for those of you who want to work accompanying tours around a country or state, from the very beginning to the very end of the tour. This may even mean being on the same outward flight, coach or train with your group. In each place you visit you may also be assisted by a local guide – a specialist in the history, geography and customs of that particular place. Your job is to oversee all the travel and accommodation arrangements for the duration of the tour. You will be in for some surprises. Communication may not be as readily available, fast or easy as you’re used to, and you may feel out there on your own. That’s precisely what you are paid to be: if the tour company didn’t need you to be there acting as decision maker, you wouldn’t be. You’ll need to ‘think on your feet’ many times throughout the tour. Don’t share your apprehensions with the clients – they have paid to be on holiday, not to worry about whether the bus will turn up on time. You might know the driver isn’t sure of the route, but don’t share that concern with anyone else! If you are from the USA and working abroad for the first time, bear in mind that the USA is quite a new country. You may be stunned to find that there are no stores handy, no TV in your room (or no English channels) and perhaps a shower in the same tiny room as the toilet. If you’re from the UK you may not find tea made the way you’re used to, and breakfast may consist of just a biscuit or cake. And if you’re from the Antipodes – sorry, there may be no Vegemite! If you as the Tour Leader feel a little disorientated, imagine how your group might be feeling. You at least have had the benefit of this ebook, your freezine and Tour Guide Course, plus whatever training your employer has given you. Most of the time the tour will run so smoothly you’ll feel like you’re on holiday yourself. A well planned tour run by an operator with lots of experience and expertise about the area is a joy to be part of. Don’t be complacent – almost every tour has one potentially tricky situation, one awkward customer, one hopeless local guide to mess up your plans. And that’s when your training takes over. It will be a delicate balancing act between the wants of the group and the boundaries set by your employer. Never undertake a change in itinerary, activity, transport or accommodation unless you have to. Stromatolites, Western Australia Prayer Wheel, Tibet www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Eighteen: Difficult clients Lava field, Galapagos islands Even difficult clients have the right to receive the holiday advertised, and to expect a good holiday. If you can see that no one wants to sit next to a particular client, talk to them about their interests and try to find some common ground between them and the rest of the group. Shy people don’t always want to be forced into ‘having fun’. Let everyone develop their confidence at their own pace. Be supportive and ready to listen. However at no time neglect the rest of the group, nor your duties as the tour guide! Here are a few examples of difficult clients: Question: Miss A has recently broken up with her boyfriend. She has come on tour to have fun, and is determined to ‘pull’ a man – any man. The bus driver is a bit of a flirt but you know he is married with three children. Miss A makes it quite clear to him (and you) that she is offering him sex for the duration of the tour. What should you do about this? Answer: Nothing. Miss A and the driver are adults. Only if the driver cannot do his job properly have you any right to interfere. You are not their counsellor, mentor nor parent. Question: Mr B is extremely shy and finds it very hard to integrate with others, especially ‘men’s men’. The rest of the single men in the group are hard drinking, fun-loving lads, who expect Mr B to join in their bawdy jokes and drinking games. Mr B comes to you one evening and tells you he doesn’t want to get involved in the other men’s antics and asks you to tell them. Should you agree? Answer: No. He is a grown man. If he doesn’t want to join in he can tell them. If however the others start pressurising him and spoiling his holiday you could tell them he is uncomfortable and request them to leave him alone. Miss C is a very intelligent and attractive young woman. She is bright and successful in her career. However she has no confidence and ends up in a different man’s tent every night on your overland camping tour through Africa. One day she tells you she has slept with a man she met in the campsite bar and fears she may have contracted AIDS from him. She asks you to go to the clinic with her. Will you go? Answer: Yes. Despite her behaviour she is frightened about a health issue and needs your support. You could accompany her to a clinic but do not comment on her behaviour nor the potential consequences. Maintain your position as group leader. Zip wire from Great Wall, China www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Nineteen Scenarios – challenging situations Scenario A You are in a country which has recently recovered from internal strife and where, occasionally, there are outbursts of violence. You departed from your hotel this morning and have stopped for refreshments/shopping in a small village en route. You have arranged to meet your group at 12.00 midday to depart for the next destination – a village about an hour’s drive away – where you will have a group lunch. There are two women missing at the rendezvous point at 12.10. These two women have been a few minutes late for every departure so far, three days into the tour. Part One. What will you do first? When you have considered you answer, go to Part Two. *************************** Part Two. You decide to ask the group to regroup in 30 minutes, pointing out a nearby café where they can pass the time. Assuming you have checked the hospital and police station, left a message with details of how to get to the next village at your last hotel, have searched the local shops and waited 40 minutes already, what would you do now? When you have considered your answer, go to Part Three. *************************** Part Three. The correct answer is to leave the two women behind and continue the tour with the rest of the group, despite the potential danger to the two women concerned. Do you know why? 1. The group have already waited 40 minutes. Any longer is unacceptable 2. You have a duty to deliver the itinerary described in the tour brochure 3. You need to set an example to everyone that lateness will not be tolerated Scenario B You are hiking from one mountain village to another. You stop for a rest in the shade of some trees, but one of your group slips and falls down a shallow gully. After checking you can see that his leg is broken. It will take an hour to walk back down to the beginning of the walk and it is another half hour walk to the next village. It will be dark in 45 minutes. You have porters carrying the main luggage – framed back packs - and the group are carrying day sacs. What do you do? *************************** Administer first aid, and make a splint for his leg using a tree branch. Make a ‘stretcher’ using wood from the trees or frames from the back packs, and ask one of the porters to take the victim down while you continue with the group to the next village.. When you get to the next village, phone his insurance company’s emergency helpline – they may ask you to call an ambulance to meet him and take him to hospital. (If you have a mobile with you so much the better, you can call immediately). If you can, visit him later in the tour (he may have been repatriated so check first). Scenario C You are walking through a Chinese town on the way to see a theatre performance when one of your group stumbles over a bollard and cuts his shin. Although the cut is not deep, it is bleeding. As this is a social outing you decided not to carry the first aid kit. What do you do? *************************** First, ask the group to stay together and wait at the nearest suitable place (e.g. in the shade or shelter, away from traffic…). Go as quickly as possible to the nearest café/drinks vendor/restaurant and ask for some ice. Use a scarf or similar to hold the ice against the leg to stop swelling and ask the casualty to keep his/her leg raised. Bind the wound. If necessary, ask someone to accompany him/her back to the hotel in a taxi. Scenario D As you are about to set off on a long journey in the tour bus, one of your group complains of feeling nauseous. How do you deal with this? *************************** Clear the back seat, make sure he has plenty of water and get him to lie flat. Cover with a light blanket as his body temperature might drop. Find out if he has taken any medication to treat the symptoms, in case you need to call emergency assistance later. Check on him at the next comfort/fuel stop. *************************** During the check you notice lobster- red blotches and a few blisters on your client’s neck. On closer inspection you can see signs of severe sunburn. What do you do now? *************************** Head for the nearest hospital or clinic. If possible, cover the skin with a cold damp cloth. Give plenty of water – to be taken in sips, not gulps – as he could be dehydrated. The blisters indicate second degree burns. Ask the driver to take the group to a café while you accompany him to hospital. Return to the group as soon as possible – even though this is a medical emergency you cannot keep them waiting indefinitely. With Bernard Allison, Chicago With Luis Krug, Lencois, Brazil Skydiving over Namibia www.tourguidecourse.com HOW TO GET A JOB AS A TOUR GUIDE Twenty: Experience My tour leading background; why I travel; your own travel experience – are you ready for the best career of your lifetime? My tour leading experience Organised and led school tours in Europe Deputy leader of ski trips for teenagers and adults Organised and led tailor-made tours for families and small groups of adults Round-the-world backpacking trip with my children Numerous independent journeys Employed as adventure tour leader, group leader and coach tour manager Dragon Boat race, Yangste river, China Why do I travel? I guess this is one of those ‘if you need to ask, you won’t understand the answer’ questions. I can tell you how it started, and how one journey changed the direction of my life. I took part in a school exchange to Germany when I was 14. My German teacher had to plead with the headmistress to let me go: I was so badly behaved I was not considered ‘fit to represent the school’. I hadn’t been outside of the UK, so I was excited and a little nervous. It was the journey itself that thrilled me: the lumpy crossing on a rusty Channel ferry, the overnight hostel – awake till late giggling with my friends then waking every hour to the chimes of the adjacent church bell on the hour, every hour. And then the train! Pulling slowly out of tatty towns, rattling past windmills, meandering rivers, shimmering lakes, watermills, grazing cattle, fields of grain, hedgerows, sturdy plane trees, meadows bursting with poppies and tulips…And as for my first glimpse of mountains...! I was hooked before the three-week exchange even started. I was made very welcome by my pen friend’s parents, but the food they served for my first meal made me ill: buttermilk to drink and hot boiled beetroot to eat. I spent the night fretting about breakfast, but gave it up when offered warm rye bread and ham. During that holiday I danced with a man who wasn’t a relative, I watched adults singing and dancing and linking arms, steins of frothy beer in their hands, grinning as they swayed from side to side. I slept in a pretty pine bed covered by crisp white lace over a wine-red sheet; I gazed out of the window at high-roofed detached houses and tall pines covering the hills behind. Already, I was intoxicated by travel. The journey, the sights, the smells, the people, the music, and even the food (I got used to buttermilk) – all delighted me. I was entranced, and cried till my body ached when it was time to get on the train back home three weeks later. I held on to a pretzel as a souvenir and kept it intact for nearly five years. I had been a failure at school up to that time, but that trip changed everything. I decided that if I could speak better German, I could go back to Germany the following year. And while I was at it, I may as well try harder at French too. My future career was founded then – languages and travel. Many years later I am still grateful to that German teacher! Crevasse, Franz Joseph Glacier, New Zealand Your own travel experience You don’t have to have travelled widely but it will certainly help if you have. The experience of getting yourself around in a foreign country is invaluable – and doing a guided tour won’t give you that experience. Far better to take off on your own and look up routes, timetables, accommodation, restaurants, and so on. Nowadays it’s so easy using the internet and there are countless sites to help you. You’ll find some of these on my website on the ‘Links’ page. Although you don’t have to have travelled widely, you will almost certainly need to have travelled independently. This means sorting out your own arrangements. You can use a travel agent to help with bookings but you need to be able to put all the elements of your trip together yourself. You could start by arranging your own ‘side trip’ as part of an organised itinerary. For example, you could stop off on a train journey and spend a night or two in a town en route to your final destination, then re-board and continue. Long haul flights often offer ‘stopovers’ in places like Singapore or Dubai. Take advantage of these to see new places (as well as to have a rest from being in an aircraft). Look up travel brochures and magazines, blogs, forums and websites to get ideas about where to go and what to see, then choose your destination and start making your plans! Photo: Horse riding near Lencois, Brazil Your very first journey alone If you are a real beginner to travel, begin by going somewhere fairly close to home. You can learn a lot from just one journey to a nearby city, county or state. The basics are the same everywhere: you need to find out how to get there, where you can stay, what there is to do and see, and how much this all costs. Then find out where you can get tickets, entrances, accommodation and transport. Finally look up a few restaurants near your accommodation before you go, in case the hotel can’t recommend any. ASK people - local people, people who’ve already been there, friends of friends, travel agents…..anyone you think can advise you. It’s trial and error at first – some of the advice will be invaluable, some useless. WRITE down all names, telephone numbers, email addresses, website urls, schedules and opening/closing times, plus journey durations (you don’t want to arrive in the middle of the night, for example). MAKE NOTES of helpful people, places you liked, companies, restaurants and accommodation you’d use again. You now have the beginning of a tour leader’s personal dossier – you never know when you might need it. Organisation is a vital tour directing skill; it’s a good idea to have separate sections in your dossier for transport, accommodation, eating, sights, contacts, and so on. Even after my tenth visit to the same area in Europe I was still making notes about new places in my personal dossier. Next time go further afield, and when you’re confident – go abroad, and remember to take your passport! Now it’s up to you! Good luck and happy travels! Photo: New Delhi, India www.tourguidecourse.com ‘He can who thinks he can’ Orison Swett Marden (and my Dad) Written by Maureen Moss Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Diploma in Reading Development Certificate in Teaching English for Business (Distinction) Association of British Travel Agents Advanced Certificate
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