Most people have a midlife crisis. My world blossomed when my position was eliminated.
I’m Jeanne Howard—author, travel instructor, and former tour director. My path to becoming a tour director wasn’t fast or easy, but it changed my life.
After decades of travel industry experience, I suddenly found myself jobless. Instead of panic, I felt something unexpected: a sense of freedom. I returned home, took long walks on the beach, and for the first time in decades, asked myself what would truly make me happy. The answer was clear—I craved adventure, connection, and something more meaningful than another office job.
What follows is a window into the hurdles, humor, and heart of six unforgettable years guiding tours around the world.
A Career in Constant Motion
My journey began as a travel agent after I graduated from college. Two years later, I moved into a cruise line position and then coordinated charter flights in their air department. After seven years at a desk, my body and spirit needed more than a swivel chair and an email inbox.
I shifted to a multi-line sales manager role representing an airline, hotels, condos, resorts, and even helicopter flightseeing tours for Hawaiian companies. For eight years, I drove across Southern California, conducting sales presentations for travel agents and Hawaiian wholesalers, and attending travel trade shows
Eventually, my largest client—a condominium management company—offered me a full-time position. As Mainland Sales Manager for the U.S. and Canada, I traveled 70% of the time. The pace was intense but rewarding.
Until it wasn’t.
After two years, the company asked me to relocate to Maui. They even provided a condo for a month while I looked for housing. However, after reading a book titled “The High Cost of Living in Paradise,” I realized this was not the right move.
I stepped away—and into something new.
Reclaiming a Dream
During my break, friends reminded me that decades ago, I had taken a tour directing course. At the time, fear of public speaking and financial insecurity held me back. But I now had savings. I had Toastmasters public speaking training and I now had the support of my significant other.
I felt ready to try again.
I assumed my extensive travels and industry experience would fast-track me into a tour director role. Not quite. Colleagues told me that without recent, formal training, I’d be overlooked.
That’s when I found the International Tour Management Institute (ITMI).
Accredited, respected, and deeply connected to the industry, ITMI offered the training I needed. I earned my certification in February 1995, sent out resumes, prepped materials, and waited.
I persisted. Eventually, at an ITMI retreat in Boston, I met with a tour operator—and that meeting launched my new career.
Trial by Tour Bus
My first tour was no gentle onboarding.
Nine national parks. Fifteen days. Eighteen pounds lost.
Had it not been for ITMI’s training, that tour would’ve been my last. But I made it
through—and went on to lead dozens of tours both domestically and internationally.
Along the way, I also taught a variety of travel courses at junior colleges in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. It felt good to give back and support aspiring tour professionals.
When students asked, “How can I become a tour director?” my answer never changed:
“The International Tour Management Institute is the best accredited
tour directing course and the only one that will prepare you for a
professional, accredited tour directing career.”
________________________________________________________________________
Books Born from the Road
Family, friends, colleagues, and passengers had encouraged me to share my stories. I had the time, took a writing class, and started to write. One story became ten. What started as a few memories became four books and a seventeen-year journey into storytelling.
Each book offers a different lens into life on tour: (Please link to books)
Tales and Travails of a Tour Director
The true story of how I landed my first job—and barely survived it. The first chapter alone spans 90 pages of logistical nightmares, emotional curveballs, and hard-won triumph.
Jeanne’s Secret Scoops, Adventuring Down Under
A sweet and spirited chronicle of a South Pacific tour with an unforgettable group of characters (and equally memorable desserts).
One Zany South Pacific Tour
The title says it all. A comedy of errors, colorful guests, and surprises around every turn.
ALASKA—ABC Tour and Cruise
A playful, informative A-to-Z of one of the most scenic tours I ever led. Packed with tips, insights, and commentary.
______________________________________________________________________________
Tips for Travelers and Tour Directors
My books aim to empower both sides of the touring experience:
For travelers: Understand the behind-the-scenes roles of tour companies, vendors, and tour directors. Knowing what to expect can help you resolve problems more easily—and enjoy the ride.
For tour directors: Learn from my mistakes. My stories are cautionary tales, survival guides, and comic relief rolled into one.
Do your homework. Stay flexible. And above all, create unforgettable experiences.
Timing is everything.
My first attempt at tour directing didn’t work out. My second attempt was my trial by fire. Thanks to ITMI training, I overcame the challenges, persisted, and enjoyed a six-year tour directing career.
Turning down a job relocation motivated me to open my boxes of tour folders and start reliving, organizing, and writing down my memories. Tour directing gave me more than a job. It gave me stories, purpose, and a deeper understanding of people. I traded boardrooms for bus seats, paperwork for passports, and I never looked back.
Whether you’re a curious traveler, an aspiring tour director, or someone navigating your own career shift, I hope my journey encourages you to embrace change, follow your curiosity, and find joy in the scenic route.
