It Just Doesn’t Get Much Better…A Reflection on Life as a Tour Guide
California, San Francisco, and Livermore This morning began early — 5:30 a.m., to be exact — as I set out to meet a group of 41 travelers on a tour of the West Coast. Their journey had started in Seattle and carried them south through the scenic stretches of the Pacific before ending here in […]
From Solo Traveler to Tour Director: How Traveling Alone Builds the Skills to Lead the World
If you’ve ever taken a solo trip, you already know: There’s nothing quite like stepping into a new city with nothing but your backpack, your wits, and a questionable sense of direction. Maybe you got lost (twice).Maybe you ordered something off a menu you absolutely did not mean to.Maybe you navigated an airport meltdown, a […]
The Scenic Route: How I Turned a Career Crisis into a Life of Adventure
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 […]
It’s Off Season
My wife is a tour guide/tour director. I miss her. You see, her schedule sometimes has her working on my only days off or on the road while I’m alone on the couch. She’s excellent at her job, and as a result, she is somewhat in demand during the summer and around the holidays. During […]
The Peacock, The Owl, and The Schedule: Psychology in Motion
Why Do Some Groups Flow and Others Fall Apart? You planned the perfect itinerary and offered thoughtful choices, but now it’s a chaotic mess. One traveler is asking to add a last-minute museum stop, another is annoyed they didn’t get to sit down for lunch, and a third is simply not following the schedule. Somehow, […]
Confident, Calm, and Capable: Why Crisis Management Training Empowers Tour Directors
The Unexpected HappensUnpredictability is part of the travel industry, from sudden flight cancellations to natural disasters or even a guest fainting during a walking tour. But here’s the truth: crisis management isn’t about fearing the worst—it’s about being prepared to lead with confidence when challenges arise. These moments are opportunities for tour directors and guides […]
Tour Director Certification vs. Tour Guide Licensing: What You Need to Launch a Travel Career
If you’re pursuing a career as a tour guide or tour director, you may wonder: Is certification enough, or do I also need a license? The answer depends on where you plan to work and whether your role involves local guiding or leading multi-day itineraries. Let’s break down what licensing looks like across the U.S., […]
Svetlana Lewis – Power of Tourism from the Ukraine
During the three years of the full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine, there has been an amazing number of new bookstores and art galleries opened. A new play with an extraordinary take on classics or a modern approach opens in theaters almost monthly. It has been impossible to find a ticket to see a play […]
Susan Schnurr
While this might sound like an unusual headline, it’s completely true. I am a Canadian, middle-aged mother who has spent decades pursuing various careers while living abroad, primarily in Europe and Asia. About 10 years ago, my family relocated to the Washington, D.C. area. During this time, I frequently traveled to Canada, especially during the […]
Orion Kraus ITMI Alum
What or who inspired you to become a tour director? I’ve often said I was a tour director before ever being paid. I love showing people my home, and I love showing people new things. When I discover or am shown something new, I automatically think of other people who would appreciate it. So, it […]