Why Professional Tour Director Training Matters (And How It Launches Your Travel Career)
Becoming a tour guide or tour director is an exciting way to share your love of travel and connect with diverse communities. A tour guide spends a few hours leading groups through attractions, providing interesting information and ensuring everyone has a great experience. In contrast, a tour director leads the same group for multiple days or weeks […]
International Travel Careers: How to Build a Flexible Career as a Tour Guide
Do you daydream of swapping your office desk for cobblestone streets in Europe, golden temples in Asia, or ancient ruins in South America? You’re not alone. The idea of working while traveling has never been more achievable—or more rewarding. Whether you’re a recent grad, a career shifter, a retiree, or a digital nomad, building an […]
Inside Tour Guide Training: What Free Courses Don’t Teach (And Why It Matters)
You’ve explored the idea. You’ve done the research. And now, you’re wondering: What does a professional tour guide training program really offer—and is it worth it? In this guide, we’ll take you behind the scenes of what sets certified tour directors apart from the crowd and why certain skills can’t be learned from videos or […]
How ITMI Graduates Begin Their Tour Directing Career
They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. What a perfectly applicable statement when it comes to embarking on a new career as a Tour Guide or Director! As with most things in life, the journey is far more important than the ultimate destination. And the path for all of […]
Do You Need Tour Guide Certification? Pros and Cons of DIY vs. Formal Training
Are you thinking about becoming a tour guide or director? In today’s digital age, believing a few YouTube videos and free resources can get you started is tempting. While self-learning has its place, there’s more to guiding than memorizing facts. In this post, we’ll compare the pros and cons of learning on your own vs. […]
8 Excuses That Hold You Back from Becoming a Tour Guide—and Why They Don’t Hold Up
Let’s bust the myths and get you to your dream career. We get it: becoming a tour director or tour guide sounds exciting, but taking that leap can feel intimidating. Whether it’s money, timing, or that little voice in your head whispering “this is crazy,” it’s easy to find reasons to hold back. At ITMI, […]
I Used To Hate to Travel
Let’s face it; I was never a very good traveler. I always preferred a seat on the couch and reality TV to the seat in coach and reality itself. I was much better at reading a mystery than reading a map, and culinary adventures were secondary to fast food familiarity. In short, I was afraid of […]
Your Second Act: Why Tour Directing Is the Ultimate Midlife Career Pivot
Article from Prime Women Magazine, Author Debbie Franks Tour Directing and Guiding: I’ve just returned from a five-day work conference. This annual event included breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and workshops on best practices and current developments in the industry, along with interviews for those participating in the job fair portion: all standard conference fair. But my event […]
Why It’s Never Too Late to Become a Tour Guide: 5 Reasons to Start Your Encore Career Now
A traveler’s heart beats stronger with each passing mile—and that passion doesn’t fade with age. In fact, your wisdom and life experience make you uniquely suited to thrive as a tour guide or tour director, no matter your stage of life. Whether you’re newly retired, seeking a fulfilling side hustle, or simply craving a fresh […]
Why I Lead Student Tours: A Tour Guide’s Reflection on Teen Travel
The energy, challenge, and future are why I show up. A special kind of magic happens when a group of teenagers climbs aboard your motorcoach, wide-eyed and buzzing with excitement. As a tour director specializing in student travel, that moment never gets old. It’s in their fresh curiosity, the awe in their eyes, and the […]