Passport to Purpose: Tour Guiding Your Next Encore Career
You thought about being a tour guide when you were 20. The persistent thought was that this would be a fun job to travel, meet people, and be carefree. But then, the dream of being a tour guide often clashed with family and friends telling you to go with the traditional path of “getting a real job.” Did […]
Career Beyond the Beaten Path: Redefining Work-Life Balance as a Tour Guide
Whether embarking on your first career or seeking an encore profession, there are many advantages to becoming a tour guide or international tour director. Tour Guiding offers a unique combination of flexibility and personal fulfillment that you will not find in many other professions. Let’s be honest. The traditional workplace can feel safe and secure, but it […]
Learning the Art of Tour Guiding: A Personal Journey
When I first started as a tour guide, I was nervous. There was so much to remember, and I wanted everything right. Over time, I learned a few trade tricks that made guiding tours easier and a lot more fun. I’ll never forget my first tour on that sunny spring day. As I launched into […]
How to Become a Tour Guide or Tour Director
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 […]
How to Get a Job as a Tour Guide or Tour Director
Becoming a tour guide or tour director represents a significant career opportunity for individuals looking to make an impact in the travel industry. Tour guides and directors engage with people from diverse backgrounds and help create lasting memories for travelers. Since 2021, the number of people employed as tour guides has grown in the United States, as has […]
The Journey of a Tour Director: Charting Your Path
There’s a beautiful line in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring: “It’s a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no telling where you’ll be swept off to.” For ITMI students, the first step is often the hardest. You decide you don’t want […]