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How to Become a Tour Guide: Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a tour guide is not without its challenges, and acknowledging them is a crucial part of the journey. From unpredictable weather conditions to unexpected changes in the itinerary, a skilled guide learns to navigate challenges with grace and adaptability. The unpredictable nature of the job ensures that each tour is a unique adventure, keeping both the guide and the participants on their toes. It’s in overcoming these challenges that the true character of a seasoned tour guide emerges.

Steps to Becoming a Tour Guide

Whether you’re passionate about history, culture, or nature, guiding others through new experiences can be immensely rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a tour guide :

Define Your Niche

When defining your niche as a prospective tour guide, it’s akin to selecting the genre of your preferred story. What sparks your enthusiasm? Is it the allure of ancient history, the vibrancy of different cultures, the thrill of adventure, or the wonders of wildlife? Your passion should be the guiding star, shaping the narrative you wish to unfold for your future travelers. Think of it as crafting a story where you get to be the storyteller, and your chosen niche is the theme that ties everything together. This clarity not only sets the tone for your career but also ensures that you embark on a journey that resonates with your genuine interests.

Acquire Knowledge

Acquiring knowledge is akin to weaving the fabric of your tour guide persona. Dive deep into the realms of your chosen niche, be it historical narratives, cultural intricacies, or the ecological wonders of a region. This isn’t merely about memorizing facts; it’s about cultivating a profound understanding of the soul of the places you aim to introduce to others. Let your curiosity guide you through the pages of history books, cultural studies, and the very landscapes you envision guiding your future travelers through. The more intimately you know your subject, the more vividly you can paint its story for those who accompany you on the journey.

Develop Communication Skills

Consider effective communication as the bridge connecting your wealth of knowledge with the eager ears of your audience. Hone your public speaking skills, polish the art of storytelling, and engage in regular practice sessions with diverse groups. A great tour guide transcends the role of a mere informer; they are the captivating storytellers who breathe life into the destinations they guide others through. Practice not just relaying facts but creating a narrative that sparks curiosity and fascination. Developing these communication skills is key to ensuring that your tours are not just informative but memorable experiences for your audience.

Get an Education

While experience is an invaluable teacher, formal education can add structure and depth to your understanding. Consider enrolling in courses related to tourism, hospitality, or cultural studies. These educational avenues act as a valuable complement to your practical knowledge, offering insights into the industry’s nuances and best practices. 

They provide a foundational understanding of the principles that govern the world of guiding, ensuring that you navigate your role with not just passion but also a well-rounded expertise. Seek programs that align with your chosen niche, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to the specific demands of your future guiding endeavors.

Language Proficiency

Language is a potent tool for a tour guide, serving as the key to unlocking doors of communication and connection. If your aspirations extend to guiding in multilingual settings, invest in becoming proficient in the languages spoken in your desired locations. Fluency in multiple languages not only broadens your reach but also enhances your ability to cater to diverse audiences. 

It goes beyond memorizing phrases; strive for a deep understanding of cultural nuances embedded in language. Consider language courses, immersion programs, and regular practice to ensure that you can communicate with individuals from various linguistic backgrounds. This linguistic versatility not only enriches the experience for your audience but also positions you as a guide capable of bridging cultural gaps with ease.

Gain Practical Experience

The true essence of knowledge is revealed in its application. Seek opportunities for practical experience by volunteering, interning, or working part-time in the tourism industry. Consider working with established tour operators, local agencies, or cultural organizations to immerse yourself in the day-to-day intricacies of guiding. 

This practical experience allows you to navigate logistical challenges, understand the varying needs of different groups, and fine-tune your communication and leadership skills. Additionally, it provides a platform to build a network within the industry, connecting with seasoned guides, tour operators, and other professionals who can offer valuable guidance and mentorship.

Building connections within the tourism industry is similar to creating bridges to new opportunities. Attend industry events, participate in online forums, and connect with seasoned guides. Networking opens doors to mentorship and provides insights into the diverse avenues within the field. Engage with fellow guides, tour operators, and professionals through social media platforms, industry conferences, and local tourism events. 

Joining professional associations and groups related to your niche can further expand your network and expose you to valuable resources and trends in the industry. Establishing meaningful connections not only enhances your knowledge but also opens up possibilities for collaborations, referrals, and access to job opportunities. Networking is a continual process that enriches your understanding of the industry while providing a supportive community to navigate the challenges and celebrate the triumphs of being a tour guide.

Obtain Necessary Licenses & Certifications

In the world of tour guiding, licenses and certifications are badges of professionalism. Research the regulatory requirements in your chosen location and ensure you obtain the necessary permits or certifications. This not only ensures legal compliance but also instills confidence in your potential clients.

Becoming a tour guide is a transformative journey where you evolve from a curious explorer to a storyteller, enriching the experiences of those who choose to follow your guidance. Each step in this guide is a deliberate move toward realizing your dream of immersing others in the wonders of our diverse and fascinating world.

Develop a Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

In a sea of tour guides, what sets you apart? Defining your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is about identifying the distinctive qualities that make your guiding services exceptional. Consider the aspects that make your tours memorable, whether it’s specialized expertise in a certain historical period, unique access to hidden gems, or a personalized and interactive approach. 

Your USP is the beacon that attracts travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary. Craft a narrative around what makes your tours extraordinary and communicate this effectively in your marketing materials, website, and interactions. Your USP becomes the foundation for building a brand that resonates with your target audience, creating a memorable and differentiated experience that travelers will seek out.

Establishing a USP involves understanding your audience’s needs and preferences. Conduct market research to identify gaps or unmet demands in the tour guide landscape. Analyze customer feedback and testimonials to recognize what aspects of your services stand out and resonate with travelers. Whether it’s your storytelling style, exclusive access to certain locations, or a thematic approach to your tours, your USP becomes the compass that guides your business strategy and marketing efforts, ensuring that you not only meet but exceed the expectations of your clients.

Provide Excellent Customer Service

Exceptional customer service is the compass that steers the success of a tour guide. Beyond imparting knowledge, create an immersive and enjoyable experience for your guests. Anticipate their needs, offer personalized recommendations, and ensure a comfortable and safe journey. Establishing a connection with your audience goes beyond the factual; it’s about creating memorable moments that linger in their minds long after the tour concludes.

Responsive communication is a cornerstone of outstanding service. Be accessible, address queries promptly, and foster an open dialogue with your guests. A happy and satisfied customer is not just a testament to your guiding skills but also a potential ambassador who shares their positive experiences, contributing to the growth of your reputation as a trusted and sought-after tour guide. By prioritizing customer satisfaction, you don’t just guide tours; you create lasting memories and forge relationships that extend beyond the duration of a single journey.

Embarking on the journey to become a tour guide is an exciting odyssey marked by a commitment to knowledge, communication, and a deep passion for exploration. Each step in this guide is a deliberate move toward mastering the art of guiding, transforming your fascination for the world into a fulfilling career. From defining your niche to providing excellent customer service, the path to becoming a tour guide is multifaceted, requiring a blend of education, experience, and an unwavering dedication to continuous improvement.

As you navigate through the steps outlined in this guide, remember that being a tour guide is not just a profession; it’s an immersive experience that allows you to connect people with the world’s marvels. Whether you choose to work for an established agency or embark on an entrepreneurial journey, the skills you cultivate and the experiences you amass will shape you into a storyteller, a cultural ambassador, and a beacon of discovery for those who seek to explore.

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How to Become a Tour Guide

Last Updated: August 6, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Angela Rice . Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 536,044 times.

Being a tour guide can be a great career option for people who love to travel, enjoy being in front of a crowd, and are masters of multitasking. If that’s you, then start looking for job opportunities online and in your area. You can improve your chances of getting hired by becoming professionally certified or getting a degree. Once you’ve found a job, be ready to meet the challenges of this fun and unique but sometimes hectic position.

Looking for Opportunities

• To get started, enter something like “Be a tour guide on a cruise ship to the Caribbean” into your favorite search engine. You can then browse through tour guiding jobs with different companies, job requirements, and salaries.

• You may need to space these tours out, as some could get expensive. Budget in one tour every two weeks or so. While you’re looking for jobs, go on tours instead of going out to eat or doing other fun activities.
• Invite friends and family to take tours with you. They’ll be able to share their likes and dislikes with you, which will help you be a better guide once you find a job.

• For more information and to find a list of associations located around the world, visit: http://www.beabetterguide.com/tour-guide-associations/ .

• Be aware that travel agents may tell you they love a certain company if the two are in a partnership together, even if they know the company has some issues. Be sure to do your own research by going online or visiting the company’s offices.

• You can also look online to see if the companies have open jobs, as many will list these positions on their websites.
• If you’re hoping to become a tour guide to travel, this might not be your favorite option. Remember that doing work locally can help you build your resume and gain experience while staying in your comfort zone. You can always keep looking for travel-oriented jobs while you’re working!

Getting Hired

• You can also look online to find details about the test, study guides, and registration information. Enter something like “Professional licensing examination for sightseeing guides in New York City” to find everything you need to prepare for and take the test.
• Take the exam seriously. If you fail, you’ll need to pay the fee again!

• Be sure to register for courses meant for tour guides rather than tour directors. Tour directors are responsible for logistics and management, while guides lead groups and provide narration about places the group visits.
• These programs are great for meeting people in the field. Your teachers, in particular, could connect you with people they know are looking for guides.

• Be sure you have the time and money to dedicate to the classes. If you’re currently working a full-time job, look into taking night classes.

• Most reputable companies will run a background check before hiring you.
• If they like your application, most companies will contact you for one to two follow-up interviews before hiring you.

• These questions could be things like, “What would you do if the bus broke down?” or “What makes you excited to be a tour guide with us?”

Meeting the Challenges

• You may want to schedule alone time during your days off to balance out your work schedule.

• Attendees will ask you questions that may be slightly off-topic. Knowing these answers will impress your audience and make you a better guide.
• If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so. Tell your audience you’re not sure, but that you’d love to know the answer and will be looking for it as soon as you can.

• You can always contact your company for assistance in these situations, but you’ll need to keep a cool head. You’re the leader of the group when you’re out on a tour, and they’ll look to you for guidance.

• This might be hard if you’re leading groups in beautiful and relaxing locations, but stay strong! You’re getting paid for this work.

• You also need to make sure that you and your group respects the environment you’re visiting. You’ll be responsible for enforcing the rules.
• Always face your audience when giving tours. [14] X Research source

Community Q&A

• If you are looking for a job in a country that has an official language you do not speak, you should learn the language by signing up for a course or using language learning software. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Take a training course on first aid and CPR. Depending on the job you land, this may not be necessary, but as a tour guide, you will need to know what to do in emergency situations. It’ll also look good on your resume. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Be aware that while you may be working in a vacation spot, you are not on vacation yourself. The majority of your time will be spent working. Thanks Helpful 40 Not Helpful 9
• As a tour guide, you may be working long hours. Your job may be in an exciting location, but you must make sure you are capable of working a difficult schedule. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
• Be aware that many tour guide jobs are seasonal. This may mean you will not have consistent work in one location. However, if you don't mind traveling, you can always travel back and forth between hemispheres. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/linguistics-careers/how-to-become-a-tour-guide
• ↑ https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/how-to-become-a-tour-guide
• ↑ http://www.beabetterguide.com/tour-guide-associations/
• ↑ http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2013/01/22/so-you-want-to-be-a-tour-guide-afitz/
• ↑ http://www.besthospitalitydegrees.com/how-to-become-a-tour-guide/
• ↑ http://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Become_a_Professional_Tour_Guide.html
• ↑ https://savingplaces.org/stories/10-tuesday-tips-good-tour-guide#.WV-TudPytol

About This Article

If you want to become a tour guide, you should research opportunities in your area by searching online and visiting attractions where you might want to work. Depending on your city, you may need to pass an exam, so check out tour guide associations’ websites and search online to see if there are licensure requirements. If you can, take classes relevant to your field or class, or even pursue a degree in hospitality and tourism. If you can't go to school, apply to tour guide jobs that provide training. For more information about the application process and what you can expect as a tour guide, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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A tour guide.

2023 ‘믿을 수 있는 사람’ Directed by Kwak Eun-mi

Making use of her Chinese that she had picked up while living in China, Han-young obtains her tour guide-interpreter's license and starts working as a guide in Korea. She gets used to her new surroundings and gains good results at work. However, she is forced to face challenges and changes as she loses touch with her brother In-hyuk, and the number of Chinese tourists decreases due to political tension between Korean and China.

Lee Sul Oh Gyeong-hwa Park Se-hyun Jeon Bong-seok Lee Noah Woo Jeong-won

Director Director

Kwak Eun-mi

Writer Writer

Editor editor.

Choi Hyun-sook

Cinematography Cinematography

Choi Young-ki

Executive Producer Exec. Producer

Joh Keun-shik

Korean Academy of Film Arts

South Korea

Primary language, spoken languages.

Chinese Korean

Alternative Titles

믿을 수 있는 사람, 北良領導, 脫離心方向

Releases by Date

03 apr 2023, 28 apr 2023, 21 oct 2023, 19 nov 2023, 18 oct 2023, releases by country.

• Premiere Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
• Premiere Florence Korean Film Festival
• Premiere 12 Jeonju International Film Festival
• Theatrical 12
• Premiere Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival

94 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by Pierce Conran ★★★

A TOUR GUIDE, the story of a North Korean defector who has relocated to Seoul, where she works hard as a tour guide for Chinese tourists, has the typical polish and thematic clarity of other KAFA (Korean Academy of Film Arts) feature projects. But it also never rises above its individually meaningful and worthy components. It lacks staying power and emotional impact.

JEONJU 2023 RANKED (ranked)

Review by ronkao ★

最後兩顆鏡頭才有得分。

Review by FerryGodgo

VIFF #11 “Let’s forget and move on” 🇬🇧 ENGLISH Kwak Eun-mi debuts with "A Tourist Guide," a film that is at a crossroads between its potential and its execution. While the film delves into deep themes such as the struggle for opportunity, the insufferable pressure of immigrant expectations, and the insidious erosion of identity, it remains trapped in superficiality, failing to delve deeper.

Eun-mi presents scenarios and relationships that should be crucial to developing the narrative. However, characters that could have been emotional and narrative mainstays enter and exit the scene with disconcerting ease. The protagonist's mother, her brother, the girl who teaches her Chinese - all seem to vanish before they can take root in the story, leaving a void…

Review by kwanwwwck ★★

係人都知移民嘅困難，套戲只係重複講返次。導演睇睇同國嘅朴贊郁《JSA》或者中國嘅王全安《團圓》如何不賣慘及不煽情又講好兩地矛盾

Review by ytingl ★★★½

美女配回家宣言，很有說服力

這部片在我的前三名推薦連我自己都很意外，因為嚴格來說它不是一部非常有「鋒芒」的電影，不過度也不造作、中規中矩的劇本，卻是少見的、不訴諸悲壯苦情、越過邊界困難種種，以女性脫北者為主角的故事。

畫面是臺灣觀眾熟悉的「韓劇」質感，精巧流暢，卻銳利地從經濟面切入，開宗明義就告訴眼前觀眾，主角脫北來到於此「就是想賺錢」（雖然我也因此幾度擔心女主角哪時候會去犯罪）

「城內的人想出來，城外的人想進去」 ，本片能夠看見主角在南韓經濟獨立的困境、身分界定的模糊和她對於故土親人的懷念與操心，脫離心方向也同時描繪了一系列的女性群像，不論是想逃出來的、想回家去的，還有終究認清兩個政權南北兩邊都不會是自己歸屬的角色。

它非常漂亮，但越漂亮溫暖就越使觀者能與主角共感，看見生存的冷冽：當眼前沒有戰爭也沒有邊界，卻有無處不在的藩籬與想像中的落差 — 這何嘗不是一種淒涼。

從個體映照出的家國，脫離心方向處理得克制，但同時它也手腳輕巧地表示了，主角其實覺得「我們都是韓國人」「我們是同類人，為何我值得這樣的對待」跟「希望統一那天的能夠到來，這裡也將成為我的家」，這樣放在主流意社會來看顯得格格不入的政治意見。

電影讓苦苦在體制中求生的女主角，自然而然地道出自己的嚮往，也凸顯了脫北者在南韓社會中的邊緣地位與突兀位置，將他們視為投奔自由政體的宣傳工具，卻同時也是政府特別「關切」的頭痛人物、改造目標？

這些小橋段都安靜工整的埋藏在電影中，由南韓出生、完全未接觸過脫北者背景的導演所拍，於我而言，脫離心方向劇情總體來說雖沒有太大的高潮起伏，卻是成熟且經過編排的劇本，田調用心，節奏穩定。

此外我被女主角一場頭尾呼應的舞蹈動作大大說服，那是十分身體直覺性的習慣，畢竟用身體記得的事情是沒辦法被假裝、被忘記、被竄改的；因為那就是她，她的文化，她的根，她的家，甚至大到可以是她的國。女主角讓政權的分裂主義、敵對狀態都顯得荒謬又愚癡，雖然大一統宣言在亞洲早已不時興也不受歡迎，但本片就是這麼有力漂亮，喜歡。

要說我小小不滿意的地方就是…片名取得太老套了…有些親情橋段不太必要，呈現手法換一下就會更好🫶

更多 2023亞洲電影觀察團推薦片單

Review by infero ★★

1.5。韓文片名是「你可以信任的人」。題材不差，擴展了韓國影視中的「脫北者」形象範疇，沒有被商業片化甚至動作片化的超凡體能（如《極速快遞》，乃至一堆打不死的朝鮮族⋯《北逃》、《國境之南》的類型片化），抑或走入某種藝術片的強鬱悶傾向（如《茂山日記》），也不那麼涉入政治層面（如金東元，或者比較拉回的《歸北者》），而是平實地聚焦少數族群的生存困境，交代女主角為賺錢奔波，為家人打拚，卻因不被信任而困擾。

其職業是服務中國團客的導遊，作為韓國文化的「代言者」，卻又不被視為韓國人；理應是引路者（也是脫北之於家中弟妹），也確有明確目標（開場面試說想發大財，被笑很誠實），卻始終不那麼得其門而入：未察覺與發揮自己介於韓中之間的優勢，想模仿「韓國人」來融入，但終究不成功，或者表面上成功（業績got），但仍有深層的信任問題，抑或對此一目標投下疑惑。

這段緩慢鋪陳的受挫->覺醒與成長，再置於國際政治背景下強化困境（薩德建置前後的中國抵制）。後段的成長，一方面針對作為「姐姐」照顧全家的代「母職」束縛，同為脫北者的女性朋友將移民德國，勸她「Isn’t it about time living for yourself?」；另一方面則是之於浪漫愛的反高潮（韓國官方派來的男watcher〔前面強調not protector, not surveillance〕，看臉就知會想玩這招），在聖誕夜從摸小手小鹿亂撞到遭發卡。結尾在機場，在淺焦鏡頭中，從有焦前景走入失焦彼方（並帶微微仰角）作收。

總之，定位有，可想像在韓國獲肯定，但拍攝實在乏善可陳（也是一個在全洲世界首映的KAFA作品），閃回段落尤其不行。那些不OK的臨演中文表演，或許對於韓國人或其他地方觀眾還好，但確實讓我的觀感持續下探。

-原來首爾的景福宮，居然比紫禁城還早！

-電影院那段，背景有尹汝貞的The Bacchus Lady的海報。

Review by Amos Lin ★★

中規中矩的脫北者故事（in South Korea Vision），「心之所向」引導的離鄉／追尋團圓之旅，導遊的設定很刻意，中國與韓國的連結和對映沒有很必要，脫北者的狀態模擬不太足夠，但女主角演得確實是挺不錯的。

《脫離心方向A Tour Guide》(2023) dir: 郭恩美Kwak Eun-Mi

韓國近年的片多頗有往議題方面靠攏之趨勢，即使將其情節類型化，也多半難以脫離各類關乎種族、階級，或是道德兩難的批判。前幾年紅極一時的《寄生上流》如此，這幾年如《噤聲海鷗》探討老年性侵、《熔爐》探討弱勢性暴力，再到去年奈派克《私密背叛》探討性影像外流等等亦如是，不難發覺無論電影自身的客群定位是商業片，或是更為小眾的片，多多少少皆有此一傾向。《脫離心方向》基本上亦屬於此一題材脈絡當中的一小章節，郭恩美將鏡頭凝視的對象指向了因應當代南北韓的特殊政治情勢所誕生的一群「脫北者」——亦即透過任何管道離開了北韓，到中國、南韓生活的北韓人民。但敘事模式上並未透過將其動作、類型化來使情節變得更為殊勝，而是選擇更為平淡、日常化的鏡頭來聚焦這些脫北者：從工作、親人，甚至是情感關係上，那種是韓國人，卻又不是那麼「韓國人」者的困境。 對《脫離心方向》這部片而言，裡頭的困境並不只是生活的，更具備高強度的身分政治關聯，脫北者的身分帶來的不只是工作的困難，也帶來了一種內建性的敵／我國的身分危機，以及其所導向的信任問題。但導演並未選擇直接面對這群人在國內的身分問題，而是透過主角的「導遊」身分設定，來帶出韓國—中國的文化壁壘，以及「觀光」所帶來的交流與衝擊，由這種外於身分的問題，去鏡像出更為內置於自我身分的關係。 自然這些安排種種以後設的視野來看不免有些工整與刻意，拍攝執行上也因為其生活與瑣碎化的節奏而看來有些脫沓，但其所鋪陳的心境轉換仍頗能服人，一邊是為了工作與生存，而採取的卑屈姿態；一邊卻是一個女性需要作為引路人（大約也就是英文片名A Tour Guide的由來），卻犧牲的家庭關係、生活與親密。結尾的那顆鏡頭，大約是整部片最跳脫，無關敘事的鏡頭，卻在種種緩慢壓力成形之下，而使得觀眾得以感受與理解其所作出的任何選擇。 總體而言，《脫離心方向》許多方面的執行其實很難不脫去一種「南韓視角下的脫北者」的觀點，包括對中國遊客、脫北者以及過去片段中的各類人，都會使人有一種導演為了描繪自己理想的原型，而犧牲了其他人物立體性的問題，若是其描述的對象身在其中，更難不感受到那種刻板印象操弄而造就的不適感。可就其定位而言，這部片仍然是定位明確，且發展方向明朗的一部片，作為導演長片首作雖稱不上是一鳴驚人，但敘事上仍舊頗為完整，未來可期。

Review by maneuver ★★★

why was it so hot in there

Review by SGCtellandshow ★★★★

Film 292 "23 #ATourGuide solid debut & script from Kwak Eun Mi. Having seen Lee Sul recently on Thunderbird it was a nice seeing her here NK defector story. Asks all the questions but the staying power of the quiet moments of reflection & life planning adds more to this narrative.

VIFF2023. twitter.com/SamGorC/status/1709045424001364265?s=19

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Travelling Without a Passport

How to Become a Tour Guide

So, you want to get paid to travel the world? Being a tour guide means you get to travel  while working, be the envy of all your friends, and visit dream destinations all over the globe! You’ll meet people from everywhere, wake up in a different city every other day, and truly become a citizen of the world. But do you know what you are getting yourself into, and what it takes to land one of the best jobs ever? Read on to find out how to become a tour guide! 

Travel to: Europe

Important to note: Though a lot of people living on the road are referred to as tour guides, in some countries, they’re tour leaders, managers, directors… the list goes on! It’s important to know that when you’re looking for travelling job opportunities, many tour guide job advertisements will be looking for licensed city tour specialists, who unlike you will be looking to stay put in one city

See Also: Every Question You've Ever Had About Group Tours

How to become a tour guide

If you’ve decided this is the life for you, but don’t know how to go about getting your foot in the door, here’s a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into what it takes to become a tour guide! 

The pros of this job can’t be counted on just one hand, but becoming tour guide doesn’t mean a permanent vacation. It’s a competitive field, and you’ll have to work hard to keep your coveted role. You need to be dedicated, but you also need to know how to have fun.  You’ll live out of a suitcase, answer hundreds of questions every day, and work with many different personalities and cultures from all over the world. A tour guide is at the heart of a tour and can make or break the experience. Translation: there is no such thing a “bad day.”

Your passengers have saved long and hard to come on your tour, and you need to do everything in your power, every day, to make sure they have the trip of a lifetime (no matter how challenging it might be).  You need to be patient, fierce, tenacious, and most importantly possess a genuine passion for your passengers and profession. Still up for the challenge? Here’s what you need to do next! 

Step 1: Research tour operators in advance

Do your research! It’s important to find a tour operator that aligns with your interests. Are you a history lover that enjoys a relaxed pace of travel with a more mature audience? Or do you prefer non-stop adventure and fast-paced city hopping with today’s youth? No matter the operator there’s a tour style that will fit your own, it’s just a matter of doing your homework to find them. And of course, different operators will require different levels of experience and external certifications depending on where their tours travel and what type of experiences you’d be facilitating as their guide. 

You should also find out how much experience you need for the tour operator you have your eye on. Some tour operators won’t require you to have any previous experience and will instead invest huge amounts of time and money in “auditioning” you. These jobs are highly sought after by many young, enthusiastic adventurers, so the stakes are high. You’ll be looking at 2-3 months without an income, travelling through potentially expensive European cities and without any guarantee you have the job until you’ve passed the finish line! Pretty soon into the process, you’ll find out if you are up to the challenge and whether you have the necessary skills, personality and expertise to make it or break it as a tour guide.

Other tour operators may have much shorter training periods, but will need you to know a lot about the region you want to work in: maybe you’ve lived there for an extended period, or speak the language, or you have a degree related to the culture or history of the region. Your speaking skills will be tested in an interview before training, and finally, some operators will look for individuals that have been  guiding or tour leading for at least a couple of years before they will even consider you. If you’re starting out, wait until you’ve got some solid experience under your belt before reaching out to these companies! 

All in all, it’s important to choose an operator that fits your personality and travels to destinations you feel passionate about! 

Step 2: Remember that it’s both a job  and a lifestyle

Living a life on the road is both a lifestyle and a job. You need to have a consistent passion for learning, relentlessly optimistic outlook and dedication to hard work. If you’re one of the lucky few that lands the job you need to be prepared to give up everything about your old life. You will be on call 24/7, your own needs will always, always,  be the last priority and you’ll find yourself with little to no time to speak with your friends and family back home. If you can make peace with all of the above, then focus on crafting the perfect application, preferably one that touches on your passion for learning, relentlessly optimistic outlook and dedication to hard work.

Spend plenty of time tailoring your application letter and resume to fit the role and the company you’re applying for. Experience with travel, being able to talk about history, culture, art and much much more at a moment’s notice and charisma will help, but  you also need to think about who their audience is! What can you offer this company (that thousands of other applicants can’t) to convince them they are placing their valued customers in the right hands? 

Be confident in selling your skills, especially the ones essential to successfully running a tour. Highlight any professional experiences like being able to perform under pressure, working with groups, and any relevant language or academic knowledge that will help you to stand out. Give examples of past experiences and anything else that will make your application jump off the page.

Step 3: Prepare for the interview process

The interview round depends on the company’s recruitment process. It could be one meeting or a series of meetings. The tour operator wants to see if you are the right fit for them and the real deal. It’s time to convince them that you can put your money where your mouth is. Come prepared with examples in your head, and be prepared for seemingly-random questions that will test your character, initiative, and even your general know how.

Tour operators invest a huge amount in their tour guides. There are very few other jobs in the world where people work so independently of their managers’ presence from the beginning of their employment. Their brand and their customer’s experience is the most important thing to them, and they should have no doubts that you are a superstar who can do the job professionally and support their goals. Get a good night’s sleep before your interview and enter the room calm, confident, and personable.

See Also: Everything Your Tour Guide Wants You to Know Before You Travel

Step 4: Study, study, study!

You’ve been accepted to progress beyond your application submission. Now’s time to get stuck into preparing yourself to become the rookie tour guide of the year! While organisational and personal skills probably come naturally to you, no one, no matter how much they have studied, is prepared for the questions you will face while on your first tour or training trip. And if you hate studying, you may as well peace out now! 

Where is the closest cash machine? What kind of tree is that? When was that building built? What’s the major industry of that little town we just passed?

The more you know about history, culture, food, language, geography, politics, economy, and flora and fauna before heading out on your training trip, and hopefully your first tour, the better. You will never know all the answers, but you’ll learn smooth ways to own up to that, or find out and provide a helpful response shortly after (hello Google), or direct the passenger to where they might find out.

If the company you’ve applied to work with has a training trip before you embark on your first adventure with real, paying clients, they will be doing all they can to replicate every single possible tricky scenario you could come across on tour. Given that you’re applying for one of the most popular jobs in the world, it’s going to be intense, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get maximum satisfaction out of it. Making it to the end of your training is a huge accomplishment in itself. So p repare well, work hard, keep your wits about you and sleep now, because if you do become a tour guide, you can kiss more than six hours of shut-eye per night goodbye! 

Step 5: Preparing for your first tour as a tour guide

You did it! You may have shed blood, sweat and tears to get here but you can finally call yourself a tour guide! It doesn’t matter if you’re  new to this because everyone has to start somewhere. Celebrate the fact that you’re here because experienced touring professionals believe you have what it takes to take passengers on the trip of a lifetime. So have some confidence in yourself. Your colleagues and peers can help you when you need it but focus on the most important thing of all, your passengers! If you gain their respect and they can see you know what you’re doing, you’re well on your way to being a roaring success.

Now that you’re a tour guide, there are a few other things to keep in mind. Your life will change. This isn’t a run of the mill 9 to 5, but if you’re leading a group of tourists towards the pyramids of Giza then you already knew that! Irregular hours means keeping in touch with loved ones or having a routine isn’t easy, but standing at the foot of the world’s greatest wonders will outweigh the crazy hours and lack of routine. If you love what you do, then none of it will feel like a sacrifice, in fact, you might even say all of the above is the best feeling! Not many people can call the world their office or say their day job includes visiting incredible sights and attractions that the rest of us dream about.

Requirements to become a tour guide

Work permits and passport.

Before you begin your application, do a solid check on the work permit requirements. Are you legally able to work in the country where you’ll be touring, or is there a visa or work permit you’ll need?

Before investing your time, heart, and soul in a solid job application, make sure you’ve got the legal parts covered.

See Also: Most Difficult Countries to Get a Visa

When to apply

Most tour operators will hire in preparation for their peak season. If you’re interested in working in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s best to apply around September, as applications will usually close before the new year to have training arranged in the first months of the year.

If you want to work in a region with year-round tourism (such as South East Asia, for example), check with the company to see when they run their training trips, or when is the best time to apply. If you’re lucky, they’ll tell you they can take an application anytime!

If you’d like to work in Australia and New Zealand, applications are generally taken around mid-year in preparation for the summer. As there is more demand for tour guides in summer months in most regions, the operators hire and prepare new tour guides for the peak season. Those tour guides may then apply or request to also have some winter work.

If becoming a tour guide is for you, maybe it’s time to start doing your research on which companies you’d like to apply to! It may seem like a daunting task, but for those suited to the job, it’s a dream come true.

Have any questions about the process? Ask us in the comments below! 

Finally settled down in Vienna after 9 years of leading tours in Europe, Leona first joined TourRadar in 2016. She speaks four languages and enjoys cooking authentic traditional recipes, walking in the hills around Vienna and arranging beer coasters so they're all facing the same way.

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Definition of tour guide

Examples of tour guide in a sentence.

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“Tour guide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tour%20guide. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.

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10 Tips for Being a Good Tour Guide

• More: Preservation Tips and Tools
• By: Emily Potter

In the spring of 2013, when a hint of warmer weather got us ready to think about being outside, we put together a toolkit with ideas to help you organize a tour in your community . But don’t let the current chilly winter season stop you from giving―or going on―tours.

Instead, use these 10 tips, compiled by Johns Hopkins, Executive Director of Baltimore Heritage , to help you be the best tour guide you can be. (Not a tour guide? These tips can also give you insight into being a good tour goer.)

1. Face the crowd, not what you’re talking about. Tour guides often get so wrapped up in their subject they forget to face the people they are addressing. One secret to avoid this is to designate somebody in the crowd to interrupt you if they can’t hear you.

2. Be personal. No matter how much we love buildings, it’s a fact that people connect with people. So it’s good to have a few personal anecdotes ready, even if they’re just about past tours you've done. You’ll build a more personal connection to your group and create a memorable tour.

3. Tell a story (historical or contemporary). Make sure you have a few fun and compelling stories to tell about the buildings and sites you’re looking at. People are more likely to feel engaged when they are listening to a story, rather than a list of dates and names.

photo by: Marcin Wichary, Flickr

Tell a story, share your passion, get your tour group engaged in the places and sites you're excited about.

4. Get moving right away. Tours often get bogged down before they ever begin with tour guides doing the “big wind-up”―introductions, setting the theme, providing context, etc. Plan to scrap 90% of it.

Hint: If you have a script, the first line should tell you: “Move thirty feet up the street before you say anything.”

5. Don’t worry about being perfect. People don’t expect you to be perfect. Set the stage for human imperfection by acknowledging that people who may know more than you should speak up and share their knowledge with the group. The more interactive the tour is, the better!

6. Get help to get organized. Try to get a volunteer to check people in so you can chat with tour goers. People give tours for many reasons, but a big one is to meet new people, and the time before the tour is a great chance to get to know your group.

Hint: If you don’t have a volunteer beforehand, ask somebody on the spot. (They’ll love it!)

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7. End on time. (Or try very hard to.) Try like crazy to end on time. Nobody wants to feel like they are in tour jail. Tours on paper always seem too short and on the ground are always too long. Two hours is the absolute maximum. An hour to an hour and a half is better.

8. Limit your number of speakers. It’s hard to talk for just five minutes, so when you have multiple guides talking about different subject areas, it’s easy to lose track of time. Avoid it if you can, but, if you do have several different guides with you, designate one as the lead guide and the others as experts in a specific area.

9. Send a follow-up email. Follow up with an email―it can be as simple as a “thank you” note. If you can follow the tour with another contact, by email or otherwise, that’s another step towards creating a better link between the tour taker and your organization.

10. Avoid these traps:

• “12 (or 20…) people on the tour is the max.” Rather, let the space and tour guide set the scene.
• “You MUST plan everything out ahead of time.” In fact, a little spontaneity is good.
• “Don’t do outdoor tours in the winter.” People will still come, even in the snow.
• “Always have a backup plan in case it rains.” Don’t worry, people will come out in the rain, and it’s much easier than rescheduling.

A version of this story was published on 1/5/2016.

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• Cast & crew

A Tour Guide

Making use of her Chinese that she learned while living in China, Han-young obtains her tour guide-interpreter's license and starts working as a guide in Korea. She gains good results at wor... Read all Making use of her Chinese that she learned while living in China, Han-young obtains her tour guide-interpreter's license and starts working as a guide in Korea. She gains good results at work, but she is forced to face challenges. Making use of her Chinese that she learned while living in China, Han-young obtains her tour guide-interpreter's license and starts working as a guide in Korea. She gains good results at work, but she is forced to face challenges.

• Eun-Mi Kwak
• Bong-Seok Jeon
• Woo Jung-won
• Oh Kyung-hwa
• 2 Critic reviews

• (as Kyung-Hwa Oh)

• (as Seol Lee)
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Tour guiding – turning passion into profession

Are you someone who loves to explore new places and connect with people from different backgrounds? Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge of fascinating de­stinations? If so, becoming a tour guide might be the ideal career choice for you. Tourism is bigger business than ever and data from 2022 reveals there were more than 960 million international tourist expeditions , creating many opportunities for tour guides. In this article, we will dive­ into the thrilling world of tour guiding. We will discuss the e­ssential aspects of this profession, the necessary qualifications, job opportunities, and how to effectively showcase your skills as a potential guide.

What is tour guiding?

Tour guiding goes beyond simply showing people around a destination. It involves e­scorting individuals or groups to various points of interest, such as historic sites, muse­ums, zoos or gardens, as well as educating and enlighte­ning visitors about the wonderful places they visit. You would also help make sure tourists are safe and comfortable during their visit.

As well as enhancing the overall tourist experience, tour guiding goes beyond mere surface-le­vel guidance. Tour guides serve as a vital link betwee­n cultures, fostering understanding and appre­ciation for our diverse world.

Qualifications and skills needed to be a tour guide

Becoming a tour guide­ involves obtaining the necessary qualifications, de­veloping essential skills and acquiring extensive knowledge about the chosen destination. This enhance­s the abilities of a tour guide and e­nriches the overall experience for tourists.

Educational requirements

One great way to become a tour guide is to get a hospitality degree from a reputable hospitality school. While a de­gree is not always mandatory, it can offer advantages in the competitive­ field of tour guiding. Popular majors for aspiring tour guides include history, tourism management, and international relations.

It’s also worth looking into other education and certificates. You might be able to get local guiding qualifications for specific areas. If you’re interested in adventure­ tours, having additional certifications in areas such as first aid or wilderne­ss survival can boost your employability.

Personality traits and characteristics

Being a successful tour guide is more than simply providing information. It also requires certain personality traits to engage and connect with visitors on a personal level. Among the qualities you’ll need are:

• Communication skills : it is essential you can communicate information effectively to ensure visitors fully comprehend the historical or cultural importance of various sites
• Emotional intelligence: paying attention to guests’ reactions and promptly addressing their questions and requirements helps create me­morable experiences
• Organization: you need good organization and time management skills to give tours successfully

Knowledge and expertise

If you’re going to be imparting knowledge of a particular area, you’ll need to know your stuff. Much of what you need to know can be studied, while some you will pick up as you work. The kind of expertise you need to build includes:

• A comprehensive understanding of the geography, culture, history and architecture of destinations
• Knowledge of green tourist activities
• Speaking several languages  – this enormously expands your potential audience

Types of tour guides

xavierarnau/E+ via Getty Images

Essentially, this profession is divided into two major categories: local tour guides and international tour guides. While there is a great deal of crossover, these roles are distinct from each other and demand customized skill sets.

Local tour guides

Local guiding is a challenge and an opportunity. To excel at being a local tour guide, you need to possess specialist knowledge of a locale and its historical sites, eateries only locals know and cultural attractions tucked away in back streets.

Some key tips for local tour guides are:

• Organize attraction visits outside peak times and rush hours
• Recommend food destinations to provide travelers with unique gastronomic experiences
• Provide tips about the best shopping destinations for local goods

International tour guides

International tour guides are professionals who are experienced travelers and have acquired comprehensive knowledge.

As with local guiding, you’ll deliver compelling stories filled with details related to the history or culture of visited locations. But there are additional requirements for handling international tours, such as possessing proficiency in multiple languages, managing accommodation and looking after transport logistics.

Working internationally often means you are linked directly with a travel company and this can improve your job prospects globally.

Responsibilities of a tour guide

Tour guides create meaningful experiences connecting tourists with their surroundings. They handle the tourism experience from start to finish, including planning, leading and communicating closely with clients.

Planning tours and itineraries

This is a key task that demands meticulous attention to detail. The focus is on crafting a seamless experience for clients, considering factors such as timing and accessibility. Skillful itinerary design helps ensure memorable experiences for guests.

Leading tours

This includes sharing facts and bringing the culture and history of a place to life. There’s also a lot of behind-the-scenes work, such as being aware of any safety concerns, navigating and ensuring clients are comfortable and engaged.

Effective communication

Communicating well with your clients, potential guests, hotels, attraction staff and restaurants is paramount. Both written and verbal communication skills are essential and will help you organize visits with people from different cultures.

Working conditions of a tour guide

Tour guiding can be an exhilarating career choice, with new adventures around every corner. Nonetheless, before stepping into this exciting profession, it’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of the working conditions involved.

Hours and schedules

As a tour guide, your job schedule will largely depend on the type of tours you conduct. There is no standard ‘nine-to-five’ routine in tour guiding. For example, if you specialize in local guiding for city-oriented landmarks or museums, your shifts would mostly align with their operational hours during the day. Alternatively, if you are involved in eco-tours such as birdwatching, you may find early mornings or dusk are your peak times due to animal activity. You should also expect your working hours to change with the seasons.

Work environment

As you would expect, the tour guiding working environment varies significantly depending upon the location and type of tours led by guides.

If you like the outdoors, you could flourish as a nature guide where your work environment could be national parks, wildlife sanctuaries or botanical gardens. On the other hand, city tour guides specialize in urban settings where architecture and built heritage dominate. For international tour guides, you’ll likely operate in a variety of countries and experience different climates, languages and cultures.

Career path and progression for a tour guide

The path to becoming a tour guide could start with a qualification or through being a junior guide, where your main duties might be welcoming tourists at locations and providing them with general assistance. As you gain experience on the job, expanding your expertise in local guiding or becoming certified, more doors will open for you.

After establishing yourself, you could progress into roles such as senior guide or management, overseeing other guides’ work and devising customized travel plans.

Tour guides may also venture into alternative professions related to their role in other areas, such as:

• Travel advisor : an experienced tour guide may decide to draw on their knowledge about multiple destinations and vacation planning as a travel advisor.
• Destination marketer : using your experience of what attracts people to certain areas, you could transition towards promoting those unique offerings through destination marketing.

If you’re looking to join this exciting field, consider studying hospitality and tourism management . It will provide you with a broader understanding of the travel industry and prepare you for leadership role­s in the tourism industry. Be sure to read about the diffe­rence betwe­en hospitality management degrees and tourism studies to find which type of course suits your goals best.

Current opportunities for a tour guide

There is great potential in tour guiding that can be accessed through various avenues such as apprenticeships, specialized courses and job opportunities.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship presents a rich learning experience and could serve as a springboard for those wishing to start their journey as a tour guide. Shadowing seasoned guides, you’ll gain first-hand knowledge about how to become a tour guide and could start leading your own tours, making it a highly practical way to learn.

If you want to aim for management roles, a specialized degree would help you gain the right skills. A hospitality degree can help you learn how to manage teams in tourism and how to create unforgettable experiences for clients.

Start your journey into tour guiding by learning from industry experts and through professional internships that will help you land exciting roles.

As well as with traditional travel age­ncies and resorts, skilled tour or city guide­s can find opportunities in a variety of sectors. Muse­ums and historic sites often see­k knowledgeable guide­s, while national parks require e­xperts who can share information and enforce­ safety regulations. Tour guiding skills are also highly valued in hospitality care­ers as hotels and resorts aim to enhance guest service­s.

How to highlight your tour guiding skills

Knowing how to showcase your tour guiding skills effectively in a job application is key if you want to stand out. We’ll focus on putting those skills in a resumé or cover letter and highlighting them in an interview.

On a resumé or cover letter

Your resumé or cover letter gives potential employers their first impression of who you are as a professional. You can make it count in the following ways:

• Starting with your credentials: mention relevant education, training courses and any guiding badges earned from recognized bodies such as the Institute of Tourist Guiding
• Including specifics: start with a list of basic tour guide skills such as organization and public speaking as well as specifics such as local knowledge or language proficiency
• Using examples: describe how you’ve used your skills in previous roles
• Highlighting achievements: provide quantifiable achievements such as boosting customer satisfaction ratings

For the job interview

During interviews, conveying passion will be as important as demonstrating expertise. Some ways you can do this are:

• Discussing why you decided on becoming a tour guide
• Giving specific instances when asked about qualifications or experiences
• Doing your research on the role you’re applying for
• Displaying genuine curiosity and enthusiasm to enhance credibility

Try to ensure each response emphasizes why you consider guiding to be more than just a job and demonstrate how passionate you are to deliver excellence.

Tour guiding is a profession brimming with potential for those who have a passion for history, culture or the outdoors. Tour guides undertake the significant task of rendering unfamiliar places accessible to tourists from various parts of the globe.

The qualifications of a tourist guide go beyond formal education. Acquiring essential skills such as excellent communication skills, enthusiasm, organization and extensive knowledge about various subjects is hugely important. To flourish in your career path as a tour guide and gain a competitive advantage when applying for tour guide jobs, you can gain skills on the job as a tour guide or study a degree in tourism and hospitality.

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Senior Photo Editor Dan Westergren snapped this photo of his tour guide as they neared the top of Mont Blanc in the Alps. "If one of you falls off," the guide said, "the other two have to jump in the opposite direction."

10 Great Tour Guides

From Traveler Magazine's 2011 Tours of a Lifetime

• Roberto Strippoli A native of Puglia, Strippoli is a font of Italian history. In the off-season, he focuses on his culinary and sommelier studies. He is a multisport guide for Backroads . "A favorite spot is the little 14th-century Cetrella church going up from Anacapri to Monte Solaro. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture with balconies that face the Gulf of Naples, and guests just love it. The view, the nature, the colors—that’s the essence of the Amalfi coast . It’s a great example of integration of architecture and landscape. And it demonstrates how clever those Christian mystics and hermits really were."
• Kennedy Omwenga A safari director for Micato Safaris, Omwenga grew up tending goats in the western highlands of Kenya , where he returns at times to serve as a Kisii tribal chief. "My hope is for guests to connect with the local people so that they can understand the diversity of our cultures and appreciate how different our lives are compared to most Americans’ lives. At the same time, I show that we’re more alike than they may think. We all hope for a better future for our children, for a cleaner planet, and for peace. Also, many travelers are surprised to learn that some Kisii people have Facebook pages, even though they still live in the traditional way."
• Nic Polenakis Polenakis, an independent guide for Africa Adventure Company , was born in Zimbabwe and is specially trained to lead walking safaris. "I often sit for hours in anticipation of a kill and will analyze and investigate every fresh leopard track, rhino dung midden, steaming elephant dropping, buffalo wallow, lion roar, or any clue to the whereabouts of the animals. However, I just as passionately explain African culture and history, seek birds, insects, and reptiles; identify trees, grasses, and shrubs; and discuss everything else to do with conservation and ecotourism. To me it’s all about revealing the big picture and not necessarily only the Big Five."
• Alfredo and Joaquin Meneses Alfredo, an independent guide in Ecuador for Southern Explorations and other outfitters, is an expert kayaker, completing more than 50 river descents. Joaquin often joins his father on family itineraries. "One of our guides dislocated a shoulder on the Jatunyacu River. It looked bad. Suddenly an Indian woman appeared as if from nowhere. She picked up a stone, smashed some plants, and rubbed them on him, then took his arm, and with the most gentle movement, put it back in place. This is the kind of thing we see in the jungle. Joaquin: I make friends with the kids on the trip and show them things my dad taught me."
• Peter Hillary Hillary, an expedition leader and expert for National Geographic 
Expeditions , first climbed Mount Everest in 1990, 37 years after his father, Edmund, made the first ascent with Tenzing Norgay. "I have a genuine love for the journeys upon which I am embarking and I get pleasure out of sharing it with other people. My favorites are unquestionably the Himalaya (they’re almost like a second home) and Antarctica. They are contrasting worlds, one brimming with life and people and the other an ice-age wilderness."
• Lel Tone Tone grew up in Switzerland and began skiing in the Alps when she was just two years old. She is a heli-skiing guide in Alaska for EpicQuest . "Alaska is immense and beautiful. Often this combination is overwhelming and intimidating. Over the years, I’ve found it’s important to be all guide and part counselor. It is important to be aware and have compassion. There is nothing better than seeing the joy in a smile of someone who just skied a line they thought they couldn’t or pushed through fears or lack of confidence, something that brought them to the edge of their comfort zone."
• Annie Dowling A cultural guide in India and China for Tauck , Dowling once worked with refugees in Asia. "In China, I get the guests up early so we are the first ones into Pit Number 1 at the Museum of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. We stand in absolute quiet with the figures offering mute testimony to Emperor Qin’s megalomania. In India, I love taking guests to Varanasi. Picture the evening ceremonies: the drama at the Manikarnika cremation ground, the faithful bathing and worshipping the sun, the golden light on the stone mansions along the ghats. It’s colorful, magical, and soul-stirring."
• Monica and Maria 
Elena Malpezzi Price The siblings grew up in the bike touring business and bought Experience Plus! Bicycle Tours from their parents. Some guests aren’t comfortable talking to strangers, especially if they don’t speak the same language. I love to be the catalyst in connecting guests with locals in Italy . Ultimately, the more we all communicate, the more we understand about the world. Maria Elena: It’s important to be intuitive to people’s needs and know how to juggle the individual and the group experience, so guests can relax while being encouraged to join in the fun and camaraderie.
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11 Essential Tour Guide Skills

By: Marium Farooq

January 23, 2024

Table of Contents

Tour guides bear plenty of responsibility in immersing travellers in the culture of a foreign land and serve as the gatekeepers of exploration and discovery. A tour guide is more than just a person who can recite facts about various cities or destinations. They represent the face of the tour company, responsible for engaging the tour group and enhancing the tour experience. Tour guides are the perfect tool for these tours, adding an extra layer of excitement and knowledge to any trip. But behind their effortless charm and extensive knowledge lies a set of essential skills that make them the vital link between travellers and their chosen destinations. From excellent communication to cultural sensitivity, these skills empower tour guides to craft immersive and enlightening experiences that connect travellers with the essence of a place.

Key Skills and Qualities Every Tour Guide Should Possess

Here are some important skills for a tour guide to have that can really make or break the overall tourist experience.

1. Strong Communication Skills 

Strong communication skills are extremely important in tour guiding. Tour guides must be articulate, engaging, and capable of answering multiple guest questions. Communication skills on tours often involve public speaking and active listening to ensure everyone in the tour group feels open and heard. At times, they may even have to address questions they’ve answered multiple times already. According to John Voci, a former tour guide with over a decade of experience, having strong communication skills is at the heart of being a tour guide. This is because they don’t simply deliver a speech but must first understand what the tourists already know about the place, what interests them, and then match their expectations with the information provided. A significant aspect of strong communication is the ability to listen, understand, and respond in a way that maintains the interest of the people receiving the information.

2. The Right Energy

Tour guides’ enthusiasm can significantly impact the overall tourist experience. Often, we encounter individuals who are overly enthusiastic about selling something or tend to exaggerate the service or product, and they often come off as annoying or inauthentic. It is extremely important for a tour guide to be energetic and excited about the experiences while simultaneously sounding genuine and relaxed. This helps create a relaxed vibe that tourists can enjoy.

3. Flexibility and Adaptability

Charisma is natural, but a tour guide can only be fully equipped if they have training in all aspects of tours and potential situations that might arise. Often, unprecedented situations arise where the guide must change the schedule and adapt to unforeseen circumstances. Adaptability and flexibility are not only required for these unanticipated situations but are also essential to meet various guest needs and interests, while keeping to a natural flow of the experience.

It is a constant challenge to determine what information needs to be shared and what would be interesting to the tourists. An expert guide may need to adjust the amount of information provided for different locations or the pace of the tour, especially if the tour group consists of individuals of varying ages. As a result, tour guides can demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in different circumstances, enhancing the overall experience of the tour.

A great memory can take you a long way, especially if you are a tour guide. Memorized facts and stories are a significant part of being a successful tour guide. Often, we underestimate this skill; it takes a considerable effort to learn facts about a place and present them in an interesting way. Whether it’s a trip to a museum, garden, or an art gallery, the tour guide’s ability to share information can truly make or break your overall experience. The guide’s knowledge can have a profound impact on how tourists perceive their experience.

Tour guides must possess an impressive memory to recall small details about everything they are showcasing. Without that insight and knowledge, it may seem hollow, no matter how charismatic the tour guide might be. And don’t forget the power in remembering your guests name can have on creating a special experience.

5. Cheerful and Positive Vibes

This is not necessarily a skill but rather a personality trait. A tour guide needs to be someone who is enjoyable to be around. There are individuals who radiate positive energy, making others want to spend time with them. This type of charisma can truly set apart a successful tour guide. One of the crucial aspects of a tour guide’s role is to organize and ensure everyone is entertained and adhering to the schedule. It is important for tourists to rely on the tour guide for guidance rather than doing their own thing.

When a group of tourists comes together, there is often some social awkwardness as they typically don’t know each other. In such situations, it becomes the tour guide’s responsibility to alleviate that awkwardness and create a more comfortable atmosphere.

6. Storytelling and Creativity

There are millions of ways to deliver a speech, and what sets apart a good tour guide is their ability to improvise, their sense of humour, and the skill to create an engaging storyline from historical facts that might otherwise be challenging to grasp or remember. After all, few people  want to simply receive a lecture while on vacation. One way to gauge the success of a tour guide is to assess the knowledge tourists gain when leaving the experience and how much value they have derived from it. A tour guide might have memorized millions of facts about a destination, but the ability to pull out the right fact for the audience from their personal knowledge bank and present it in a way that is both interesting and engaging truly determines success.

7. Tech-savvy

In a rapidly advancing technological landscape, it’s no secret that technology wields significant influence. The tourism industry places an increased emphasis on social media marketing, and the unmatched benefits of booking software, coupled with a substantial surge in digital content, give a tech-savvy tour guide a distinct advantage over those lacking technical knowledge. A tech-savvy tour guide can assist tour operators in creating content that can be utilized across various marketing channels and platforms to attract more customers.

8. Improvisational skills 

According to John Voci, our Sales Director, who began his career as a tour guide, it is essential for tour guides to quickly assess the group’s state of mind and tailor the tour to create a pleasant experience. For instance, if it’s a walking or biking tour, and the rest point is 30 minutes away but the group members are struggling, possibly due to weather conditions or preexisting health issues, the tour guide might decide to take an early break to ensure the overall experience isn’t too strenuous for the group. This is why tour guides who can easily assess situations and make prompt decisions, instead of strictly adhering to the script or itinerary, are crucial. And to do all this while keeping guests of all speeds engaged takes skill.

9. Professionalism

The work ethic speaks volumes about a tour guide’s ability. They can be smart, humorous, and have extensive knowledge, but if they are unprofessional, miss meetings, arrive late, or are unreliable, they can cause more harm than good. It greatly depends on your guide to elevate your company’s image or potentially tarnish it. 

The element of integrity is non-negotiable as they represent the face of your company. A professional guide ensures your guests enjoy a seamless experience, making your brand shine. They not only impart knowledge but also ensure that guests feel valued and well-cared for throughout the tour. And while angry customers may be rare in the tour guide-to-guest relationship, the ability to handle late arrivals or other poor conditions professionally is key; not just for the tour group, but your company’s reputation.

10. First Aid Training

While not all tours are presented with hazardous conditions, ensuring the safety and well-being of your guests is of utmost importance. Since tour guides typically bear the responsibility for the group’s safety, having proper training becomes an invaluable asset. While nature and historical landmarks offer beauty, they may also present risks that first aid training can equip you to handle. This includes being prepared for scenarios such as allergic reactions, injuries from encounters with animals, minor incidents resulting from slipping and falling, and other unforeseen emergencies.

11. Organization and Time Management Skills 

Organization and time management skills are imperative for a tour guide.  Their responsibilities include planning of itineraries, seamless coordination of transportation, and the essential task of maintaining the tour schedule. Beyond merely adhering to time constraints, tour guides must ensure that the itinerary accommodates exploration and enjoyment for the tourists at each destination.

Being well-organized involves meticulous attention to details, from scheduling transportation to planning activities, ensuring that every aspect of the tour aligns with the expectations and preferences of the tourists. The ability to manage time effectively is not just about punctuality but also about creating a seamless flow that maximizes the tourist experience. An organized tour guide plays a key role in  creating a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable travel experience for the tourist group.

Since guests’ satisfaction typically hinges on the Tour Operator’s ability to deliver an unforgettable experience, the tour guide’s skills directly shape the tourist experience. As the primary point of contact, the ability to facilitate a smooth, engaging, and informative experience can significantly influence their perspective of the entire journey.

The role of a tour guide is not merely about sharing information; it’s about crafting an experience that lingers in the memories of the tourists. The twelve essential skills discussed here underscore the multifaceted nature of a successful tour guide.

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How To Be A Successful Tour Guide

Published: December 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Jenelle Speck

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Introduction

Being a tour guide can be an incredibly rewarding and exciting profession. It allows you to share your passion for travel and adventure with others while immersing yourself in different cultures and exploring new destinations. Whether you’re leading a group trek through the Amazon rainforest or guiding tourists through the ancient ruins of Rome, being a successful tour guide requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and a genuine love for adventure.

In this article, we will discuss the essential requirements and qualifications needed to excel as a tour guide. We’ll explore the importance of researching and planning captivating tours, as well as the effective communication skills necessary to engage and connect with your guests. Additionally, we’ll delve into the art of building rapport with your guests, handling difficult situations, and ensuring their safety and satisfaction throughout the entire journey.

To be a successful tour guide, it’s crucial to maintain professionalism and adhere to ethical standards. We’ll provide insights on how to continuously enhance your knowledge and expertise to stay ahead in the ever-evolving travel industry. Lastly, we’ll touch on the importance of marketing and promoting your tours to attract new clients and grow your business.

Whether you’re a seasoned tour guide looking to refine your skills or someone considering a career in adventure tourism, this article will provide valuable information and tips to help you become a successful tour guide, delivering memorable experiences to your guests.

Requirements and Qualifications

Becoming a tour guide requires a combination of skills, qualifications, and personal attributes. While there may not be any set criteria or formal education requirements, possessing certain qualities can greatly enhance your chances of success. Here are some of the key requirements and qualifications to consider:

• Passion for Adventure: A deep love for travel, exploration, and adventure is the foundation of being a successful tour guide. Your enthusiasm will be contagious and inspire your guests to fully embrace the experience.
• Knowledge and Expertise: A comprehensive understanding of the destination you are guiding in is crucial. This includes history, culture, geography, local customs, and attractions. Continuously expand your knowledge through research and firsthand experiences.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills are essential for delivering engaging tours. From clear and concise explanations to storytelling, your ability to captivate and connect with your guests is paramount.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in the language(s) spoken by your guests is highly advantageous. If you plan to lead tours internationally, consider learning popular languages like English, Spanish, or Mandarin.
• Physical Fitness: Tour guiding often involves physical activities like hiking, walking, or cycling. Being physically fit allows you to endure the demands of the job and provide assistance if needed.
• Organizational Skills: Planning and coordinating tours require excellent organizational skills. From managing logistics to creating detailed itineraries, staying organized ensures smooth and enjoyable experiences for your guests.
• Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport and creating a positive rapport with your guests is crucial. The ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and make them feel comfortable is a valuable asset.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: As a tour guide, you may encounter unexpected situations or challenges. Quick thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills will help you handle such situations with ease and maintain guest satisfaction.

While academic qualifications may not be mandatory, pursuing relevant courses or certifications in tourism, hospitality, or outdoor activities can enhance your credibility. Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, or working as an assistant guide can provide valuable insights and practical skills.

By possessing these requirements and qualifications, you will be well-prepared to embark on a successful career as a tour guide, delivering unforgettable experiences to your guests.

Researching and Planning

One of the most critical aspects of being a tour guide is the ability to research and plan captivating and well-organized tours. Your guests rely on you to provide them with a seamless and unforgettable experience. Here are some essential steps to follow when researching and planning your tours:

• Destination Familiarization: Familiarize yourself with the destination you will be guiding in. Research its history, culture, attractions, and hidden gems. Get to know the local customs, traditions, and etiquettes to ensure a respectful and immersive experience for your guests.
• Understanding Your Audience: Determine the demographics, interests, and preferences of your target audience. Will your guests be adventure enthusiasts, history buffs, or nature lovers? Tailor your tours accordingly to provide a personalized and engaging experience.
• Selecting Key Sites and Activities: Identify the must-see sites and attractions in the destination. Consider both popular landmarks and off-the-beaten-path locations to provide a well-rounded experience. Research and select exciting activities and experiences that align with your guests’ interests.
• Creating a Detailed Itinerary: Craft a detailed itinerary that outlines the day-to-day activities, including transportation, accommodations, meal options, and specific timeframes for each activity. Build in flexibility for unexpected changes or additional opportunities that may arise.
• Ensuring Safety and Accessibility: Prioritize the safety and accessibility of your tours. Research hazard-prone areas, weather conditions, and any potential health risks. Account for the physical abilities and limitations of your guests, providing suitable alternatives or adjustments when necessary.
• Engaging Guides and Experts: Connect with local guides or experts who can provide unique insights and enhance your guests’ experience. Collaborating with knowledgeable individuals adds depth and authenticity to your tours.
• Considering Logistics and Timing: Pay attention to logistical aspects, such as transportation arrangements, ticket bookings, and crowd management. Plan your tours to avoid peak tourist seasons or crowded times to ensure a more enjoyable and comfortable experience for your guests.

Remember to continuously update your knowledge by staying informed about current events, new attractions, and changing regulations. Embrace feedback from previous tours to refine and improve your planning process. By conducting thorough research and careful planning, you can create tours that leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Creating Engaging Tours

As a tour guide, it is your responsibility to create engaging and immersive experiences for your guests. By curating tours that leave a lasting impression, you can ensure their satisfaction and increase the likelihood of them recommending your services. Here are some tips to help you create captivating and memorable tours:

• Storytelling: Narrate captivating stories and anecdotes about the destination and its attractions. Make history come alive, add local legends, or share personal experiences to engage your guests emotionally and intellectually.
• Interactive Experiences: Provide opportunities for your guests to actively participate and engage with the destination. Incorporate interactive elements like hands-on activities, tastings, or cultural demonstrations to create a deeper connection and understanding.
• Sensory Experiences: Appeal to your guests’ senses by highlighting the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the destination. Encourage them to fully immerse themselves in the local culture and environment.
• Variety of Activities: Offer a variety of activities to cater to different interests and preferences. Whether it’s hiking, biking, exploring historical sites, or indulging in culinary delights, provide a diverse range of experiences to appeal to a broader audience.
• Flexibility and Spontaneity: While it’s essential to have a well-structured itinerary, leave room for flexibility and spontaneity. Embrace unexpected opportunities or interests that arise during the tour and adapt your plans accordingly to provide a memorable and personalized experience.
• Engaging with Locals: Encourage interactions between your guests and the local community. Arrange visits to local markets, workshops, or community initiatives where they can engage with locals, learn about their daily lives, and support local businesses.
• Unveiling Hidden Gems: Go beyond the typical tourist hotspots and unveil hidden gems that showcase the destination’s unique charm and character. Whether it’s a secluded beach, a secret viewpoint, or a lesser-known historical site, surprise your guests with hidden treasures.
• Share Insider Tips: Provide insider tips and recommendations to make your guests’ experience even more enriching. Share your favorite local restaurants, shops, or lesser-known trails, allowing them to discover the destination like a local.

Remember, the key to creating engaging tours is to cater to your guests’ interests, evoke their curiosity, and create a sense of wonder and excitement. By incorporating storytelling, interactive experiences, and a variety of activities, you can create tours that leave a lasting impact and keep your guests coming back for more unforgettable adventures.

Effective Communication Skills

As a tour guide, effective communication is the key to engaging and connecting with your guests. It allows you to share information, convey your passion for the destination, and create an enjoyable and informative experience. Here are some essential communication skills to master:

• Clarity and Enunciation: Speak clearly and enunciate your words to ensure that your guests can understand you easily. Use simple language and avoid jargon or complex terminology that may be unfamiliar to your audience.
• Active Listening: Practice active listening by giving your full attention to your guests. Encourage them to ask questions or share their thoughts and opinions and respond attentively. This helps create a positive and interactive atmosphere.
• Body Language: Pay attention to your body language, as it can greatly impact how your message is received. Maintain an open and welcoming posture, use appropriate gestures, and make eye contact to establish a connection with your guests.
• Use of Visuals and Props: Support your verbal communication with visual aids and props. Maps, photos, or physical objects can enhance understanding and make your explanations more engaging and memorable.
• Adaptability: Adapt your communication style to suit the needs of your guests. Consider their language proficiency, cultural background, and any accessibility requirements. Ensure that everyone can fully engage and understand the information you are sharing.
• Personalization: Tailor your communication to your audience by using personal anecdotes, addressing individuals by name, or referring to their interests. This personal touch creates a connection and makes the experience more memorable.
• Storytelling Skills: Master the art of storytelling to captivate your guests’ attention. Use vivid descriptions, emotions, and suspense to bring the destination to life and create a memorable experience.
• Engage with Humor: Incorporate humor into your communication to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Light-hearted jokes or funny anecdotes can help break the ice, maintain interest, and foster a positive connection with your guests.

Remember to gauge your guests’ engagement and adjust your communication as needed. Ask for feedback and encourage them to share their thoughts and questions throughout the tour. By honing your communication skills, you can ensure a memorable and engaging experience for your guests, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the destination and their time with you.

Building Rapport with Guests

Building a strong rapport with your guests is essential for creating a positive and memorable experience. When guests feel comfortable and connected with their tour guide, they are more likely to engage, ask questions, and fully embrace the journey. Here are some tips to help you build rapport with your guests:

• Warm Welcome: Start the tour with a warm and friendly greeting. Make eye contact, smile, and introduce yourself to create a welcoming atmosphere from the very beginning.
• Active Engagement: Engage with your guests throughout the tour by asking open-ended questions, encouraging their participation, and actively listening to their responses. This shows genuine interest and makes them feel valued.
• Personalize the Experience: Take the time to learn your guests’ names and use them during interactions. Remember their interests or special occasions they may be celebrating. Personalizing the experience makes them feel special and acknowledged.
• Share Personal Stories: Share personal anecdotes or experiences related to the destination or the tour activities. This creates a connection and allows guests to see you as not just a guide but also a fellow traveler.
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Show empathy by understanding and addressing your guests’ needs and concerns. Be attentive to their emotions and adapt your approach accordingly. This helps create a comfortable and supportive environment for open communication.
• Respect Cultural Differences: Be mindful of the cultural diversity within your group. Respect different beliefs, customs, and values, and encourage guests to share their own cultural backgrounds to foster a sense of inclusivity and appreciation.
• Be Approachable: Be approachable and accessible to your guests. Encourage them to ask questions, seek guidance, or share their thoughts and experiences. Showing a willingness to interact and help creates a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Show Genuine Enthusiasm: Express your passion and enthusiasm for the destination and the tour activities. Your genuine excitement will be contagious and inspire guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Remain flexible and adaptable to meet the individual needs and preferences of your guests. Be open to suggestions, adjust the pace if necessary, and accommodate reasonable requests to ensure their comfort and satisfaction.

Remember, building rapport requires genuine interest, active engagement, and a willingness to connect with your guests on a personal level. By establishing a strong rapport, you create a trusting and enjoyable atmosphere that enhances the overall tour experience for everyone involved.

Handling Difficult Situations

As a tour guide, it is essential to be prepared for and effectively handle difficult situations that may arise during your tours. Whether it’s a sudden change in weather, a medical emergency, or guest dissatisfaction, your ability to stay calm, proactive, and empathetic is crucial. Here are some tips for effectively handling difficult situations:

• Remain Calm and Composed: Stay calm and composed, even in challenging situations. Your guests will look to you for guidance and reassurance, so maintaining a calm demeanor helps instill confidence and minimize panic.
• Assess the Situation: Quickly assess the situation and prioritize the safety and well-being of your guests. Identify any immediate risks or concerns and take necessary steps to address them promptly.
• Communicate Clearly: Effectively communicate with your guests, providing clear instructions and information about the situation at hand. Keep them informed of any changes, updates, or alternative plans, ensuring they feel informed and involved.
• Show Empathy and Support: Display empathy and understanding towards your guests’ concerns or discomfort. Listen attentively, acknowledge their feelings, and address their needs to the best of your ability. Offer support and reassurance throughout the situation.
• Follow Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and protocols specific to the destination or activity. This includes knowing the location of emergency services, medical facilities, and evacuation routes.
• Seek Expert Advice if Needed: If the situation requires specialized knowledge or assistance, seek advice from local authorities, medical professionals, or relevant experts. Act promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of your guests.
• Maintain Open Communication: Encourage guests to voice their concerns or questions openly. Listen attentively, respond empathetically, and address their concerns transparently. Open communication helps build trust and allows for timely resolution of issues.
• Provide Alternative Options: In case of unexpected changes or disruptions, offer alternative options or activities to make up for any inconvenience. This demonstrates your commitment to ensuring your guests have a satisfactory experience, even in challenging circumstances.
• Document and Report: Keep a record of any incidents, complaints, or feedback received during the tour. This information will be valuable for improving future tours and providing insights to your organization, if applicable.
• Learn from the Experience: Reflect on difficult situations and learn from them to enhance your future tour planning and management. Evaluate what worked well and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that you are better prepared for similar situations in the future.

Remember, while handling difficult situations can be challenging, your ability to remain calm, communicate effectively, and prioritize the safety and well-being of your guests is vital. By demonstrating empathy, proactivity, and professionalism, you can navigate through challenging circumstances and ensure a positive experience for your guests.

Ensuring Guest Safety and Satisfaction

As a tour guide, the safety and satisfaction of your guests should always be a top priority. By implementing proactive measures and creating a positive environment, you can ensure that your guests have a safe and satisfying experience. Here are some key aspects to consider:

• Thorough Risk Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment before each tour to identify potential hazards and develop appropriate safety measures. Consider factors such as weather conditions, terrain, activities, and the physical capabilities of your guests.
• Provide Safety Briefings: Start each tour with a safety briefing to educate your guests about any potential risks, safety protocols, and emergency procedures. Make sure they know how to use any equipment provided and encourage them to ask questions or express any concerns.
• First Aid and Emergency Preparedness: Carry a well-stocked first aid kit and be trained in basic first aid techniques. Familiarize yourself with the nearest medical facilities and emergency services in the area. Be prepared to handle common emergencies and provide appropriate assistance.
• Regular Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment used during the tour, such as hiking gear, vehicles, or water sports equipment. Ensuring they are in good working condition reduces the risk of accidents and malfunctions.
• Monitor Weather and Environmental Conditions: Stay informed about weather forecasts and environmental conditions. Modify plans if necessary to avoid exposure to extreme weather or unsafe conditions. Have a backup plan in place for unexpected changes.
• Proactive Communication: Keep your guests informed about any changes to the itinerary, safety updates, or relevant information throughout the tour. Maintain clear and open communication channels, allowing your guests to raise any concerns or ask questions at any time.
• Encourage Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from your guests to understand their needs, preferences, and concerns. Actively address any feedback received and use it to improve future tours and tailor the experience to meet their expectations.
• Ensure Accessibility: Accommodate the accessibility needs of your guests, such as mobility restrictions or dietary requirements. Modify activities or provide suitable alternatives to ensure that everyone can participate and feel included.
• Create a Positive Environment: Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere where all guests feel welcomed and respected. Encourage interaction and mutual respect among the group, creating a supportive environment for everyone to thrive.
• Exceed Expectations: Strive to exceed your guests’ expectations by going the extra mile. Surprise them with little touches, personalized gestures, or unexpected experiences to create a lasting impression of satisfaction and delight.

Remember, ensuring guest safety and satisfaction requires careful planning, effective communication, and a responsive approach. By taking proactive measures, prioritizing their well-being, and aiming to exceed their expectations, you can provide a exceptional experience that leaves your guests happy, fulfilled, and eager to recommend your services.

Maintaining Professionalism and Ethics

As a tour guide, maintaining professionalism and ethical standards is crucial for building trust with your guests and ensuring a positive experience. Upholding a high level of professionalism and ethical conduct not only reflects positively on you but also contributes to the reputation of the entire tourism industry. Here are some key principles to guide your behavior:

• Expertise and Knowledge: Continuously update and expand your knowledge about the destinations you guide in, including history, culture, and current affairs. Be well-informed and able to provide accurate and insightful information to your guests.
• Respect for Cultural Sensitivities: Show respect for the culture, customs, and traditions of the destinations you operate in. Promote responsible tourism practices that preserve and celebrate the local heritage, environment, and communities.
• Professional Appearance and Conduct: Present yourself in a professional manner by dressing appropriately and maintaining a neat appearance. Demonstrate professional behavior by being punctual, attentive, and responsive to your guests’ needs.
• Confidentiality: Respect the privacy and confidentiality of your guests. Do not disclose personal or sensitive information without proper consent. Safeguard any information obtained during the tour to maintain confidentiality and trust.
• Honesty and Integrity: Be honest and transparent in your interactions with guests. Provide accurate information, including pricing, expectations, and potential risks. Do not engage in misleading practices or make false claims that may compromise guest trust.
• Empathy and Inclusivity: Treat all guests with respect, regardless of their background, nationality, or beliefs. Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included.
• Conflict Resolution: Handle conflicts or disagreements with professionalism and diplomacy. Listen to all parties involved, seek understanding, and work towards a fair resolution. Maintain composure and remain neutral when mediating disputes.
• Environmental Responsibility: Be mindful of the impact your tours may have on the environment. Promote sustainable practices such as reducing waste, respecting wildlife and natural habitats, and encouraging responsible behaviors among your guests.
• Accountability: Take responsibility for your actions and mistakes. Address any guest concerns or complaints promptly and professionally. Learn from feedback and strive to continuously improve as a tour guide.
• Compliance with Legal and Ethical Standards: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to local laws, regulations, and industry guidelines. Avoid engaging in any illegal or unethical activities that could tarnish your reputation and that of the tourism industry.

Maintaining professionalism and ethics ensures that you provide a trustworthy and reputable service. By practicing these principles, you not only enhance the guest experience but also contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism industry.

Enhancing Knowledge and Expertise

As a tour guide, continuously enhancing your knowledge and expertise is crucial for staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of adventure tourism. By deepening your understanding of destinations, honing your skills, and staying up-to-date with industry trends, you can provide a higher level of service and enrich the experiences of your guests. Here are some strategies to enhance your knowledge and expertise:

• Continual Learning: Embrace a lifelong learning mindset by seeking opportunities to expand your knowledge. Read books, articles, and travel guides about the destinations you guide in. Attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay informed about the latest industry developments.
• Destination Familiarization: Explore your guiding destinations extensively. Visit different sites, engage with locals, and immerse yourself in the culture. This firsthand experience will not only deepen your knowledge but also allow you to share enriching stories and insights with your guests.
• Seek Feedback from Guests: Regularly seek feedback from your guests to understand their perspectives and areas for improvement. Use their insights to address any shortcomings and refine your guiding techniques. Actively engage in conversations with your guests to learn from their experiences and gather valuable feedback.
• Network and Collaborate: Connect with other tour guides, travel professionals, and industry experts. Join professional associations or online communities to exchange ideas, insights, and best practices. Collaborate with fellow guides on joint projects or share knowledge through mentorship programs.
• Develop Specialized Skills: Consider developing specialized skills or expertise in specific areas of interest. This could include gaining certifications in wildlife conservation, cultural heritage, or adventure activities. This specialized knowledge will enhance the uniqueness and quality of your tours.
• Technology and Digital Skills: Embrace technology and develop digital skills relevant to your role. Utilize online resources, apps, and platforms to enhance your guiding capabilities. Stay updated with social media trends to effectively market and promote your tours to a wider audience.
• Language Acquisition: Learn additional languages to expand your communication capabilities with a wider range of guests. Being able to speak the language of your guests builds rapport and allows for a more immersive experience.
• Keep Up with Industry News: Stay informed about the latest industry news, travel trends, and sustainability initiatives. Subscribe to industry publications, follow reputable blogs, and engage with industry influencers and experts on social media platforms.
• Engage in Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in cultural exchange opportunities to gain firsthand knowledge about different cultures, traditions, and customs. This can be achieved through volunteer work, homestays, or participating in local community activities.
• Reflect and Evaluate: Set aside time for self-reflection and evaluation. Assess your strengths and areas for improvement as a guide. Regularly reassess and update your tour itineraries, activities, and delivery techniques to ensure they meet the changing needs and expectations of your guests.

Remember, the pursuit of knowledge and expertise is a lifelong journey. By embracing continuous learning, seeking feedback, and connecting with others in the industry, you can enhance your guiding skills and provide exceptional experiences for your guests.

Marketing and Promoting Your Tours

Effective marketing and promotion are essential for attracting clients and growing your tour guiding business. By utilizing various marketing strategies and channels, you can reach a broader audience and showcase the unique experiences you offer. Here are some key tips for marketing and promoting your tours:

• Create a Compelling Website: Develop a professional website that showcases your tours, highlights your expertise, and provides easy access to information and booking options. Ensure that your website is visually appealing, mobile-friendly, and optimized for search engines.
• Utilize Social Media: Leverage social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote your tours. Share engaging content, including stunning photos, videos, and captivating stories. Interact with your audience, respond to comments, and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
• Partner with Travel Agencies and Hotels: Collaborate with local travel agencies, hotels, and accommodations to establish mutually beneficial partnerships. Provide them with detailed information about your tours and offer commission-based referrals to attract potential clients.
• Create Compelling Content: Publish informative and engaging content relevant to your tours on your website, blog, or social media platforms. This can include destination guides, travel tips, and personal stories that highlight the unique experiences you offer. Optimize your content with relevant keywords to improve search engine visibility.
• Offer Special Promotions and Packages: Create exclusive promotions, discounts, or package deals to attract new clients or encourage repeat bookings. Collaborate with local businesses to offer unique add-ons or experiences as part of your tours.
• Collect and Showcase Testimonials: Encourage your satisfied guests to provide testimonials and reviews of their experience. Display these testimonials on your website and social media platforms to build trust and credibility with prospective clients.
• Attend Travel Exhibitions and Events: Participate in travel exhibitions, fairs, and conferences to showcase your tours and network with potential clients and industry professionals. Distribute brochures, business cards, and promotional materials to leave a lasting impression.
• Build Relationships with Travel Bloggers and Influencers: Collaborate with travel bloggers, influencers, and vloggers who align with your target audience. Offer them complimentary experiences in exchange for honest reviews, social media exposure, or collaborative content creation.
• Optimize for Search Engines: Implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to improve your website’s visibility in search engine results. Research relevant keywords and incorporate them into your website content, meta tags, and headlines.
• Provide Excellent Customer Service: Deliver exceptional customer service throughout the entire guest experience. Respond to inquiries promptly, provide detailed information, and be attentive to guest needs. Word-of-mouth referrals and positive reviews can be powerful marketing tools.

Remember, marketing and promoting your tours require a multi-channel approach. Continuously assess the effectiveness of your marketing efforts, monitor analytics, and adjust your strategies accordingly. With a targeted marketing plan, you can attract more clients and position yourself as a trusted and sought-after tour guide in the industry.

Becoming a successful tour guide in the adventure tourism industry requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and a genuine passion for travel and exploration. By meeting the requirements and qualifications, researching and planning captivating tours, effectively communicating with guests, and building rapport with them, you can ensure memorable experiences. Handling difficult situations, prioritizing guest safety and satisfaction, maintaining professionalism and ethical standards, enhancing your knowledge and expertise, and implementing effective marketing strategies are all integral to your success as a tour guide.

Remember that continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to providing exceptional service are key. Embrace new technologies, stay informed about industry trends, and constantly seek to enhance your knowledge and skills. By creating engaging tours, fostering positive connections with guests, and promoting your services effectively, you can attract clients and build a strong reputation within the industry. Through professionalism, ethical conduct, and a genuine love for adventure, you can create unforgettable experiences and become a sought-after tour guide.

So, embark on this exciting journey with a mindset of constant improvement and a dedication to delivering exceptional adventures. As you guide your guests through remarkable destinations, remember that you have the power to inspire, educate, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Tour guide work environment

We surveyed 3,722 tour guides to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical tour guide. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a tour guide?

Working as a tour guide typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become a tour guide?

Intrinsic talent, acquired talent.

A career as a tour guide typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a tour guide?

It’s typically difficult to find a job as a tour guide. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for tour guides .

Do tour guides work full-time or part-time?

29% of tour guides work in full-time roles while 71% work part-time.

Is being a tour guide stressful?

Tour guides tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a tour guide?

Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a tour guide.

How competitive is the workplace for tour guides?

Competition at work is not common for tour guides.

Does being a tour guide require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for tour guides.

Are tour guides allowed to express themselves creatively?

Creativity is intrinsic to being a tour guide, and a highly valuable part of the career.

Do tour guides have control over the direction of their work?

Tour guides tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.

Is being a tour guide physically demanding?

Being a tour guide may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.

Are tour guides exposed to a wide variety of work?

While sometimes repetitive, tour guides tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.

Does being a tour guide require attention to detail?

Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a tour guide.

Does being a good tour guide require compassion and empathy?

Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as tour guides.

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Tour guides flock to a trivia competition that demands encyclopedic knowledge of NYC

Emily Malterre

The Panorama Challenge is one of the fiercest trivia competition in New York and requires encyclopedic knowledge of the city. It's where tour guides can shine.

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Ultimate guide to Rolling Stones 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale: Tickets, parking

The Rolling Stones will be getting their ya-ya’s out again at State Farm Stadium in Glendale when the Hackney Diamonds Tour hits metro Phoenix on Tuesday, May 7, a day the city has proclaimed shall temporarily be known as Ruby Tuesday .

This is the Stones’ third time at State Farm Stadium, where they last played in 2019 on their final tour with Charlie Watts, who left this world on Aug. 24, 2021.

The Hackney Diamond Tour is in support of their first album of original material in nearly 20 years, which topped the Billboard album charts in late October while leading many critics to proclaim it their best work since “Tattoo You” in 1981 (and whether you agree with that or not, it’s certainly a strong contender for the title).

Glendale is the third stop on the Rolling Stones 2024 tour. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

When is the Rolling Stones 2024 State Farm Stadium concert?

The Rolling Stones will play State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Tuesday, May 7.

What time does the Rolling Stones concert start?

Here's the timetable:

• Parking lots open at 4 p.m.
• Plaza opens at 5 p.m.
• Doors open at 6 p.m.
• Concert starts at 8 p.m.

When does State Farm Stadium open for concerts?

Doors open at 6 p.m. Fans are encouraged to show up as early as possible to avoid potential delays at the gates as you get closer to show time. The concert starts at 8 p.m. 

Motorists should expect congestion, especially during rush hour. Allow ample drive time and arrive no later than 6 p.m. to minimize the potential for delays.

Where is State Farm Stadium?

State Farm Stadium is off Loop 101 between Cardinals Way/Bethany Home Road and Glendale Avenue in the Glendale Sports and Entertainment District. 

The street address is 1 Cardinals Way, and typing "State Farm Stadium" into your phone will yield the same result, which may not be as helpful as you think.

In fact, fans are encouraged to avoid their favorite apps when approaching the stadium, as they do not take into account special road closures, traffic patterns and access routes allocated to specific carparks. Using these apps could result in a longer commute.

The stadium website encourages ticketholders to use the directions on the parking pass purchased at SeatGeek.com , as this accounts for road closures and event-specific diversions. 

State Farm Stadium parking map

This map will help as you get close.

How to get to State Farm Stadium for the Rolling Stones

The State Farm Stadium website offers these directions:

From the south:  Take Loop 101 north, exit at Bethany Home Road/Cardinals Way and turn right off the exit. State Farm Stadium is on the left.

From the north:  Take Loop 101 south, exit at Glendale Avenue and turn right onto Glendale Avenue. Make the first left onto 99th Avenue and left onto Maryland Avenue and continue over the bridge. State Farm Stadium is on the right.

From the East Valley using Interstate 10:  Follow I-10 west to Loop 101 north. Exit at Bethany Home Road/Cardinals Way and turn right off the exit. State Farm Stadium is on the left.

From the East Valley using surface streets:  Take Glendale Avenue west to 91st Avenue. Turn left onto 91st Avenue. State Farm Stadium is on the right.

From the West Valley using I-10:  Follow I-10 east to Loop 101 north. Exit at Bethany Home Road/Cardinals Way and turn right off the exit. State Farm Stadium is on the left.

From the West Valley using surface streets:  Take Glendale Avenue east to 95th Avenue. Turn right on 95th Avenue and follow it south. State Farm Stadium is on the left.

Rolling Stones 2024 tickets in Phoenix

Tickets are available through  SeatGeek , starting at $65.

Is State Farm Stadium air-conditioned?

Yes, State Farm Stadium is air-conditioned. 

Will the State Farm Stadium roof be open?

Most likely not.

Can I bring a seat cushion or blanket to State Farm Stadium?

Yes. One-piece foam seat cushions no larger than 18 inches without pockets, zippers or concealable areas are permitted.

Additional clothing, blankets, etc., are permitted if carried loosely or in an approved clear bag. Blankets should be carried over the shoulder to be screened more quickly.

State Farm Stadium security

Metal detector screening and a search of all bags and other items will take place at stadium gates. There are no provisions to store or safeguard prohibited bags. Guests will be asked to return prohibited items to their cars. 

State Farm Stadium water bottle policy

You can bring in one factory-sealed, non-frozen 500ml (16.9 ounce) bottle of plain water. Sports drinks and flavored water are not permitted.

Glass bottles, cans and vacuum bottles also are not allowed.

State Farm Stadium prohibited items

The following items are not permitted inside State Farm Stadium:

• Aerosol cans.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Animals (except for documented service animals).
• Bags that do not meet NFL guidelines (must be clear and smaller than 12 by 12 by 6 inches).
• Banners or signs larger than 3 feet by 2 feet.
• Beverages other than one factory-sealed, non-frozen 500ml (16.9 ounce) bottle of plain water. Sports drinks and flavored water are not permitted.
• Beverage containers — glass bottles, cans and vacuum bottles.
• Cameras with professional lenses, tripods/monopods and iPads.
• Chewing tobacco.
• E-cigarettes/vaporizer pens.
• Clothing deemed obscene or indecent in a public setting.
• Coolers of any kind.
• Food (unless used for children younger than 2).
• Footballs and beach balls (inflated or deflated).
• Illegal drugs.
• Laptop computers.
• Laser pointers.
• Noisemakers of any kind (whistles, horns, bells, etc.).
• Poles or sticks of any kind, including selfie sticks and brooms.
• Seat cushions except those that are one piece and have no zippers, pockets or concealable areas.
• Golf carts, skateboards, rollerblades or hoverboards.
• Umbrellas larger than 12 inches in length.
• Unmanned aircraft systems (drones, etc.).
• Video cameras (single purpose).
• Weapons of any kind including, but not limited to, firearms and knives.
• Any item deemed inappropriate or hazardous by stadium security.

State Farm Stadium bag policy for concerts

The NFL clear bag policy is enforced for all events at State Farm Stadium. Fans are encouraged to bring no bags, but the following will be permitted:  

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12 by 12 by 6 inches. This includes clear backpacks, fanny packs and cinch bags.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar).
• Small clutch bags, with a maximum size of 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one clear bag.
• Exceptions for medically necessary items will be made after inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.

Is State Farm Stadium a cashless venue?

Yes. Cash is not accepted at State Farm Stadium.

Lost and found at State Farm Stadium

Report lost items by filling out  the form at statefarmstadium.com . In the Item Description section, provide as much information as possible. If an item is turned in that matches your description, you will be contacted.

Rolling Stones 2024 tour at State Farm Stadium in Glendale

When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7.

Where:  State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Way, Glendale.

Admission:  $63 and up.

Details:  800-745-3000,  SeatGeek.com .

Reach the reporter at  [email protected]  or 602-444-4495. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter)  @EdMasley .

Support local journalism.   Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

The Rick Steves guide to life

Travel mogul. philanthropist. legal weed champion. the real rick steves is so much more complex than who you see on tv..

EDMONDS, Wash. — At first glance, it is hard to tell that Rick Steves is protesting.

In the center of his hometown, America’s favorite travel host is perched on the edge of a fountain roundabout engaging in some friendly civil disobedience. As cars circle the intersection, Steves smiles and waves, looking more like an Elf on a Shelf than an angry picketer. This is his way of reminding people he wishes they’d stop driving here.

Steves’s family moved to Edmonds when he was 12, and the 68-year-old is still happy to call it home. Rather than relocate to his beloved Europe, he dreams of bringing some European sensibilities to the edge of the Puget Sound, less than 20 miles north of Seattle.

When he’s not traveling around Europe, writing about Europe or running his multimillion dollar European tour company, the prolific TV host and author likes to squeeze in some local activism. The roundabout routine is his push to block off Edmonds’s very American Main Street for pedestrians. If you squint at it, you can see what Steves sees: this would be the perfect place for a lively town square.

“I like a lot of things about Europe but I love the urban energy of Europe. I love the piazza,” Steves said in a wistful tone you might recognize from PBS. “We don’t have a piazza.”

Unfortunately for Steves, the voting majority of the city does not love the idea of parking their SUVs farther away to shop. So despite his Boy Scout enthusiasm, the most famous man in Edmonds must keep up the perch-and-wave. This is not his only crusade.

Spend any amount of time with Steves, and you’ll encounter a total ham who loves a zany bit. But if you ask him about serious issues like car-free zones, he’ll bring up other causes that are dear to him: affordable housing, supporting the arts, creating senior centers for the elderly to age with dignity.

He’s anti-Trump and pro-cannabis. He does not care if that is bad for business.

The average Rick Steves fan has likely missed this side of him. On TV they see an always-sunny history lover who makes going abroad feel approachable for the average American. That’s an incomplete picture, like thinking you know Paris because you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower on YouTube.

Meet him in Edmonds, and he’ll fill in the rest.

It may look like a lot of gallivanting, but being Rick Steves takes a lot of work.

He spends three months of the year overseas, researching, writing, recording, refining tours, updating guidebooks. If he’s not planning or producing content, he’s often doing promotional events across the United States. This year Steves is celebrating the 40th edition of his first book, “Europe Through the Back Door.” Over the course of his career, he’s built a privately held company that generates $120 million in revenue a year, published 110 books, filmed 12 seasons of “Rick Steves’ Europe” and produced more than 750 podcast episodes.

“It’s just like coordinating a three-ring circus,” Steves said.

That is: really fun, sort of exhilarating and extremely complicated. To pull this off, Steves does not observe the French 35-hour workweek. He’s a workhorse with a reputation for keeping a frenetic pace year-round.

“It’s more of an American work culture,” Amy Duncan, Steves’s communications director, told me. “He’s an unapologetic capitalist but he is also a socialist.”

He makes enough money to fly first class, but he only sits in economy, claiming he doesn’t mind being cramped.

“It never occurred to me that I’m suffering,” he said. “As long as I’ve got an aisle and a seat that reclines, I’m happy.”

Actually, Steves believes airlines should only have one class. It’s part of his egalitarian worldview. He’s also anti-points and anti-miles, refusing to sign up for airline loyalty programs because he believes they bully us into complicating our lives.

Steves also enforces a self-imposed “ carbon tax ” on his tour company, which takes more than 30,000 people to Europe annually. For every customer, Steves invests $30 to atone for emissions created by their flights between the United States and Europe. Last year, that added up to $1 million donated to a portfolio of organizations, Steves said.

“I don’t need to be a slave to the quarterly profit statement. I want to be around and profitable in 10 years from now in a world that you can travel in that’s stable,” Steves said. “This is a smart investment and it’s an ethical expense that I should pay for.”

Rick Steves will tell you he’s motivated by making money; the more he can earn, the more good he can do with it.

“Vicarious consumption, that’s one of my things,” Steves said.

After amassing a windfall from the 2001 George W. Bush tax cuts for high earners, Rick Steves donated $1 million to support the local symphony and performing arts center. In 2005, he used retirement savings to buy a 24-unit apartment complex for the local YWCA’s use as transitional housing for women and children. He figured he’d eventually sell the complex and live on the earnings. About a decade later, he changed his mind and donated the complex valued at $4 million.

He also gave more than $4 million to help build the Edmonds Waterfront Center, a vibrant gathering place for seniors where his daughter had her wedding in 2021. And he gave another $2 million for a similar center in the nearby city of Lynnwood, which broke ground in mid-April .

“Rick puts his money where his mouth is,” said Nancy Leson, a former Seattle Times food critic who used to let Steves’s daughter babysit her son. She’s appreciated his regular presence in the community, like hosting events for local politics at his house and shopping at the farmers market .

“He changed travel,” local resident Karen Howe said on her way into the Waterfront Center with a friend. She’s used Steves’s guidebooks for years. “He’s introduced us to places that most of us would never think of going.”

Rick Steves hasn’t won his piazza battle, but he has brought European touches to Edmonds. At the Rick Steves’ Europe headquarters, there’s an E.U. flag hanging from the mocha brick facade. And gargoyles that drain rainwater, just like at the Notre Dame cathedral.

“Gargoyles scare away evil spirits,” Steves points out, unable to suppress his inner tour guide.

Here Steves employs more than 100 people: editors, audio producers, tour specialists and cartographers such as Dave Hoerlein, his first employee. That’s excluding the fleet of guides and drivers he contracts across the pond to shepherd tour customers.

Inside, he bounds through a maze of cubicles, his neck craned forward, always at an eager pace. His 6-foot frame appears leaner than previous seasons of his life, but his signature look is familiar. No, not khakis and a button-down. That’s vintage Rick. These days, he wears dark jeans and a button-down, plus a thin scarf and leather sneakers.

During a day of meetings, Steves’s fjord-blue eyes lit up at the minutia of the business. He went over new maps with Hoerlein. He and longtime co-author Cameron Hewitt addressed problems like finding a “less glitzy” stop on the Amalfi Coast that’s not Sorrento. They discussed whether a place is worth visiting after it’s gotten too popular, and Steves indulged in some gallows humor.

“It’s going to be like holding the corpse of a loved one who just died,” he said.

His critics argue the “Rick Steves Effect” can turn a charming village, restaurant or museum into a tourist magnet. Matthew Kepnes, the travel writer behind the blog Nomadic Matt , points to the Swiss town Zermatt, which he says Steves put on the map, and has since dealt with overtourism . You’re bound to bump into groups with Rick Steves guidebooks in Italy’s increasingly crowded Cinque Terre.

Whether Steves is actually to blame for changing a place is up for debate. There are plenty of destinations he’s covered that haven’t been inundated with swarms of Americans (see also: Gdańsk).

Steves says he assesses whether a place wants tourism, if it can handle it gracefully. If they don’t or can’t, he may mention it but not promote it.

He has faith — maybe too much — that his clients share his values.

“Does [my work] change the personality of a town? It can. Am I a dramatic impact on Europe? No,” he said.

“There’s a handful of places I really promote aggressively that I’ve had a serious impact on, but otherwise ... my travelers are the kind of people that take only pictures and leave only footprints ... they’re good travelers.”

You don’t have to spend much time in Edmonds to see why Rick Steves never considered leaving.

The city — population roughly 42,000 — sits on a majestic inlet. You can get to a major international airport in about an hour. The community is so courteous, it has an “umbrella share” program in case people forget their own on a rainy day. As Steves walks around town, he greets people by name. He lives within walking distance to both his favorite diner and a pétanque court, the French answer to Italian bocce. He plays bongos at his church on Sundays.

In 1967, Richard “Dick” Steves moved the family here because he was worried about Rick Junior.

“I was hanging out with dangerous kids and going down the wrong trail,” Steves said. Seriously.

His dad, an Army veteran, got by in the upscale suburb as a piano technician and importer. When Steves was 14, his parents dragged him on a work trip to Europe to visit piano factories; it was a radical experience that sparked his lifelong passion for travel.

Back in Edmonds, Steves started teaching piano, eventually turning his savings into trips abroad of his own — not only to Europe, but Turkey, Nepal, Afghanistan. He went to college nearby, earning degrees in European history and business from the University of Washington, where he played in the Husky Marching Band.

After graduation, Steves figured he could keep up his routine: give piano lessons during the school year, then travel during the summer. He started teaching travel classes in the same recital hall where his piano students performed. This was back when there was no internet and few guidebooks to consult for trip planning.

The classes were a hit. At 25, Steves turned his lecture materials into a 180-page book, and self-published “Europe Through the Back Door,” in 1980.

Four years later, he hosted his first European minibus tour group, serving as both bus driver and guide.

His businesses have evolved — his bus tours now take up to 28 travelers, a number Steves says is a sweet spot between making the tour more affordable yet enjoyable for customers and profitable for the company. But his mission has remained the same: to be the best resource for European travel and help Americans travel better.

“I just focus on that and I love it,” he said. “It takes my life out of balance — which is not good — but it lets me do a lot of stuff that I believe in and that’s good.”

Steves has been open about the challenges of being a travel mogul. As he built his empire, he was also raising a family. Being “married” to both took a toll. In 2010, Steves and his wife, Anne, divorced after 25 years of marriage.

Up the hill from his junior high, Rick Steves’s modest beige home offers a window into his many lives. There are family photos on the walls, from older relatives to his baby grandson, Atlas. He hosts political fundraisers on the sprawling deck. A painting of Kerala, India, nods to one of his favorite countries (people forget Steves did four editions of “Asia Through the Back Door”).

Next to his grand piano, there’s a stuffed creature that Steves calls his “Silver Fox” baring its teeth and wearing novelty sunglasses with cannabis leaves on the lenses — a nod to two of his interests: taxidermy and marijuana activism.

“It’s the civil liberties … it’s the racism … everything about it is wrong,” he said of keeping weed illegal.

As for the toothy fox, Steves doesn’t do typical souvenirs anymore, but he makes an exception for stuffed animals.

“The wooden shoes and the pewter Viking ships are so obvious,” he said. “I like to do something a little more organic and a little more striking and it takes me back there — I like it.”

He’s a very good piano player. He can also play the sousaphone and the trumpet — which he did regularly during the pandemic, performing taps for his neighbors at sunset.

Covid-19 was a nightmare for the travel business, but a miracle for Rick Steves’s love life.

After running in the same social circles for years, he and Shelley Bryan Wee, a prominent local bishop, started dating at the end of 2019. They had a lot in common. Both are progressive Lutherans. Both are divorced with adult children. But neither worked a typical 9-to-5, and one of them spent three months of the year in Europe.

Then lockdown happened. Steves, who couldn’t remember if he’d ever had dinner in the same place 10 nights in a row, spent 100 nights at the same table with Wee. It solidified their relationship.

“Shelley is a constant,” Steves said. He still struggles with the balancing act between work and love.

When the stars align and they’re both in Edmonds, Wee cooks, and Steves plays sous chef. They walk Jackson, Wee’s labradoodle, creating their own version of the passeggiata, Italy’s traditional evening stroll. They play table tennis before dinner.

When the world reopened, they started traveling together. They’ve made time for a few big vacations: a trip to Morocco, where they were caught in a windstorm that blew the windows out of their car; a luxury barge cruise through Burgundy, France, “that was embarrassingly expensive,” Steves confessed, followed by a week hiking in the Swiss Alps; and another hiking trip between remote lodges on Mont Blanc.

Before their first trip, Steves edited the contents of Wee’s suitcase, because packing light is part of his philosophy.

“What do you say?” she asked. “You’re talking to Rick Steves.”

Editing by Gabe Hiatt. Additional editing by Amanda Finnegan. Design editing by Christine Ashack. Photo editing by Lauren Bulbin. Videos by Monica Rodman. Senior video producer: Nicki DeMarco. Design by Katty Huertas. Copy editing by Jamie Zega.

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Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

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2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson tee times, TV coverage, viewer's guide

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Jason Day ended a five-year winless drought last year at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Can he end a one-year winless drought since then? We’ll find out soon enough at TPC Craig Ranch as he takes on a strong field with fan-favorites from Jordan Spieth to Tom Kim.

Day is looking to follow in K.H. Lee’s footsteps as a repeat champion. We know he loves the course after setting a 72-hole record last year at 261; his nine-under 62 in the final round and birdie on his 72nd hole ensured a one-stroke victory and broke a 105-tournament winless streak for Day on the PGA Tour.

Spieth is the highest-ranked player in the field this week and finished second at this event back in 2022. Jake Knapp, Nick Dunlap, Stephan Jaeger, Adam Scott, Sungjae Im, Min Woo Lee and Byeong Hun An are also teeing it up this week in Texas, as is 16-year-old Brit Kris Kim, who went unbeaten in four matches at the Junior Ryder Cup last year in Rome. This will be the final event for players to qualify for the Wells Fargo Championship, the next signature event on the PGA Tour calendar.

This week's winner will receive 500 FedEx Cup points and a $1.71 million cut of the $9.5 million purse.

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Golf Channel will carry live coverage on Thursday and Friday from 4-7 p.m. EDT. On Saturday and Sunday, Golf Channel will start the coverage from 1-3 p.m. with CBS taking over with afternoon coverage from 3-6 p.m.

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PGA Tour Live streaming coverage takes place on ESPN+ from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 8:45 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.

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Tee times (all times EDT)

THURSDAY/FIRST ROUND

7:50 a.m. — Kevin Chappell, Taylor Pendrith, Kevin Yu

8:01 a.m. — Cody Gribble, Sean O'Hair, Ben Griffin

8:12 a.m. — Wesley Bryan, Nick Watney, Josh Teater

8:23 a.m. — Matt Wallace, Kevin Kisner, Cameron Champ

8:34 a.m. — Vincent Norrman, Stewart Cink, Matt Kuchar

8:45 a.m. — Nico Echavarria, Chez Reavie, Keith Mitchell

8:56 a.m. — Nate Lashley, Aaron Baddeley, Matti Schmid

9:07 a.m. — Kevin Streelman, Brandon Wu, Robby Shelton

9:18 a.m. — Ben Martin, Chesson Hadley, Callum Tarren

9:29 a.m. — Zecheng Dou, Chris Gotterup, Raul Pereda

9:40 a.m. — Jimmy Stanger, Mac Meissner, Ryan McCormick

9:51 a.m. — Ryo Hitatsune, Rico Hoey, Jarred Jeter

10:02 a.m. — Austin Smotherman, Sami Valimaki, Brad Hopfinger

1 p.m. — Jimmy Walker, Alex Smalley, Scott Gutschewski

1:11 p.m. — Jhonattan Vegas, Beau Hossler, Dylan Wu

1:22 p.m. — Hayden Buckley, Justin Suh, Harry Hall

1:33 p.m. — Jake Knapp, Luke List, Adam Schenk

1:44 p.m. — Stephan Jaeger, Nick Dunlap, Byeong Hun An

1:55 p.m. — Si Woo Kim, K.H. Lee, Adam Scott

2:06 p.m. — Kevin Tway, Thomas Detry, Min Woo Lee

2:17 p.m. — Troy Merritt, Vince Whaley, Andrew Novak

2:28 p.m. — S.H. Kim, Carl Yuan, Tyson Alexander

2:39 p.m. — Ryan Fox, Hayden Springer, Adrien Dumont de Chassart

2:50 p.m. — Rafael Campos, Alejandro Tosti, Pierceson Coody

3:01 p.m. — Erik Barnes, Jorge Campillo, Taiga Semikawa

3:12 p.m. — David Skinns, Parker Coody, Quade Cummins

7:50 a.m. — Michael Kim, Alex Noren, Justin Lower

8:01 a.m. — C.T. Pan, Martin trainer, Greyson Sigg

8:12 a.m. — Ryan Palmer, Patton Kizzire, Ben Taylor

8:23 a.m. — Brice Garnett, Tom Hoge, Daniel Berger

8:34 a.m. — Camilo Villegas, Tom KIm, Mackenzie Hughes

8:45 a.m. — Jason Day, Jordan Spieth, Sungjae Im

8:56 a.m. — Mark Hubbard, Matt NeSmith, Doug Ghim

9:07 a.m. — James Hahn, Zac Blair, Taylor Montgomery

9:18 a.m. — Maverick McNealy, Joseph Bramlett, Ben Kohles

9:29 a.m. — Robert MacIntyre, Trace Crowe, Patrick Fishburn

9:40 a.m. — Jacob Bridgeman, Blaine Haile, Jr. Max McGreevy

9:51 a.m. — Thorbjorn Olesen, Wilson Furr, Peter Kuest

10:02 a.m. — Max Greyserman, Norman Xiong, Kris Kim (a)

1 p.m. — Richy Werenski, Roger Sloan, Carson Young

1:11 p.m. — Garrick Higgo, Lanto Griffin, Davis Thompson

1:22 p.m. — Sung Kang, David Lipsky, Sam Stevens

1:33 p.m. — Seamus Power, Ryan Brehm, Joel Dahmen

1:44 p.m. — Nick Hardy, J.J. Spaun, Brandt Snedeker

1:55 p.m. — Davis Riley, Chad Ramey, Zach Johnson

2:06 p.m. — Bud Cauley, Kelly Kraft, Bronson Burgoon

2:17 p.m. — Martin Laird, Austin Cook, Ryan Moore

2:28 p.m. — Sam Ryder, Henrik Norlander, Aaron Rai

2:39 p.m. — Chan Kim, Harrison Endycott, Joe Highsmith

2:50 p.m. — Nicholas Lindheim, Chandler Phillips, Alexander Bjork

3:01 p.m. — Ben Silverman, Kevin Dougherty, David Nyfjall

3:12 p.m. — Paul Barjon, Tom Whitney, KK Limbhasut

FRIDAY/SECOND ROUND

7:50 a.m. — Richy Werenski, Roger Sloan, Carson Young

8:01 a .m. — Garrick Higgo, Lanto Griffin, Davis Thompson

8:12 a.m. — Sung Kang, David Lipsky, Sam Stevens

8:23 a .m. — Seamus Power, Ryan Brehm, Joel Dahmen

8:34 a .m. — Nick Hardy, J.J. Spaun, Brandt Snedeker

8:45 a .m. — Davis Riley, Chad Ramey, Zach Johnson

8:56 a .m. — Bud Cauley, Kelly Kraft, Bronson Burgoon

9:07 a .m. — Martin Laird, Austin Cook, Ryan Moore

9:18 a .m. — Sam Ryder, Henrik Norlander, Aaron Rai

9:29 a .m. — Chan Kim, Harrison Endycott, Joe Highsmith

9:40 a .m. — Nicholas Lindheim, Chandler Phillips, Alexander Bjork

9:51 a .m. — Ben Silverman, Kevin Dougherty, David Nyfjall

10:02 a .m. — Paul Barjon, Tom Whitney, KK Limbhasut

1 p.m. — Michael Kim, Alex Noren, Justin Lower

1:11 p.m. — C.T. Pan, Martin trainer, Greyson Sigg

1:22 p.m. — Ryan Palmer, Patton Kizzire, Ben Taylor

1:33 p .m. — Brice Garnett, Tom Hoge, Daniel Berger

1:44 p .m. — Camilo Villegas, Tom KIm, Mackenzie Hughes

1:55 p .m. — Jason Day, Jordan Spieth, Sungjae Im

2:06 p .m. — Mark Hubbard, Matt NeSmith, Doug Ghim

2:17 p .m. — James Hahn, Zac Blair, Taylor Montgomery

2:28 p .m. — Maverick McNealy, Joseph Bramlett, Ben Kohles

2:39 p .m. — Robert MacIntyre, Trace Crowe, Patrick Fishburn

2:40 p .m. — Jacob Bridgeman, Blaine Haile, Jr. Max McGreevy

3:01 p .m. — Thorbjorn Olesen, Wilson Furr, Peter Kuest

3:12 p .m. — Max Greyserman, Norman Xiong, Kris Kim (a)

7:50 a.m. — Jimmy Walker, Alex Smalley, Scott Gutschewski

8:01 a .m. — Jhonattan Vegas, Beau Hossler, Dylan Wu

8:12 a .m. — Hayden Buckley, Justin Suh, Harry Hall

8:23 a .m. — Jake Knapp, Luke List, Adam Schenk

8:34 a .m. — Stephan Jaeger, Nick Dunlap, Byeong Hun An

8:45 a .m. — Si Woo Kim, K.H. Lee, Adam Scott

8:56 a .m. — Kevin Tway, Thomas Detry, Min Woo Lee

9:07 a .m. — Troy Merritt, Vince Whaley, Andrew Novak

9:18 a .m. — S.H. Kim, Carl Yuan, Tyson Alexander

9:29 a .m. — Ryan Fox, Hayden Springer, Adrien Dumont de Chassart

9:40 a .m. — Rafael Campos, Alejandro Tosti, Pierceson Coody

9:51 a .m. — Erik Barnes, Jorge Campillo, Taiga Semikawa

10:02 a .m. — David Skinns, Parker Coody, Quade Cummins

1 p.m. — Kevin Chappell, Taylor Pendrith, Kevin Yu

1:11 p.m. — Cody Gribble, Sean O'Hair, Ben Griffin

1:22 p.m. — Wesley Bryan, Nick Watney, Josh Teater

1:33 p .m. — Matt Wallace, Kevin Kisner, Cameron Champ

1:44 p .m. — Vincent Norrman, Stewart Cink, Matt Kuchar

1:55 p .m. — Nico Echavarria, Chez Reavie, Keith Mitchell

2:06 p .m. — Nate Lashley, Aaron Baddeley, Matti Schmid

2:17 p .m. — Kevin Streelman, Brandon Wu, Robby Shelton

2:28 p .m. — Ben Martin, Chesson Hadley, Callum Tarren

2:39 p .m. — Zecheng Dou, Chris Gotterup, Raul Pereda

2:50 p .m. — Jimmy Stanger, Mac Meissner, Ryan McCormick

3:01 p .m. — Ryo Hitatsune, Rico Hoey, Jarred Jeter

3:12 p .m. — Austin Smotherman, Sami Valimaki, Brad Hopfinger

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A local’s travel guide to Austin: what to eat, see and do in three days

Standout spots include food truck parks, honky-tonk hangouts and Lady Bird’s wildflower sanctuary

A ustin has become one of the most popular places in the US to move to, and also to visit. Droves of people descend on the city in March for the South by Southwest tech, film and music festival and in the fall for the Austin City Limits music festival. And Austin is one of the top five destinations in the US for bachelorette parties. Don’t let the bachelorettes scare you away, though. Austin is a great place to spend a few days, so long as you do it like a local.

My family and I moved to Austin 12 years ago, after living in New York for many years. I’ve also lived in Washington DC , the San Francisco Bay Area and Philadelphia. Austin has a feel all of its own: it has a world-class music scene, great food that now goes well beyond Tex-Mex and barbecue, Texas history and fun shopping and museums – all with less hassle than bigger cities in the US.

Here’s my guide to a long weekend there. In addition to picks for adults, I’ve included some recommendations for families that our kids (now teenagers) have loved through the years. And I’m vegetarian, so I’ve chosen some of the city’s best veggie eats options. Don’t worry, my meat-eating wife made sure that I included great barbecue choices, too.

Day 1: Pool party & pickles

Start your day with a walk or run on the trail at Town Lake (it’s officially labeled on maps as Lady Bird Lake, but locals refer to it as Town Lake). This 10-mile (16km) trail on both sides of a dammed portion of Texas’s Colorado River (a different Colorado River than the bigger and more famous one) is tree-shaded, beautiful and one of Austinites’ favorite places to exercise. If you have time, walk through Zilker Park, which is right next to the trail. If you have kids, go to the new and very fun playground at Butler Park, complete with a splash pad just up the path from the playground.

Austin was one of the cities that started the food truck scene in the US several decades ago, and now there are more than 2,000 food trucks in the city. Some are located in trailer parks that have multiple truck options and picnic table seating. After your morning at Town Lake and Zilker Park, have lunch at the Picnic food truck park, or the nearby original location of local favorite Chuy’s (the Tex-Mex chain is now expanding throughout the US). Other great lunch options include Green Mesquite and Carpenters Hall .

In the afternoon, go for a swim at Barton Springs Pool . Open year-round, this massive basin measures three acres and is fed by underground natural springs. It’s open throughout the day, and it’s free before 8am and after 9pm.

Head back to your hotel or Airbnb for a rest, and then get ready for dinner. Tonight is casual: barbecue at Terry Black’s , or if you’re vegan, the food truck Rollin Smoke for a fantastic vegan barbecue sandwich made with baby portobello mushrooms, spicy slaw, barbecue sauce and pickles. It’s my favorite vegan barbecue sandwich in Austin (who says you can’t have barbecue if you’re veggie?), and it’s located in a food truck park with beautiful old trees shading the tables. Rollin Smoke has very good meat options, too (I’m told).

If you have young children, head to Phil’s Icehouse . They have burgers and a full playground where the kids can play before or after dinner. Just don’t put them on the spinning flower after the meal. And be sure to get some ice-cream after dinner at Amy’s Ice Creams , a longtime favorite of Austinites. Amy’s is located next to Phil’s, and it’s so good we had an Amy’s truck serve dessert at our wedding.

After dinner, head out to see some music at one of Austin’s many local music venues. One of our favorites is the Continental Club . There’s a main club downstairs and the intimate Continental Gallery upstairs, where you can see local musicians in a cozy space. Other great venues include C-Boy’s and the new Moody Amphitheater . For full local music listings on any night, check the Austin Chronicle . And if it’s summer, look to see if Blues on the Green has a free concert that night. If you have kids, take them to the free Rock the Park concert series, produced by local radio station KUTX.

Day 2: Breakfast tacos, books & bats

Start your day back at the lake with a rowing workout that’s almost, but not quite, on the lake. Rō Fitness is a local studio that has outdoor rowing classes by the water. It’s way more fun than working out at an indoor studio.

You’ll need fuel after your workout. Grab a breakfast taco at Veracruz or Tacodeli or Tamale House East . Breakfast tacos are an Austin staple (they are to Austin as bagels are to New York), and all three of these places have delicious options.

Today is a shopping day. Start out at BookPeople , one of the greatest bookstores in the US. It’s locally owned and independent, but the size of a superstore. BookPeople also dares to take a stand on issues, including being one of two bookstores that recently sued Texas state officials over a newly passed book ban law. It has an excellent kids section, and organizes live readings by kids’ authors.

After you’ve gotten your book fix, head across the street to Waterloo Records , one of the best record stores in the US. Waterloo carries new and used vinyl, CDs and merchandise from rock to jazz to local Texas music. For more shopping options, head over to the stores along South Congress Avenue and South First Street (including Roadhouse Relics , a neon art store and gallery that is one of our favorites), and if you want to go thrifting, our teens say Austin Pets Alive Thrift and Texas Thrift are the best.

After all of the shopping, it’s time for lunch. If you’re near BookPeople and Waterloo, head over to Soup Peddler, a local place for homemade soups, smoothies and fantastic grilled cheese sandwiches (trivia: Soup Peddler got its name because the founder started out delivering homemade soup by bike before opening full store locations). Or if you’re near South Congress and South First, go to the food trucks on South First or Underdog or Fresa’s .

As you’re heading back to rest up, grab an ice-cream at Amy’s, a gelato at Dolce Neve or cupcakes at Sugar Mama’s .

Some good dinner options for tonight include Loro , Suerte or Este . And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, one of my favorite veggie restaurants is Bouldin Creek Cafe . It’s casual, with a great menu that includes vegan chips and queso. If it’s nice out, take a seat on the patio.

Tonight’s activity could be going to see the bats at the Congress Street Bridge. Austin has the largest urban bat colony in North America, and in season they live in one of the bridges that crosses the Colorado River (they migrate to Mexico in the cooler weather). Bat-watching is a lot more fun than you might imagine from horror movies (and these bats look more like birds than vampire bats). If you’re not in the mood for bats, head to the legendary Broken Spoke . Get there early for dance lessons, then hoof it at this classic Texas honky-tonk.

Day 3: Live oaks & Lady Bird wildflowers

It’s your last day in Austin, and it’s a good one for visiting a museum. Some of our favorites include the Bullock Museum to learn all about the history of our state (bonus fact: Texas was once its own country , and some people want it to be its own country again ). If you’re a fan of 1960s history, visit the excellent LBJ Presidential Library , which is the home of the 36th president’s papers. It has good exhibits on the US civil rights movement and 1960s US history in general. Another excellent museum option is the Blanton Museum of Art , or you could tour the Texas capitol (Austin is, after all, the capital of Texas). If you’re a nature fan, head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center . And if you have kids, the Thinkery is an excellent children’s museum.

For lunch, it’s time for more barbecue (you’re in Austin, don’t fight it). Two terrific barbecue trucks are Mickelthwait and LeRoy and Lewis . And LeRoy and Lewis has another of my favorite vegetarian barbecue options: cauliflower burnt ends.

In the afternoon, head back to Town Lake. This time, get out on the water by renting a kayak, stand up paddleboard or paddle boat (a kid-friendly option). If you have time and energy for a drink, head over to the ABGB for happy hour. They have a great beer selection, lots of outdoor seating and local bands playing music.

For your farewell dinner, a few of our favorite restaurants that are a bit on the fancier end are Hestia , Uchi or the Lenoir wine garden, where dinner is served under live oak trees more than a hundred years old. And for a fantastic vegan option, go to Fabrik for a seven-course vegan tasting menu. You’ll need a reservation well in advance (they’re currently booking four to six weeks out). And for your final night in Austin, head out to another music venue. Or if you have kids, take them to the Austin favorite Peter Pan Mini Golf , which has been around for 75 years, or check Do512 Family for family events that are happening the dates you’re in town.

Question Time

When is the best time of year to visit austin.

There’s no dispute: it’s hot in the summer in Austin . A great time to visit is between October and May. From June through September, many days will be over 100F. If you’re here in the summer, spend lots of time at the Barton Springs pool.

Is Austin expensive?

Austin hotels can be expensive during big events like South by Southwest or the Formula One weekend. But for most dates, it’s less expensive than larger cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Will I need a car to get around Austin?

Most of the places that I’ve recommended are within walking distance from downtown. You can also rent bikes and scooters to get around. Austin’s public transportation is primarily through local buses, which can take you further out if needed. And car-share options are easy as well.

Steve Sachs is managing director of the Guardian US. He has worked at large and startup media companies for more than 20 years. He loves all kinds of music, and his most recent favorite concert, the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Show, featured a host of singer-songwriters including Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris

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How to buy chris stapleton tickets: dates and prices compared for 2024 concert tour.

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Chris Stapleton's hit tour runs through the rest of 2024 and early 2025, but tickets are selling out fast. If you're hoping to catch the country music star live, he has plenty of concert dates to attend this year, and there are many ways to buy Chris Stapleton tickets.

The All-American Road Show has been ongoing since 2017 and serves as Chris Stapleton's first solo headlining tour. However, after more than seven years on the road and nearly 200 shows, the "Tennessee Whiskey" singer will close the concert series in 2025. With the end of the horizon in sight for his long-running tour, the opportunity to catch Stapleton's All-American Road Show is growing slim with each passing show.

We've got you covered if you're looking for how to get tickets to Chris Stapleton's All-American Road Show concert tour in 2024. Here's our breakdown of the tour schedule, purchasing details, and prices for original and resale tickets. You can also browse ticket specifics on StubHub and Vivid Seats at your leisure.

• See also: Zach Bryan tickets | Bruce Springsteen tickets | Billy Joel tickets  | Adele tickets

Chris Stapleton 2024 tour schedule

There are still over 40 shows remaining on the All-American Road Show Tour this year, with tickets for a few shows in 2025 already available. While his final 2024 show will land on December 7 in Las Vegas, Chris Stapleton's tour will conclude on March 8, 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand.

All concert times are listed in local time zones.

How to buy tickets for Chris Stapleton's 2024 concert tour

You can buy original tickets for Chris Stapleton's 2024 concert tour on Ticketmaster or Live Nation. However, the number of remaining original tickets is limited, as many concerts have been on sale for several months.

Plenty of resale tickets are also available through verified vendors such as StubHub and Vivid Seats . You'll find better luck getting seats through these resale sites for Chris Stapleton's shows that have already sold out of original tickets.

Ticket prices to see Chris Stapleton this year vary by date, location, and demand for each show. The cheapest standard original ticket prices start from $55 for Houston on August 24 to $465 for December 7 in Las Vegas. Resale ticket prices are generally comparable to original tickets or come in cheaper.

On StubHub, tickets range from $16 for Ridgedale, Missouri, on June 13 to $352 for Las Vegas. Similarly, Vivid Seats' cheapest available Chris Stapleton tickets range from $15 to $356 for the same dates. Overall, the two resale sites have comparable ticket prices, with Vivid Seats' options typically coming in at slightly lower prices.

VIP packages are also available at many Chris Stapleton shows for premium prices. Stapleton's All-American Road Show Tour offers two VIP experiences: the Single Barrel Experience and the Small Batch Experience. According to Chris Stapleton's website , Single Barrel VIP tickets start at $379, and Small Batch VIP tickets begin at $169. You can also use this site to check out which tour dates offer these VIP experiences.

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Who is opening for Chris Stapleton's tour?

Chris Stapleton is touring alongside George Strait and Little Big Town for many of his All-American Road Show tour performances. On other 2024 occasions, the country star is joined by special guests Grace Potter, Nikki Lane, Marcus King, The War and Treaty, Allen Stone, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson & Family, and Sheryl Crow.

Here's a breakdown of when and where each artist will perform with Chris Stapleton:

George Strait & Little Big Town

• May 4 - Indianapolis, IN
• May 11 - Jacksonville, FL
• May 25 - Ames, IA
• June 1 - Charlotte, NC
• June 8 - East Rutherford, NJ
• June 29 - Salt Lake City, UT
• July 13 - Detroit, MI
• July 20 - Chicago, IL
• December 7 - Las Vegas, NV

Grace Potter

• May 9 - West Palm Beach, FL
• May 10 - West Palm Beach, FL
• June 26 & 27 - Los Angeles, CA
• August 1–3 - Gilford, NH
• August 21 - Birmingham, AL
• August 22 - North Little Rock, AR
• August 24 - Houston, TX
• June 6 - Camden, NJ
• June 7 - Bristow, VA
• July 11 - Darien, NY
• July 12 - Burgettstown, PA
• July 18 - Toledo, OH
• July 19 - Columbus, OH
• July 25 - Nampa, ID
• July 26 - Ridgefield, WA
• August 9 & 10 - Nashville, TN

Marcus King

• May 22 - Rapid City, SD
• May 24 - Sioux Falls, SD
• May 31 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH
• June 12 - Kansas City, MO
• June 13 - Ridgedale, MO
• June 15 - Arlington, TX

The War and Treaty

Allen Stone

Tedeschi Trucks Band

Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

• October 16 - Manchester, England
• October 17 - Glasgow, Scotland
• October 20 - Dublin, Ireland
• October 22 - Birmingham, England
• October 23 - London, England

Miranda Lambert

Willie Nelson & Family

• July 27 - Seattle, WA

Sheryl Crow

Chris Stapleton already has several international tour dates lined up for his ongoing concert series. The country star has five shows confirmed in England, Scotland, and Ireland in October, as well as six shows in Australia and two performances in New Zealand throughout February and March of next year.

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