How to Become a Tour Guide & Get Paid to Travel
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Cherie Anderson has worked successfully as a tour guide operator for 20 years and has trained people to
become tour guide operators for over 6 years. She recommends getting tour director and tour management training
if you are looking for tour guide jobs, since the field is competitive. Penn Foster offers a
Travel and Tourism Specialist
Program that you can complete in as little as 7 months.
Below, she explains how you can get started as a tour guide - right in your home town. There are lots of
ways you can get your foot in the door in this industry - while getting experience and networking to propel
your career to the next level. Who said you can't be a tour guide and run your business from home?
Although you don't need special qualifications to start a tour guide business, you will need a business
license, insurance and a tour bus (unless you conduct your tours on foot). You will also want to educate
yourself on historical points and sometimes plant species, depending on where you are touring.
If you are not extremely familiar with the tour area, find out common questions that tourists ask. You can
contact the city's visitor center to get information, so you are then prepared to answer questions when they
come up.
How to Become a Tour Guide and Start Your Own
Business