How to become a Tour Guide and Tour Director

As a tour director you will be hired to travel with the tour group, you are not a travel agent, nor do you work in an office. Tour directing, tour guiding or cruise hosting allows you to travel domestic and international.

Classes are offered in Tour Management and Cruise Hosting where you learn procedures, safety, documentation, behind the scenes. Tour directors and tour guides who work for Destination Management Companies assist guests by meeting them at the airport, taking them to attractions, leading city tours, assisting with din-a-rounds, taking car or boat rallies, assisting with partys and events. DMC work is a great way for new tour directors to get experience and network.

Salary of Tour Directors

Most tour directors are freelancers and all travel expenses are paid, flight, hotel, meals, tips. The company will give the tour director funds to cover their expenses and tour expenses before they leave home. Pay range is about $200 to $350 a day.

Future opportunities are continuing to grow due to the baby boomers spending their retirement traveling. Could lead to giving lectures, workshops or becoming president of a tour operation.

the interview with Cherie Anderson: She talkes about what its like in a career in tours.