Career Advice on How to Become A Tour Guide or Escort
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General Career Information
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It should be stated right away that what we are discussing is how to become a tour guide or an escort. And by “escort,” we most certainly are discussing the legal type of escort. Not the kind that your drunken uncle always seems to bring with him to family functions and events. That is most definitely a different kind of escort altogether. The differentiation is essential before beginning career planning or a job search!
Tour guides and escorts, guide and escort travelers through areas that they are unfamiliar with. This normally means escorting tourist to the most logical and most desirable tourist destinations. Tour guides and escorts will take their clients to varying destinations depending upon client interest, age and health. Hikes, visits to natural wonders and tourist hot spots are always likely tour guide and escort destinations.
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Career Facts:
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Tour guides and escorts are often hired due to the fact that hiring a tour guide or escort takes much of the guesswork out of planning a trip. Further, tour guides and escorts add a level of ease and security that will be attractive to many travelers. Traveling in a pack usually means more safety. For those looking to have a travel experience with less planning and work, the tour guide and escort route is usually a safe pick.
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Career Opportunities and Job Outlook- Poor:
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| While the data isn’t exactly precise, the general consensus indicates that the job growth for tour guides and escorts is likely to be poor in the coming years. |
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A Day in The Life:
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| A tour guide or escort needs to have an outgoing personality and be able to fluently speak the language of their client. The language aspect of being a tour guide or escort is, of course, key to the process. Tour guides and escorts need to be solid organizers who can plan trips, know schedules and get their clients to their destination on time. The trick for this job is to make everything look effortless and fun. |
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Average Salary:
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| The typical salary for a tour guide or escort is about $25,000, but tips may increase this salary on occasion. It is often common for tour guides and escorts to enjoy other benefits as well, such as free hotel and other travel perks. |
$25k
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Career Training and Qualifications:
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| It is possible to receive a college degree in an area that will be beneficial when seeking employment as a tour guide or escort. Any degree in tourism or language is likely to be a big plus for these careers. Additionally, any general historical knowledge relevant to the region will also be beneficial when job seeking. On the job training is usually a must, as new escorts or tour guides “learn the ropes” from a seasoned tour guide or escort. |
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