Additional Information
There are a lot of leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills
required for this job. Public speaking skills are also important. Guides
must constantly talk to their group, sometimes in more than one language.
"If a trip runs to Peru, a guide clearly must speak Spanish," says Fritz
Moriarty, the leader of a tour company. "We find that the best guides are
not specialists in one particular area, but generalists who are knowledgeable
about a number of topics and adaptable to different situations."
Most travel guides receive training on the job. First aid training and
special driving licenses may be required. If you are going to be doing specialty
tours, you will need experience in that specialty, whether it be rafting,
biking or hunting.
Most leaders have a strong educational background, Moriarty explains.
"This background does not necessarily come in the form of a degree. Experience
is the most important indicator of a qualified guide."