Tour Guides and Operators

This subreddit is being revived! The goal here is to create a community for those working in the tourism industry to share stories, tools, learnings, ask questions, and more. Also a great place to get connected with local guides in places you're looking to travel to or looking for partners in.

So far, we've cleaned up the appearances, removed some old spam and updated the settings to allow automatic posting (doesn't require moderator approval).

Let us know what improvements you'd like to see made to this community!

Recently I applied as a tour guide on GetYourGuide but after completing my account. when I went there to log in they informed me had no access to logging in as a supplier. How do I fix that?

Hi nice to meet you guys. I'm Japanese,20y, uni student and my English level is very low, but I will do my best!

I just wanna say "please hire me" If you come to Japan and want to see some underground places or you don't have any plans and have free time.

You can see the sights in Tokyo, but the dark side of Japan is not in the guidebooks. And if you want to experience Japanese middle class life, I invite you to my house(*my parents house) and let's go cycling, playing football.

What platform should I use to promote it?

hello everyone. I have a group of 40 pax heading to Amsterdam in April next year. I am aware there are guiding restrictions in the red light district and Wallen but can I walk with my group in other parts of the city?

Hello everyone,

I am from Bangladesh which is a Very overpopulated small country in South Asia. But our old town which is called old Dhaka is a very old and a city of chaos. So I usually find a lot of people visiting our town to see the history of our town. I want to list myself as a freelancer tour guide but i Don't how to do that. can anyone help me by giving me direction on how should i do it?

I have been studying Egypt now for the last 10 years and have been taking friends around the British museum for the last couple of years , now I would like to make it into a little side business. Was thinking of doing it though my I Instagram dr.what1863

Hello, guides,

Can you give me 5 minutes of your expertise?

You can do this by completing the survey so that I can understand your domain better.

Survey Link - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8EDtG0l46YL0BHf4He5y7Nl7W9HHEd5hAUIYoXSOdf9WZYg/viewform?usp=sf\_link

I am a Product designer and want to gather insights about how tour guides operate. This is to make an app for them to manage paid tours and attract customers.

This app is to streamline the entire end-to-end flow of a tour guide's job.

Please give 5 minutes of your invaluable time to complete this survey. It would help in shaping features for this app.

Hello, I recently tried listing some activities on getyourguide. The visibility and traction seem good but 30% commission seems way too much. It says that the rates reduce for bulk tour suppliers. Any idea what that means or how many tours and activities it would require to get that? Has anyone tried to negotiate these rates? Would also love to hear how viator is working out for ppl who are listing new activities. I heard that the platform is saturated. They have lower commission rates but are charging for listing itself…

Hi! 4 years experience, tour guide from Ireland. Very well respected and have lots of good references and reviews. I want to try guiding in a few different cities at some stage in my life. I speak English and conversational Spanish. Can anyone reccomend good cities to start looking Into, interested in sightseeing, food and walking tours

Hello everyone.

I work as a tour guide on whale watching in the winter. I'm pretty much the main guide but my company is quite hopeless and they don't care / bother to set anything up. The trip to get to location takes a solid couple hours, and despite having a nice big and comfortable boat it looks quite sad. There is literally not a single book or posters on the walls, we have big screens with tacky image slides from completely different locations. I have asked them to get some proper material but they are completely hopeless.

It's not my job but as a guide i'm the reference for the guests and it would make my job much easier if I could show something on the screens. I was thinking of making some kind of presentation at the very least up to maybe make a compilation of clips of yt videos up to ideally clips of documentaries. But I would need to get everything from the web, be it clips or even just pictures to write descriptions and such myself.

I strongly doubt I can do this and just play it on screen but would like to hear if any of you do this or know how it work or if there is something i can do about it

Hello I'm 18 years old from Europe I have a question, Can I become a tour guide if I study IR? I am a history buff and i have a passion for traveling and learning about other cultures, also I speak two languages(English and my native language), and I plan to learn another language in the future. Thanks in advance

Need some games/activities for to serve as charter bus entertainment and icebreakers.

I teach English in China to primary and secondary school students. Our school has recently launched a travel study program that gives students the opportunity to have English classes and guided lessons while visiting various destinations both domestic and international. At this time, I have participated in two such trips. While they went fairly well, I found it hard to make use of our time on the roard, particiularly on the charter buses (which tends to take up quite a large portion of our time). Does anyone know of any resources that could help? I took a brief look into some tour guide and summer camp style things, but they seem difficult to adapt for participants working in a second language. Anyone able to help out?

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Is it permissible to sell tickets and run private tours around museums and galleries? Do galleries have specific restrictions on this, or can I simply walk in with individuals and guide them around?

Cheers!

Hello

My partner is in a wheelchair and we would like to do an African safari for our honeymoon. Does anyone know any good tour companies to use, we have spoken to Go Africa Safaris and Travel LTD, but wondered if there are any others we can use?

Thank you

Hello everyone!

I just got a request from someone who is not interested in any popular/traditional tours. This person is looking for a New Yorker to show her around. She wants me to be available for a full day in May (possibly multiple full days) and I am having a hard time giving her a quote. I am open to be available for let's say 8/10 hours and explore neighborhoods outside of Manhattan. How much should I quote? I'd appreciate any advice, thank you.

Hi, I’m a graphic design student in Norway and my bachelor project is about designing visual identity and website for a guide in Oslo. For that I need some insights from the target group, thats why i made a short and anonymous survey, and I would really appreciate all answers and contribution😊.

https://forms.gle/GHv2mpYv7m3avSca6

I'm a licensed NYC tour guide and work for a company, but I've been thinking about starting my own tour independently. I've written a script for it and it's in a specific niche.

Have any NYC tour guides (or tour guides in other places) started their own tour? What platform did you use? How long did it take to gain some traction and start booking full groups consistently? Any advice you would share? Would appreciate any and all insight into the process.

Thank you!

As a tour operator, I realize the importance of marketing our product on different platforms and outlets. In this day and age, It's important to get your product to as many eyes online as possible. Of course Google is the most important, but for years, Tripadvisor has had a unique spot as one of the most commonly used sites/apps for folks looking for things to do when traveling. I believe it still rings true though there are many other to enter the arena in recent years.
We have a listing there and it is bookable. There is something about it that irks me and I'm not sure if there's anything that can be done about it. In my town, there are about 120 listings on TA for things to do, total. We started out over a year ago at the bottom, of course because we were new, just starting.
We have slowly moved up and are now around 90 or so in the total list. I realize the rankings take many factors when ranking, such as number and quality of reviews and other factors.
But here is something that I don't get. There are many listings above us that seem to either have no identifiable purpose or don't appear to belong, yet occupy valuable ranking space above functioning business like myself.
Here are some examples,
Listings for various area churches- These are clearly not created by the church themselves since there are no photos, no description, no reviews. Why do these even exist on TA? Further, I would argue that a church doesn't really count as an area "attraction". Most folks dont visit on vacation and look up on TA the best church in the area.
Listings for area public parks. - These are also not created by any govt entity or park personnel. They have no photos, no reviews, no description. Yet they are taking up valuable ranking space.
Listings for local shops/services- Most of these I see are also not created by the entity themselves. They also dont have any photos, descriptions, reviews, etc. Shopping for clothes, dry cleaners, wedding dresses? Really, I don't see how these count as "Attractions" or "Things to do".

If these bogus listings were cleared out or sent to the back of the line, business like mine would have a better chance at being seen. My 90th spot would quickly move up to in the 40-50s. I wonder if there is any way to petition TA to have these removed?

Hi everyone I’m Lee really nice to meet you. I’m base in Siem Reap Cambodia 🇰🇭 I am offering any kind of tour and guide as you need

Here is my what’s app +85581553978

Hi all!

I am a product design student tasked with designing a bag for tour guides. I am looking for some insights into the experience of a tour guide.

What kind of things do you carry with you during a tour (both personal and professional)?

What kind of bags do you use now?

What are some features you look for in a bag? What features would your ideal bag have?

Have you had any issues with pick pockets? Do you worry about carrying cash tips in touristy areas?

Thanks in advance for your insights and help!

I've found on days I take my medicine, I seem to ramble more, feel less "sharp," and get fewer laughs/reactions. I then read too much into the audience's expressions, and ramble even further to fix it. I usually go away from the tour feeling like it was 3 out of 5 stars max. This has happened so many times, I can't consider it a coincidence anymore. My working theory is that without the constant desperate dopamine search, I don't change subjects quickly enough for people's attention span or work hard enough for the laugh/smile. What I can't figure out is why that makes me *more* sensitive to rejection.

I'm wondering if any other tour guides have found the same?

PS: Related old post I found from an improv-er who notice the same thing. https://www.reddit.com/r/improv/comments/93amos/improv_and_adhd_sorry_long/

CC: r/ADHD

The Balkans, a region in southeastern Europe, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural splendor. From the towering peaks of the Dinaric Alps to the sun-kissed shores of the Adriatic Sea, the Balkans offer a treasure trove of experiences for travelers seeking adventure and cultural immersion. To make the most of your Balkan adventure, consider these 18 practical tips:

1. Embrace the Off-Season: The Balkans are less crowded and more affordable during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), offering a more authentic experience.
2. Venture Beyond the Capitals: While cities like Belgrade, Sarajevo, and Ljubljana are worth exploring, don't miss out on the smaller towns and villages that embody the true essence of the Balkans.
3. Learn a Few Basic Phrases: While English is widely spoken in major tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases in the local language will enhance your interactions with locals.
4. Embrace Public Transportation: Buses and trains are efficient and affordable ways to travel between cities and towns in the Balkans. GjirafaTravel is a great resource for checking bus schedules and purchasing tickets online.
5. Explore by Foot: The best way to discover the hidden gems of the Balkans is on foot. Wander through cobblestone streets, explore local markets, and immerse yourself in the ambiance of each town.
6. Savor the Culinary Delights: Balkan cuisine is a symphony of flavors, influenced by Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Slavic culinary traditions. Don't miss out on local specialties like ćevapčići (grilled minced meat), burek (savory pastries), and ajvar (roasted red pepper spread).
7. Indulge in Local Coffee Culture: Coffee is an integral part of Balkan culture. Take a break in a traditional kafana (coffeehouse) and savor the rich aroma and taste of local coffee.
8. Embrace the Nightlife: Balkan cities come alive at night, with lively bars, traditional music venues, and open-air cafes.
9. Immerse Yourself in History and Culture: The Balkans are steeped in history, from ancient Roman ruins to Ottoman-era architecture. Visit museums, explore historical sites, and learn about the region's rich cultural heritage.
10. Embrace the Warm Hospitality: Balkan people are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature. Engage with locals, strike up conversations, and experience their genuine kindness.
11. Venture into Nature: The Balkans boast stunning natural beauty, from lush forests and cascading waterfalls to pristine lakes and snow-capped mountains. Hike, bike, or simply relax and admire the scenery.
12. Be Flexible and Patient: Things may not always run according to plan in the Balkans, so embrace the unexpected and be patient with cultural differences.
13. Learn About Local Customs and Traditions: Respect local customs and traditions to avoid any misunderstandings and enhance your cultural understanding.
14. Bargain at Markets: Bargaining is a common practice in Balkan markets, so don't be afraid to negotiate a fair price for souvenirs and goods.
15. Support Local Businesses: Shop at local stores, dine at family-run restaurants, and stay in locally-owned guesthouses to contribute directly to the local economy.
16. Pack Light and Adaptably: The Balkans offer a variety of climates and activities, so pack light and versatile clothing that can be layered.
17. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: While the Balkans are generally safe, be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
18. Enjoy the Journey: Embrace the slow pace of life, savor the local flavors, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures that make the Balkans so unique.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Balkans, a region that will leave you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for its diverse beauty and cultural heritage.

Book your next adventure with GjirafaTravel!

Good day all!

I'm in need of a Nagasaki tour guide for a family of 6 on the 24th of March 2024. They will need a jumbo van to fit all 6 people plus the tour guide. The tour needs to be between 4 and 6 hours long.

If you're interested in submitting a suggested itinerary and quote please email me at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

#Nagasaki #tourguide

Hi guys :) I’m doing free walking tours and I was wondering if any of you guys have experience in that field and what you say before the tour starts about the payment. I‘m never quite sure whether it’s best to mention a specific range of payment one expects or say nothing specific.

Anybody any advice ?

Hi all! I am a Project Manager for watchLAB, a market research company and we have an upcoming study 2/22- 2/27 on professional services. You can pick what day works best for you. It’s a 1-hour remote study and it pays $150! We’re looking for your feedback and opinions! If you’re a baker, personal chef, tour guide, travel agent, realtor, or own your own small business, we would love to hear from you! Comment here or shoot me a message and I’ll send you more information! 😁

Hey guys! I’m starting a travel podcast to help give people tips and tricks for top destinations. So far I’ve done episodes on Athens, Lima, and Barcelona, but I’m open to anywhere else! It will be about an hour remote video interview and in return I do pay and I will feature your tours on my website and across all my social media platforms. Please let me know if you’re interested or have any other questions!