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!

Well im not exactly a tour guide, and its not the first time ive toured people in places about things. im in highschool and we're going on a trip to the ancient greek theater of dionysos with the difference that some students are gonna be the guides.

i just need some help clarifying as to how to organize the order of the things im gonna say.

first of all, the ancient theater as a structure (and specifically that one) underwent huge and significant changes throughout history, and i would consider my guiding a failure if i were to only present their current state instead of deepening on their history. that will be the main goal of my tour.

so, in order to achieve that, the first idea is to talk about each individual part of the theater while seeing it up close, and while on each specific one, explain its history and all its details.

pros: i will be able to have their full attention without needing to sit them down for a long time without moving to talk about things they already saw

cons: talking about each thing individually will not give the visitors a whole image on the evolution of anc. theater and the reasons for that evolution, which i believe is crucial. instead they can confuse the stages and not truly understand what was going on, aka a random jumble of information.

the second idea is to first present everything as of the current state and explain their usage, and then move onto the history as a whole image, basically talking about the ancient theater through the periods it went through and not individual objects.

pros: they will get the full image i am striving for.

cons: perhaps it will be tiring to talk about everything again altogether. like i mentioned above really.

i have consulted my family about this matter and still have not managed to reach a conclusion. perhaps a careful combination would do? any advice and will do!

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 maretha@meltingrock.com

#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!

I am working on a walking tour business where I would offer several different tours. I have done them through other organizations (such as the library to celebrate local history) and have gotten rave reviews and requests to do more.

The last one was a cemetery tour sponsored by the library. We expected a dozen people at most, and ended up with around 55! The biggest problem was the group being able to hear me.

I looked into wireless tour guide audio systems, but the are expensive, require maintenance as well as someone tracking them to ensure they are returned.

Is there a smartphone app that can be used to essentially do the same thing? Allow me to speak using my iPhone and the guests can listen on their own phones?

Hello! If you are a tour guide that does any sort of walking/biking/driving tour that happens in a downtown or more urban environment, please say hello! Especially if the tour itself has anything to do with history or buildings. Like a historical home walking tours, arts district walk, architecture tour, etc.

I'm working on an app that I think you and your customers will absolutely love, would guess it to improve your customer experience (and tips) by a good bit!

Looking forward to connecting with y'all!

Hello there, soon I will start a Tour Guide job with a local company who does daytime excursions throughout my home country and I'm preparing and learning the tour script (infos) etc. I was wondering what (free or one time payment) tools other people used and if anybody can recommend something for me.

We drive with a bus and I need to comment on things in the bus as well as get off and guide guests on foot. I need to sort unofficial tour guide information, commentary for guests etc.

Currently I use the following:

- Trello to sort my tour script
(Obviously at some point I would like not to use notes anymore but at the beginning I'll need to, some people have this on paper but I prefer a digital solution)
Challenge: Trello has a character maximum in the description so I need to split the tour in segments (which is ok). I could use anything here that works on desktop and mobile, Word could work as well I guess but I prefer the card structure of trello.

- Google My Maps
This could be so useful but it seems there is a maximum of waypoints (maybe 10) per route and I ideally like to combine a route AND waypoints with Infos. Currently I have a layer for the route and one for the Points of Interest/Stops. I could work around this by splitting the route in layers as well. I checked for alternatives (like heremaps) but didn't find anything that has comparable functionality.

Do you guys use any tools for your work? I would love to hear about it. Thanks!

Hi everyone!

Hope you’re all keeping well and ready for the new year!

By way of introduction, I’m Kaycee, founder of Narrated Guide.

What does Narrated Guide do?

We give travellers the resources they need for self-guided tours in their destinations. This includes:

• Storytelling audio guides for points of interest (as well as text).
• Each guide is available in different languages (currently available in English and Chinese, with more languages to be added shortly).
• Each guide comes with a suggested itinerary with mapped routes.

To maximise the value for travellers, we are actively looking to partner up with experienced local tour guides. I think the self-guided option would be a great complementary service for your in-person tours!

How does this help you?

• You'll be helping travellers who can't make a specific time or simply prefer to guide themselves.
• Good passive income! You only need to write the content once, we’ll handle the audio and translation into other languages. Each time a guide sells, you’ll receive a payment! And you will always have control over your content.
• Free marketing for you. We will advertise and market your in-person tours as well.

If this is something you'd be interested in, please let me know! We can discuss more in detail.

https://forms.gle/4C4QHUmPMn2WWBmv7 Hello, this survey is integral to my thesis research. Its aim is to explore the challenges individuals encounter in historical and cultural heritage sites, as well as the factors that attract them to these locations. Thanks for participating

Hello all, I want to start doing tours in addition to my short term rentals. I already have an LLC set up for the rentals so it would be under the same umbrella. I now want to hire a guide and start offering tours. My question is, is it legal for my guide to drive the tour guests to and from the destination? I am located in South TX. Thanks in advance!

I have been in contact with a guest come friend for over a month now. She is planning for a visit to Kenya from the US with her husband and kids and has been consulting with me for the longest. Her knowledge of Kenya is through tiktok and YouTube. She does listen to my advice and make adjustments accordingly. We are normally on calls for hours together with her husband on our plans.

My problem is with the itinerary development process. See, my work is selling pre-developed itinerary and helping with the execution. Guests only have to identify activities they are interested in and leave me create a full itinerary. We do keep in touch until they land at the airport or the designated location. This approach is different and new to me.

I have been thinking about this and identified an opportunity. Am planning on opening up an office and starting my own practice and am considering including a family friendly perspective to client handling.

Basically, I will be attaching an operator to each client and their family to plan from pre-arrival to the end. This way, the guests feel as part of the whole activity and appreciate activities selected together.

Do you think this will have a better impact on my clientèle? Will it improve relations or make things worse?