How to become a Travel Guides
Also called: Cruise Counselor, Guide, Naturalist Guide, Tour Coordinator, Tour Escort, Tour Manager, Tour Operations Specialist, Tour Operator, Travel Consultant, Whitewater Rafting Guide
Plan, organize, and conduct long-distance travel, tours, and expeditions for individuals and groups.
Main tasks
- Arrange for tour or expedition details such as accommodations, transportation, equipment, and the availability of medical personnel.
- Plan tour itineraries, applying knowledge of travel routes and destination sites.
- Resolve any problems with itineraries, service, or accommodations.
- Attend to special needs of tour participants.
- Sell travel packages.
- Evaluate services received on the tour, and report findings to tour organizers.
- Give advice on sightseeing and shopping.
- Administer first aid to injured group participants.
How to become one
Tour and travel guides typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Once hired, they usually receive training on the job. Some guides need a license.
Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Licence: A licence is required in 16 states.
Pay · Outlook
- About 62,200 people work in this job now, and about 66,100 are projected by 2035. (+6.3%)
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Travel Guides?
Tour and travel guides typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Once hired, they usually receive training on the job. Some guides need a license.
Is a Travel Guides a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 62,200 to about 66,100 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Travel Guides?
Not always. 47% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.