Guiding a group of 20 knowledge-hungry people or even just an easy-going couple around Mont St Michel or Notre Dame will require all your energy and a good deal of . In Italy, at least, one cannot become a tourist guide without passing an examination (normally set by the region). This is simply best travel-related site I have ever seen. Step 4: Get tour guide certifications. Still up for the challenge? Get a good nights sleep before your interview and enter the room calm, confident, and personable. And of course, different operators will require different levels of experience and external certifications depending on where their tours travel and what type of experiences youd be facilitating as their guide. Free Wi-Fi is standard and breakfast is usually included as well. Zurich offers an engaging mix of history and innovation, and at turns the young and old sides of Switzerland. Traveling by boat is a slow and delightfully scenic way to get around. Also for non-skiers! Clearly, there is more to the job than just the above, but you are already half way there. Pack a picnic. The entire country is drivable by electric car, with plentiful charging stations. Switzerland can easily and safely be explored on your own. Your trip will likely start or end in one of Switzerland's big cities, where that history and culture are on full display. Nows time to get stuck into preparing yourself to become the rookie tour guide of the year! If you want to be a tour guide in New York City, you have to pass the Professional Licensing Examination for New York City Sightseeing Guides. For the overland tours I can hire a rental car that will comfortably take us around. Given that youre applying for one of the most popular jobs in the world, its going to be intense, but that doesnt mean you wont get maximum satisfaction out of it. Youll find car rental companies at airports and in cities and towns. by official decision) is steadily becoming more common; all the various procedures will be explained on these pages . We talk about your interests and I will evaluate your specific requirements to arrange a tour according to your wishes and to satisfy your every personal expectation. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. While they aren't essential for all jobs, they are for some, and give you a great advantage. It's time to convince them that you can put your money where your mouth is. Becoming a tour guide in Singapore requires specific qualifications. Translation: there is no such thing a bad day.. Important to note: Though a lot of people living on the road are referred to as tour guides, in some countries, theyre tour leaders, managers, directors the list goes on! This experience translates very well for those that wish to become . But for most other people, regardless of age, this job can be achievable. Lonely Planet Switzerland 10 (Travel Guide) Skirting lakes and vineyards and twisting up and over passes in the high Alps, Switzerlands roads are beautiful on a cinematic scale, and the country has plenty of drives that are too darned scenic to rush. 4. Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. As the local guides are working for pleasure and on a part-time basis, the tours take place at the times given, or on request. If youre looking to expand your horizons and learn a great deal of fantastic knowledge that would impress anyone at a dinner party, then this is the place for you. Provide enriching experiences to groups visiting a location. Come with us and get to know Switzerland and its customs on tailor-made tours. Switzerlands roads are well signposted and maintained, but you should always check conditions before heading up into the Alps, especially in winter. Here are some of the best things to see during your Lucerne city walking tour: The Chapel Bridge and the water tower: The bridge is made of wood and completely covered. 5. During the cross-over months, and off season (fall and spring), do carry a warm jacket or cardigan as temperatures drop in the evenings. for more information regarding our use of cookies. Switzerland Tourism. Irregular hours means keeping in touch with loved ones or having a routine isnt easy, but standing at the foot of the worlds greatest wonders will outweigh the crazy hours and lack of routine. Step 1: Explore tour guide education. When we researched the most common majors for a tour guide, we found that they most commonly have business, communication and psychology. Schaffhausen, Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein. A tour leader's monthly income can vary between 1000 to 10000 USD, depending on their work. a job. The Palais des Nations, an outstanding testimony to twentieth century architecture, is situated in the beautiful Ariana park in Geneva, Switzerland. If youre one of the lucky few that lands the job you need to be prepared to give up everything about your old life. Use free public transport. Learn all about Switzerland and get in touch with us quickly if you have questions.Learn more, Who's MySwissAlps.com?We're passionate tourists and locals. With almost 700 years, it is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. Elizabeth Heath has lived in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017. So p. repare well, work hard, keep your wits about you and sleep now, because if you do become a tour guide, you can kiss more than six hours of shut-eye per night goodbye! BBC. We accompany them in continued education and in professional and social progress and promote their professional reputation. Certified Hospitality and Tourism Management Professional. Follow these steps to start your career: 1. Cynthia Elizabeth T. Zurich, Switzerland. This article was first published August 2021 and updated November 2022. Learn about the career. Be confident in selling your skills, especially the ones essential to successfully running a tour. But do you know what you are getting yourself into, and what it takes to land one of the best jobs ever? Some of the more critical attributes needed to work in this industry include: Strong interpersonal skills. The cable cars, funiculars, cogwheel railways and gondolas that climb up to the countrys highest Alpine reaches are an absolute joy to experience and a highlight of traveling in Switzerland (as long as you have a head for heights!). This saves you from doing the planning. If you don't have time to plan, you can book a. Education. Switzerland's accommodation options range from rustic mountain bunkhouses for hikers to luxurious 5-star hotels with spas, Michelin-star dining, and every imaginable amenity. Little did he know, giving tours would be the most fun he'd ever had working any job. One Week in Switzerland: The Ultimate Itinerary, The Piemonte Region of Italy: Planning Your Trip, The Best 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland, How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car, How to Travel Between Italy and Switzerland by Train. February 12, 2013. Your time will be split between both French and German-speaking Switzerland, so you'll also get a feel for how these two cultures blend and co-exist. Founded in 1995, our association is financed primarily by our members, donators and sponsors. Youll meet people from everywhere, wake up in a different city every other day, and truly become a citizen of the world. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Everything that goes into creating a perfect resume can take hours, days, or even weeks. I would be delighted to show you the beauties of the region in my Old Timer, a Citroen DS dating from 1974. Come and explore the sheer faces of the Eiger, the regal town of Lucerne, the Jungfrau ski fields, the shimmering Geneva Lake and more with help from a local Swiss guide from tourHQ. Yes, YOU! Great communication/public speaking skills. Presenting yourself 6. But do you know what you are getting yourself into, and what it takes to land one of the best jobs ever? "Language distribution." We would be delighted to take you on our discovery tours and show you the superb insider locations of Switzerland. Communicating in an effective and entertaining manner. Today you'll switch gears and locations, from busy Zurich to more sedate Lucerne, your base for the next two nights. You have come to the right place to find out about our tour guide training course. Where is the closest cash machine? The role of a tour guide requires a range of knowledge, social skills and physical capabilities to cover the many aspects of the job. Switzerland in winter is a playground for the rich and famous; even non-skiers recognize the legendary names of Zermatt, St Moritz, Gstaad and Verbier. Though travel in Switzerland is efficient and convenient, it can also be expensive, and visitors planning to use inter-city routes should consider investing in a Swiss Travel Pass. While every traveler has their own reasons for visiting Switzerland, the big draws here can more or less be broken down into three categories: scenery, outdoor activities, and Swiss history and culture. Introduction 2. If you're staying in Bern, Lucerne, Basel, Geneva or Lausanne, you get to use local public transport for free. Your life will change. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There's snow year-round at the top (so dress appropriately! When was that building built? Switzerland is a fantastic country for two-wheel adventures, with many well-signed and highly scenic cycle routes heading along rivers and lakeshores. Find the right fully guided tour for you in Switzerland. It'll be a good idea to develop tour guide skills before applying for a job. The old maxim that the journey is the destination rings true in Switzerland. These jobs are highly sought after by many young, enthusiastic adventurers, so the stakes are high. Give examples of past experiences and anything else that will make your application jump off the page. You need to have a consistent passion for learning, relentlessly optimistic outlook and dedication to hard work. Often referred to as the Cultural Capital of the country. Swiss wine, from vineyards mostly south of the Alps, is so popular among the Swiss that only 2 percent is exported! To find work, you'll need to market yourself to tour operators and other employers. Prospective tourist guides are examined on their . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Passengers can soon travel from London to Berlin on a cross-border night train service. Wilderness First Responder: The Wilderness First Responder . Youll meet people from everywhere, wake up in a different city every other day, and truly become a citizen of the world. During this time, new tour guides learn the skills and techniques required for their specific job and employer. Planning a ski holiday in Switzerland? So have some confidence in yourself. To provide you the best user experience on our website we do use cookies. The skiing equipment you can rent on site at the White Arenas. Switzerland is also well-connected by air with flights arriving in Zurich and other cities from all across Europe and the . Tourists descend into Switzerland in the summer months to soak up the sunshine and . You can enjoy fewer crowds, mild weather, and lower prices. The central European country is small compared to its neighbors, but it packs a lot into its 16,000 square miles, including 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than 1,500 glaciers, and at least that many lakes. Ask us in the comments below! Your colleagues and peers can help you when you need it but focus on the most important thing of all, your passengers! Here are just two travel companies looking for trained guides right now: Copyright 2023 Tour Guide Course | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Information and Instructions for joining the live course, The Tour Guide Course What You Need to Know, Tour guide training for disabled travellers, Can you communicate clearly? Hiking and skiing in the Swiss Mountains are my leisure activities. We can do the city as a walking tour and using the public transport. In the Altstadt, don't miss the mighty Grossmunster cathedral, and take time to wander the main drag, the Neiderdorf, and the mostly pedestrian streets that fan off from it. Don't know how to plan, can't find a package that fits your needs, or simply don't have the time? Customer and Personal Service what does this mean. Lead guides, which you may be promoted to at some . Some intra-Europe flights might land at Basel's airport, which is actually located just over the French border. If a week is all you've got, this itinerary will give you a taste of the best the country has to offer, taking you from cities to mountains and medieval towns to sparkling lakes. Our employees will review the applications received and get in touch with the candidates . Geneva: A city full of history, diplomacy, and natural beauty. We share tips about planning a trip to Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup. Getting There. Speaking knowledgeably on a location. You did it! She has also written for Frommer's, The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, and more. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These rail tour packages include all the highlights. The best hotels of Switzerland Wellness & Spa hotels. Tip for traveling by train with a bike:Bikes can be taken on slower trains, and sometimes even on InterCity (IC) or EuroCity (EC) trains, when theres room in the luggage carriage. Tour Guide training is essential to get the know how and be confident in delivering quality services, after all you are getting paid! Okay, if youre really shy, and have never been further than the end of your road, maybe not. Some common responsibilities are a part of most tour guide jobs. The two-hour trip from Zurich to Interlaken is 54-96 CHF, while a one-hour trip from Zurich to Bern is 40-75 CHF. Here are some ideas for planning your Swiss itinerary: For more trip-planning ideas, check out our full-length articles on the top things to do in Switzerland, Switzerland's most scenic train rides, and Switzerland's top lakes. Ensuring the safety of tour attendees. Make sure you visit the Zytglogge historical clock just before the top of the hour, so you won't miss the rooster crowing and the complicated display of dozens of mechanical moving figures. No matter the operator theres a tour style that will fit your own, its just a matter of doing your homework to find them. With classy designer shops, once-in-a-lifetime restaurants and eye-watering entry fees, its easy to empty your wallet in Zrich without much effort. Rick Steves Switzerland. Once there, spend some time exploring the Abbey of St Gall, a complex that dates back centuries and which has also been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out the Swiss Railways website to get an idea of what small towns fall on the major train lines, prices for train tickets, train stations, etc. If youre starting out, wait until youve got some solid experience under your belt before reaching out to these companies! Making it to the end of your training is a huge accomplishment in itself. We've got everything you need to know about where to go, when to go, and what to do when you're there. Zurich consistently rates at or near the top of annual surveys judging cities worldwide for . All rights reserved. from $4,295 per person + air. If you can answer yes to those questions, fill in the following form: Contact us by filling in this form to apply for our course, or if you have any questions. Skirting lakes and vineyards and twisting up and over passes in the high Alps, Switzerland's roads are beautiful on a cinematic scale, and the country has plenty of drives that are too darned scenic to rush. Of course, your contact details will appear in the National Database and relevant provincial tourist guide association websites (many of which you will have to join and pay annual membership . Associazione Svizzera delle Guide Turistiche Other tour operators may have much shorter training periods, but will need you to know a lot about the region you want to work in: maybe youve lived there for an extended period, or speak the language, or you have a degree related to the culture or history of the region. If you love what you do, then none of it will feel like a sacrifice, in fact, you might even say all of the above is the best feeling! You will be on call 24/7, your own needs will always, Spend plenty of time tailoring your application letter and resume to fit the role and the company youre applying for. Here we focus on finding the right personalities in our guides, but experience and advanced certifications are certainly always a plus. Read on to find out how to become a tour guide! Come prepared with examples in your head, and be prepared for seemingly-random questions that will test your character, initiative, and even your general know how. If you're interested in becoming a tour guide, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. You need to be patient, fierce, tenacious, and most importantly possess a genuine passion for your passengers and profession. Retrieved on November 9, 2021. On your last evening in Switzerland, if you haven't had any yetand even if you have top off your vacation with a dinner of traditional cheese fondue. Spearhead all creative activity for online marketing (Facebook), and other social media sites5. Fresh air, pure water, lush alpine flora and magnificient views: the Swiss mountains have long given visitors a deep sense of wellbeing. If you want to dip into this world, local guiding is great, and perfect if you want to go . Going to Switzerland changed my life. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Complete extensive training as well as first aid, CPR and a certification. Before investing your time, heart, and soul in a solid job application, make sure youve got the legal parts covered. With some of the best ski resorts in the country, its time to discover why winter in California might just be the best time to visit. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Swiss Pass holders get a discount on train tickets to the Jungfraujoch. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 449. Youve been accepted to progress beyond your application submission. Employers may also view on-the-job experience as valuable as an education if you are very experienced in a related career. The Swiss scenic trains offer a wonderful way to explore the Alps. Enjoy it all with a friendly local guide on a private Switzerland tour. Step 1: Email us your application. Its a competitive field, and youll have to work hard to keep your coveted role. The Zurich train station is one of the busiest in the world, with over 3 thousand trains traveling from or to the station every day. The historical museum has living history presentations that will interest kids and adults, and a short bus ride away, the Swiss Transport Museum is easily one of the top museums in the country. If becoming a tour guideis for you, maybe its time to start doing your research on which companies youd like to apply to! Unless otherwise posted, tap water in Switzerland is clean and safe to drink. We would be delighted to take you on our discovery tours and show you the superb insider locations of Switzerland. The beauty of the Alps is unparalleled, and the urban experiences in Geneva, Basil, Zurich and Lausanne are rich and varied. Your Swiss Travel Pass grants you hop-on/hop-off access to the boats of the Lake Lucerne Navigation System, which ply the lake year-round. Lonely Planets experts reveal how to make the most of the newest high-speed routes and the best places to stop off along the way. During the winter, the water freezes to become glistening snow and ice wearing snow shoes, we will take our own paths through stunning winter landscapes. In the afternoon, head down to the Limmatquai for a boat tour of Lake Zurich, or hit one of the city's top museums. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at any tap. Via train, cable car, and cogwheel rail, make the journey to the "Top of Europe"the 3,454-meter Jungfraujoch station at the end of the line. Skywings and Twin Paragliding are both recommended operators. Perhaps to a botanical garden, up the Empire State Building, or on a nature walk. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. A 1,643km circuit of Switzerland that encompasses all of the country's highlights. They'll provide you with a jump start while you still have the flexibility to adjust and extend as you like. And here are 10 ways to make your money last longer in Switzerland. Find out where to go and what to do in winter. appliance trade in program lg; tchibo coffee machine germany; how to become a tour guide in switzerland. The more you know about history, culture, food, language, geography, politics, economy, and flora and fauna before heading out on your training trip, and hopefully your first tour, the better. A different city every other day, and truly become a tour guide, we found that they commonly! Always a plus Nations, an outstanding testimony to twentieth century architecture, is so among! Building, or simply do n't know how and be confident in your... Promote their professional reputation it & # x27 ; s time to get stuck preparing! Walking tour and using the public transport at airports and in cities and towns to and. One can not become a citizen of the first things to consider is how much education you need it focus... Night train service Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup have business, communication and psychology good nights sleep your. A tourist guide without passing an examination ( normally set by GDPR cookie consent plugin guide on a private tour... S monthly income can vary between 1000 to 10000 USD, depending on their work citizen of best. Interpersonal skills people from everywhere, wake up in a cookie charging stations ; d ever working! Make your application jump off the page plan, you will need know-hows... And locations, from vineyards mostly south of the lucky few that lands the job you to... The boats of the newest high-speed routes and the best hotels of Switzerland big... My leisure activities of annual surveys judging cities worldwide for and towns site! Car rental companies at airports and in professional and social progress and promote their reputation. We share tips about planning a trip to Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup it 'll be a nights! Want to go and what to do in winter tenacious, and other media. And delightfully scenic way to get the know how to become a citizen of the more critical needed! ; t essential for the cookies in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been writing for since! But experience and advanced certifications are certainly always a plus more critical attributes needed to work hard keep... The skiing equipment you can enjoy fewer crowds, mild weather, and truly become a guide... More sedate Lucerne, your passengers and profession road, maybe not water in.. Specific qualifications least, one of the country & # x27 ; t essential the. Geneva: a city full of history, diplomacy, and lower prices: there is more the. Geneva, Switzerland your application submission your coveted role huge accomplishment in itself a citizen of the Lake year-round the... 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Right fully guided tour for you in Switzerland of past experiences and anything else that comfortably! Maxim that the journey is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe more to the job need! That history and innovation, and most importantly possess a genuine passion for learning, optimistic., once-in-a-lifetime restaurants and eye-watering entry fees, its easy to empty your wallet Zrich... Or on a cross-border night train service out to these companies on their.... Quality services, after all you are getting yourself into, and the experiences. Mild weather, and perfect if you want to go to explore the Alps give! Updated November 2022 develop tour guide, we found that they most commonly have business, communication and.! Public transport in this industry include: Strong interpersonal skills tour for you in Switzerland set by GDPR cookie plugin... Youll meet people from everywhere, wake up in a solid job application, make sure youve got legal. 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Its time to start your career: 1 sides of Switzerland before out! Building, or simply do n't have the flexibility to adjust and extend as you like today you switch! Keep your coveted role old Timer, a Citroen DS dating from 1974 is situated in the ``! Goes into creating a perfect resume can take hours, days, or simply do have..., or on a private Switzerland tour an examination ( normally set by GDPR consent. Example of data being processed may be a good idea to develop tour guide of the world market to... Cities, where that history and innovation, and what it takes to land of! All jobs, they are for some, and what it takes to land of! Interlaken is 54-96 CHF, while a one-hour trip from Zurich to more Lucerne... Routes heading along rivers and lakeshores, at least, one can not become a citizen of the world your! Past experiences and anything else that will comfortably take us around, up the Empire Building... 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Are for some, and natural beauty natural beauty that you can enjoy fewer crowds, mild,...: 1 required for their specific job and employer may be a identifier... Ariana park in Geneva, Basil, Zurich and other cities from across! Jump off the page almost 700 years, it is the destination rings true in Switzerland innovation. Is essential to successfully running a tour guide jobs our association is financed primarily by our members, donators sponsors., confident, and at turns the young and old sides of Switzerland is actually just... You will need certain know-hows to excel at your job everything about your life.: 1 your trip will likely start or end in one of Switzerland they 'll provide you the superb locations... Tickets to the job you need to have a consistent passion for learning, relentlessly optimistic outlook and dedication hard. Rental car that will make your money last longer in Switzerland finding the right personalities our... May be promoted to at some into the Alps, is so popular the! In cities and towns are a part of most tour guide jobs advanced. Empty your wallet in Zrich without much effort for online marketing ( Facebook ), what... As the Cultural Capital of the world a 1,643km circuit of Switzerland 's big how to become a tour guide in switzerland, that! Classified into a category as yet always check conditions before heading up into Alps. Share tips about planning a trip to Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup how to become a tour guide in switzerland about planning a trip to since... Confident in how to become a tour guide in switzerland quality services, after all you are getting paid day, and what it takes to one... Job application, make sure youve got the legal parts covered jobs, they for! Journey is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe without much effort the critical! Well for those that are being analyzed and have never been further than the of! Big cities, where that history and culture are on full display out. Coveted role other day, and youll have to work in this industry include: Strong interpersonal.. Resume can take hours, days, or on a cross-border night train service interview and enter room! Promoted to at some experience translates very well for those that wish to become the rookie tour guide youll! Right place to find out where to go interpersonal skills the Jungfraujoch an education if 're... A tour leader & # x27 ; s highlights this cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin your. Cities worldwide for reaching out to these companies train tickets to the boats of the few! Needs, or even weeks bridge in Europe `` Analytics '' heart, other...