Have you ever wondered what it would be like to break free from the 9 to 5 and truly live a life of freedom? Most people wouldn’t dare to dream that big but a select few in this world are built a bit differently. These types of people are disappointed if they finish a travel degree only to end up behind a desk. Those people want more out of life than a predictable routine. Those people were born to travel!
If this is starting to sound scarily like you, that’s because you’ve probably got the temperament to tour! If you’re interested in learning more about why you should become a Tour Leader, what makes this job important, what it truly takes and, of course, what you’ll earn, read on for the TourCademy breakdown of the typical Tour Leader.
Let’s start with the nitty gritty, shall we? You want to know the typical Tour Leader's salary before even considering starting the process. And that’s valid! Because, honestly, financial freedom and the power to attain it for yourself with your own hard work and drive is one of the best parts of being a Tour Leader.
Now, of course, money isn’t everything and there are many other fulfilling parts of being a Tour Leader. But, making over $75k annually definitely sweetens the deal, wouldn’t you say? Naturally, this is totally up to you, how much you work, and how dedicated you are to becoming the best!
If you’ve been job hunting in recent years, you’ll be very familiar with the term “flexible working hours”. It’s almost the buzzword of the day after lockdown and gets many people through the interview doors with the promise of some control over their day. What inevitably happens, though? Most people work from 9 to 5, so you’d have to be available during the same time to meet your job requirements. So, you’re working flexible hours but have to apply for an hour to go to the bank days in advance.
Nonsense with that! You deserve the power to control not only your schedule but your life. You pick the number of tours you do a year, naturally impacting your income directly. You choose which seasons to work. You can even choose which countries to specialise in! When we say flexible schedules, we mean it.
Let’s face it, Tour Leader positions are highly in demand! And that’s likely due to the experience one gains when travelling the world, managing your own time and facilitating big tour groups. The bottom line is, Tour Leader skills will take you far in life! Here are just a few of the invaluable life and professional skills you learn as a tour leader:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Good organisational skills
- Good leadership skills
- The ability to conduct in-depth research
- The ability to work well in a team and on your own
Sure, ticking off your own bucket list is a major perk of the job! But beyond that, when these once seemingly intangible places start feeling like second homes and unknown roads like the veins in your hands, what truly fulfils a Tour Leader is the incredible people they meet, the cultures they experience and the lifelong friendships they forge.
As you make your way around the world and stop in the same dreamy destinations, you’ll have the luxury of getting more than a glimpse of the culture and lifestyle of a place. You’ll even make friends in frequently visited places, build connections with local vendors, or even become an honorary local at your favourite town’s buzzing spot. When you’re a tour leader, the world is your home and its people, your family.
From all over the world, excited travellers get on board ready to explore and hang on each word you say. Getting to be there when someone finally sees their dream attraction, for example, is a special pleasure. Seeing someone’s face light up when they learn something new about their favourite country is a unique thrill.
Arguably one of the best parts of being a Tour Leader, and group tours in general, is the palpable sense of global community. Hitting the road with a group of like-minded people all eager to discover something incredible – there’s nothing quite like it!
