tour guide dress

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• Travel Guide

What To Wear As A Tour Guide

Published: December 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Carree Grier

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• Travel Tips

Introduction

Being a tour guide is an exciting and rewarding profession that allows you to share your love for travel and adventure with others. As a tour guide, you not only serve as a source of information, but you also help create memorable experiences for your clients. One aspect of being a successful tour guide is dressing appropriately for the role.

The way you dress as a tour guide can have a significant impact on how clients perceive you and the overall experience they have on the tour. Your attire should not only reflect professionalism and expertise, but it should also be practical, comfortable, and suitable for the type of tour you are leading.

In this article, we will explore the importance of dressing as a tour guide and provide valuable tips and suggestions on how to choose the right attire for different types of tours. We will also discuss the significance of proper footwear and accessories, as well as the cultural considerations to keep in mind when dressing as a tour guide.

Whether you are leading a hiking expedition, conducting a museum tour, or guiding a group through a bustling city, this article will help you make informed decisions about what to wear as a tour guide, ensuring that you not only look professional but also feel comfortable and confident in your role.

Importance of Dressing as a Tour Guide

As a tour guide, your appearance plays a crucial role in establishing trust and credibility with your clients. Dressing appropriately for the role not only shows your professionalism but also signals to your clients that you take your job seriously. Here are several reasons why dressing as a tour guide is important:

• Creates a Positive First Impression: Your attire is the first thing clients notice about you when they meet you. A well-groomed and appropriately dressed tour guide leaves a positive and lasting impression on clients, setting the tone for the rest of their experience.
• Reflects Expertise: Your clothing should reflect your knowledge and expertise in the field. It should give clients the confidence that they are in the hands of a knowledgeable guide who can provide accurate and insightful information about the tour destination.
• Establishes Professionalism: Dressing professionally shows that you take your role seriously and that you value your clients’ trust and investment in the tour. It conveys a sense of professionalism and competence, which is essential for building rapport and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Enhances Group Cohesion: When you dress appropriately for the tour, clients are more likely to see you as a leader and authority figure. This helps establish a sense of cohesion within the group, allowing you to effectively manage and guide your clients throughout the tour.
• Fosters Client Confidence: Your attire can instill confidence in your clients that they are in safe and capable hands. When clients see you dressed professionally and appropriately for the tour, they feel reassured and more comfortable relying on your guidance.

Overall, the way you dress as a tour guide sets the tone for the entire tour experience. It not only affects how clients perceive you but also influences their overall satisfaction with the tour. By dressing appropriately, you create a positive and professional image, allowing clients to fully trust and engage with you throughout the journey.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Tour Guide Attire

When selecting your tour guide attire, it is important to consider a variety of factors to ensure that your clothing is suitable for the tour and meets the expectations of your clients. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Type of Tour: The nature of the tour will significantly influence your clothing choices. For outdoor activities such as hiking or camping tours, opt for comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing. For cultural or historical tours, choose attire that respects the traditions and customs of the destination.
• Season and Weather: The climate and weather conditions at the tour destination should guide your clothing decisions. In warmer months, lightweight and breathable fabrics are ideal, while layered clothing may be necessary for cooler temperatures. Consider the potential for rain or sunshine and plan accordingly.
• Client Expectations and Demographics: It’s essential to understand the expectations and preferences of your clients. For example, if your clients are expecting a more formal experience, dress accordingly. Similarly, consider the demographic of your clients – their age, cultural background, and interests – to ensure your attire resonates with them.
• Practicality and Comfort: Tour guiding often involves physical activity and long hours on your feet. Choose clothing that allows ease of movement and provides comfort throughout the day. Opt for breathable fabrics, flexible waistbands, and appropriate footwear to ensure comfort and practicality.
• Cultural Appropriateness: When leading tours in different regions or countries, it is crucial to respect and adhere to local cultural norms. Familiarize yourself with any dress codes or cultural sensitivities to ensure that your attire is appropriate and respectful. Avoid clothing that may be considered offensive or disrespectful.
• Visibility and Identification: As a tour guide, you need to be easily recognizable by your clients. Consider wearing a badge or a tour guide uniform that clearly identifies you. This helps establish your authority and ensures that your clients can easily spot you in a crowded area.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose tour guide attire that aligns with the nature of the tour, meets client expectations, and promotes comfort and professionalism. Remember, finding the right balance between practicality and cultural appropriateness is essential to ensure an enjoyable and respectful tour experience for everyone involved.

Dress Code Suggestions for Different Types of Tours

When leading different types of tours, it’s important to dress appropriately to fit the theme and activities involved. Here are some dress code suggestions for various types of tours:

• Outdoor Adventure Tours: If you’re leading hiking, camping, or adventure tours, prioritize comfort and practicality. Opt for moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics that provide protection against the elements. Choose lightweight and quick-drying clothing for warm weather and layer up with thermal or waterproof gear for colder conditions. Don’t forget to wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
• Cultural or Historical Tours: When leading tours that involve visiting cultural sites, museums, or historical landmarks, it’s important to dress respectfully. Consider wearing more formal attire, such as collared shirts or blouses, paired with trousers or skirts. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Respect any dress codes that may be applicable at specific sites, such as covering your shoulders or removing your shoes.
• City Tours: City tours often require a balance between comfort and style. Opt for smart-casual attire, such as a collared shirt or blouse paired with well-fitting pants or a skirt. Choose comfortable footwear for long walks, such as sneakers or flats. Layering is key for varying weather conditions, so bring a lightweight jacket or cardigan that matches your outfit.
• Water-based Tours: For tours that involve activities like boat trips, kayaking, or snorkeling, choose clothing that can get wet and dry quickly. Consider wearing swimwear or quick-drying shorts and a rash guard. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and water shoes to protect your feet and provide traction on wet surfaces.
• Food and Wine Tours: Food and wine tours often involve visiting restaurants or wineries, so it’s important to dress slightly more formal. Opt for business casual attire, such as a collared shirt or blouse with trousers or a dress. Choose comfortable footwear for walking and ensure your clothing is not restrictive, as you may be sampling various dishes.

Remember, these suggestions serve as a general guideline, and it’s important to adapt your clothing choices based on specific tour requirements and cultural considerations. Always prioritize comfort, practicality, and respecting the local customs and expectations of your clients.

Tips for Comfortable and Practical Footwear Options

As a tour guide, your feet are your most important asset. You’ll be spending long hours on your feet, walking, and exploring with your clients. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose footwear that is not only comfortable but also practical. Here are some tips for selecting the right shoes:

• Comfort over Style: While it’s important to look presentable, prioritize comfort over style when it comes to footwear. Look for shoes that provide ample support, cushioning, and flexibility. Avoid high heels, as they can cause discomfort and fatigue over prolonged periods of walking.
• Choose the Right Fit: Ill-fitting shoes can lead to blisters, discomfort, and foot pain. Make sure to measure your feet accurately and try on shoes before purchasing. Look for shoes with a roomy toe box that allows your toes to wiggle without restriction. Ensure that the shoes have a secure and adjustable closure system, such as laces or straps.
• Consider the Terrain: The type of tour and terrain you’ll be navigating will dictate the type of footwear you need. For city tours or indoor activities, opt for comfortable walking shoes or sneakers with good traction. For outdoor adventures, such as hiking or exploring rough terrain, invest in sturdy and supportive hiking boots or trail shoes.
• Test the Shoes: Before taking your new shoes on a tour, take them for a test walk to ensure they’re comfortable and don’t cause any discomfort or rubbing. Wear them around the house or on short walks to break them in and make any necessary adjustments.
• Consider Climate and Weather: Take into account the climate and weather conditions of the tour destination when selecting footwear. For hot and humid environments, choose breathable shoes with moisture-wicking properties. In wet or rainy conditions, opt for waterproof or water-resistant shoes that provide protection from the elements.
• Bring Spare Shoes: It’s always a good idea to have an extra pair of shoes with you, especially on longer tours or multi-day trips. Having a backup pair allows you to give your feet a break and switch out shoes if needed. It also comes in handy if your primary shoes get wet or muddy.

Remember, taking care of your feet is essential for your well-being as a tour guide. By choosing comfortable and practical footwear, you’ll not only be able to navigate various terrains with ease but also ensure that you’re able to focus on delivering an exceptional tour experience for your clients.

Accessories to Enhance the Tour Guide Attire

Accessories can play a significant role in enhancing your tour guide attire, adding functionality and style to your overall look. Here are some accessories that can elevate your outfit and improve your performance as a tour guide:

• Headwear: A hat or cap not only provides sun protection but also adds a touch of style to your ensemble. Choose a hat that suits the type of tour and the climate you’ll be in. A wide-brimmed hat is perfect for outdoor tours, while a stylish cap can work well for city or cultural tours.
• Badge or ID: Wear a visible badge or identification that clearly identifies you as a tour guide. This helps clients easily recognize you in crowded areas and establishes your authority as the leader of the tour.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun’s rays and reduce glare by wearing a pair of sunglasses. Opt for a stylish and functional pair that suits your face shape and provides adequate UV protection.
• Bag or Backpack: A durable and practical bag or backpack is essential for carrying tour essentials such as water bottles, guidebooks, maps, and first aid kits. Choose a bag with multiple compartments and comfortable straps to distribute the weight evenly.
• Watch: A reliable and easily readable watch is invaluable for keeping track of time during the tour. Whether it’s ensuring punctuality or sticking to the tour itinerary, a watch keeps you on track and allows you to provide a smooth and seamless tour experience for your clients.
• Camera: As a tour guide, you might need to take photos or capture memorable moments for your clients. Carrying a lightweight and high-quality camera allows you to document the tour and create lasting memories.
• Communication Device: Depending on the size and nature of your tour, a communication device such as a walkie-talkie or smartphone can be helpful in staying connected with your clients and other guides. It allows for clear communication and quick coordination, ensuring a well-organized and efficient tour.

Remember, while accessories can enhance your tour guide attire, it’s essential not to overdo it. Strike a balance between functionality and style, and ensure that your accessories do not hinder your performance as a tour guide. Choose items that serve a purpose and complement your overall look, allowing you to provide a professional and enjoyable experience for your clients.

Cultural Considerations for Tour Guide Dressing

When leading tours in different regions or countries, it is crucial to be mindful of the local culture and dress appropriately to show respect and avoid inadvertently causing offense. Here are some cultural considerations to keep in mind when dressing as a tour guide:

• Research and Learn: Take the time to research and understand the cultural norms and expectations regarding attire in the destination you’ll be touring. Familiarize yourself with any specific dress codes or customs, especially when visiting religious sites or conservative communities.
• Modesty: In many cultures, modesty is highly valued. Dress modestly by opting for clothing that covers your shoulders, knees, and cleavage. Avoid wearing revealing or form-fitting clothing that may be considered inappropriate or offensive.
• Traditional Attire: Consider wearing traditional or traditional-inspired clothing that aligns with the local culture, if appropriate and respectful to do so. This can enhance the tour experience and show your appreciation for the local heritage.
• Color Symbolism: Be aware of any cultural significance attached to specific colors. In some cultures, certain colors may have religious or traditional associations. Avoid wearing colors that may be considered offensive or inappropriate, and opt for neutrals or culturally significant colors when appropriate.
• Footwear Etiquette: Some cultures have customs regarding footwear. Before entering certain places, such as temples or private homes, you may be required to remove your shoes. Be prepared by wearing socks or bringing slip-on footwear that can be easily and respectfully removed.
• Head Coverings: In certain religious or cultural contexts, it may be appropriate or required to cover your head as a sign of respect. Familiarize yourself with the customs and expectations, and consider having a scarf or head covering available for such situations.
• Jewelry and Symbols: Be mindful of the jewelry and symbols you wear, as they may have cultural or religious significance. Avoid wearing items that may be considered disrespectful or offensive to the local culture or religion.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: As a tour guide, it’s essential to be adaptable and sensitive to cultural variations. Be open to adjustments in your attire based on specific cultural requirements or client preferences, while still maintaining professionalism and comfort.

By being culturally sensitive and dressing appropriately, you show respect for the local customs and traditions. This not only enhances the tour experience for your clients but also helps foster positive interactions and connections with the local community.

Dressing appropriately as a tour guide is essential for creating a positive and professional impression, establishing credibility, and ensuring client satisfaction. By considering factors such as the type of tour, climate, client expectations, and cultural sensitivities, you can choose attire that aligns with the nature of the tour and meets the needs of your clients.

Remember to prioritize comfort and practicality in your footwear choices, as you’ll be spending long hours on your feet. Accessories can also enhance your tour guide attire, providing functionality and adding a stylish touch. However, it’s important not to overdo it and to strike a balance that allows you to perform your duties effectively.

Lastly, cultural considerations play a significant role in tour guide dressing. Respecting local customs, dress codes, and traditions shows a deep appreciation for the culture and fosters positive interactions with clients and the local community. Being adaptable and flexible shows your willingness to embrace different cultural norms.

By carefully selecting your attire, taking into account comfort, practicality, and cultural sensitivities, you can confidently lead tours and provide an exceptional experience for your clients. Dressing as a tour guide not only reflects your professionalism but also ensures that you are well-equipped to guide and inspire your clients on their adventures.

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An Inside Look At Being A Female Tour Guide

Are you wondering what it is like to be a woman in tourism, precisely being a female tour guide? Whether you’re a woman looking to start their own tour operator business or you’re just curious on the matter, we’ve got you covered in this blog. We couldn’t think of a better way to dive deeper into this topic than interviewing three of our clients, who just so happen to be excellent and experienced female tour guides and owners of successful tour companies.

Without further ado, let’s jump right in by introducing our star interviewees!

Candice – Owner of Tours Around Michigan (opens in a new tab)

Jennifer – Owner of San Diego Walks (opens in a new tab)

Karin – Owner of City Tour Detroit (opens in a new tab)

1. How long have you been in the tourism industry?

Candice: After nearly three decades in media & international public relations, I fell in love with creating joy for others and storytelling through tourism in 2017. So, 5 years.

Jennifer: I’ve been in tourism in San Diego for about 20 years. For most of those years it was a side hustle while I worked a “real” job, but for the last six years it has been my main source of income. I own my own walking tour company, but also work with larger companies as a step-on guide.

Karin: My venture into tourism occurred on a very part-time basis in 2010 when I organized several local tourism conferences and networking events which promoted the historical assets of the region I lived in. From there, I started organizing occasional tours based on the historical assets which interested me. I specifically started my company City Tour Detroit in 2016 when demand for city tours increased dramatically. I figured it was now or never. I opted for now.

2. Why did you choose the travel sector?

Candice: Travel has been part of my work prior to me officially working in tourism, including traveling with foreign government officials for an international corporation. When I started in local tourism, it felt like the perfect fit for my experience with my passions for storytelling and history.

Jennifer: I love traveling myself so it’s a treat to meet people doing the same thing. People are endlessly fascinating and I really enjoy getting to know them during small group tours. I also love storytelling and I live in a place that is known for its beauty, but also has some really interesting stories about its past and the people who got us to where we are today.

Karin: I’ve always liked the travel industry. In retrospect, I wish I would have chosen it much earlier in my career. When I travel, I always love to take short guided tours to find out more about the destination. I believe day tours provide valuable knowledge about the places you’re visiting and help you make the most of the limited time you may have there. I also think taking longer tours can be beneficial as someone else handles the logistics and all you have to do is show up.

3. What are some overlooked challenges for female guides?

• People without housing are more likely to approach a female over a male. The same people may feel more comfortable approaching tours led by females. Guides often need to handle people who talk to tour guests asking for money or follow tours they didn’t pay for. These situations may result in the guide & tour guests feeling unsafe. It can negatively impact the tour experience for guests. People who approach tour groups are often male, bigger, stronger, more intimidating looking than female guides, with an added concern that the person may have unpredictable behaviors. A female tour guide must help her guests feel safe while not putting herself at risk, and diffusing the situation.
• Many tours run into hours after sunset. Walking back to a vehicle or public transportation in the dark to go home may feel more unsafe to a female guide.
• Guests in male only group tours like bachelor party tours don’t always feel like they can fully relax for their guy time around a female guide.

Jennifer: I don’t know how overlooked they are, but there is always the struggle to be treated the same way male guides are treated. Men are given credibility immediately where women have to earn it. Male motorcoach drivers also treat male guides differently than female guides. Many male guides and drivers would probably deny that, but I’ve seen it a lot in the last 20 years.

Karin: From my perspective, I don’t think female guides face any overlooked challenges. The field appears to be very welcoming to men and women of all ages. That said, I only offer walking tours or step-on guide services for a short duration. Perhaps, if I were young, attractive, and on multi-day tours, there might be some sort of occasional sexual harassment to deal with or other challenging situations with management. I’m old or what the media dubs “invisible” and I’m good with that lol. Plus, I’m the boss in my company so I don’t have to deal with challenging management issues such as higher ups not implementing my ideas.

4. How would you recommend travel companies handle these overlooked challenges for female guides?

• Keep open communications with all your guides, but also specifically ask guides about situations that make them feel uncomfortable or unsafe, not only during the tours, but before and after. If there are situations that females may generally feel unsafe, they need to feel open sharing it. When you know specific concerns, which will vary by each person, location and situation, then it’s easier to brainstorm ways to help it feel safer. Also, have guides in training follow your best guides on tours to help them understand the style and also be exposed to different situations they may encounter.
• For people approaching the tour group for money, I will use a respectful, but firm voice. I’ll often say something like, “Sir, this is my tour group. I’m working, so if you leave my guests alone, I’d appreciate it. Thank you.” Confident body language is also helpful in ending the interruption quickly.
• For unhoused people who are listening to the stories, they sometimes encroach within the group’s personal space. I’ll say, “You’re welcome to listen to this story here, but then the group is moving on. If you could give people their personal space, we’d very much appreciate it.” (Often accompanied by a hand gesture to signify they should back up.)
• For people who are not part of the tour group that are following along to the next stop, I’ll give them a business card and say (with a smile), “Hi, This is a paid tour, but please look us up on our website if you’re interested in joining one in the future. Thank you.”
• For groups where the guides are not necessarily a natural fit, like a guy’s bachelor party with a female guide, teach guides to adapt to new situations and focus on creating a professional experience for the guests. When you don’t need to share something with them about the tour, give them space to enjoy their friend time. When speaking with them, focus on adding value to the experience (facts about the tastings or building history, for example), work in any common ground topic you’ve overheard to help them feel more comfortable with you.

Jennifer: Work with the bus companies to bring it to their attention. Since most management of tour companies and bus companies are male they probably don’t see the problem, let alone address it. All tour companies should address the extra challenges of being female on tour during training. Acknowledging that there are differences alone would go a long way to making female guides not wonder if they are the only ones who perceive differences.

5. What do you hope the industry looks like for female guides 10 years from now?

Candice: More training in guiding and customer service, as this makes all the guides operate more uniformly and builds confidence in guides, including female. Also create a company environment where people can safely express their concerns and offer suggestions of improvement. This maximizes the brain power, plus balances experience and concerns of all staff.

Jennifer: I hope there are lots of women in all levels of travel in 10 years, especially in leadership.

Karin: In Detroit, most of the receptive tour operators are female run. The majority of multi-day tour operators and tour guides I work with or know personally are female. I hope that trend continues. Whether one is showing off their city or leading guests on treks across the world, wonderful career opportunities exist for males and females in the tourism sector.

6. What tips do you have for travel companies to make female guides feel more comfortable?

Candice: Keep communication open. Ask how things are going. Ask if there are suggestions to make tours better. Ask if there are any situations or areas where they feel unsafe. Females often feel like they need to quietly tolerate situations as part of the job, when there are solutions that can improve the experience for the guide and the tour guests. Getting this information is the most important step, as you can then start brainstorming on how to improve tours and also help guides feel safe and involved in the improvement of the company.

Jennifer: I think all guides (male and female) can benefit from ongoing training that addresses what is happening in the field now. Having a space to take time to talk about what they have experienced, and be able to get input from other guides on how they addressed a similar situation is one of the most important things a tour company can do. There needs to be two way communication, and guides need to know that they are valued and can get advice and/or tools/resources from management, and management needs to have a clear idea of what their employees are facing in the field.

Although we are just scratching the surface on this topic, we hope you took away from Candice, Jennifer, and Karin’s insight as much as we did! Here at Tourism Tiger, we are as equally eager to use our platform to discuss important industry topics (opens in a new tab) as much as we are to provide the tourism website you’ve been looking for!

With that said, why not check out our portfolio (opens in a new tab) or get in touch with us today for a no-obligation quote (opens in a new tab) , just as Candice, Jennifer and Karin once did when they needed a new website.

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The William & Mary W&M Blogs

Being a tour guide has taken over my wardrobe…

Never before have I been so concerned by the practicality of the items in my closet. Unlike some who held this position, I was not a tour guide prior to becoming a summer intern in the Admission Office.  The first few weeks on the job, I intentionally went shopping for cute summer outfits to wear on the tours. Little did I know that those “cute outfits” would be impractical for walking backwards and roasting in summer heat. After a few weeks in my role as a tour guide, I quickly threw looking good on the job out the window and readjusted my priorities. While looking good comes naturally to me (it’s okay to laugh, I chuckled as I wrote this), it took a much lower position my list of concerns.

Opposed to looking good, I am now concerned with dressing for comfort and keeping cool as I prepare for work each day.  You would think I am preparing for a sporting event. I make sure that I consume a nutritious breakfast which will help energize me through my morning tour, remain hydrated to prevent the heat from getting the best of me and of course, wear an appropriate outfit.  This weekend I took advantage of the College’s close proximity to the Prime Outlets.  Instead of looking for cute summer outfits, I was more concerned about purchasing lightweight and light-colored clothing to beat the heat and comfortable, flat shoes for walking backwards. Walking backwards is a challenge for me as I am accident prone, so my shoes must add to my ability to walk properly.  We can save the story of me falling down the office stairs for another blog entry.

About Author:

Campus Activities Freshman Orientation Aide, Student Alumni Council and Center for Student Diversity Orientation Facilitator Favorite Spot Like the “President’s Tree” I began my journey at W&M as a sapling eager to spread my roots to gather nourishment and knowledge on my four-year journey. I experienced many twists and turns as my roots grew deeper, my resolve stronger, my knowledge greater and my path straighter. As the “Tree” is surrounded by many indigenous species, I was surrounded by a diverse community growing more so with each incoming class. No longer was I a sapling but a symbol of knowledge, strength, courage, growth and opportunity as I grew stronger and nourished those who followed me as I stood tall like the “President’s Tree.”

Elsewhere on W&M Blogs

By Kevin Tjoe — 24 Jun 2018

amadeus   tips   tour guide   tour operator

Updated June 2022 – Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like giving up on hiring your next tour guide. When you on-board new hires, you’re hit with the realization that they’re just not a good fit, killing any sense of confidence you had about finding the best person for the job. It’s daunting enough finding a new hire – never mind going through the on-boarding process all over again when it doesn’t work out.

Well, there’s good news: selecting your next tour guide role doesn’t have to be that hard. With the right set of criteria of tour guide skills at your disposal, you could easily find the best tour guide for your business, all without the hassle that comes with having it not work out.

Wondering what personality traits do tour guides have that will reveal their future success or failure? To help you answer this, we’ve outlined 10 important qualities of a good tour guide. 

With these tour guide characteristics tips, you’ll know exactly what makes a good tour guide and have the proper tools in place to hire someone who will exceed customer expectations and customer satisfaction. 

1.  Enthusiasm

One of the most fundamental tour guide characteristics is enthusiasm.

Customers can tell if a tour guide doesn’t want to be there. Considering that nobody wants to feel like their presence is a nuisance, it is impossible to provide customers with a fun and engaging tour if it’s obvious that their guide would prefer to be at home.

On the other hand, enthusiasm is contagious. If a customer notices that their tour guide is as excited to be there as they are, they’ll feel a lot more satisfied with their overall experience. Enthusiasm fosters an authentic connection between the tour guide and customers. It’s also the backdrop of all of the other essential characteristics of a good tour guide. An enthusiastic tour guide will be not only willing but excited to grow their skills and engage with the customers.

2.  Organization and punctuality

Besides dressing themselves well, this involves setting expectations prior to the tour – informing customers of location, time, and length of tour, what they need to bring, and any rules or special considerations (if your online booking system doesn’t automate this for you). Your tour guide needs to have organisational skills to be able to run through the structure for each tour in advance.

Ultimately, one of the key characteristics of a good tour guide is effective time management skills and punctuality. They shouldn’t make customers wait for them, and they should end the tour on time.

How punctual are they when it comes to their appointments with you during the interview process? This is a good indicator of how they will be when running your tours.

The speed with which they speak and move the tour along should also be just right – it can’t be too fast or too slow. You don’t want your customers to get bored or feel rushed through certain parts of the tour.

3.  Prepared for anything

A good tour guide is adept at improvising, no matter whether it’s responding to hiccups in the tour’s timing, unexpected customer questions, or responding to crises. It’s key that your tour guides are capable of efficiently detecting and responding to any crisis, no matter how big or small. They should also have a comprehensive understanding of your company’s tour guide insurance policies and how this may relate to their work.

Unexpected situations can crop up where medical assistance is needed. Every guide should know First Aid and carry the appropriate equipment. Can your candidate attend to the injured using this equipment? If not, are they willing to attend First Aid training prior to starting?

4.  Can read the room

A good tour guide will take the initiative to learn about customers on the tour, then include universally relevant information to tailor the examples they use to make it more personal. They need to be aware of who they’re speaking to, the audience needs to see that your tour guide engages with all the attendees.

5.  An engaging storyteller

Obviously, you don’t want people to become disinterested whilst on your tour. Your guide’s personality is a huge part of that. Can they make the tour more interactive? They should be able to invite questions and use demonstrations to help tourists to learn by themselves. 

One of the most essential qualities of a good tour guide is a great customer service experience and the ability to hold good conversations. It’s also important that they have a passion for travel as this will keep the audience interested and engaged .

Make sure that they themselves are interested in the subject matter, because they need to be enthusiastic about what they’re saying.

6 .  Knows their stuff

Another one of the most important characteristics of a tour guide is their ability to retain information.

Your guide must be able to recite facts from memory and be clear in delivering them. Facts have to be accurate – otherwise, they should be able to say they aren’t sure and get back to the customer asking.

Of course, you can’t expect your tour guide to know everything from day one. But hiring a tour guide who demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning and has clearly researched your tour company prior to their job interview, is key to ensuring that your staff are committed to learning and understanding the tours they provide.

7. Multilingual

While it may not be a necessity, speaking multiple languages is an excellent and particularly useful quality of a good tour guide. A multilingual tour guide will dramatically broaden your target audience and help welcome people from varying backgrounds to your tour.

A tour guide doesn’t need to be fluent in dozens of languages for their lingual skills to be handy. All tour guides should at least have a conversational grasp of commonly encountered languages. This knowledge becomes extremely useful if someone has an emergency.

8.  Leadership and initiative

Since they’re managing a group of people, the ability to have a certain level of authority is crucial. Tour guides must be able to lead a group of people without being condescending, snobby, or aggressive. If something unexpected happens on the tour, a good tour guide will be able to take charge in an assertive manner to ensure that all customers receive the right directions.

9.  A good sense of humor

Whilst they don’t have to be total comedians, tour guides need to be quick witted so they can throw in friendly jokes or light banter with the customers. Again, it’s not a stand-up routine, so they should also know when to be quiet. You can gauge this aspect of their personality when they interview for the job.

10. Willingness to learn

 A key part of your tour should be collecting feedback and using it to make it better. Your tour guides should be open to change based on customer criticism – without taking it too personally.

Of course, the ideal tour guide will look differently for each tour operator company as some traits are necessary for certain activities but not others. However, there are certain qualities of a good tour guide that transcend time and place: enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, leadership skills, and punctuality.

Now that you’ve found what makes a good tour guide, it’s time to ensure that your newly hired tour guides are given the right tools they need to succeed.

Rezdy’s all-in-one online booking software simplifies the management of your tour company so you can ensure that your customers receive a satisfying experience. Curious to see how Rezdy can help your tour guides succeeds? Start a  FREE 21-day trial  or  book a demo so you can  experience first-hand the benefits of automated activity booking websites.

If you enjoyed this article then make sure to follow the  Rezdy blog . There are a lot of marketing tools and tour operator tips designed with businesses like yours in mind.

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Monday 15 november 2010, 3 comments:.

but on September 20th he had crossed the border at Detroit, Michigan to begin a tour of the United States. limousine maui

Hi there, I've got question want to asked, tomorrow is my first day of working as a tour guide, but I don't know what should I do. Can u tell me?

First able introduce your self, be a nice person and show your smile big. Be polite. And second, spot things like a story teller, don’t pass information and dates without context. I’m a guide since 1999 and I own our business in Costa Rica. Been friendly, like a person that you know from long time ago helps a lot https://costa-rica-travel-agency-cat.business.site/?m=true

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Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: A Swiftie-Approved Style Guide to Nail Your Concert Look

By P. Claire Dodson

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is in full swing, and fans are having the time of their lives recreating fashion moods past and present as she embarks on her new world tour era. 

Whether you're a folkmore girlie or a forever Speak Now advocate, there's a Taylor style moment for everyone. In Glendale, Arizona, fans flooded Swift City by the tens of thousands, and the looks were sublime. Hamburgers and fries à la "You Need to Calm Down"? Check. An NYU graduation costume? Check. Cowboy boots and sparkly dresses aplenty? Check. 

There are still plenty of Eras Tour stops to go until August and whether you already have your tickets or have a masterminded plan to acquire them, here's all the style inspiration and advice you need for your tour outfits, straight from Swifties themselves.

Taylor's debut might not be represented much during the Eras Tour, but you can still be inspired by Taylor Swift's cowboy boot-wearing origins. For my opening night look, I recreated Taylor's first-ever red carpet outfit from the Academy of Country Music Awards: long curly hair, a handkerchief dress (mine is from Amazon ), and cowboy boots (snagged mine from Zappos, the brand Laredo .)

Chigant Floral Loose Maxi Dress

Laredo Maddie Cowboy Boots

If handkerchief dresses aren't your thing, there's plenty of other inspiration to be found in Taylor's early years. She wore lots of white and cream colors, knee-length dresses, peasant skirts , and dramatic feminine silhouettes — and of course, some sparkles . For a more casual vibe, recreate some looks from the “Tim McGraw” music video: loose low-rise jeans, lacy tank tops, and mid-2000s style vibes galore. 

Fearless Era

The Fearless style era is usually remembered in one word: glitter. At Taylor's first stop in Glendale, the Fearless girls were out in full force in their sparkly, eye-catching silver and gold dresses, many in the fringe flapper style Taylor loved in the late 2000s. 

Sleeveless Fringe Mini Dress

Plus Size Sequin Halter Neck Mini Dress

There were also a fair amount of DIY Junior Jewels t-shirts from the “You Belong With Me” music video. You can customize the names — which on Taylor's shirts represent her IRL friends — with the friends who are joining you for the Eras Tour. Bonus points if you reuse a white tee you already own.

The other subset of the Fearless era? Romantic, flowing gowns reminiscent of the “Love Story” music video and similar looks from the timing. Taylor loves a Shakespearean homage, and if you have any Renaissance fair-esque dresses or old theatre costumes in your closet, this is the time to bring those out.

Victorian Prairie Dress

Victorian Dress Renaissance Costume

Speak Now Era

Of the many memorable Speak Now -inspired outfits in Swift City, one reigned supreme: this purple mid-length halter dress with sweetheart neckline and updo from the Speak Now tour reigned supreme — just don't forget the blue “13” drawn on her right hand.

“I bought this in May of last year from Mislish , because I love Speak Now more than anything in this lifetime,” 25-year-old Shan says. (Her favorite Taylor song of all time is “Mine.") Shan attended the show with friends she met on Twitter through a Black Swifties group in 2018. “There's about eight of us tonight," she says, including her friend Day, who is decked out in pure 1989 vibes.

AISLE STYLE Sleeveless A-Line Short Chiffon Dress

Rockabilly Pin up Halter Dress

BodyMark by BIC, Temporary Tattoo Marker

Don't limit yourself to tour or performance looks, however; Speak Now is one of the first eras where we get more Taylor street style, since her star was majorly on the rise. She gravitated toward more bohemian ‘fits in this era, as well as Victorian detailing. Oh, and we can’t forget the beanies.

The Red era is a great era to choose for a tour costume, as you can go either old or new Taylor and easily find comfortable outfits.

“My outfit is definitely inspired by the ‘All Too Well 10-Minute Version’ music video, I'm wearing Sadie Sink's outfit,” says Van, who attended the show with evermore fan Kathy (see below for Kathy's “Willow”-inspired costume.) Van is dressed in pure comfort food — previously owned jeans, white sneakers, a brown argyle sweater, and the iconic red scarf — an ideal look for standing for nearly three-plus hours straight. “The red scarf is from my brother's wardrobe.”

All Too Well Knit Scarf

Taylor Swift Store

Ribbed Cable Knit Infinity Scarf

Spotted elsewhere in Swift City? Endless “Not a Lot Going on at the Moment” t-shirts, which proved prophetic for Taylor's “22” performance outfit — another easy DIY moment. 

Her street style from this era is also fairly simple to replicate: go preppy or go home. Think tailored separates, lace-striped Parisian sweaters, fitted blouses, cardigans, sundresses, and Oxfords. Oh, and don't forget your red lip.

Day (pictured above in the Speak Now Era) pulled her 1989 -inspired look straight from the 1989 World Tour stage: black crop top, purple skirt, jacket, and white sunglasses. (And a red lipstick, since by 1989 it was a Taylor signature piece.) She wasn't the only fan to pull from Taylor's pop music takeover era at the Glendale show — I saw numerous recreations of Taylor's bob and separates Grammy look, as well as her white crop top and shorts look from the tour.

Long Sleeve Sequin Open Front Zipper Jacket with Ribbed Cuffs

Stretch Suede Over The Knee Boots

1989 signified a more daring style shift for Taylor, so don't be afraid to do the same with your looks. Lean into all the crop tops you can find, in bold colorways, shimmering neons, and floral patterns. From a street style perspective, get inspired by cats, miniskirts, stockings and Oxfords, polka dots, and more.

Reputation Era

This era is for your most dramatic friend: let that brewing darkness out, baby. This one's for the people who only wear black, who consider fishnet tights a staple item, and who would willingly carry around a large stuffed animal snake at a festival.

People like… 24-year-old Alli, who lives in Salt Lake City. “I love reputation. I feel like when reputation came out, it was Taylor's angsty era, but also in my real life, I was in an angsty era," she says, a yellow stuffed animal snake around her neck. "Our worlds were colliding in a way that felt so personal to me. Reputation has made such a mark on my life.” Her black jumpsuit is from Amazon, with white paint and bedazzled gems DIY'd with her own name.

Fits Everybody Long Sleeve Crew Neck Bodysuit

Jewelry Adhesive Glue with Rhinestones for Crafts

112-Inch Stuffed Animal Snake

You can also go for a more toned-down look, as 19-year-old best friends Shanti and Finley did. They both wore skinny black jeans and matching newspaper print shirts — an allusion to the rumor mill that plagued Taylor before reputation dropped — and thrifted mesh and black leather accents. Top it off with a smokey eye, and you're set.

ASOS DESIGN boxy oversized revere linen mix shirt in monochrome newspaper print

ASOS DESIGN button front satin mini dress in newspaper print

The Lover Era is all about pastels, happiness, hair dye, glittery hearts, and everything good in the world. Think daylight, think tie-dye sweaters, think falling in love. This is Taylor at some of her most adventurous and playful — dress accordingly.

For example, New Jersey natives Katherine, 28, and Anna, 27, dressed as Taylor and Katy Perry's hamburger and fries from the “We went to the mall in search of ‘Mirrorball’ or Lover -esque things, and we're like, you know what, we want to go big or go home," Anna says. "And we had Lover Fest tickets, and we were really heartbroken. What is something nobody else will do to make us really stand out? ” Katherine adds, “We did a quick search of her music video, and we were like, ‘what if we just did it?'" Big points for originality. 

Adult's Hamburger Costume

Adult's French Fries Costume

Phoenix, Arizona, 20-something friends Kaylee and Chloe also had Lover Fest tickets and decided to mourn their loss by wearing complementary “ME!” pastel power suits from Nasty Gal. “We've been planning it for a long time,” they say. “We wanted to embody the Lover era because we didn't get to fully enjoy it.”

Oversized Twill Single Breasted Blazer

Taylor in her Lover era is Taylor in love — and sometimes, when we're in love, we make interesting fashion choices. The clothes on our bodies must express the love in our hearts! For Taylor, that means lots of ruffles and floral motifs. Taylor in love asks, “Why shouldn't I wear a kaleidoscopic Versace blazer and no pants? Why shouldn't I wear a rainbow bejeweled corset?" Ankle boots, hot pants, sheer shirts, shiny things, that's the vibe here.

Folklore and Evermore Eras

Folklore and evermore both feature woodsy, flowing, cottagecore Taylor outfits — perfect for a concert or festival setting.

Siblings Pim, 23, and Poon, 21, didn't coordinate their Eras Tour look intentionally — but clearly, they share a brain. The pair wore complementary cream accented looks, looking like the chicest folklore reference. “I wanted to go for a ‘Cardigan’ music video vibe,” says Pim, who lives in New York City. She wore a sweater over a thrifted slip dress, with matching hair accessories and platform docs. Poon, who wore a creamy jacket and trousers with sneakers, laughs, “I was just going for a monochromatic moment, a little folklore -esque.” Muted colors and grays are perfect to look like you live inside the folklore filter.

For a more literal interpretation of evermore , copy Kathy's take on the “Willow” music video — all spooky witch vibes. 

Extra Long Hooded Velvet Cloak Cape

Crystal Rhinestone Brooch Pin

Also seen: long, flowing cotton dresses, newsboy caps inspired by her Long Pond sessions, nap dresses, and official T.S. cardigans. And if you're really feeling low-key, just pick up a plaid button - down in an evermore color scheme. For a red carpet-inspired look, DIY or find pretty close replicas of Taylor's 2021 Grammys Oscar de la Renta floral minidress. 

Plus Long Shirt-Jacket in Windowpane

Mac Duggal Long-Sleeve Embroidered Floral Minidress

Saks Fifth Avenue

Flora Flower Mini Dress

Midnights Era

Ah, the Midnights era, a fashion goldmine especially given the resurgence in '70s trends more broadly. You could likely build a Midnights album outfit from items you have around the house; simply grab some flared corduroys and a sweater visit.

Friends Dylan, 23, and Luther, 23, decided to go as “Anti-Hero” Taylors. “Dylan's favorite song on Midnights is ‘Anti-Hero,’ and we wanted to do a duo outfit,” Luther says, wearing shorts and boots from Etsy. “It's a good Taylor/bad Taylor opposites vibe.”

If you're still hell-bent on sparkles, the Midnights era is full of them — just pull a Julien Calloway and pick up the Oscar de la Renta cutout dress Taylor wore to the VMAs. But there's also a big fur coat motif, and I saw several outfits referencing her VMAs afterparty look: a blue starry Moschino minidress with a white coat. Key colors: dark blue, white, silver, and lavender. This era is all about luxe fabrics and rich color schemes. The mood is wealth and not giving a f*ck.

Starry Eyed premium galaxy embellished velvet bandeau mini dress in black

ASOS LUXE faux fur fluffy jacket in white

Be in Your Eras Era

If you're still stumped, try mixing and matching various eras in the ultimate chaotic homage to Taylor's style. Many Eras Tour attendees wore gold bodysuits layered with white button-downs in reference to Taylor's Lover-era AMAs performance, which also featured her album names in stark black font.

Or, you can DIY your jeans with paint and markers in tribute to all of Taylor's album eras since sometimes it's too hard to pick just one. 

These two friends — both named Marissa — traveled from North Carolina to Glendale for the show, and Marissa's (left) grandmother helped her make a dress that compiles several of all the Taylor eras and even uses Taylor's 1989 polaroids as a band around her waist. “There's a base dress underneath from Girl Tribe in North Carolina,” she says, “and then my grandmother created the top layer by layer.”

Whichever era you choose, keep in mind your comfort level — take it from someone who stood in her sock feet for two and a half hours, cowboy boots tucked under her seat.

Want more like this from Teen Vogue ? Check these stories out:

• These Are All the Looks Taylor Swift Wore During the Opening of Her Eras Tour
• Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Manicure Is Also a Major Easter Egg
• The Eras Tour Is the Pinnacle of Taylor on Her Own Terms

By Vandana Pawa

By Kara Nesvig

By India Roby

Netflix 'A Tourist's Guide to Love': Where to Get Amanda's Outfits

Rachael Leigh Cook, aka our favorite 90s rom-com queen, has returned for a fun Netflix flick, A Tourist’s Guide to Love .

The film follows Amanda (played by Cook) as she travels to Vietnam in the hopes of getting the Eat, Pray, Love experience after getting an unpleasant surprise from her boyfriend.

Of course, it isn’t long until Amanda meets a hot tour guide and now she must choose between her comfortable boyfriend back home and her new vacation romance.

Throughout Amanda’s trip, she rocks a ton of florals and ruffles — aka the classic rom-com wardrobe (which is apparently its own trend now ?!).

Her dresses are sweet and feminine and we can’t help but want every single one!

If you love Rachael Leigh Cook’s outfits as Amanda in A Tourist’s Guide to Love , find out where to get all her looks below.

Psssst… this article includes affiliate links which means we may make a commission if you make a purchase.

Amanda wearing a La DoubleJ White Ruffle Floral Tiered Midi Dress (sleeveless version unavailable).

Amanda wearing an AQUA Navy Mock Neck Draped Pearl Button Shoulder Ruffle Hem Mini Dress .

Amanda wearing a red asymmetric long-sleeve dress (similar below).

Amanda wearing a President’s Floral Print Button-Down Short Sleeve Shirt .

Amanda wearing an H&M White Ribbed Knit High Neck Sweater Vest .

Amanda wearing Blank NYC Belted Paperbag Denim Shorts .

Amanda carrying a Pixie Mood Black Vegan Leather Small Backpack .

Amanda wearing a BA&SH Green Floral Puff Sleeve Cutout Midi Dress .

Amanda wearing a Becca by Rebecca Virtue Hot Pink One-Shoulder Cutout Ribbed One-Piece Swimsuit and a Gorjana Gold Chain Wilder Closure Necklace .

Amanda wearing a Poupette St. Barth Blue Ruffle Floral Mini Dress and carrying a See By Chloe Brown Suede Mini Crossbody Bag .

Amanda wearing a Bell Green/Blouse Balloon Sleeve Printed Mini Dress (color sold out), a brown double circle belt, and carrying a bamboo semi-circle crossbody bag.

Amanda wearing Jongmart Red Contrast Satin Button-Down Pajama Short Set .

Amanda wearing Madewell Orange/Brown Drawstring Paperbag Pants .

Amanda wearing an A.L.C Orange Printed Tiered Maxi Dress .

Amanda wearing an Anna October Black Smocked Sweetheart Crop Top (sold out — similar below).

Amanda wearing Guzying Navy Contrast Button-Down Satin Pajama Short Set .

Amanda wearing a Temptation White Crochet Off-the-Shoulder Crop Top (sold out — similar below) and Cinq A Sept Lime Green Crepe High-Waisted Tailored Shorts .

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Margot Robbie Dressed Like Barbie Twice in Australia Ahead of Barbie Movie Release

Her latest press tour looks pay homage to the original doll from 1959.

She switched into a second retro-inspired look for more press, wearing a white strawberry print belted Moschino minidress with the same hairstyle and different white-rimmed sunglasses. Robbie appeared enthusiastic while posing:

The throwback fashion looks mark a fun pivot for a press tour that has been full of unexpected but creative homages so far. There’s a lot more to come, too: Robbie and Ryan Gosling announced earlier that the Barbie press tour will happen in eight cities: Sydney (where Robbie is now), Toronto (where Gosling is now), Seoul, Mexico City, Los Angeles (where they did their initial photo call ), London, Berlin, and New York.

Robbie recently spoke to Fandango about how the film crew managed to get the now-viral trailer shot of her arched Barbie feet.

“It was probably about eight takes. Wasn’t that many,” she said. “I walked up, we had little sticky bits on the floor, double-sided tape for the shoes, so they wouldn’t come off, so I could get my feet out of them. And I was holding onto a bar. But that’s it. I wasn’t in a harness or anything like that. I just walked up, kind of held onto the bar above [the] camera.” She stressed that using her own body for shots like that is important to her: “I always try to do my own inserts.”

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