I’m very excited about my new career path–Tour Director! A Tour Director accompanies people on organized tours around the world…rather it be for a week in Utah…or three weeks in New Zealand. You make sure the tour clients get what they paid for. You represent the company in the field. You prepare commentary and briefings that are well-organized, interesting, and relevant. You know when to talk, what to talk about and when to be quiet. You provide a balance of information and entertainment. You know the answers to the most frequently asked questions on any tour. Your priority is to meld the group together into a happy family of travelers. You help everyone become part of the group and have a good time. It is your job to help people enjoy their vacation. You motivate people to stretch and grow and do things that they might not do without your suggestion. Encourage them to try new foods, learn a few words of a new language and participate in the customs or culture of a foreign land. I’m a little nervous thinking of speaking to a group of 30 or 40 people for a week or two possibly about a Country I’ve never been to…but this is how we grow…step outside of our comfort zone!
I’ll be flying to San Francisco in October, for two weeks of training, to become certified. I’ve spent thirty years of my life in an office or in one building and realize I was stifling myself! I love adventure, variety, people, and the world! We’ve all heard…
Do what you love, the money will follow!
or
What would you do for free?
I’m following their advice and also the advice of Howard Thurman…
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
Pingback: Tour Director School in San Francisco | Fabulous at Fifty
Bravo!
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Sounds like the perfect job for you! Congratulations! We’re hoping to travel more when we retire. Hope we’ll be in your group.
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Thanks Gail!
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No wonder they hired you! Congratulations!
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No hired yet…but thanks Georgette!
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Sounds exciting! So happy for you!
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Thanks!
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Google ITMI…they interview you on the phone…you go to their school and they have connections from 30 years in the business to help you get placed. I love your blog too!
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This is so great!! How do you get into something like this?? I just love your blog – it’s so inspiring and uplifting 🙂
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Way to go Sherry, you will do great at this new career! With all of your travel experience, I believe you will love your work, and the tour groups will love having you as their tour director.
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Thanks Dave…you’re my biggest fan!
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Very cool – I thought about this path myself a few times but did not look into it enough at the time because of limited options at the time. I love to travel and learn about new places. Maybe I will have to apply 🙂
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Hi Mike –
I believe they offer a class every month. Thanks for stopping by and I’m sure I’ll see you around!
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