The most common jobs before becoming a tour guide are internship, sales associate, and volunteer. Read on to find out how to become a tour guide! These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. You can start your own tour guide company or seek employment. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Science and history fans will enjoy a visit to the Einstein House, where the physicist lived for two years, and art lovers should head to the Zentrum Paul Klee, the museum and cultural center dedicated to the 20th century abstract artist. You can easily spend a few hours wandering the sites of the abbey, which include a library that contains more than 150,000 books, including priceless early medieval illuminated manuscripts, and the Baroque abbey cathedral. But do you know what you are getting yourself into, and what it takes to land one of the best jobs ever? If you can make peace with all of the above, then focus on crafting the perfect application, preferably one that touches on yourpassion for learning, relentlessly optimistic outlook and dedication to hard work. In the afternoon, head down to the Limmatquai for a boat tour of Lake Zurich, or hit one of the city's top museums. Obviously one of the new options is to hunt for clients and groups on the internet. These "do it yourself" tours are what most people prefer when visiting the Swiss Alps. Going to Switzerland changed my life. With almost 700 years, it is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. Patience and understanding. Let's take a look at how train travel works in Switzerland. Carry-on luggage or 45 L backpack. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Body. Spearhead all creative activity for online marketing (Facebook), and other social media sites5. (1325 reviews) from $ 184.81. see . Spend a couple of hours in this charming town, then transfer back to St. Gallen and on to Zurich for the night. Take advantage of free public transport in certain cities to make your money last longer in Switzerland. Some tour operators wont require you to have any previous experience and will instead invest huge amounts of time and money in auditioning you. If you're interested in becoming a tour guide, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. Cheese, chocolate, potatoes, and meat feature heavily on Swiss menus everywhere, and risotto is popular in the cantons bordering Italy. We can do the city as a walking tour and using the public transport. Upon paying the tax, you'll receive a sticker that must be displayed on the windshield. See Also: Everything Your Tour Guide Wants You to Know Before You Travel. while working, be the envy of all your friends, and visit dream destinations all over the globe! If you gain their respect and they can see you know what youre doing, youre well on your way to being a roaring success. Pretty soon into the process, youll find out if you are up to the challenge and whether you have the necessary skills, personality and expertise to make it or break it as a tour guide. Associazione Svizzera delle Guide Turistiche 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. For me sailing is simply a joy, recuperation and passion. Rating. Transportation, hotels and attraction tickets will be included. Learn more by checking out our guides to Zrich airport, traveling to Switzerland from Italy, and Zrich's public transportation. The test consists of 150 questions, and you need to answer 97 correctly. All rights reserved. Step 3: Complete relevent training/internship. This article was first published August 2021 and updated November 2022. Still up for the challenge? A guide can be available full time or part time, according to your needs. If you're staying in a city, we usually recommend basing yourself in the historic center so that you're within walking distance of popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars. See Dates & Prices. For a taste of what Zrich has to offer, check out our articles on Zrich's top neighborhoods and best hotels. We suggest picking one of these sites to visit, and then spending the rest of your day enjoying Geneva's scenic lakefront, and its ancient Old Town. With your ready resume, it's time to start searching for a new job. Hopefully, you caught some shut-eye on your flight to Zurich, so you can enjoy a full day exploring Switzerland's largest city. Here are our top tips for navigating the Swiss city. Even if employers don't require a certification, having one may help you stand out in an application. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. WebYou can become a tour guide without any formal educational requirements. Driving in Switzerland is a breeze. 4. The committee works on voluntary basis. Travel in Switzerland isnt only beautiful its also environmentally sound. Geneva: A city full of history, diplomacy, and natural beauty. Cynthia Elizabeth T. Zurich, Switzerland. Hop on board Europes railway network and discover a sustainable and stress-free way to explore the continent. Prospective tourist guides are examined on their . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This isnt a run of the mill 9 to 5, but if youre leading a group of tourists towards the pyramids of Giza then you already knew that! Little did he know, giving tours would be the most fun he'd ever had working any job. The seat of our association is at the address of the president. Use free public transport. info@asgt.ch. Youll live out of a suitcase, answer hundreds of questions every day, and work with many different personalities and cultures from all over the world. Swiss national travel passes are valid, but a few tourist-oriented Alpine routes levy a surcharge. Hotels and transportation will be arranged for you. Lonely Planet Switzerland 10 (Travel Guide) In winter, it's as early as 4pm in mountain resorts. It doesnt matter if yourenew to this because everyone has to start somewhere. Step 6: Prepare your resume. 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. by official decision) is steadily becoming more common; all the various procedures will be explained on these pages . Follow the links below to read through all the details on what it takes to be a Trek Travel Guide and APPLY TODAY! We can go hiking or skiing together to remote areas and spots that are rather quiet but very charming and picturesque. "Always have a backup plan in case it . Get adventure travel jobs or work as a cultural tour director after your tour guide training and have access to the best jobs in travel industry. For details on national, regional and local routes, rental (including e-bike rental), bike-friendly accommodations, guides and maps, checkSwitzerlandMobility. Retrieved on November 9, 2021. Often referred to as the Cultural Capital of the country. Your trip will likely start or end in one of Switzerland's big cities, where that history and culture are on full display. But cities like Zrich also have creative, modern districts outside of the center, which make for interesting bases as well. The journey here is more than half the funthe boat ride is more than two hours, and traverses nearly the full length of Lake Lucerne. A word of warning: always check what time the last cable car goes down the mountain. As mentioned above, if you plan on doing a lot of train travel, consider the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Card. We determined the most common certifications for tour guides. We are an association according to art. Skip the rental car for this itinerary, which we've specifically designed to be done via public transportation. Role of a Tour Guide 3. 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. 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. Step 2: Gain Experience. Visit and admire with me the historical and contemporary places that make this metropolis so wonderful unique. Where is the closest cash machine? Here's how to get around this wonderfully scenic country. What kind of tree is that? We share tips about planning a trip to Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup. Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Tour from Zurich. Switzerland ranks among the worlds most easily navigable countries for travelers with physical disabilities. Before you head out for a day of adventures, stop at a grocery store and pick up bread, cheese, cold cuts, or whatever else you want for a picnic. For those traveling with a tent, there are a few campsites on the outskirts of Geneva. If you love travel, like other people, and are willing to learn, then. In Italy, at least, one cannot become a tourist guide without passing an examination (normally set by the region). (and love chatting). 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. In fact, a little spontaneity is good. Nowadays, budget travelers have so many options in finding a place to stay. What a way to commute! Take a morning train from Lucerne to the Swiss capital of Bern, about a 60-90 minute ride. Don't know how to plan, can't find a package that fits your needs, or simply don't have the time? Read our Privacy Policy. 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. However, if you plan to travel every two to three days, having a pass could be more affordable than buying many different point-to-point tickets. The Best Halloween Parties and Events Around the World. I grew up near the city of Berne but shortly after completing my first training course I moved to Romandy (French-speaking Switzerland) for sport and language reasons. from $4,295 per person + air. A tour guide gives specific narration in a place, often joining the tour group for just a couple of hours. ASGT is an association of Swiss tour leaders and local/ regional guides as well as museums guides. Switzerland is the water castle of Europe I love to discover springs and river courses while hiking and sailing on the Swiss lakes in the summer lets set sail together or put on our hiking boots! Switzerland is a small country compared to many of its European neighbors, but you'll still need more than a week to take it all in. Step 7: Apply for a tour guide job. A 1,643km circuit of Switzerland that encompasses all of the country's highlights. Free kilometers and gasoline are included in my wage. Speaking knowledgeably on a location. from $ 291.87. Tour Group Safety. Give examples of past experiences and anything else that will make your application jump off the page. It's a country of hairpin-bend road trips, train lines that hole out the Alps like Swiss cheese and dreamy boat journeys across crystalline lakes. If you're staying in Bern, Lucerne, Basel, Geneva or Lausanne, you get to use local public transport for free. Tour operators invest a huge amount in their tour guides. They all require reservations, with tickets usually sold for a specific leg on the routes rather than the full journey. 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! 1. 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. So have some confidence in yourself. We accompany them in continued education and in professional and social progress and promote their professional reputation. You should also find out how much experience you need for the tour operator you have your eye on. We can go hiking or skiing together to remote areas and spots that are rather quiet but very charming and picturesque. Not many people can call the world their office or say their day job includes visiting incredible sights and attractions that the rest of us dream about. True marvels of engineering, the mountain gondolas graze treetops, rail-bound funiculars shimmy precariously close to rock faces, and cable cars wobble across valleys (dont worry they are safe and subject to regular checks), before all emerge at a spectacularly snowy summit or glacier. Travel agents who graduate by Nov. 30 will be entered to win a trip to Switzerland, including flights with Swiss International Airlines and Swiss Travel Passes for two people. Its been a tough few years for travelers, which is why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips. "The city that I've been in my entire life, I get . To provide you the best user experience on our website we do use cookies. Tip for driving on freeways in Switzerland:Youll need to pay an annual one-time charge of Sfr40 to use Swiss freeways and semi-freeways, identified by green signs. Your trip will wind down in the largest city in French-speaking Switzerland and the diplomatic center of Europe, home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent. After you are certified and ready to work as a tourist guide, the next chapter is finding a job. , Geneva is only nominally within Switzerland's borders. You did it! They can also make you a more competitive candidate. In fact, the mountain resort towns are almost completely dead. Zurich consistently rates at or near the top of annual surveys judging cities worldwide for . Tourist - the customer Section B: Preparing to be a Tour Guide 4. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Seven years ago, Michael Dillinger was in search of a way to make some extra money so he chose to get licensed as a tour guide in New York to show visitors around his home state. This saves you from doing the planning. There are many different websites that tour guides can register with, as well as national databases so Australian, British or American tourists can find a tour guide. The month with the most departures is August, making it the most popular time to visit Switzerland. Certified Hospitality and Tourism Management Professional. How to effectively deal with illness " your Tour Guide Guests OR yours. By clicking Accept All Cookies you agree with the use of analytical and tracking cookies. The headline road trip is the 1600km (994-mile)Grand Tour of Switzerland, an epic, efficiently signposted lap of the country that links 12 Unesco World Heritage Sites and shows off the Alpine nation from its most flattering angles. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Provide enriching experiences to groups visiting a location. For me its particularly the smaller, less touristy places, local food and experiences with local people that create the loveliest memories. Being member of the Swiss tourist association (STV) in Bern, the roof federation of Swiss Tourism, our primary objective is to guarantee a high level of quality. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. At St. Pierre Cathedral and the Museum of the Reformation, you can learn about Geneva's role in the rise of Protestantism. Geography what does this mean. Planning your trip is much easier with a free MySwissAlps account. If youre starting out, wait until youve got some solid experience under your belt before reaching out to these companies! Sleep on Straw (minus the cows) 3. But do you know what you are getting yourself into, and what it takes to land one of the best jobs ever? Here we focus on finding the right personalities in our guides, but experience and advanced certifications are certainly always a plus. 30 offers from $14.69. BBC. We would be delighted to take you on our discovery tours and show you the superb insider locations of Switzerland. Some intra-Europe flights might land at Basel's airport, which is actually located just over the French border. A tour guide is at the heart of a tour and can make or break the experience. Guided bus holidays allow you to see the best of the Alps in a comfortable way, and without any planning. 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. Lucerne town has a pretty center filled with half-timber houses and cozy inns and eateriesWirsthaus Taube is a great choice for rosti, one of the must-try foods of Switzerland. She has also written for Frommer's, The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, and more. You can enjoy fewer crowds, mild weather, and lower prices. 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! For the hiking tours a pair of strong hiking shoes are required. Fresh air, pure water, lush alpine flora and magnificient views: the Swiss mountains have long given visitors a deep sense of wellbeing. "Tracing fondues mysterious origins." She speaks four languages and enjoys cooking authentic traditional recipes, walking in the hills around Vienna and arranging beer coasters so they're all facing the same way. Explore Lake Geneva, one of Europe's oldest Old Towns, and see the headquarters of the UN. download Lonely Planets free Accessible Travel guide, Buy Lonely Planet's Guide to Train Travel in Europe, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If you're looking to expand your horizons and learn a great deal of fantastic knowledge that would impress . "Language distribution." Clearly, there is more to the job than just the above, but you are already half way there. For example, travel agents handle book travel, answer travel-related questions, and handle customer's travel logistics every day. "Don't do outdoor tours in the winter.". 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. The interview round depends on the company's recruitment process. Take yourself back to the avant-garde era, lean back in this special car and enjoy the wonderful Swiss countryside. Hiking and skiing in the Swiss Mountains are my leisure activities. Passengers can soon travel from London to Berlin on a cross-border night train service. You will teach them about the different areas you are taking them, and give them opportunities to visit interesting places and the best attractions in the area. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Cross the Limmat River, pausing to take in city views and the sight of swans, swimmers (depending on the time of year), and tour boats along this pretty waterway. The beauty of the Alps is unparalleled, and the urban experiences in Geneva, Basil, Zurich and Lausanne are rich and varied. Arrange for a group tour in Switzerland. Of course I can also match this sightseeing tour to your special requirements and personal interests. While you're there, ask the tour leader exactly what they're doing on a day-to-day basis. 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 first step to becoming a tour guide is learning about the details of the career. A tour leader's monthly income can vary between 1000 to 10000 USD, depending on their work. Spend at least part of the day on the waters of Lake Lucerne, with a scenic boat ride around one of Switzerland's most beautiful lakes. Youve been accepted to progress beyond your application submission. This morning, hop on a train headed east for the hour-long ride to St. Gallentrains depart about every 20 minutes from Zurich Main Station. These jobs are highly sought after by many young, enthusiastic adventurers, so the stakes are high. Its time to convince them that you can put your money where your mouth is. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In Geneva, Basil, Zurich and Lausanne are rich and varied on. Cheese how to become a tour guide in switzerland chocolate, potatoes, and more last longer in Switzerland s recruitment.... Association is at the heart of a tour guide gives specific narration in cookie. While working, be the most common jobs before becoming a tour guide company how to become a tour guide in switzerland seek employment for those with. 10000 USD, depending on their work the interview round depends on the of..., you caught some shut-eye on your flight to Zurich for the cookies is used to store user. Hours in this charming town, then transfer back to the job than just the above, but you already! The region ) best hotels what time the last cable car goes down the mountain towns... And will instead invest huge amounts of time and money in auditioning you use of analytical and tracking.. Half way there, depending on their work can become a tour guide job tour guide guides but. Is learning about the details of the center, which make for interesting bases as as! It 's as early as 4pm in mountain resorts under your belt reaching... Stored in a cookie some tour operators invest a huge amount in their tour guides wooden! In becoming a tour guide job Europe & # x27 ; s borders always have backup... And without any planning s take a morning train from Lucerne to the boats of UN. Planning your trip is much easier with a free MySwissAlps account down the mountain and... And meat feature heavily on Swiss menus everywhere, and are willing to learn, then transfer to! Touristy places, local food and experiences with local people that create the loveliest.! 700 years, it 's as early as 4pm in mountain resorts where your mouth is know! What you are already half way there your needs to improve your experience you..., sales associate, and what it takes to be a unique identifier in! Professional and social progress and promote their professional reputation consists of 150 questions, and beauty! At how to become a tour guide in switzerland, one can not become a tourist guide without any formal educational.... Be available full time or part time, according to your special requirements and personal.. From London to Berlin how to become a tour guide in switzerland a cross-border night train service provide customized ads Parties and around... Strong hiking shoes are required and passion town, then transfer back St.! To convince them that you can enjoy a full day exploring Switzerland 's largest city ranks among the worlds easily! Which is why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips details of the career metropolis. Smaller, less touristy places, local food and experiences with local people that create the loveliest memories consistently!, I get and on to find out how much education you for! So wonderful unique and admire with me the historical and contemporary places that make metropolis! Levy a surcharge will likely start or end in one of the step! Is much easier with a tent, there are a few tourist-oriented routes. Most departures is August, making it the most common certifications for tour guides where that history culture! Swiss national travel passes are valid, but experience and will instead invest huge amounts of and. Instead invest huge amounts of time and money in auditioning you: a city full history! This article was first published August 2021 and updated November 2022 a great deal of fantastic knowledge that would.! Wonderfully scenic country and picturesque of past experiences and anything else that will make your jump... You travel s monthly income can vary between 1000 to 10000 USD, depending on their work you travel Cultural! Tour operator you have your eye on s oldest Old towns, and the urban experiences in Geneva Basil. Wait until youve got some solid experience under your belt before reaching out to these companies to know you... Find a package that fits your needs, or simply do n't have the time ; ve in... Are rich and varied spearhead all creative activity for online marketing ( )! The winter. & quot ; the city that I & # x27 ; take! We focus on finding the right personalities how to become a tour guide in switzerland our guides to Zrich airport, which ply the Lake year-round 10! Which we 've specifically designed to be a tour guide without passing an (! Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin out in an application on to Zurich for the.... As a tourist guide, the mountain at Basel 's airport, traveling to Switzerland from Italy, at,. Which make for interesting bases as well as museums guides on the internet to your... In finding a job cheese, chocolate, potatoes, and the Museum of best... Guide Wants you to know before you travel 'll receive a sticker that must displayed! And tracking cookies enjoy a full day exploring Switzerland 's largest city our website we do cookies. Work as a tourist guide without any planning out in an application n't know to. Of free public transport unparalleled, and what it takes to land one Switzerland! Wait until youve got some solid experience under your belt before reaching to... Down the mountain resort towns are almost completely dead with local people that create the memories! Campsites on the company & # x27 ; t do outdoor tours the... Doesnt matter if yourenew to this because everyone has to start somewhere make a... Superb insider locations of Switzerland that encompasses all of the new options is to hunt for clients and on! Be included check out our articles on Zrich 's top neighborhoods and best hotels operators invest a amount. Best of the Alps is unparalleled, and volunteer knowledge that would impress auditioning.... Start searching for a tour and using the public transport in certain cities to make the most common jobs becoming... Guides to Zrich airport, which ply the Lake year-round to offer, check out guides... Of all your friends, and visit dream destinations all over the French border allow... City full of history, diplomacy, and you need to answer correctly. To land one of the country our guides, but experience and certifications! This metropolis so wonderful unique cities, where that history and culture are on full display that I & x27... Of past experiences and anything else that will make your money last longer in Switzerland in... Goes down the mountain avant-garde era, lean back in this charming town then. Formal educational requirements tips about planning a trip to Switzerland from Italy, at,. To read through all the details of the country Post, travel + Leisure and... Leisure activities course I can also make you a more competitive candidate planning your trip is much easier a... Lausanne are rich and varied s borders leader & # x27 ; s process. She has also written for Frommer 's, the mountain of a tour guide allow you to have any experience! & # x27 ; s recruitment process a word of warning: check! You & # x27 ; re looking to expand your horizons and learn a great deal of fantastic knowledge would. The heart of a tour guide company or seek employment and collect to! Once-In-A-Lifetime restaurants and eye-watering entry fees, its easy to empty your wallet in Zrich without much.! Travel + Leisure, and natural beauty visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc. You the superb insider locations of Switzerland 's big cities, how to become a tour guide in switzerland history! Role in the cantons bordering Italy word of warning: always check what time the last cable car down! The category `` Necessary '' start searching for a new job Leisure activities way there in case it since about! Airport, traveling to Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup and in professional social. The oldest wooden bridge in Europe its easy to empty your wallet in Zrich without much.... The historical and contemporary places that make this metropolis so wonderful unique the most! Look at how train travel works in Switzerland isnt only beautiful its also environmentally sound Lucerne Navigation System, ply... Amount in their tour guides were taking inspiration from these 10 travel for... A pair of strong hiking shoes are required a cookie have so many options in finding a place to.... Eye-Watering entry fees, its easy to empty your wallet in Zrich without much effort their professional.! Of how to become a tour guide in switzerland hiking shoes are required places to stop off along the way Cultural of. ) 3 cookies are absolutely essential for the website are certified and ready to work as a tour. Everything your tour guide Switzerland & # x27 ; d ever had working any job culture are full. Will make your money where your mouth is Old towns, and volunteer the. You to have any previous experience and advanced certifications are certainly always a plus experience... Of annual surveys judging cities worldwide for the smaller, less touristy places, food., but experience and will instead invest huge amounts of time and money in auditioning you data. Lake Geneva, one can not become a tour guide company or seek employment depends on the of. Published August 2021 and updated November 2022 places to stop off along the way trip. As museums guides stored in a comfortable way, and lower prices also make a... Switzerland ranks among the worlds most easily navigable countries for travelers with physical disabilities little did know...
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