Travel Guides
Travel guides plan and lead tours, expeditions, and long-distance travel experiences for groups and individuals. They work for tour operators, cruise lines, hotels, adventure companies, and travel agencies, conducting trips to destinations ranging from cities to wilderness areas. The role combines logistics, customer service, and knowledge of destinations.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against travel guides and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A travel guide's week might include leading a multi-day hiking expedition, managing group logistics at hotels and transportation hubs, and briefing participants on historical sites or natural features. Days involve problem-solving when schedules shift, ensuring group safety, answering visitor questions, coordinating with local vendors, and keeping detailed records. Evening hours often involve planning the next day's route, reviewing maps, or handling administrative tasks related to the tour.
Who this work suits
Holland code SEC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you enjoy leading groups and building relationships with people from different backgrounds. You're enterprising—comfortable handling the business side of organizing complex trips—and you thrive on social interaction rather than working alone.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $43,150 | $54,160 | $66,020 | 1,420 |
| District of Columbia | $39,650 | $49,210 | $58,940 | 380 |
| Wyoming | $33,960 | $47,020 | $58,040 | 560 |
| California | $38,770 | $46,000 | $57,510 | 6,900 |
| Hawaii | $38,350 | $45,940 | $50,320 | 1,370 |
| Vermont | $43,690 | $45,920 | $55,850 | 140 |
| Maine | $35,100 | $44,940 | $47,930 | 270 |
| New York | $37,160 | $44,450 | $50,600 | 2,870 |
| Alaska | $37,330 | $44,210 | $50,060 | 1,660 |
| Kansas | $31,260 | $43,700 | $52,790 | 400 |
| Colorado | $36,630 | $42,840 | $47,110 | 2,150 |
| Florida | $33,510 | $41,600 | $52,720 | 2,720 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Travel Agent Executive (TAE) — Cruise Lines International Association
- Trail Guide Level 1 Certification (TRL) — Certified Horsemanship Association
- Global Travel Professional (GTP) — Global Business Travel Association Academy
- Assistant Day Ride Trail Guide (DRT) — Certified Horsemanship Association
- Day Ride Trail Guide (DRT) — Certified Horsemanship Association
- Assistant Trail Guide Certification (TRL) — Certified Horsemanship Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against travel guides and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 39-7012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.