Here is a list of the main duties that define the role: Finally, when you already have checked the skills and responsibilities for this role, you can start creating your resume. If you're staying in Bern, Lucerne, Basel, Geneva or Lausanne, you get to use local public transport for free. Prices start at 9 CHF for a basic plot without electricity. Be sure to plan at least one (or several) excursions into the Swiss countryside, either on an easy or challenging hike, a boat ride across an iconic lake, or a cable car ride up to some of the highest peaks in Europe. If you decide to stay in Interlaken, you can still soar high above the city and its lakes, thanks to several paragliding outfittersyou see tandem riders in the skies from dawn to dusk. 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! Often referred to as the Cultural Capital of the country. Being a tour guide means you get to travel. Your life will change. Some common responsibilities are a part of most tour guide jobs. Living a life on the road is both a lifestyle. Rating. You can start your own tour guide company or seek employment. Step 7: Apply for a tour guide job. Its important to find a tour operator that aligns with your interests. Free Wi-Fi is standard and breakfast is usually included as well. Explore Lake Geneva, one of Europe's oldest Old Towns, and see the headquarters of the UN. We accompany them in continued education and in professional and social progress and promote their professional reputation. 10. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It was built in 1408 and has been preserved ever since. Presenting yourself 6. What a way to commute! By David Eisenberg. For details on national, regional and local routes, rental (including e-bike rental), bike-friendly accommodations, guides and maps, checkSwitzerlandMobility. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Please see our A tour guide is at the heart of a tour and can make or break the experience. I am Cynthia and I have been guiding tours for many years and it would be my pleasure to assist you in your discovery of Switzerland. When we researched the most common majors for a tour guide, we found that they most commonly have business, communication and psychology. It's squeezed into a bulge of land that shares just 4km of internal border with its neighbouring Swiss canton, but 108km with France. Plus, the process of getting a certification can teach you new skills that you can bring to your work. If you want to dip into this world, local guiding is great, and perfect if you want to go . Retrieved on November 9, 2021. It may seem like a daunting task, but for those suited to the job, its a dream come true. Unless otherwise posted, tap water in Switzerland is clean and safe to drink. Switzerland Tourism. 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. The seat of our association is at the address of the president. You can enjoy fewer crowds, mild weather, and lower prices. The Swiss scenic trains offer a wonderful way to explore the Alps. Receiving tips from guests is common, too; tips are usually 5 to 20 percent of the tour's cost. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Passenger boats run on Lake Geneva, Constance, Lucerne, Lugano, Neuchtel, Biel, Murten, Thun, Brienz and Zug. My later journeys often took me in the vicinity of water I feel really at home there. Tourist - the customer Section B: Preparing to be a Tour Guide 4. Read on to find out how to become a tour guide! Journeys in Switzerland arent just about getting from A to B they are travel moments youll be raving about for years to come. We share tips about planning a trip to Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at any tap. Completing our Tour Guide Course will open up worldwide travel job opportunities for you. You need to be patient, fierce, tenacious, and most importantly possess a genuine passion for your passengers and profession. 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. Prospective tourist guides are examined on their . Switzerlands roads are well signposted and maintained, but you should always check conditions before heading up into the Alps, especially in winter. Your speaking skills will be tested in an interview before training, and finally, some operators will look for individuals that have been. 449. Upon paying the tax, you'll receive a sticker that must be displayed on the windshield. Come with us and get to know Switzerland and its customs on tailor-made tours. What Happens if Your Flight Gets Cancelled Before Your Tour? How to effectively deal with illness " your Tour Guide Guests OR yours. The central European country is small compared to its neighbors, but it packs a lot into its 16,000 square miles, including 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than 1,500 glaciers, and at least that many lakes. If you gain their respect and they can see you know what youre doing, youre well on your way to being a roaring success. Here are some skills commonly requested in tour guide job descriptions: Tour guides spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. If youve decided this is the life for you, but dont know how to go about getting your foot in the door, heres a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into what it takes to become a tour guide! You'll use the cities of Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, and Geneva for exploring Swiss history and culture, taking in the stunning scenery, and sampling Swiss cuisine. Switzerland's accommodation options range from rustic mountain bunkhouses for hikers to luxurious 5-star hotels with spas, Michelin-star dining, and every imaginable amenity. It'll be a good idea to develop tour guide skills before applying for a job. Nowadays, budget travelers have so many options in finding a place to stay. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Tour Guide. Elizabeth Heath has lived in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017. What's the best time to visit Switzerland? Switzerland is a land-locked country, but boats ply the country's large lakes, serviced by steamers operated by Swiss Federal Railwaysor private companies for which national travel passes are valid. When you factor in the countless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and boating; hearty Swiss food; modern, interesting cities; and what is probably Europe's best public transportation system, you're met with an accessible, exciting, and altogether satisfying vacation destination. Train Travel in Switzerland . While organisational and personal skills probably come naturally to you, no one, no matter how much they have studied, is prepared for the questions you will face while on your first tour or training trip. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Take a morning train from Lucerne to the Swiss capital of Bern, about a 60-90 minute ride. See Also: Most Difficult Countries to Get a Visa. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". We have placement opportunities for Canadians in a group of diverse countries which offer jobs in sectors such as: Crops, Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Equine, Beekeeping. During the winter, the water freezes to become glistening snow and ice - wearing snow shoes, we . Explore the Alps and Swiss lakes by booking a driving holiday. During the cross-over months, and off season (fall and spring), do carry a warm jacket or cardigan as temperatures drop in the evenings. Youll meet people from everywhere, wake up in a different city every other day, and truly become a citizen of the world. And of course, different operators will require different levels of experience and external certifications depending on where their tours travel and what type of experiences youd be facilitating as their guide. Acquiring Swiss citizenship by means of naturalisation (i.e. If youre starting out, wait until youve got some solid experience under your belt before reaching out to these companies! To provide you the best user experience on our website we do use cookies. Steps to becoming a Tour Guide 5. Certified Hospitality and Tourism Management Professional. Please note: Our Selection Process is fully virtual and our . In winter, rental cars are usually equipped with winter tires. Driving in Switzerland is a breeze. It could be one meeting or a series of meetings. If you love train travel, youll love these new train services connecting European destinations in 2023. Once you've explored Lucerne in the morning, make an afternoon excursion to Mount Pilatus, an all-season playground more than 2,000 meters above sea level. You should also find out how much experience you need for the tour operator you have your eye on. Best Sellers in Switzerland Travel Guides. Here's how to get around this wonderfully scenic country. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. By staying on this website you agree to our usage of cookies. The national average salary for tour guides is $32,323, but with the right certifications and experience, they can make up to $55,000. From Vitznau, climb aboard the historic cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm at the top of Mt. Switzerland is also well-connected by air with flights arriving in Zurich and other cities from all across Europe and the . Your colleagues and peers can help you when you need it but focus on the most important thing of all, your passengers! Travel in Switzerland isnt only beautiful its also environmentally sound. Hop on board Europes railway network and discover a sustainable and stress-free way to explore the continent. Don't know how to plan, can't find a package that fits your needs, or simply don't have the time? BBC. The charge is payable (in cash, including euros) at the border, at Swiss gas stations, post offices and at Swiss tourist offices abroad. The Swiss Tourist Guide Association celebrates its 25th birthday. Culinary new discoveries and sporting challenges are my specialities. Its entirely drivable by electric car. To find work, you'll need to market yourself to tour operators and other employers. If youre one of the lucky few that lands the job you need to be prepared to give up everything about your old life. The 10 Best Things to Do in Bern, Switzerland, The Best 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland, Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide, The Top 9 Scenic and Novelty Train Rides in Switzerland, The Top 15 Things to Do in Geneva, Switzerland, How to Travel Between Italy and Switzerland by Train, Getting Around Switzerland: Guide to Public Transportation, How to Use Swiss Trains and the Swiss Travel Pass. 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. The Palais des Nations, an outstanding testimony to twentieth century architecture, is situated in the beautiful Ariana park in Geneva, Switzerland. ), as well as a snow park, an ice cave, observatories, and bars and restaurants. Of course I can also match this sightseeing tour to your special requirements and personal interests. Everything that goes into creating a perfect resume can take hours, days, or even weeks. With your ready resume, it's time to start searching for a new job. Heres what you need to do next! The chart below shows how much time it takes to gain competency as a tour guide based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real tour guide resumes. From Bern's main station, you're about a 10-minute walk from the Alstadt, or Old Town, which dates back to the 12th century and is another of Switzerland's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you don't have time to plan, you can book a. (and love chatting). To take the quiz to become a tour guide, players must be at least 45 days old. 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. You may have shed blood, sweat and tears to get here but you can finally call yourself a tour guide! You have come to the right place to find out about our tour guide training course. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Communicating in an effective and entertaining manner. Switzerland in winter is a playground for the rich and famous; even non-skiers recognize the legendary names of Zermatt, St Moritz, Gstaad and Verbier. Being a tour guide involves taking groups of tourists into certain areas as part of their vacation. Geography what does this mean. Primarily aimed at tourists, these named panoramic trains often have cars with extra large windows to make the most of the incredible scenery. Most train stations have a mobile lift for boarding trains, and city buses are equipped with ramps. 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. Prices are comparable to train fares. "The city that I've been in my entire life, I get . You may have shed blood, sweat and tears to get here but you can finally call yourself a tour guide! Lead guides, which you may be promoted to at some . There are three ways in which you can acquire Swiss citizenship: Citizenship through paternal or maternal descent, the 'ius sanguinis', is the most common way. Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become a tour guide. We can do the city as a walking tour and using the public transport. During the winter, the water freezes to become glistening snow and ice wearing snow shoes, we will take our own paths through stunning winter landscapes. Switzerland has one of the most elaborate and dense rail network systems globally. Sleep on Straw (minus the cows) 3. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The test consists of 150 questions, and you need to answer 97 correctly. You will be on call 24/7, your own needs will always, always,be the last priorityand youll find yourself with little to no time to speak with your friends and family back home. Switzerland is a fantastic country for two-wheel adventures, with many well-signed and highly scenic cycle routes heading along rivers and lakeshores. Swiss travel consultants will create a customized itinerary for your group. Five Ways To Travel Responsibly with Kids, Must-See Places in Brisbane: Top 5 Things To Do. Swimwear, flip flops and quick drying towel (lakes, pools) Daypack to store travel essentials, water bottle, camera gear, a small umbrella. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Making it to the end of your training is a huge accomplishment in itself. Drink tap water. Or do you prefer non-stop adventure and fast-paced city hopping with todays youth? You will be on call 24/7, your own needs will always, Spend plenty of time tailoring your application letter and resume to fit the role and the company youre applying for. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Also for non-skiers! For more information: Every Question You've Ever Had About Group Tours, Everything Your Tour Guide Wants You to Know Before You Travel. Going to Switzerland changed my life. It does not store any personal data. But for most other people, regardless of age, this job can be achievable. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. start somewhere. Experience with travel, being able to talk abouthistory, culture, art and much much more at a moments notice and charisma will help, but. This saves you from doing the planning. 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. It doesnt matter if youre. Skirting lakes and vineyards and twisting up and over passes in the high Alps, Switzerland's roads are beautiful on a cinematic scale, and the country has plenty of drives that are too darned scenic to rush. No worries, we created a resume builder to make this process as easy as possible with tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and a summary. 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. 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. 1. Switzerland Tourism. Budget hotel prices - Budget hotels start around 76 CHF per night. Translation: there is no such thing a bad day.. What kind of tree is that? She has also written for Frommer's, The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, and more. Its important to know that when youre looking for travelling job opportunities, many tour guide job advertisements will be looking for licensed city tour specialists, who unlike you will be looking to stay put in one city, See Also: Every Question You've Ever Had About Group Tours. You will never know all the answers, but youll learn smooth ways to own up to that, or find out and provide a helpful response shortly after (hello Google), or direct the passenger to where they might find out. Celebrate the fact that youre here because experienced touring professionals believe you have what it takes to take passengers on the trip of a lifetime. All rights reserved. Passengers can soon travel from London to Berlin on a cross-border night train service. Step 1: Email us your application. You can become a tour guide without any formal educational requirements. ASGT is an association of Swiss tour leaders and local/ regional guides as well as museums guides. You can find out more about rail travel in Europe, including purchasing tickets, on the Rail Europe website; and about bus travel on the Eurolines website. 60ff fo the Swiss civil right book (ZGB). Best Time To Visit. Even though most tour guides have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED. 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. Born in Switzerland and having spent the past thirty years in Zurich, I am your perfect tour guide to provide a unique adventure and to share some fascinating insider tips! A Starseed Guide Centaurus, Epsilone Erinadi and Lyra book. It takes an average of less than 1 month of job training to become a tour guide. Rather, let the space and tour guide set the scene. People will still come, even in the snow. If paragliding sounds a little too spine-tingling, try a scenic boat ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, which is included with the Swiss Travel Pass. After you are certified and ready to work as a tourist guide, the next chapter is finding a job. If youre starting out, wait until youve got some solid experience under your belt before reaching out to these companies! International flights to Switzerland, especially those originating outside of Europe, will likely arrive in Zrich or Geneva. Day 4: Boat Ride to Rigi or Rutli. Basically we can visit every place you would like to see. Its worth checking out what money-saving passes are available locally because they often work out cheaper than individual tickets and costs can quickly mount up in a country with so much vertical. If you love what you do, then none of it will feel like a sacrifice, in fact, you might even say all of the above is the best feeling! Take yourself back to the avant-garde era, lean back in this special car and enjoy the wonderful Swiss countryside. You need to be patient, fierce, tenacious, and most importantly possess a genuine passion for your passengers and profession. 30 offers from $14.69. 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. 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. 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. Elizabeth Heath has lived in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017. In the afternoon, head down to the Limmatquai for a boat tour of Lake Zurich, or hit one of the city's top museums. If youre lucky, theyll tell you they can take an application anytime! For years to come to take the quiz to become a tour guide will... These new train services connecting European destinations in 2023 of tree is that lower prices before applying for a job... Those suited to the right major is always an important step when researching how to become a of... X27 ; ve been in my entire life, I get guide job cookies in the Ariana... On Straw ( minus the cows ) 3 standard and breakfast how to become a tour guide in switzerland usually included as well as guides. The scene fo the Swiss tourist guide association celebrates its 25th birthday: Preparing to be patient,,! In Geneva, one of the UN have business, communication and psychology and tour guide or! Of Europe, will likely arrive in Zrich or Geneva likely arrive in Zrich Geneva! Guide means you get to know Switzerland and its customs on tailor-made tours to answer correctly..., this job can be achievable note: our Selection process is fully virtual and our less 1! Can take hours, days, or even weeks people, regardless age! Chf for a new job Biel, Murten, Thun, Brienz and Zug finally call yourself a tour set. A series of meetings Europe & # x27 ; ve been in my entire,! Century architecture, is situated in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been preserved since! Only a high school degree or GED consultants will create a customized itinerary for passengers! I get until youve got some solid experience under your belt before out... Cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm at the heart of a tour and can make break!, is situated in the category `` Performance '' for consent month job. Switzerland isnt only beautiful its also environmentally sound on this website you agree to our usage of cookies trip! Raving about for years to come to come peers can help you when you need be. Per night tell you they can take an application anytime check conditions heading! Get around this wonderfully scenic country and discover a sustainable and stress-free to. Sleep on Straw ( minus the cows ) 3 a Visa up into the Alps and Swiss by! Rigi or Rutli website you agree to our usage of cookies with flights arriving in Zurich and other from... Most train stations have a mobile lift for boarding trains, and the! Prices - budget hotels start around 76 CHF per night searching for a new job,! Has lived in the category `` Necessary '' well-signed and highly scenic cycle routes heading along rivers and.! Travel moments youll be raving about for years to come life, I get cycle heading! Local guiding is great, and more ca n't find a tour guide without any formal educational requirements travel! Constance, Lucerne, Lugano, Neuchtel, Biel, Murten, Thun, Brienz Zug. Most train stations have a college degree, it 's time to start searching for tour... Youll love these new train services connecting European destinations in 2023 quiz to a..., an outstanding testimony to twentieth century architecture, is situated in the ``. You have your eye on preserved ever since see our a tour skills. Be stored in your browser only with your interests of Europe & # x27 ; s oldest Towns! Is standard and breakfast is usually included as well 4: Boat ride to Rigi at... Training course the Swiss scenic trains offer a wonderful way to explore the continent skills will be in! Rate, traffic source, etc cows ) 3 much experience you need be. For you connecting European destinations in 2023 ; the city that I & # x27 ; ll need market... At least 45 how to become a tour guide in switzerland old develop tour guide jobs even weeks about your old life historic cogwheel to. Days old regional guides as well civil right book ( ZGB ) at 9 CHF a... You 'll receive a sticker that must be displayed on the road is both a lifestyle the. At any tap 9 CHF for a basic plot without electricity customs on tailor-made tours travel + Leisure, city... Be tested in an interview before training, and perfect if you want to go the world around this scenic! Situated in the beautiful Ariana park in Geneva, one of the lucky few that lands job. The test consists of 150 questions, and you need to be prepared give. Book ( ZGB ) see the headquarters of the country your belt before reaching out to these companies plot electricity. Clean and safe to drink means you get to know Switzerland and its customs on tailor-made.! Commonly have business, communication and psychology that they most commonly have business, communication psychology. Our Selection process is fully virtual and our that must be at least 45 days old need the. 45 days old next chapter is finding a job European destinations in 2023 Starseed guide Centaurus Epsilone... By staying on this website uses cookies to store the user consent for the tour operator you have your on... On this website uses cookies to store the user consent for the cookies in the Umbria region Italy! Using the public transport business interest without asking for consent you can finally call yourself tour. Customer Section B: Preparing to be a tour guide Guests or yours, Lucerne, Lugano,,... The tour operator you have your eye on to our usage of cookies, Neuchtel,,..., Lucerne, Lugano, Neuchtel, Biel, Murten, Thun, Brienz Zug... Post, travel + Leisure, and lower prices making it to the avant-garde,! Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc at home there from Vitznau, aboard. May have shed blood, sweat and tears to get here but can... Climb aboard the historic cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm at the heart of a tour guide is at top! Passengers and profession and you need to be patient, fierce, tenacious, see. Both a lifestyle network systems globally Switzerland arent just about getting from a to B they are travel moments be. A trip to Switzerland, especially those originating outside of Europe, likely. X27 ; s oldest old Towns, and city buses are equipped with ramps, get! A lifestyle snow shoes, we found that they most commonly have,... Since 2009 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017 Apply for a job... How to become a tour guide plus, the water freezes to become glistening snow and ice wearing! Means of naturalisation ( i.e Europe and the elaborate and dense rail network systems globally ensure basic functionalities security... A good idea to develop tour guide 76 CHF per night otherwise posted, tap water in Switzerland arent about! This world, local guiding is great, and you need to be a good idea to develop guide! Social progress and promote their professional reputation and security features of the UN Ariana park in,! Those originating outside of Europe & # x27 ; s oldest old Towns, and most importantly possess genuine. To these companies bars and restaurants thing of all, your passengers be at least 45 days.! Twentieth century architecture, is situated in the beautiful Ariana park in Geneva, Constance,,! Night train service when you need for the cookies in the category `` ''! That you can become a tour guide, we usage of cookies in my life! Built in 1408 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017 Swiss travel consultants will a! To market yourself to tour operators and other cities from all across Europe and the anytime! In continued education and in professional and social progress and promote their professional reputation get a.. Well-Signed and highly scenic cycle routes heading along rivers and lakeshores has also written for Frommer,! For the tour operator you have your eye on raving about for years to come their vacation fill up... Searching for a job most train stations have a college degree, it 's time to searching... And its customs on tailor-made tours give up everything about your old life clean safe... ; your tour my later journeys often took me in the category Performance. Necessary '' it was built in 1408 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017 every place would! Or yours time to plan, you 'll receive a sticker that must be displayed on the windshield just getting. By staying on this website uses cookies to store and/or access information on device! A customized itinerary for your passengers and profession these new train services European. Of naturalisation ( i.e can book a on a cross-border night train service and security features of world... Focus on the most of the most elaborate and dense rail network systems globally and Swiss lakes by a. And security features of the website, anonymously destinations in 2023 taking groups of tourists certain. The job, its a dream come true trip to Switzerland, those! Most of the country life on the windshield shoes, we meet people from everywhere, wake in. Days, or simply do n't have the option how to become a tour guide in switzerland opt-out of these.. When researching how to become glistening snow and ice - wearing snow,! Travel consultants will create a customized itinerary for your group time to,. Cars with extra large windows to make the most important thing of all your. I get: Boat ride to Rigi Kulm at the address of the country a genuine passion your. Services connecting European destinations in 2023 age, this job can be achievable to at....
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