Occupation AtlasTravel Guides

O*NET · 39-7012.00

Travel Guides

Plan, organize, and conduct long-distance travel, tours, and expeditions for individuals and groups.

Also called Adventure Guide · Alpine Guide · Cruise Agent · Cruise Consultant · Cruise Coordinator · Cruise Counselor · Cruise Director · Cruise Guide
26 more

Destination Coordinator · Destination Imagination Coordinator · Dude Wrangler · Event Guide · Experience Guide · Guide · Hunting and Fishing Guide · International Guest Coordinator · Mountain Services Manager · Naturalist Guide · Program Guide · Raft Guide · River Expedition Guide · River Guide · Tour Consultant · Tour Coordinator · Tour Escort · Tour Manager · Tour Operations Specialist · Tour Operator · Trail Guide · Travel Consultant · Travel Guide · VIP Tour Guide · VIP Tour Guide (Very Important Person Tour Guide) · Whitewater Rafting Guide

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code SEC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Real Estate Sales Agents

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SECSocial · Enterprising · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social4.84
  • E Enterprising4.61
  • C Conventional4.30
  • R Realistic2.45
  • A Artistic2.45
  • I Investigative2.34

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma18%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent46%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate9%
  • Some College Courses21%
  • Bachelor's Degree6%
Related work experience
None (42%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (43%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (48%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Service OrientationImportance 4.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • PersuasionImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • NegotiationImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • WritingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
Show the other 23
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • InstructingImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Systems AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Systems EvaluationImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • MathematicsbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Operation and ControlImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Operations AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • ProgrammingImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Equipment SelectionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • TroubleshootingImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • RepairingImportance 1.1Level —
  • Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
  • InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
  • SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —

Tasks

8 core · 9 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Plan tour itineraries, applying knowledge of travel routes and destination sites.Importance 4.6
  2. Arrange for tour or expedition details such as accommodations, transportation, equipment, and the availability of medical personnel.Importance 4.6
  3. Resolve any problems with itineraries, service, or accommodations.Importance 4.5
  4. Attend to special needs of tour participants.Importance 4.2
  5. Sell travel packages.Importance 4.1
  6. Evaluate services received on the tour, and report findings to tour organizers.Importance 4.1
  7. Give advice on sightseeing and shopping.Importance 3.8
  8. Administer first aid to injured group participants.Importance 3.8
Show the other 9
  1. Lead individuals or groups to tour site locations and describe points of interest.Importance 4.7
  2. Pilot airplanes or drive land and water vehicles to transport tourists to activity or tour sites.Importance 4.7
  3. Explain hunting and fishing laws to groups to ensure compliance.Importance 4.7
  4. Sell or rent equipment, clothing, and supplies related to expeditions.Importance 4.4
  5. Pay bills and record checks issued.Importance 4.2
  6. Verify amounts and quality of equipment prior to expeditions or tours.Importance 4.1
  7. Instruct novices in climbing techniques, mountaineering, and wilderness survival, and demonstrate use of hunting, fishing, and climbing equipment.Importance 4.0
  8. Set up camps, and prepare meals for tour group members.Importance 3.8
  9. Provide tourists with assistance in obtaining permits and documents such as visas, passports, and health certificates, and in converting currency.Importance 3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English LanguageImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • AdministrativeImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • GeographyImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • TransportationImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.7Level 2.7
Show all 33
  • Education and TrainingImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • MathematicsImportance 2.4Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • PsychologyImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • BiologyImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.6Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.4Level —
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.3Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.3Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
  • DesignImportance 1.2Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.2Level —
  • PhysicsImportance 1.2Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Near VisionImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Time SharingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • VisualizationImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • MemorizationImportance 2.4Level 2.8
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Control PrecisionImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Finger DexterityImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Manual DexterityImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Reaction TimeImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Response OrientationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • StaminaImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Night VisionImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.8Level 0.9
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.8
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.6Level 0.9
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.5Level 0.9
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.8
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.6Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.5Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.2Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
Show all 41
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.3Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.0Level 2.7
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.9Level 2.6
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.9
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.9Level 2.7
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.8Level 2.8
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Working with ComputersImportance 2.8Level 2.7
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.6
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.6Level 2.6
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.7
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.9
  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • Contact With Others4.8
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.8
  • E-Mail4.7
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.6
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.3
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.3

Technology

15 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (2)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot

Hot (7; 2 more marked hot above)

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Tableau
Other tools (6)
  • Customer information databases
  • Data visualization software
  • Financial accounting software
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • Travel Agent CMS
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.