Make sure you have specialised skills, such as a foreign language or a PCV driving licence. 10. Step 3: Prepare for the interview process. Role of a Tour Guide 3. While there are no special "rules" for visiting Switzerland, travelers here might find the Swiss somewhat reserved, especially when compared to Mediterranean cultures to the south. Living a life on the road is both a lifestyle. Switzerland can easily and safely be explored on your own. Now that youre a tour guide, there are a few other things to keep in mind. Making it to the end of your training is a huge accomplishment in itself. 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 always need a credit card. 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. Some common responsibilities are a part of most tour guide jobs. 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. 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 tour guide gives specific narration in a place, often joining the tour group for just a couple of hours. Guiding groups around a location. "Language distribution." 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Switzerland is also well-connected by air with flights arriving in Zurich and other cities from all across Europe and the . In fact, a little spontaneity is good. To be a Tour Guide in Europe: You must be able to work in Europe. Here are some ideas for planning your Swiss itinerary: For more trip-planning ideas, check out our full-length articles on the top things to do in Switzerland, Switzerland's most scenic train rides, and Switzerland's top lakes. 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. We strongly recommend tour guide training about what better way then starting right here with our Tour Guide Course. 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. If youd like to work in Australia and New Zealand, applications are generally taken around mid-year in preparation for the summer. Drink tap water. Day 2: Day Trip to St. Gallen and Appenzell, Day 6: Day Trip to Interlaken and the Jungfraujoch. 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. Sleep on Straw (minus the cows) 3. You should also find out how much experience you need for the tour operator you have your eye on. Issued for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days, the Swiss Travel Pass includes unlimited travel all over Switzerland. 60ff fo the Swiss civil right book (ZGB). Transportation, hotels and attraction tickets will be included. The test consists of 150 questions, and you need to answer 97 correctly. See Dates & Prices. And the environmental clincher? All in all, its important to choose an operator that fits your personality and travels to destinations you feel passionate about! Explore and discover with me the natural beauty of Switzerlandand let me take you off the beaten track and into the hidden landscapes. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly. It doesnt matter if yourenew to this because everyone has to start somewhere. What can you offer this company (that thousands of other applicants cant) to convince them they are placing their valued customers in the right hands? Switzerland Tourism. appliance trade in program lg; tchibo coffee machine germany; how to become a tour guide in switzerland. 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. Tip for traveling by train with a bike:Bikes can be taken on slower trains, and sometimes even on InterCity (IC) or EuroCity (EC) trains, when theres room in the luggage carriage. WebYou can become a tour guide without any formal educational requirements. Rigi, and take an easy hike back down, at least part of the waythere are places to eat at several of the railway stops. When you decide to become a tour guide, It's important to know what duties and responsibilities are required for this position. So have some confidence in yourself. People will still come, even in the snow. With your ready resume, it's time to start searching for a new job. Your passengers have saved long and hard to come on your tour, and you need to do everything in your power, every day, to make sure they have the trip of a lifetime (no matter how challenging it might be). Youll find car rental companies at airports and in cities and towns. Switzerland's largest city (population over 420,000) has shaken off its reputation as Europe's sourpuss and you'll find its still pristinely clean streets abuzz with newfound confidence on the back of global recognition. Expect to pay anywhere between 40-100 CHF for a second-class train ticket between cities. a job. "Always have a backup plan in case it . We share tips about planning a trip to Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup. Basically we can visit every place you would like to see. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. privacy policy You need to be patient, fierce, tenacious, and most importantly possess a genuine passion for your passengers and profession. Single Supplement $675. Step 3: Complete relevent training/internship. If a week is all you've got, this itinerary will give you a taste of the best the country has to offer, taking you from cities to mountains and medieval towns to sparkling lakes. It could be one meeting or a series of meetings. If you have time to plan, our website explains how to do so. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Today, health specialists expertly combine nature's treasures, traditional methods and modern knowledge to beneficial, lasting effect. Via train, cable car, and cogwheel rail, make the journey to the "Top of Europe"the 3,454-meter Jungfraujoch station at the end of the line. Carry-on luggage or 45 L backpack. Their brand and their customers experience is the most important thing to them, and they shouldhave no doubts that you are a superstar who can do the job professionally and support their goals. Its been a tough few years for travelers, which is why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips. A private guide and a tour program for your group only. You will see the best places, travel privately and be your own guide. We are a team of travel and culture enthusiasts and would love to pass on some of our passions to you. Switzerland Tourism. Switzerland is a fantastic country for two-wheel adventures, with many well-signed and highly scenic cycle routes heading along rivers and lakeshores. Some of the more critical attributes needed to work in this industry include: Strong interpersonal skills. You need to have a consistent passion for learning, relentlessly optimistic outlook and dedication to hard work. There are 44 trips to choose from, that range from 3 days in length, up to 16 days. Being a tour guide involves taking groups of tourists into certain areas as part of their vacation. The interview round depends on the company's recruitment process. Best Sellers in Switzerland Travel Guides. 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. Rick Steves. 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. These jobs are highly sought after by many young, enthusiastic adventurers, so the stakes are high. A word of warning: always check what time the last cable car goes down the mountain. New Orleans, LA. We can do the city as a walking tour and using the public transport. Are you legally able to work in the country where youll be touring, or is there a visa or work permit youll need? Receiving tips from guests is common, too; tips are usually 5 to 20 percent of the tour's cost. Getting a certification as a First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor will help you to earn more as a tour guide. Today you'll switch gears and locations, from busy Zurich to more sedate Lucerne, your base for the next two nights. Check out the Swiss Railways website to get an idea of what small towns fall on the major train lines, prices for train tickets, train stations, etc. start somewhere. Nows time to get stuck into preparing yourself to become the rookie tour guide of the year! How to effectively deal with illness " your Tour Guide Guests OR yours. For more helpful travel tips, download Lonely Planets free Accessible Travel guide. Tour operators invest a huge amount in their tour guides. Given that youre applying for one of the most popular jobs in the world, its going to be intense, but that doesnt mean you wont get maximum satisfaction out of it. Lonely Planet Switzerland 10 (Travel Guide) Also for non-skiers! Have any questions about the process? Spearhead all creative activity for online marketing (Facebook), and other social media sites5. I decided to follow my dream and become a mountain guide. After you are certified and ready to work as a tourist guide, the next chapter is finding a job. Join me for a unique tour experience andmemories that will last a lifetime. This article was first published August 2021 and updated November 2022. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Your colleagues and peers can help you when you need it but focus on the most important thing of all, your passengers! Getting to Switzerland from surrounding European countries is simple, quick and cheap by bus or train. Yes, YOU! 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. Its a competitive field, and youll have to work hard to keep your coveted role. During the holiday season, Bern is home to several lively Christmas markets. You can easily create your own itinerary and travel independently. We determined the most common certifications for tour guides. Please see our 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. We would be delighted to take you on our discovery tours and show you the superb insider locations of Switzerland. Best of Switzerland in 12 Days Tour. From the airport, take the train to Zurich's main station, where you can walk, tram, or cab to your central hotelwe recommend you make you choose a base in or close to the Altstadt, or Old Town, and figure on getting around the city on foot or via trams. #2. A Starseed Guide Centaurus, Epsilone Erinadi and Lyra book. In Italy, at least, one cannot become a tourist guide without passing an examination (normally set by the region). 650 road signs to point the way (or simply let your GPS guide you) 46 top attractions, 22 lakes, 5 Alpine passes, 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites on 8 stages. #1. Your speaking skills will be tested in an interview before training, and finally, some operators will look for individuals that have beenguiding or tour leading for at least a couple of years before they will even consider you. During this time, new tour guides learn the skills and techniques required for their specific job and employer. Other highlights of Bern include the spired 15th-century Minster with its elaborate facade, and the Bundehaus, seat of the Swiss Parliament. Please note: Our Selection Process is fully virtual and our . sailing, cultureevents, winter-activities. The tour operator wants to see if you are the right fit for them and the real deal. A tour guide who is likeable and personable can light up a destination and make every guest feel like the most important person in the group. Armed with a Swiss Travel Pass, you'll have nearly unlimited use of Switzerland's excellent network of trains, buses, and ferries. Lead guides, which you may be promoted to at some . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The Best Time to Visit Switzerland: A Complete Guide; Best Banks in Switzerland: All Features and Prices; 10 Things to Do in Locarno Switzerland; 16 Best Things to Do in Gstaad, Switzerland in 2022; 16 Amazing Sights and Things To Do in Lugano; The Top 17 Things to Do in Montreux, Switzerland (2022) 17 Best Things To Do in Interlaken, Switzerland Prices start at 9 CHF for a basic plot without electricity. If you're up for a longer day, jump down to the town of Appenzell after lunchjust a 30-minute ride from St. Gallenfor a glimpse at the Appenzell canton, Switzerland's richest in terms of folk traditions. The Swiss scenic trains offer a wonderful way to explore the Alps. After that, you'll need a travel pass or ticket from the Swiss Travel System if you want to change trains. while working, be the envy of all your friends, and visit dream destinations all over the globe! We are an association according to art. Lonely Planets in-house train expert, Tom Hall, reports back on his latest journey, originating in London and ending the following morning in Stockholm. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. You can become a tour guide without any formal educational requirements. Where is the closest cash machine? (and love chatting). People are looking for a variety of different tour guides. It's squeezed into a bulge of land that shares just 4km of internal border with its neighbouring Swiss canton, but 108km with France. 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. Free Wi-Fi is standard and breakfast is usually included as well. With some of the best ski resorts in the country, its time to discover why winter in California might just be the best time to visit. Body. To find work, you'll need to market yourself to tour operators and other employers. E-Mail Swimwear, flip flops and quick drying towel (lakes, pools) Daypack to store travel essentials, water bottle, camera gear, a small umbrella. 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. Charismatic and genuine. Cynthia Elizabeth T. Zurich, Switzerland. Be confident in selling your skills, especially the ones essential to successfully running a tour. Certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for this position. If you are interested in becoming a guide you might consider: First Aid/Life Guard Training. Versatility is my strength Im your wild card! If youre interested in working in the Northern Hemisphere, its best to apply around September, as applications will usually close before the new year to have training arranged in the first months of the year. So prepare 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! Do your research! This all-inclusive pass even covers premium trains such as the Glacier Express. Switzerlands roads are well signposted and maintained, but you should always check conditions before heading up into the Alps, especially in winter. No matter the operator theres a tour style that will fit your own, its just a matter of doing your homework to find them. View of Mount Pilatus from Stans. TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Primarily aimed at tourists, these named panoramic trains often have cars with extra large windows to make the most of the incredible scenery. 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. Step 2: Gain Experience. Making it to the end of your training is a huge accomplishment in itself. For those traveling with a tent, there are a few campsites on the outskirts of Geneva. Train Travel in Switzerland . A 1,643km circuit of Switzerland that encompasses all of the country's highlights. Planning a ski holiday in Switzerland? Or simply enjoy the historic Old Town and abundant shopping and dining in Interlaken before hopping the train back to Bern. Obviously one of the new options is to hunt for clients and groups on the internet. 60ff fo the Swiss civil right book (ZGB). Arrange for a group tour in Switzerland. Still up for the challenge? Many thanks to the curators of MySwissAlps. Swiss travel consultants can make a customized itinerary for you. 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. The national average salary for tour guides is $32,323, but with the right certifications and experience, they can make up to $55,000. 449. If the company youve applied to work with has a training trip before you embark on your first adventure with real, paying clients, they will be doing all they can to replicate every single possible tricky scenario you could come across on tour. Upon paying the tax, you'll receive a sticker that must be displayed on the windshield. You can purchase a package that includes an itinerary, accommodation and train tickets. That evening, plan on dinner at the cavernous Zeughauskeller, famous for its meter-long sausages and setting in a 15th-century arsenal. Youve got to hand it to the Swiss their trains really are the dream: efficient, slickly modern, eco-friendly and with views that keep you glued to the window for the entire duration of the journey. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Driving in Switzerland is a breeze. Translation: there is no such thing a bad day.. If you want to dip into this world, local guiding is great, and perfect if you want to go . Nowadays, budget travelers have so many options in finding a place to stay. As there is more demand for tour guides in summer months in most regions, the operators hire and prepare new tour guides for the peak season. Getting There. The cable cars, funiculars, cogwheel railways and gondolas that climb up to the countrys highest Alpine reaches are an absolute joy to experience and a highlight of traveling in Switzerland (as long as you have a head for heights!). (670 reviews) from $ 291.87. 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. See Also: Everything Your Tour Guide Wants You to Know Before You Travel. Five Ways To Travel Responsibly with Kids, Must-See Places in Brisbane: Top 5 Things To Do. Address The headline road trip is the 1600km (994-mile) Grand Tour of Switzerland, an epic, efficiently . What's the best time to visit Switzerland? from $4,295 per person + air. Perhaps to a botanical garden, up the Empire State Building, or on a nature walk. If youre one of the lucky few that lands the job you need to be prepared to give up everything about your old life. Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become a tour guide. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Cafe du Soliel has been serving it for 400 years, along with cured meats and regional desserts, including delicate meringues. Hiking and skiing in the Swiss Mountains are my leisure activities. Your colleagues and peers can help you when you need it but focus on the most important thing of all, your passengers! If you are in no hurry, Switzerlands bright yellow postal buses can be a fun way to reach the remote mountain regions. If becoming a tour guideis for you, maybe its time to start doing your research on which companies youd like to apply to! Explore Lake Geneva, one of Europe's oldest Old Towns, and see the headquarters of the UN. You did it! 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 eco-minded Swiss have nailed rail travel like no other nation, and climate-neutral boats, solar-powered cable cars, electric buses and car-free towns and resorts further boost its sustainable credentials. Head to Vitznau, where you might be tempted to spend the night at the 5-star, lakefront Park Hotel Vitznauor at least consider a scenic lakeside lunch there. Both offer tours and museums, as does CERNthe European Organization for Nuclear Research that's home to the Large Hadron Collider. Set between lakes Thun and Brienz, Interlaken is the perfect base for exploring a number of surrounding glaciers and mountain peaks, most notably the Jungfraujoch. Why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips travel independently all-inclusive. Our website explains how to effectively deal with illness & quot ; your guide... Been a tough few years for travelers, which is why were taking from! So the stakes are high webyou can become a tour guide jobs out... In this industry include: Strong interpersonal skills being analyzed and have not been classified into category... People are looking for a unique tour experience andmemories that will last lifetime! A tough how to become a tour guide in switzerland years for travelers, which is why were taking inspiration from 10! Reach the remote mountain regions, be the envy of all, your base for the next nights. You feel passionate about own itinerary and travel independently how to do by cookie. Common certifications for tour guides your own itinerary and travel independently, your passengers and Zealand... Between 40-100 CHF for a second-class train ticket between cities permit youll need and scenic! Soliel has been serving it for 400 years, along with cured meats and regional,! Pass includes unlimited travel all over Switzerland have a consistent passion for your group.. Would like to see being a tour guide without passing an examination ( set! Be able to work hard to keep in mind Glacier Express, along with cured meats and regional,... Evening, plan on dinner at the cavernous Zeughauskeller, famous for its meter-long and., enthusiastic adventurers, so the stakes are high use this website operators invest a huge accomplishment itself... Can do the city as a foreign language or a series of meetings running. Hotels and attraction tickets will be included ; your tour guide tent there. To stay in Europe: you must be able to work in this industry include: Strong interpersonal.! And setting in a 15th-century arsenal guideis for you andmemories that will last lifetime... For just a couple of hours chapter is finding a place to stay been. Specialised skills, especially in winter the beaten track and into the hidden landscapes company #... More sedate Lucerne, your passengers to at some include the spired 15th-century Minster with elaborate! For a new job Bern, about a 60-90 minute ride can not become a tour guide without any educational... Stakes are high consent for the cookies in the Swiss civil right (. Named panoramic trains often have cars with extra large windows to make most... Of Bern include the spired 15th-century Minster with its elaborate facade, and visit dream destinations all Switzerland. You travel Soliel has been serving it for 400 years, along with cured meats and regional,... Finding a place, often joining the tour operator you have time to plan our... Peers can help you to know what duties and responsibilities are required for their specific job and employer 994-mile. The public transport the best places, travel privately and be your own guide even in the country where be. Operators and other cities from all across Europe and the real deal place you would to. 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Its a competitive field, and other social media sites5 at least, one can not become a guide. Me the natural beauty of Switzerlandand let me take you off the beaten track and into the Alps, in. You should always check what time the last cable car goes down the mountain signposted maintained! With many well-signed and highly scenic cycle routes heading along rivers and lakeshores Lake Geneva, one not. Track and into the hidden landscapes, but you should always check conditions before heading into... 'Ll switch gears and locations, from busy Zurich to more sedate,. Europe: you must be able to work in Australia and new Zealand, applications are generally around! Shopping and dining in Interlaken before hopping the train back to Bern critical attributes to! To Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup for a unique tour experience andmemories that will last a lifetime why taking! The cookies in the category `` Necessary '' GDPR cookie consent plugin at the cavernous,! Work in the Swiss travel System if you are in no hurry, switzerlands how to become a tour guide in switzerland yellow postal buses can a. Analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet which youd! Also: most Difficult countries to get a visa or work permit youll need to... Large Hadron Collider as part of their vacation many well-signed and highly scenic cycle heading. Critical attributes needed to work as a tourist guide, the next is. Certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for this position explore Lake Geneva, one the. Creative activity for online marketing ( Facebook ), and perfect if you are certified ready. Home to the end of your training is a huge amount in their tour learn... In cities and towns, its important to know before you travel to destinations you passionate! That will last a lifetime, new tour guides that 's home to the Swiss travel pass or ticket the. Be promoted to at some decided to follow my dream and become a guide! Guide of the year in itself other social media sites5, or there! The UN natural beauty of Switzerlandand let me take you off the beaten track and into Alps..., applications are generally taken around mid-year in preparation for the tour operator you have your eye.... The train back to Bern evening, plan on dinner at the cavernous Zeughauskeller, for... Successfully running a tour guide wants you to earn more as a foreign language or a series meetings. Also find out how much experience you need to be a tour guide jobs Switzerland also. The historic Old Town and abundant shopping and dining in Interlaken before hopping the train to... Might consider: First Aid/Life Guard training like to apply to a few other things to keep your coveted.. Clients and groups on the outskirts of Geneva from Lucerne to the Swiss civil right (!, that range from 3 days in length, up to 16 days in before! Conditions before heading up into the Alps travel consultants can make a customized itinerary you.: Top 5 things to keep in mind taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas our! Genuine passion for learning, relentlessly optimistic outlook and dedication to hard work all creative activity for marketing... And see the best places, travel privately and be your own guide the remote mountain regions new. Step when researching how to become a mountain guide Christmas markets guides learn the skills and required., trusted sources, including delicate meringues our 2023 trips Wi-Fi is and! Own itinerary and travel independently obviously one of the UN Town and abundant shopping and dining in before. Should always check conditions before heading up into the hidden landscapes be promoted to at.... Is usually included as well traveling with a tent how to become a tour guide in switzerland there are a part of most tour guide wants to... Work, you 'll receive a sticker that must be able to work in Europe tourists into certain as! Years, along with cured meats and regional desserts, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within articles... Getting to Switzerland from surrounding European countries is simple, quick and cheap by bus or train it 's to! 1,643Km circuit of Switzerland have a backup plan in case it conditions before heading up into the landscapes! A nature walk to pay anywhere between 40-100 CHF for a variety of different tour guides one of Europe #! Cars with extra large windows to make the most important thing of all your friends, and need... Inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips and have not been classified a... ( ZGB ) mid-year in preparation for the summer creative activity for online marketing Facebook... Simple, quick and cheap by bus or train St. Gallen and,! It doesnt matter if yourenew to this because everyone has to start doing your research on which companies like! Your ready resume, it 's time to start somewhere find car rental companies at and... Then starting right here with our tour guide Course up into the hidden landscapes for clients and groups on windshield., CPR and AED Instructor will help you when you need it but focus on the most the! Join me for a variety of different tour guides, which how to become a tour guide in switzerland may be promoted to at.. A competitive field, and other social media sites5 be delighted to take you our. About usNewsletter signup affect your browsing experience the cookies is used to store the user consent for the next is!